Cincinnati Mennonite Fellowship

News From The Pews

Volume 6, No. 2

Summer Edition 2010

Pastor's Perspective by Joel M .

Pastor's Perspective: A missional Jesus
June, 2010
I admit that I laughed out loud when I heard about it. I had been in Collegeville, Minnesota for a week and hadn't been keeping track of the news. When I got back from the airport, Abbie said something like, ``Did you hear what happened to Big Jesus Dude?'' I hadn't heard, and the image of that sculpture on I-75 getting hit by lightning and going up in flames carried way too many hints of theological irony to keep a straight face.
The Enquirer has carried some articles that have included comments from the pastors and members of that church, and it's clear that they see the statue as an investment in mission, an outreach strategy. Their hope, I think, is that people see the statue, are reminded of Jesus' life, and are challenged to live more Christ like lives.
The missional strategy had been only partially successful with our family. Curious how a non-cynical individual might interpret the statue, we asked Eve what she thought it was. She said it looked like grandpa and he wanted to give her a hug. When we pass that part of I-75 together with our family in the car, it's usually on our way up to Bellefontaine, to see the grandparents. So we stuck with that one every time we pass the statue we'll think about grandpa wanting to give us a hug.
If we put a gracious spin on that statue, and its (at least temporary) demise, we can say that it helps raise the question of what it means to be a missional church. How do we allow the entire identity of our church to be wrapped up in missional relationship to the world?
That's a question that Mennonite Church USA has been asking for the last several years and one on which we are beginning to have more clarity. There are two significant dimensions of a missional church that I'll mention here.
One aspect of missional church is the shift in mindset that it proposes. We do not take God to others, but we recognize that God is already present and active in the world, outside the walls of the church, in the lives of everyone, everywhere. Our work is to join in with what God is already doing to look for it, to encourage it, to celebrate it, to join it. It may feel like a minor shift, but it has big implications. It means that Sunday morning worship is only one aspect of Christian expression. It challenges the barrier we so easily set up between sacred and secular God is in all of it.
The other aspect of missional church is the holding up of the local congregation as the point out of which missional activity flows. Mission is not primarily a matter of sending people elsewhere; we are, ourselves, sent, and the places we find ourselves are the places where we engage in mission. This makes mission primarily local, primarily relational, and inescapable. Every congregation is a mission agency. We are all sent people joining in the work of God wherever we may be.
What does all this have to do with a big Jesus statue? Frankly, I have no idea. I find it a baffling approach to missional church that mostly backfired pun mostly intended. The image of mission we value is each person being the hands and feet of Christ. As ourcovenant says, ``this time and this place are God's gift to us, and we are called to be God's active presence to all those around us.''

Council's Corner by Anne H.

Looking Ahead: A CMF Five-Year Vision

Last fall, Pastor Joel and Council led the congregation through a five-year visioning exercise
designed to determine and shape CMF priorities. The discussion, which included time for both small- and large-group conversation, centered on the strengths of the congregation and Joel¹s ministry, as well as potential opportunities for current and new ministries and programs.

In order to allow time for several other important congregational matters--the Safe Sanctuary
initiative in the spring and the Dialogue and Discernment process, which got underway in May (see article on page 03)--Council has decided to revisit the visioning process later in the year. At that time, we¹ll ask church members to take an online survey that we developed from key ideas expressed in the congregational meeting.

Meanwhile, if you have any questions, feel free to get in touch with Joel or a Council member (Rosella C., Jim M., Will B., John K., Anne H. or Karen D.).

Dialogue and Discernment Continues by Keith L.

We affirm the church's commitment to ongoing dialogue and discernment and ``agreeing and
disagreeing in love.'' We confess that we as a church (congregations, conferences, denomination) have rarely found a way to create a healthy, safe environment in which to have this dialogue, one that builds up the Body of Christ, and is respectful and honest about our differences.
        
We affirm Mennonite Church USA's Vision Statement of God's healing and hope flowing through us to the world.

From: A Resolution on Following Christ and Growing Together as Communities Even in Conflict.

Sunday, May 23 adults and senior youth met together during the Sunday School hour to
discuss the recently completed survey on same sex orientation. The survey is intended to be a beginning point for a process of study and dialogue about same sex orientation and CMF that will continue through the summer into early fall.

Keith L. introduced the process as it has unfolded so far, explaining the catalysts for the ad hoc Dialogue and Discernment Committee, including discussions around Safe Sanctuaries, youth Sunday School discussions of sexuality, and experiences of some CMF members at the MCUSA Conference in Columbus, Ohio.
Since December 2009, the Dialogue and Discernment Committee has been meeting to
develop a process to discuss same sex orientation and its implications for the church body. This group was charged by CMF Council with creating an open and healthy environment for discussion of same sex orientation.

Pastor Joel led the class on May 23 in eliciting ground rules for creating safe discussion space, so that as dialogue continues, a healthy and productive environment can grow with the experience. These ground rules will be used throughout the process.

Ron H. proceeded to introduce the survey to the group without the responses, in order to give the whole group a chance to discuss the survey itself. In this time some concerns were raised about confidentiality and the accuracy of several questions, and these are concerns that the committee plans to address throughout the process.

Due to possible problems with summer schedules, the large group input sessions have been moved from August to September and will be held prior to church from 9:00 to 10:20 a.m. These sessions will include Biblical understandings, historical Mennonite positions, and societal and scientific understandings of same sex orientation. Worship times these Sundays will be focused on how we are all created as sexual beings.

Prior to the larger group input, small groups will be meeting throughout July and August to give people the opportunity to share stories and identify issues. During these small group discussions, where a more intimate and safer environment can be created, groups will share and discuss the results and some of the implications of the surveys. We encourage all CMFers, ages 15 and up, to participate. Updated schedules and small group lists will be forthcoming.

The goal of all of this work is to open safe and healthy dialogue. We ask that you would continue praying for the committee members and for CMF, so that our discussion can be founded on openness to listening carefully to others, and respecting other's positions and experiences.

Keith L. for the Dialogue and Discernment Committee

(Keith L., Carol L., Ron H., Greg K., Judy H . , Elizabeth N N , and Joel M . )

Sustaining Harvest and Health by Jerry S .

The Health Care Access Task Force (HCATF) aims for healthier eating by obtaining and processing seasonal foods, whether harvested or otherwise purchased, from various local sources. Strawberries were picked in May from A & M farms and yielded strawberry pie, jam, smoothies, and frozen berries as well as great fresh eating, of course.
Our schedule of upcoming food projects over the growing season is set to include tomatoes, sweet corn, peaches, and apples. Although last year many of the foods were enjoyed without processing, these were some of the more memorable creations. We made tomatoes into pizza, marinara, curry, and chili sauces, ketchup, salsa, and canned/frozen whole and crushed. Sweet corn was canned/frozen on or off the cob, creamed or made into relish. Peaches were frozen, or canned including as chutney. In addition to tasty pies, apples were a big hit as applesauce with families. Community Meal also benefitted from donated apples that were processed in the CMF kitchen by experienced volunteers and those wanting to learn how to make applesauce. If you want to learn the ins and outs of making applesauce, you're in luck! It's planned again for this year. To sign up or for information about any of these projects, please feel free to contact me or Jean S., co-chairs of HCATF.

Praise for IHN submitted by Joel M .

One of our IHN guests wrote: "I would like to thank all of the church people, participants and all of the volunteers for helping IHN people It.'s a great thing you all do. Everyone was very nice, the food was good and plenty. Anyway thanks for everything."

One of our volunteers wrote: " The organization, scheduling, stocking of supplies, etc are truly a huge accomplishment. I and my daughter were humbled to have been given the opportunity to serve."

Our Coordinators and Support Congregation contacts met today to "debrief" on this year's experience and to share ideas for next year. We realized that our team had provided friendly hospitality to about 10 families in our four weeks of duty. Some came and went as they found housing. Some were able to be gracious even under duress. Some needed extra hands and extra patience when overwhelmed by their circumstances.

We reflected on what an effective team of volunteers we have. Interfaith...indeed. Our partner congregations include UU's, Humanistic Jews, Mennonites, Lutherans, other Christians. Do you know that in four years of hosting, we have had no more than one or two volunteer "no shows"....and we have commitment and Welda's reminder calls for that! Many of us have become acquaintances and friends. are delighted that M.J. Pierson, our contact from Northern Hills, also the UU representative on MARCC (Metropolitan Area Religious Council of Cincinnati) which is focused on the homeless, among other things. are hoping that, with her guidance, we can become greater voices to advocate for the homeless in the issues they confront in Cincinnati.

In fact, that is one of the main reasons we all are involved with IHN. After all, we could just take up more collections for IHN and the Drop In Center....maybe pay for four families for four weeks to stay in a hotel and have meals in restaurants. That might be easier.

But, would that provide the love, community, friendliness, positive examples of
generosity, or encouragement that we give our guests through IHN?
And, what would we .....the volunteers.....miss out on?

What contact would any of us have with the homeless if it were not for our IHN involvement? How would we grow our sensitivities to their situations and needs? How would our children (many of whom are involved in IHN volunteering) come to see the reality of the growing homeless population in this, the richest country in the world (at least for the moment!) How would we grow our capacity for empathy, cross-cultural and cross-economic understanding? How would we have come to feel compelled to advocate on behalf of our guests, and others in dire need?

IHN is born of a sad reality for our guests but it offers a huge opportunity to us, the volunteers. We are stretched, we go outside our comfort zones, we rethink our prejudices and judgments, we learn how to work as a well-tuned community of different faiths, we grow our hearts, we laugh, we cry.......and for many of us, we experience the spirit of life. Maybe not while cleaning up the spilt milk, or washing the laundry, or waking the guests at six AM, or cleaning the dishes.........but certainly in the moments when we reflect on the people we meet -----those we serve and those with whom we serve. And , after volunteering, there is just no way not to hold our guests in our hearts.

Stay tuned! We will implement many of our volunteer's creative ideas next year.....AND, we have figured out a way to make OVERNIGHT HOSTING more desirable. All of you will want to spend the night!! But , we'll still provide the other choices......cause we just can't all spend the night!! Sorry . Thanks one and all.

Mimi Gingold, for First Unitarian Social Justice Committee


The IHN volunteers from our church are: Joel & Abbie M . , Jane & Charlie P ., Jean S . , Rosella C . , Carol M . , Rod & Mary S . , Steve H . , Patti G . , Joy M . , Elaine L . , Chris S . , Carol L . , Welda O . , and Bob & Mary W . .

The work of these volunteers was deeply appreciated. The problem of the homeless in Cincinnati is severe. Their needs are great. I would urge other CMF members to consider volunteering their services to the IHN effort.

Mary W .


My Reflection on the Equality Ride by Nick M.

I just want to first thank everyone who sent prayers, blessings, and thoughts my way during the Equality Ride. It was a difficult yet amazingly rewarding journey and I appreciate all the encouragement and help I received along the way from many in the CMF congregation. The Equality Ride ended in late April, and I thought I would share with you exactly what we set out to accomplish, and what came of our hard work.
         The Equality Ride is a project in which 25 young activists picked from all over the country board a bus and travel to various colleges and universities all over America. The colleges we visit are picked because they all have discriminatory policies or enforce punishments against their Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (GLBTQ) students. These may include expulsion, withdrawals of scholarships, forced ``reparative therapy'' programs, among many others. The Equality Ride is sponsored by Soulforce, which is a non-profit group that seeks to dismantle religious based violence everywhere and to get those churches and denominations who use the Bible and scripture as a weapon to cease misusing the word of God for unjust means. Soulforce is an interfaith organization with a commitment to non-violence and justice.
         In total, the Equality Ride visited 17 schools in 15 states and we met with administrators, faculty, staff, community members, and thousands of students. We informed the selected schools of our planned date to visit, in hopes of engaging with them in constructive dialogue about how to better implement more inclusive policies and make their campus safer for GLBTQ students. Some schools accepted our offer, and others declined, but we still showed up to each school regardless of their response. At the campuses we were allowed to enter, we had busy days full of discussions ranging from the Bible, sin, safety, the spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identity, becoming allies, hate, fear, shame, pride, and being comfortable in your own skin, and many others. Each school we visited was a different experience, and some were more welcoming, accepting, and loving than others.
At one school the Equality Ride was threatened with arrest if we stepped onto campus, and the school's students were threatened with expulsion if they came outside to talk to us. Other schools welcomed us, fed us, and listened to personal testimonies about the shame, hurt, and confusion experienced by many young GLBTQ people who grew up in the church. While many schools were not willing to restructure their whole school policy overnight, many positive steps towards greater equality for GLBTQ students resulted from these meetings.
         Some schools did make large strides towards fairness. For instance, a couple schools voted to establish Gay-Straight Alliances (GSA, found commonly in many colleges and high schools now) after hearing how these positive spaces can be a resource and a safe space for GLBTQ people who live on campuses that are otherwise mostly hostile. Other schools have vowed to include sexual orientation and gender identity into their anti-bullying policy, and still others have removed harmful reparative therapy (ex-gay therapy) resources from their university's counseling center website.
         Overall the Ride was incredibly inspiring, challenging, heartbreaking, but tremendously rewarding. Countless conversations with those who disagreed wholeheartedly with us became spiritually violent at times, yet they were always countered by those who showed love in a Christ like manner and advocated and believed in equality for all people, and recognized that love transcends gender and the man made rules we have placed upon it. I am glad I was able to participate in fighting for a cause I believe strongly in, and hope this was just a launching pad into a lifetime of fighting for the rights of everyone, for no one should have to feel afraid for being their authentic selves, especially students at colleges who are there to learn, grow, and learn about who they really are. To learn more about the Equality Ride and Soulforce visit equalityride.com and Soulforce.org.

 

 

Spotlight on Newer Faces at CMF


Jennifer, Simon and Aven Lilly J.
Jennifer was born in Indianapolis, Indiana and grew up on the south side of Indianapolis. She lived from 5 years to 5 ^th grade in California, where her brother and his family still live. Most of her immediate family live in and around Indianapolis. Jennifer attended Ball State University as an undergraduate and Indiana University for graduate school. She has worked with domestic violence victims, teen girls in a residential setting, middle school students and teachers, and at a psychiatrist's office. Currently Jennifer is Director of Treatment Services at the Family Nurturing Center in Florence, Kentucky (also working in the Cincinnati offices).Jennifer enjoys doing ``crafty things'', knitting, and traveling.

Simon was born in Brooklyn, New York and grew up in Cleveland, attending the University of Vermont for his undergraduate studies. After college, Simon led wilderness trips for the Cleveland Metroparks and National Outdoor Leadership School before teaching 7 ^th grade Culture Studies at the Cincinnati Country Day School. Simon is now a doctoral student in the social and cultural foundations of education at UC. Simon enjoys spending time outdoors, playing guitar, traveling, and reading (for pleasure).Simon and Jennifer both enjoy gardening and spending time with their 10 month-old daughter, Aven Lilly.

Jennifer grew up heavily involved with the American Baptist Churches, living and working in the Baptist House at Ball State for two years. Simon grew up in the Episcopal church in Cleveland. Both are excited to be a part of CMF, which provides what was missing at
previous places of worship and appeals to their different needs and backgrounds.

 

Erin, Justin, and Logan W.

The Wissing family currently resides in the Springdale area. Erin and Justin both grew up in northern Indiana. Erin is originally from Middlebury and Justin is from Fort Wayne. They met at DePauw University during their undergraduate studies and were married July 28, 2007. That same summer the couple moved to Cincinnati so Erin could begin graduate school at the University of Cincinnati.
         Currently Erin is finishing her third year in the Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry and Microbiology doctoral program, and working in a lab in the Children's Hospital Research building. She is studying a pathway that may be a cause for muscular dystrophy.
         Justin is a newly appointed full time professor at Southwestern College at the Springdale location. He teaches variations of English classes, such as Business English and Foundations of English.
         Recently our small family grew with the birth of Logan. Logan was born on April 15 ^th (a tax day baby), and has been a source of constant joy for both Erin and Justin. Logan is a very relaxed and happy baby, and loves to look at musical mobiles!
         Both Erin and Justin enjoy time outdoors, whether it is planting flowers in their yard, or walking around the beautiful trails at Sharon Woods. Erin also enjoys playing music and singing. She has been playing the violin since she was 4 years old. When she was 3 years old, her mother tells her, Erin saw some young children playing violin on TV and from that point onwards she would not rest until she was allowed to start lessons. Justin was always an active child and very involved in sports. He played baseball, football, basketball and hockey as a young boy, and continued baseball and football into high school. Justin finished out his football career as a Left/Right guard and Center at DePauw University.
         Justin and Erin were both raised in Christian homes. Justin was raised in the Catholic Church, and Erin in the Mennonite church. Justin's family attended St.
Vincent's de Paul Catholic Church in northern Fort Wayne, and Erin grew up with the Yoder family at Silverwood Mennonite church. Both Erin and Justin found Cincinnati Mennonite Fellowship to be a warm Christian community where everyone, regardless of background, was welcome. They would like to thank everyone for the warm welcome that they have received and are very thankful for the opportunity to worship with such a loving church family.

 

If you have an idea for a future article, would like to submit a poem or other original work of art, or would like to be a newsletter correspondent; please contact Violet at the CMF office. We're always looking for good stuff and good help!

May God's Peace be with You.