Worship and witness

This issue of Anabaptist Witness explores many understandings of worship and expressions of witness. To witness is to observe a statement or action or to profess one’s religious beliefs. We can witness God’s work in the world or humans’ good and harmful deeds. We can proclaim our beliefs, in words and actions, to one another within and […]

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, […]

A single cupped palm

God measured the water of the world in a single cupped palm. That steady and sure hand is the one that keeps us and guides us. God is aware and cares for all of us. What could possibly escape God’s attention? Nothing!  God is big. We can count on God to be there when we […]

The spirit intercedes for us

The spirit intercedes for us

​26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. 27 And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Photo by […]

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, […]

Take my hand

​When Jesus healed a leper by touching him, it was more than physical healing. Touch a leper is a dangerous thing to do, and Jesus certainly didn’t have to touch the man. But Jesus saw that his suffering was more than physical — it was emotional as well. Jesus saw this man’s complete lack of […]

Sent into the world

Sent into the world

​As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. Photo by Lauren Weaver. Graphic Design by Cynthia Friesen Coyle.

Holy closure

Looking at the scriptures with an eye toward mission. Joe Sawatzky shares a Missional Meditation titled "Holy closure." It is based on the Revised Common Lectionary for May 16, the seventh Sunday of Easter. From the tragic death of Judas, the disciples found closure through scripture and prayer, which led into mission.  Acts 1:15-26  Thank you for […]

Lasting fruit

Lasting fruit

​16 You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. 17 I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another. Photo by Roksolana Zasiadko on Unsplash. Graphic design […]

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 […]

Victorious friendship

​Looking at the scriptures with an eye toward mission. Joe Sawatzky shares a Missional Meditation titled "Victorious friendship." It is based on the Revised Common Lectionary for May 9, the sixth Sunday of Easter. The Holy Spirit makes strangers into friends, and thereby overcomes the sin, separation, and injustice of our world.  Psalm 98  1 John 5:1-6  Acts 10:44-48  […]

Pruned for a purpose

Pruned for a purpose

​1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. 2 He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes[a] to make it bear more fruit." Photo by Peter Schad on Unsplash. Graphic design by Cynthia Friesen Coyle.