Renewal for mission
Looking at the scriptures with an eye toward mission. Joe Sawatzky shares a Missional Meditation titled "Renewal for mission." It is based on the Revised Common Lectionary for Sunday, May 30. Mission flows from the renewing touch of God’s Spirit. Romans 8:12-17 John 3:1-17 Isaiah 6:1-8 Psalm 29 Thank you for joining us! This was initially streamed on May 25, […]
Perseverance in prophecy
Looking at the scriptures with an eye toward mission. Joe Sawatzky shares a Missional Meditation titled "Perseverance in prophesy." It is based on the Revised Common Lectionary for May 23, Pentecost Sunday. Prophets press on through challenges to convey the message of the Lord. Ezekiel 37:1-14 Acts 2:1-21 Thank you for joining us!This was initially streamed on May 18, […]
Taking justice to the streets
Background: Colombians have been taking to the streets since April 28, initially to protest a proposed tax reform, which the government issued in response to the national budget deficit. Parts of this reform — tax, health, education, etc. — would have most adversely affected the lower- and middle-class citizens, individually and collectively. The mostly peaceful […]
We can’t keep quiet
The theme of MCUSA convention in 2005 was "Can’t keep quiet." 16 years later, that still rings true. We have a joyful, hopeful message given to us by God — and of course, we can’t keep quiet. We endeavor to reveal and partner in God’s mission in the world. Mission is about extending the worship […]
Mothering goes beyond hugs and kisses
Note: To celebrate Mother’s Day, Gloria Guadarrama, Church Relations Coordinator for Mennonite Mission Network, was invited to reflect on her mothering. I was ready to give lots of love and as many hugs and kisses as anyone could imagine. But what happens when the stars do not align for a "good" pregnancy, a "happy" baby or […]
Fire, finances are no match for AMC fortitude
Editor’s Note: This is the first story in a series describing the experiences of Service Adventure units’ host congregations. This Mennonite Mission Network program, birthed in 1989 by Mennonite Board of Missions, a Mission Network predecessor agency, is designed for 17- to 20-year-olds, as a gap year between high school and college. The five Service […]
Lombard Mennonite Peace Center helps mission worker sow seeds of mediation
NEWTON, Kansas (Mennonite Mission Network) — In a world wracked by escalating conflict, Peter Wigginton, serving with Mennonite Mission Network in Ecuador, received the timely gift of mediation training from the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center (LMPC) last fall. Wigginton’s connection with the peace center began in fall 2018, when he and his wife, Delicia Bravo, preached […]
To the ends of the earth
Looking at the scriptures with an eye toward mission. Joe Sawatzky shares a Missional Meditation titled "To the ends of the earth." It is based on the Revised Common Lectionary for May 2, the fifth Sunday of Easter. Mission originates in God and extends through disciples—even to the ends of the earth. Psalm 22:25-31 Acts 8:26-40 1 John 4:7-21 […]
Open the eyes of our hearts
With so many urgent matters on our minds, do we actually see Jesus? Our scripture, Ephesians 1:17-19, shows Paul praying that God would open the eyes of the church in Ephesus’s hearts so that they could see and be receptive to Christ’s love. As we go throughout our weeks, let the words of today’s song […]
Breaking the (food) chains of injustice
Note: This article has been edited for length. The full piece was originally published in Japanese in Aino magazine, and in English in the Asian Rural Institute journal Eudoo. The word "chain" takes on a very different meaning for slaves than it does for transnational corporations. A slave’s broken chain results in freedom. A transnational […]
For his name’s sake — Missional Meditations
Looking at the scriptures with an eye toward mission. Joe Sawatzky shares a Missional Meditation titled "Staying to behold." It is based on the Revised Common Lectionary for April 25, the fourth Sunday of Easter. Our good deeds point beyond ourselves to their source—the strong and compassionate name of Jesus. John 10:11-18 Psalm 23 Acts 4:5-12 1 John 3:16-24 […]
Our own Emmaus Road
We’re pursuing God’s call to all of us. A walk along our own Emmaus Road — the sort of journey where the companionship and company of Jesus is essential. Luke 24:29-32 shows two disciples realizing that they’ve been travelling with Jesus just as he disappears. They found their hearts on fire as the "stranger" explained […]