Licensing marks new juncture in leadership journey with
Mennonite Church USA
by Laurie L. Oswald
From left, Ron Byler, associate executive director
for Mennonite Church USA, celebrates at his licensing
service Nov. 14 at Eighth Street Mennonite Church in
Goshen, Ind. Mim Shirk, his wife, and Jim Schrag, executive
director for Mennonite Church USA, join him. (photo
by Lloyd Miller)
GOSHEN, Ind. (MC USA) -- Ron Byler has searched for where
his deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet. He's found
that place in serving as associate executive director for
Mennonite Church USA.
That idea that we serve God most fully when we use our gifts
with joy shaped the worship service Nov. 14 at Eight Street
Mennonite Church. It's where Lloyd Miller, Central District
Conference minister, led in licensing Byler for Mennonite
Church USA leadership ministries. The congregation in Goshen
first became church family for Byler, his wife Mim Shirk and
their son Jesse in 1985 and then again in 1997 when they moved
back to Goshen from Philadelphia.
Byler and his family, congregation, co-workers and Executive
Board members celebrated God's faithfulness in calling Byler
to his current ministry. Jim Schrag, executive director of
Mennonite Church USA who has worked closely with Byler for
many years, preached on Mark 10 -- the story of the rich young
ruler who forfeited a future with Jesus because of his fear
of letting go of his present. Schrag encouraged Byler to embrace
the future Jesus has for him in his role.
"Frederick Buechner speaks of vocation this way: 'The
kind of work God usually calls you to is the kind of work
that you need most to do and that the world most needs to
have done. The place God calls you to is the place where your
deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet,'" Schrag
said.
"A relationship with Jesus gives us room to discover
what we are made of -- to understand the heart of the matter.
... In Jesus we are strangely constrained and more strangely
freed to give ourselves to God and others."
Janeen Bertsche Johnson, a member of the congregation and
Mennonite Church USA's Executive Board, offered reflections,
affirmations and blessings on behalf of the board. Johnson
described the board's sense of Byler's ministry with the words
committed, connecting and challenging.
"We thank God for Ron's commitment to Jesus and the church,"
Johnson said. "His love and passion for the church is
obvious in his work. Ron's commitments embrace the goals of
our new denomination: calling forth leaders, dismantling racism,
working for peace and justice and relating to brothers and
sisters around the world. ...
"We thank God for the ways Ron effectively works at connecting
the many parts of the church. In a system that describes itself
as a network, Ron is a web-builder, whose organizational skills
and background as a producer are invaluable. Much of Ron's
work is behind the scenes, providing crucial administrative
glue for Mennonite Church USA and its many parts. ... We thank
God for the ways Ron challenges the church to live up to its
vision and priorities. He challenges us to think beyond ourselves
and maintain a prophetic edge."
Byler shared about how his journey with God brought him to
this juncture where he can fully use his gifts to express
his passion for the church. And he encouraged his fellow brothers
and sisters in Christ at Eighth Street to consider their calling.
"I am hoping that the focus this morning on my particular
gifts and calling has helped you to focus on your own gifts
and calling," he said. "How is God calling us, individually
and together, to use our gifts for God's purposes? I am hoping
that our calling as a congregation will have some exciting
new twists and challenges in the coming years."
Byler's call to use his leadership gifts within the church
came early and has grown over time, as he explored many avenues
for ministry. He attended Neffsville (Pa.) Mennonite Church
as a boy and participated in church drama, where a director
of church plays encouraged him to continue using his communication
gifts within the church.
He took the shoulder-tapping to heart, Byler said. For many
years, he produced video and radio materials for Mennonite
Media in Harrisonburg, Va., and he also did undergraduate
media work at Messiah College and Temple University in Philadelphia.
He completed a seminary degree at Eastern Baptist Theological
Seminary in Philadelphia, as well as a master's degree in
communications at the University of Notre Dame.
The former Mennonite Church General Board called him to become
associate general secretary in 1997, after which he also served
as a member of the Transformation Team that navigated the
transformation from the former General Conference Mennonite
Church and Mennonite Church into Mennonite Church USA. In
2001, after the new denomination began, he assumed his current
role.
In this ministry, he serves as staff person for Executive
Leadership and supervises its ministries. They include congregational
and ministerial leadership, intercultural relations, convention
planning, administration, communications, historical committee
and peace and justice. He is also the staff person for the
churchwide leadership discernment committee, and supervises
special projects such as the annual directory and biennial
delegate assembly.
"The licensing for special ministry within Mennonite
Church USA means more to me than another affirmation of my
gifts and confirmation of my call to ministry," Byler
said. "Licensing also brings an important measure of
accountability for me within our churchwide system through
Central District Conference. It roots my denominational work
firmly within this congregation.
"Those roots are important to me. In a sense, with this
licensing, you are sending me out from this congregation into
ministry within the broader church. As I travel to Newton,
Lancaster and Fresno, as I work in Brownsville, Philadelphia
and Denver, I carry this congregation with me into those settings
and part of me also remains here with you as you worship on
the many Sunday mornings when I am gone."
Laurie L. Oswald is news service
director for Mennonite Church USA.
Direct
Giving provides another way to tithe
by Carol Duerksen
NEWTON, Kan. (MC USA) -- Snowbirds make the trek from Indiana
to Florida for the winter, but their giving to their home
church in Indiana never skips a beat. A family from a congregation
in Georgia moves to Italy due to a job transfer, and their
church continues to receive their monetary gifts without the
family ever writing a check. An elderly couple misses church
on a cold snowy morning, but their weekly offering happens
anyway.
It's called Firstfruits Direct Giving -- a program of electronic
funds transfer has been available for individuals in Mennonite
Church USA congregations since early this year. Celina Romero
of Clinton Frame Mennonite in Goshen, Ind., is one of the
new participants.
"I love it personally because I do everything else electronically,"
she says. "It's very convenient when I'm not home or
traveling -- our giving happens automatically -- I just have
to make sure the money is there. We have some people who are
going to Florida for the winter and I hope some of them will
use it during that time."
Unlike Celina, Brenda Shelby of Berea Mennonite in Atlanta
doesn't do any of her financial transactions electronically
-- except for Direct Giving. When her congregation decided
to make it an option, Brenda, who's the church treasurer,
decided she'd like to give it a try.
She likes it because "you don't have to think about it,
and it saves on checks," she says. Currently, about 20
percent of the congregation is participating, including a
family who recently moved to Rome, Italy.
"I had the paperwork ready for them to sign the last
Sunday they were here if they wanted to," Brenda says.
"We have another member who lives about 80 miles away
from the church who is participating. The Direct Giving plan
makes it possible for these people to give regularly even
if they can't attend. It's a win/win situation for them and
for the church budget."
Even for those who attend their worship services on a regular
basis, Direct Giving has several significant benefits. Joel
Kauffman of Oak Grove Mennonite Church in West Liberty, Ohio,
likes not having to worry about writing a check and taking
it to church every Sunday. Dennis Miller of East Union Mennonite
in Kalona, Iowa uses the word "discipline."
"People think they are disciplined in their giving, but
this really helps them be more disciplined, and it helps churches
so much with cash flow," Dennis says. "It helps
churches meet budgets and other financial goals, like for
missions and building projects."
"We have farmers in our congregation, and their cash
flow is different from someone who is on a salary. Farmers
and others with a variable income can set a lower base amount
for the electronic transfer and then do a one time larger
gift if that works better for them."
Manhattan (Kan.) Mennonite Fellowship has about ten percent
of its giving units involved, according to treasurer Dusti
Ivey. An exciting surprise for her, though, was that some
people signed up who weren't regular givers. She manages the
Direct Giving at her congregation and is excited about the
benefits for members and the church. But she isn't using it
herself. "I'm just old-fashioned and don't like electronic
transfers," she says.
Congregations who have processed the Direct Giving option
seek to show that even though the offering isn't put into
the plate on Sunday morning, giving directly is still an offering,
and it's still worship.
"Not offering a tithe during this part of the service
doesn't feel right to some members," said Lin Rush of
Portland (Ore.) Mennonite Church. "Direct Giving seems
particularly well suited to receiving donations for building
project pledges or other fundraising efforts that are not
part of the ongoing weekly operational budget donations."
Brenda Shelby heard the concern from members about wanting
to give an offering as part of their worship experience and
as a way to model giving for their children. So she created
a card that could be placed in the offering as a symbol of
their financial gift.
"Firstfruits Direct Giving is important enough to me
to find a way to address some of the areas that make people
hesitant to try it," Brenda says. "But it's still
a personal decision, and I respect that."
Personal choice in the giving of their tithes and offerings
will always be of utmost importance to members of Mennonite
Church USA congregations. For those accustomed to electronic
giving in other areas of their lives, or who are willing to
try a new way of being disciplined in their giving, Direct
Giving may be just what they are looking for.
Denominational leaders such as Jim Schrag, executive director
for Mennonite Church USA, see much merit in providing another
way for people to give to God and to the church. "When
I was a pastor, I taught the merits of every-Sunday giving,
saying that even small but regular amounts allowed us to return
some of God's generosity to us," Jim says. "It was
the habit that counted more than the amount, I said. Firstfruits
Direct Giving simply expresses this habit in a 21st-century
way."
Jim Smith, church relations manager for MMA, says, "Firstfruits
Direct Giving is a great way for members to be intentional
about their giving. This is a practical and innovative stewardship
tool that promotes a very basic biblical principle -- honoring
God with our Firstfruits."
Carol Duerksen, editor of WITH
Magazine of Hillsboro, Kan., wrote this story for Mennonite
Church USA.
The facts about Direct Giving.
WHAT? Firstfruits Direct Giving is an electronic
funds transfer service that provides an efficient and low-cost
alternative to traditional giving methods.
WHO? Mennonite Church USA congregations who
decide to participate offer this service to individuals in
their congregation.
HOW? Individuals complete a simple authorization
form that designates the amount and frequency for automatic
debit of their account to be credited to the congregational
account.
PROVIDER: Vanco Services, a financial technology
company providing electronic funds transfer services for over
6,000 churches in the U.S., is the approved provider for this
program. For more information, call John Hedin at Vanco, 1-800-774-9355,
extension 497.
MMA OFFER START-UP GRANT:
MMA is offering a grant to Anabaptist congregations who enroll
in an electronic funds service. The grant pays up to $300
to cover start-up fees for the electronic funds transfer program
and transaction costs to the congregation for the first year
or the program. To be eligible for the grant, the congregation
must have an MMA advocate and enroll in an electronic funds
transfer service. Contact MMA for more details: 800-348-7468
ext. 301.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Go to www.MennoniteUSA.org and click
on Firstfruits Direct Giving. Also, check out the East Union
Mennonite Church's Web site on electronic giving: eastunionmennonite.org
and click on Electronic Giving. -- Carol Duerksen
Year-end giving at Mennonite Church USA provides alternative
Christmas.
by Laurie L. Oswald
NEWTON, Kan. (MC USA) -- Say goodbye to socks and the last-minute
Wal-Mart shopping frenzy to find that "perfect"
Christmas gift that lands on someone's shelf. Mennonite Church
USA will help you give a gift that lands in someone's heart.
This year, consider shopping through Mennonite Church USA.
It's as simple as making a call to 1-866-866-2872 (ask for
Marty Lehman, director of financial development) or by ordering
the gift at www.MennoniteUSA.org.
At either place, you may purchase a gift in someone's name
(such as helping pay a student's college tuition); or find
a stocking stuffer (such as a DVD from Mennonite Media).
"In our well-meaning ways we give or get gifts from family
-- such as that sweater from a sister-in-law that is a style
you'd never wear -- that don't hold much meaning," Lehman
says. "This alternative to Christmas giving can help
us think more carefully what it really means to give something
of lasting value to our loved ones and God's kingdom.
"Christmas is also a time when constituents are prone
to consider year-end giving options, and this idea integrates
the idea of Christmas giving with that generosity."
Lehman, who is leading new initiatives in firstfruits living
and giving in Mennonite Church USA, said the non-Mennonite
Heifer International project gave her inspiration to try something
new on behalf of Mennonite constituents. Heifer International
seeks to end world hunger by providing livestock to people
across the globe.
"For example, you can purchase a llama for $150 or a
water buffalo for $250 and have them sent to people to better
their way of life," Lehman said. "So this is our
version of that same idea. Maybe there is that niece or nephew
who needs help with tuition at a Mennonite college, or that
new person who came into a congregation and could use a subscription
to The Mennonite to help them understand Mennonites."
Other inspiration also came from hearing stories of Mennonite
families who have tried alternative ways of giving and found
them to be a wholesome way for their loved ones to celebrate
the true meaning of Christmas. "I know some people whose
extended family rotates the task of choosing a giving project
each year," Lehman says. "And another family lists
the options of giving projects and allows the child to pick
one each year."
Following are options that could give new meaning to your
family's Christmas gathering:
Consider giving a gift in someone's name
* Support a student who needs help with tuition. Make a
donation to Mennonite Education Agency's Racial/Ethnic Leadership
Fund, a scholarship fund for adults and youth who wish to
further their education.
* Provide learning material for a children's or youth Sunday
school class. Make a gift to the new Sunday school curriculum,
Gather 'Round, through a donation to Mennonite Publishing
Network.
* Consider the many gift options available in Mennonite
Mission Network's Christmas giving catalog. (Call 1-866-866-2872
for a copy.)
* Help a congregation find a pastor. Make a contribution
to Executive Leadership of Mennonite Church USA.
* Help Mennonite Church USA preserve a little piece of its
history. Contribute to the work of the Historical Committee.
* Provide a pastor with worship aids on peace and justice.
Make a donation to the Peace and Justice Support Network.
* Help build a church building or provide a scholarship
to a deserving Third World student. Give a gift to Mennonite
Men or Mennonite Women USA.
How about a stocking stuffer?
* Provide a one-year subscription to The Mennonite to a
new church family in Mennonite Church USA.
* Help support the care and nurture of an overworked pastor.
Give a gift to your area conference.
* Make it possible for a family in crisis to meet some basic
financial obligations this season. Give to MMA's Sharing
Fund.
* Remember your congregation -- make a special gift to support
ministry and outreach in your community!
Laurie L. Oswald is news
service director for Mennonite Church USA.
Photo Release: "Extreme makeover" nurtures
"culture of call" in Pennsylvania
CANADENSIS, Pa. (MC USA) -- A group of teenagers worship during
the Sunday morning service Nov. 21 at the annual Youth Leaders'
Retreat at Spruce Lake Retreat Center in Canadensis, Pa. About
165 leaders -- youth who are leaders, youth sponsors, youth
pastors and area conference youth ministers -- participated.
Franconia Mennonite Conference and Eastern District Conference
sponsored the Nov. 19-21 event that Atlantic Coast Conference
leaders also attend.
Marlene Frankenfield, youth minister for Franconia Conference
and campus pastor at Christopher Dock Mennonite High School
in Lansdale, Pa., spearheads the annual event to resource
area leaders of all ages. She also hopes the event will support
Mennonite Church USA's "culture of call."
"This youth leaders' retreat began 15 years ago before
the new denomination focused on the culture of call,"
she said. "But this annual event also supports Mennonite
Church USA's priority of developing new leaders. Mentoring,
discipling and shoulder-tapping naturally flow out this intergenerational
weekend, as sponsors affirm youth for the leaders they are
and encourage them to continue leadership roles in the future."
Mark DeVries, national speaker on family-based youth ministry
and youth pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Nashville,
Tenn., was keynote speaker on the theme, "About Face
... Extreme Faith Makeover," from Rom. 12:2. Thirstborne,
a band touring for Mennonite Mission Network, Mennonite Church
USA's mission agency, led worship music. Workshop leaders
provided input Nov. 20.
Youth leaders (Photo by Laurie Oswald)
Laurie L. Oswald is News Service
director for Mennonite Church USA.
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