Seven weeks ago today I experienced a medical intervention that saved my life. I am a grateful man—grateful to God and conscientious physicians whose investigative work showed I needed heart bypass surgery. My symptoms were scant and general—mostly a nagging fatigue. The problem has been developing for years. Now my habits need to change in my diet, exercise and my awareness of my health.

It may be problematic to transfer my recent experience into a metaphor for our church, but I will take the risk. The editor of The Mennonite recently likened the state of our church to the severe recession we are experiencing. Almost a year ago the Executive Board caused controversy when they declared that our church’s vision was not adequately supported by our habits. The board pointed to the findings of the churchwide member profile (Kanagy) that cited general observations such as a rising average age of our members, loss of young people and other factors that describe a general malaise.

Interventions were proposed, and here is where my metaphor may break down. The science of sociological research in the churchwide survey,

when applied to understanding the nature of the “cure” is much more vague than was my own medical diagnosis. Still, we know we have been warned.

Intervention can take many forms. It needs to be applied in many places throughout the body of Mennonite Church USA. In 2001 we agreed to a new coalition of formerly separate church bodies. We inherited both amazing potential and debilitating disease from those parents. Eight years later we are ready for a fresh diagnosis and possibly a dramatic intervention that will preserve and expand our potential for ministry and mission.

Apply this metaphor to where you live. If your congregation is sluggish and tired, it may indicate a life-threatening problem that needs attention now. If your conference or agency is losing its elasticity, its ability to respond, consider something more than aspirin. If you, yourself, are feeling the spiritual doldrums, don’t take the symptom lightly. Pray for God’s intervention and accept it when it comes, it is meant both for your good and for the good of all of us in one body together.

Jim Schrag, Executive director, Mennonite Church USA

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Next month, you will receive more information about Mennonite Church USA’s new health plan for pastors and church workers, The Corinthian Plan. The plan is the result of action by delegates last July. It’s rooted in Paul’s writings to the early church of Corinth, in which he called for sharing and mutual aid in support of the church in Macedonia.

The Corinthian Plan is being designed to bring all our congregations together to ensure that

• all eligible pastors and church workers have access to health coverage
• no one is discriminated against for having health or financial problems
• pastors can move from one congregation to another in Mennonite Church USA and continue to keep their health coverage

Beginning this spring, congregations will be given an opportunity to learn more about the plan and enroll. In March, you will receive a mailing providing more details about the plan and how your congregation can start the application process.

Consider that as many as 100 pastors in Mennonite Church USA are currently uninsured. Jeff Wintermote is one of the fortunate ones who have health insurance.

A simple mosquito bite took Jeff from a healthy adult to someone facing over a quarter million dollars of health expenses.

A simple mosquito bite took Jeff from a healthy adult to someone facing over a quarter million dollars of health expenses. That mosquito bite infected him with West Nile Virus, which evolved into Guillain-Barré Syndrome, an autoimmune disease that can cause gradual paralysis of the entire body. Jeff was in the hospital for six weeks—two of those weeks in intensive care. The medical bills were outrageous, but all Jeff ended up paying was his health plan’s deductible. The rest of his medical bills and related expenses were paid, thanks to negotiations made on his behalf by the insurance company and the generosity of his congregation and community.

“I’m a strong believer in mutual aid,” Jeff said. “If congregations can see that this is really a part of who we are as a Mennonite people—as believers in mutual aid—maybe we can make this work in a better way that’s affordable for more congregations.”

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Mennonite Church USA Convention 2009 is only months away, and it’s time for congregations to begin appointing delegates for the Delegate Assembly. The Delegate Assembly is the decision-making body of Mennonite Church USA and meets every two years as part of Mennonite Church USA conventions.

This year’s convention will be June 30 to July 5, 2009, in Columbus, Ohio. Delegates will meet from 8 to 10 a.m. and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. daily Wednesday through Saturday the week of the convention.

In January, congregations should have received a letter from Jim Schrag outlining the 10 guidelines for selecting delegates. Once the delegates have been appointed, it’s important to turn these names into Executive Leadership as soon as you can and no later than April 1.

You can do this by entering your delegates on the Mennonite Directory Congregational Update Web page. See item 20 on your congregational profile and enter your delegates’ names along with their e-mail and mailing addresses. You may update this information through June 15.

Once you have appointed your delegates and submitted their names, direct them to the special Delegates section on the Mennonite Church USA Web site. As Convention 2009 and the Delegate Assembly draw nearer, delegates will be able to find important information that will help them prepare and discuss items with others in your congregation.

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The Anabaptist tradition is one that for centuries has found Mennonites living and witnessing in ways that stand in contrast to the broader culture. Today, in the context of 21st Century North America, our culture presents us with a new set of challenges for following Jesus and joining God’s work in the world.

It’s why people from across Mennonite Church USA are joining together to explore our national identity.

In July 2007, Mennonite Church USA delegates called on the Executive Board to create resources to help congregations explore this issue. A new portion of the Mennonite Church USA Web site now provides visitors with articles, congregational stories, dramas, sermons and other items for worship and study. In addition, Executive Leadership partnered with The Mennonite magazine to create a special Feb. 3 issue that explores this issue. Look for the issue and begin the conversation in your congregation.

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