Convention worship connects through screen and stage

​Opening worship on July 6 at MennoCon21. Photo by Lauren Eash Hershberger. 

​Opening worship on July 6 at MennoCon21. Photo by Lauren Eash Hershberger. 

​Laurie Oswald Robinson is editor for Mennonite Mission Network.

​The following is the first in a blog series detailing the virtual MennoCon21 experience.

A couple of lines from the song "Waymaker" sung during opening worship July 6 struck me as I joined virtually from the Kansas prairies in Newton:

Waymaker, miracle worker, promise keeper, light in the darkness,

my God, that is who you are. …

Indeed, that is who God is – the Waymaker for a first-ever dual convention that is unifying folks from home and folks in person. That takes a Miracle Worker, a Promise Keeper, a Light in the Darkness. A light that permeates every space where people are joining the experience. 

Yes, light is emanating from the computer screens across the United States, as well as from the lights on stage in Cincinnati. These lights are but a symbol of the light of Christ, the Light in the Darkness and Promise Keeper in a world pulsating with pandemic, pain, and perplexity.

And yet, because of excellent planning, the giftedness of God’s people, and the grit of trust in our Miracle Worker, MennoCon21 is happening. 

May it help us all grow deeper roots of peace so that more abundant fruits of peace may flourish beyond the chats rooms and convention halls.