Rhythms and melodies carry images of encounters 

Perspectives — Germany 

How the music of world gatherings enriches my church 

Ever since a camp counsellor at a children’s camp taught me my first guitar chords many, many years ago, music has been a part of my life. I also enjoy meeting Christians from other cultural backgrounds.  

I have now participated in four global Assemblies of Mennonite World Conference. I am amazed at how our shared faith brings diversity to life in unity. The Japanese blessing song “Kirisuto no heiwa ga” has found a permanent place in my heart, as have the Latin American “Adorad a Jesus” and the English song “Way Maker.”  

The rhythms and melodies carry images of encounters and feelings of joy and closeness within me.  

My guitar and I were invited to be part of the international band at the monumental service commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Anabaptists in Zurich. Mutual respect motivated us to learn the different musical styles typical of the songs.  

During the joint rehearsals and at the service, I felt a piece of heaven with us. A global community celebrated our worshipful God in different languages and musical expressions.  

World Community Sunday is one of the occasions when songs of the global family can unfold their unifying power. I am happy to share my own stories of encounters from Indonesia, USA, Paraguay and India.  

By practicing the songs in their original language, we feel a special closeness to the worldwide family. The German lyrics make aspects of our shared faith audible.  

At this moment, I am preparing for the CMERK* in May of this year in the Netherlands. In addition to European songs, we will also use this opportunity to sing songs from the MWC Assemblies.  

With songs like “Ewe Tina” and “Hakuna Akaita Sa Jesu” we like to inspire people to participate in the next MWC Assembly that is projected to be in Africa in 2028. That would be my hope. Because these songs unfold their healing and joy-inspiring spirit – of course – in the global community.  

^{*CMERK, a regional gathering for all European Mennonite churches is a combination of two names for the event: Conférence Mennonite Européenne (French) + Mennonitische Europäische Regionale
Konferenz (German). The event will be held on 14-17 May 2026 in the Netherlands.} 

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