At a prayer meeting, a Mennonite World Conference staff member prayed that the presence of Anabaptists gathered in Germany for General Council meetings would leave a mark. Although the prayer was to leave behind the fragrance of Christ, there will also be a living memento of Mennonite World Conference’s visit.
The Executive Committee, Commissions, Creation Care Task Force, staff, and YABs Committee will participate in a tree-planting ceremony at Schönblick, Schwabish-Gmund, Germany, after lunch on 23 May 2025.
“Since 1999, MWC has created lasting memories of Executive Committee gatherings. We have planted a tree in honour of God’s creation and the universal church,” says César García, MWC general secretary.
“It serves as a reminder of the significant crisis that creation faces today and of God’s call to care for it. Some of these trees have thrived and now provide shade, manage water and add beauty for those who pass by,” says César García.
Chief International Events Officer Liesa Unger worked with meeting host Schönblick to arrange permission to plant a tree on the grounds. The gardener at the Christian retreat centre will select the tree variety and location for planting to work for success.
“Like the Chortitza Oak of the Mennonites in Ukraine or the olive trees that are cherished by Palestinian brothers and sisters, trees are both practical and slightly mystical. They literally and figurative root memory in a place while fostering life as well,” says Henk Stenvers, MWC president. “MWC cherishes a tradition of planting a tree at Executive Committee meetings for these benefits. We hope these trees will thrive for many years, as a witness to God’s abundant, good creation, a memory of the diverse people who form God’s church on earth and a reminder of our responsibility to care for this creation.”
Do you live near one of MWC’s trees?
We would love if you would take a picture with it and send it to us.
Growing roots
To mark our 100 years of Anabaptist congregations coming together like a stream of living water, we invite congregations to plant a tree.
“Faith grows less like a math equation and more like a living organism. A tree can be a monument, a marker to history. It is also a sign of care for creation. A tree is a gift to the community, says Tigist Tesfaye, Deacons Commission, secretary.
In 1997, then-general secretary Larry Miller suggested that a tree be planted whenever Executive Committee meetings took place. It hasn’t always been possible, but MWC has put down its roots in at least eight places since then. The tree planted in Schönblick will be the ninth on record.
