A national identity resolution by the Delegate Assembly at San José 2007 has prompted the development of new resources for helping congregations and their members follow Jesus in a world that is not. In San José, delegates heard a powerful sermon about Joseph in Genesis 37 to 50 by Jennifer Davis Sensenig, now pastor of Community Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg, Va., called Enlisted: Called to claim God’s power (see Jennifer’s sermon at www.MennoniteUSA.org/identity).

She wondered what it meant for us as citizens of the United States to live God’s call today and so did delegates. They asked the Executive Board to help the church “explore our identity as Mennonites living in what many consider to be the wealthiest and most powerful nation on earth.” Delegates asked for resources that help them live faithfully in Christ-like ways.

The February 3, 2009, issue of The Mennonite provides some resources on the national identity theme for use by congregations. Additional copies of this issue of The Mennonite are available for $3/each (discount for bulk orders) by calling 1-800-790-2498. This material is also available in Spanish.

 Many more stories and articles, including sermons and worship outlines, are available at www.MennoniteUSA.org/identity. Also available on the Web site is a three-part congregational study (link to attachment) that uses the Feb. 3 issue of The Mennonite and additional stories and articles available on the webpage listed.

All of these resources will help you and your congregation think more about what it means to give our primary allegiance to Christ. Plan now to join the Delegate Assembly in Columbus, Ohio, June 30 to July 5 for the Mennonite Church USA Convention 2009 where delegates will talk about their experiences with these study materials and think more about where God is calling us as Mennonite Church USA congregations and conferences.