Story 2: Building trust in shaky times
People thrive and grow in trusted and mutual relationships, which are essential during these difficult times. An example of these solid relationships involved my fellowship with Oxford Circle Mennonite Church (OCMC) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on the first Sunday of August — their first Sunday back in person after pandemic protocols loosened. OCMC is a diverse […]
Loyalty
15 So she said, "See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law." 16 But Ruth said, "Do not press me to leave you or to turn back from following you!Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge;your people shall be my people, and your God my God.17 Where you […]
Remembering forward
Centennial festivities began in Argentina in 2017 to celebrate the arrival of the first Mennonite missionaries sent to Latin America. They were sent by Mennonite Board of Missions (MBM) — a predecessor agency of today’s Mennonite Mission Network. Two years later, in 2019, Iglesia Evangélica Menonita Argentina (IEMA, Argentina Mennonite Church) commemorated the centennial anniversary of its […]
Have courage
46 They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" 48 Many sternly ordered him to […]
Surrounded by love
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. Photo by Ann Jacobs. Graphic design by Cynthia Friesen Coyle.
Who can be saved
23 Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!" 24 And the disciples were perplexed at these words. But Jesus said to them again, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go […]
Standing in awe
3 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established;4 what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them? Photo by Luke Stackpoole on Unsplash. Graphic design by Cynthia Friesen Coyle.
Standing up
3 Then Queen Esther answered, "If I have won your favor, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me—that is my petition—and the lives of my people—that is my request. Graphic design by Cynthia Friesen Coyle.
Resiliency in Service Adventure
For 30-plus years, Service Adventure has empowered hundreds of young people, ages 17-20, to mature and grow beyond their childhood communities. For 10 months, within the embrace of unit homes and host church families, Service Adventure participants serve with various organizations in Christ’s name, as well as participate in weekly faith formation and learning experiences […]
An open door to hospitality
Where do you see hospitality? Join Horace McMillon, pastor of Open Door Mennonite Church in Jackson, Mississippi, and learn what hospitality means to the Open Door community. This video is a part of Mission Sunday 2021, a resource series that helps equip churches to learn about and celebrate mission in the month of November. To […]
Gentleness
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom. Photo by Linda Shelly. Graphic design by Cynthia Friesen Coyle.
Wisdom calls
20 Wisdom cries out in the street; in the squares she raises her voice.21 At the busiest corner she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:22 "How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?23 Give heed to my reproof;I will pour out my thoughts to […]