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Music as a unifying force
Perspectives — India What I have received from participating in the international ensemble I thank God for the gift of music in our life. I see it totally as grace of God that I could be the part of the Mennonite World Conference international ensemble for Assembly 2022 in Indonesia. I had dreamed of that since I attended Assembly in 2003 at Zimbabwe. Taking part in
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Blending traditional rhythms with contemporary music
Perspectives — Zimbabwe The lingering effects of the MWC Assembly 2003 on music in Zimbabwean congregations My first real encounter with MWC was at the Assembly 2003, held in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, here in Africa. This was indeed an amazing international and multi-cultural worship experience. The musical sounds of diverse cultures and traditions blended together in harmony, leaving an indelible mark on my soul. The worship experience sparked a passion for global worship music that continues to
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Practicing hospitality through worship
Perspectives — North America Singing from the MWC songbook in Pennsylvania “All the nations you have made shall come and bow down before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name.” Psalm 86:9 When we sing songs from Mennonite World Conference’s international songbook, we are practicing hospitality and belonging. Singing other cultures’ songs also connects us with the global church. Songs such
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Entrusted with the task of bearing messages
Courier: “A messenger … entrusted with the task of bearing messages.” That’s how MWC General Secretary Paul N. Kraybill introduced MWC’s new magazine in its first issue in 1986. “The 1984 Mennonite World Conference Assembly at Strasbourg echoed a cry heard often before and since. We don’t know enough about each other. We are a worldwide community, but our knowledge is local and limited. In
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Rhythms and melodies carry images of encounters
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.
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Solidarity: What Will We Build Together?
The light of possibility before us is extraordinary: a world where people are healed enough to know their worth, and therefore capable of relationships marked by genuine intimacy, dignity and respect. A world where powerful technologies and global connections bridge divides rather than deepen them, becoming tools for mutual understanding and shared flourishing.
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A 500-year witness
As we celebrate our 500th anniversary, we remember that beginning with gratitude and humility through the theme Courage to Love, inspired by 1 John 4:7-21 and Psalm 136.
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A tangible source of support and testimony
The tasks of Commissions are to prepare issues or materials for consideration by the General Council, give guidance and propose resources to MWC or member churches and facilitate MWC-related networks or fellowships working together on matters of common interest and focus.
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Living together as one
MWC: One hundred years of communion In circumstances remarkably similar to today’s, a group of Mennonites set out on a pilgrimage from South Russia (today’s Ukraine) to Zurich, Switzerland, in 1925. They carried a message from the All Russian Conference of Mennonites to present at the first global gathering of the Mennonite World Conference. The
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“Who are my brothers?”
The President’s Corner It was a few years ago that we had a Commissions meeting in the Netherlands. With others I picked up people from the airport. We were at the evening meal when my phone rang. It was someone calling on behalf of a Commission member from Angola whose flight had been delayed. The
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A celebration of reconciliation
The bells rang out across the city that full of Anabaptists. An estimated 3 500 or more people filled the streets of old Zurich on Ascension Day 29 May 2025 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism. “Today, as Mennonites in Switzerland we are a small community,” said Gladys Geiser and Lukas Amstutz, co-presidents, Konferenz der Mennoniten der Schweiz, opening the worship service. The host city is the location of the first known adult baptisms of
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Rosedale Network of Churches in the USA
Courier: Perspectives North America: USA Anabaptist church beginnings: A snapshot On a cold, Thanksgiving Day in November 1910, a group of five ordained ministers gathered with other guests at the Pigeon River Conservative Amish Mennonite meetinghouse in Huron County, Michigan, USA, for the purpose of working together to further the mission of the church. Out
