MWR : Articles : Sept. 13, 2010

Articles : Sept. 13, 2010

Who preaches during summer?

The worship committee organized the annual “Summer Pick and Pound” series for July and August, a time when our pastors enjoyed family vacations or attended conferences. Members and friends were invited to “pick a topic and pound the pulpit.” Jim Rice spoke about Christian-Muslim dialogue; and Mechak Rwumbugza, a pastor from Rwanda, spoke (with translation through member Alex Rwemera) about forgiveness in the midst of atrocities in that and surrounding countries. On July 4, Harold Confer shared through songs and readings his experiences of peacemaking while participating in work camps in Mississippi.
Church records album

We honored 10 high school graduates on June 6. Turning the tassel were Allison Beitler, Ashton Cressman, Matthew Fox, Alex Habegger, Chelly Neuenschwander, Megan Page, Cora Sprunger, Kyle Sprunger, Tim Steffen and Tyler Taing.
Church-building in Ecuador

In June, Arthur Mennonite Church hosted a community-wide vacation Bible school with three other local churches. An average of 140 children attended each day of the weeklong event. This year’s theme was “SonQuest Rainforest,” and the kids’ mission goal went to two needy families affected by the recent flooding in Nashville.

Free to build a place of peace

The proposed Islamic center in New York City, known as Park51, is meant to increase harmony, peace and well-being, says Feisal Abdul Rauf, the imam behind the project. But, as so often happens today, those who spread fear and prejudice are distorting such intentions.

Just one way

It is my impression that many of our Christian educational institutions have been entertaining the politically correct idea that many religious traditions can lead one to God. Jesus refused to be politically correct in his day, but said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:5). Within 24 hours of this intolerant statement he was hanging on the cross. Dare we take up our cross and follow?
Offer hospitality

The Aug. 16 editorial, “Our Welcome Needs Work,” is a good reminder to welcome strangers into our services. It also identifies weak spots where strangers are not welcomed, or even ignored. I was a bit surprised that the New Testament method of welcoming strangers was not mentioned. It is called hospitality.

Goshen professor shared love of Bible

GOSHEN, Ind. — Stanley C. Shenk, professor emeritus of Bible at Goshen College, who shared his love of Scripture as a teacher, pastor and writer, died Sept. 2 at Greencroft Healthcare Center in Goshen. He was 91.
Record enrollment exceeds 3,200

FRESNO, Calif. — Early enrollment numbers are breaking records at Fresno Pacific University.
Bolivians confront addictions, abuse

CHIHUAHUA COLONY, Bolivia — As a criminal investigation continues into allegations of gang rape in some Mennonite colonies in Bolivia, many local congregations see a need to reach out to people dealing with addictions, sexual abuse and violence against women.
Short-term workers find long-term home

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Mennonite Voluntary Service participants have been journeying to San Antonio for 25 years. For many volunteers, it’s a one-way trip.