Waking up to a common vision

Confident with the now,
But yearning for more,
We follow Christ into the future.

I wonder where God is leading us? And where we are willing to be led?

Often, it seems, God’s call is clear to us but we pretend not to hear. We want to put on the new but we are more comfortable with the old. We say we want to stay close to God and to follow Jesus, but abandoning all else seems quite a stretch.

This morning as I watch the sun rise and listen to the sounds of my community awakening, I am wondering whether we can wake up, too?

Or whether we will continue to be lulled to sleep by a religiosity that does not demand much from us, by a civil religion that allows us to be comfortable with our place in the world?

How can we be congregations together in Mennonite Church USA, Christ’s presence in our communities, drawing many cultures together around a common vision for following Jesus into the world?

When the morning progresses, and the sun rises higher in the sky, will I wake up more fully and find that this dream is gone?

“Listen my beloved brothers and sisters. Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom?” (James 2:5)

Ron Byler is acting executive director of Mennonite Church USA

Eucharist and Peacemaking

A dialogue between Anabaptism and Eastern Orthodoxy

When: Saturday, November 14 (9:30 AM to 2:30 PM)
Where: Sunnyside Mennonite Church, 337 Circle Ave., Lancaster, PA
Registration: There is no registration, but if you are planning to attend please contact Brian Miller at 717-283-7466 or justanapprentice@gmail.com.

How does the Eucharist center the Church to live as a people of Christ's peace in the world? This dialogue continues a conversation about the Eucharist as a centering, shaping and a sending meal for the Church engaged with God's mission in the world. Schedule for the day includes presentations from John Rempel (Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary) and Alex Patico (Orthodox Peace Fellowship). Andrew Klager (recently appointed Visiting Scholar at the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College beginning mid-January next year) will offer a response. There will be opportunities for Q & A with audience participation. Lunch will be provided (free will offering). The afternoon will focus on a practical application discussion of eucharistically-anchored peace-seeking (panelists and audience).

This dialogue is being sponsored by Anabaptism and Orthodoxy in Conversation and Interchurch Relations of Mennonite Church USA

For more information, follow this link: Anabaptism and Orthodoxy

Save the date: Convention 2011

Mennonite Church USA Convention 2011
Pittsburgh, Penn. at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, July 4 – 9, 2011

Worship, seminars, exhibits, recreation, pastors’ day and so much more. All ages are welcome! Make it a family vacation!

The theme for the week will be announced on our website www.mennoniteusa.org/convention January 2010.

Call toll free 1-866-866-2872 for more information.
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(photo courtesy of VisitPittsburgh )

Save the date: Racial Ethnic Biennial Gathering

Save the Date:
Racial Ethnic Biennial Gathering
Phoenix, AZ
August 6 – 8, 2010

More information to follow.