“Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’ “

— John 20:21-22 NRSV

“Breathe and be filled.” It’s a theme meant to remind us that before we can recognize where God is at work in the world and join that work, we must first breathe in and be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. In John 20: 21-22, the Scripture for Mennonite Church USA Convention 2009, Jesus breathes on the disciples and invites them to receive God’s Spirit so they can be prepared for the work that lies ahead. Just as Jesus’ disciples were encouraged to take in God’s Spirit so they could do God’s work in the world, so will everyone who comes to Convention 2009 be invited to take a moment to stop and breathe in God’s Spirit. It’s not about breathing to be content. It’s about breathing so that Mennonite Church USA can grow as a community of grace, joy and peace so that God’s healing and hope flow through us to the world.

Marathana Prothro, identity director, Mennonite Church USA Executive Leadership