-
Part of a bigger family
Youth program encourages trust-filled interactionsBy Laura Kraybill “But The Lord said to me, ‘Don’t say “I am too young,”’ proclaimed a chorus of young voices 24 July 2015 at the youth program for MWC’s PA 2015. Sprawled across the concrete floor of the youth hall, several hundred teenagers began their morning with this affirmation from
-
At MWC assembly, MCC cans vegetables for first time
International participants can beans in Pennsylvania heat By Tim Huber Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA – Mennonite Central Committee’s mobile meat canner went vegan for Mennonite World Conference PA 2015, switching for one week from pork, beef and turkey to green beans. Slipping out a back door into a parking lot, attendees donned hairnets, a few beard
-
Music brings unity at world conference
International songs draw participants into worship despite unfamiliarity By Laura Kraybill Worship rises to the rafters as Mennonites and Brethren and Christ join their voices in music from around the world at PA 2015 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Differences exist in theology and culture, yet music is a unifier at world conference, even when it stretches
-
An interdependent and communal nature
North American women theologians hold inaugural meeting Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Taking the lead from their African and Latin American sisters who already have well-developed networks of women theologians, almost 50 North American women theologians met for the first time 22 July 2015 at the Farm Show complex in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The meeting was spearheaded by
-
“A holy moment”
Ordination blessing conferred at European women theologians meeting By Harriet Sider Bicksler What was intended as a forum for European women theologians to discuss how they can network with each other and others in the MWC family ended as a time of special blessing for one woman. The group was small. Only five women attended in
-
Autonomy and awakening
Assembly called to wrestle with independence and community By Tim Huber HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, USA – Each person is never alone. They must live in community. Yet each also craves independence and autonomy. Dutch Mennonite pastor and retreat centre host Wieteke van der Molen told Mennonite World Conference assembly attendees 24 July 2015 that since the
-
Iron sharpens iron
Faith and Life commission engages in ecumenical dialogue and discovers own convictions By Karla Braun Why is the Mennonite World Conference Faith and Life Commission spending time with Catholics? At the workshop “Beyond the Shared Convictions: The Work of the MWC Faith and Life Commission,” chair Alfred Neufeld explained the commission’s mandate: to promote theological
-
Creating a place to fellowship
Behind the scenes at the Global Church Village By Harriet Sider Bicksler A rooster on Skype. A grass hut and miles of Velcro. Baskets and the big five. How did all these seemingly unrelated things come together as part of the Global Church Village? First, the rooster. Vikal Rao from India has served as the
-
Stories of faithfulness for the 21st century
Bearing Witness Stories Project carries on work of Martyr’s Mirror “Anabaptist witness in the face of suffering did not end in Europe in the 16th century,” explained John D. Roth, secretary of the Mennonite World Conference Faith and Life Commission and professor of history at Goshen College, during a workshop at PA 2015, the MWC
-
Confession and forgiveness are part of loving your neighbour
Speakers call church to a love that acts on behalf of others By Lil Goertzen Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA — “We are here today, celebrating our common Anabaptist faith and our position in the Lord Jesus Christ.” Deacons Commission representative Shantkumar S. Kunjam of India greeted the participants of PA 2015 in the morning plenary 24
-
Mukawa calls for reconciliation with God, others
Christ’s Lordship prevails over denied visas, ethnic conflict and interdenominational differences By Connie Faber Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA – Nzuzi Mukawa, Mennonite Brethren pastor and educator from DR Congo, challenged his audience 23 July 2015 to leave Mennonite World Conference PA 2015 as men and women who are reconciled with God and with others. The conflict
-
Shuttles bring people together
Transportation network makes friends from strangers By Karla Braun Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA – “All I see is smiles,” says Brenda Burkholder, volunteer at the homestay shuttle information table. Many of the more than 7,200 guests from 56 countries registered for Pennsylvania 2015 travel between their overnight lodging and the Farm Show Complex each day via
