MWR : Articles : March 19, 2012

Last updated March 13.

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Articles : March 19, 2012

Seeking God’s abundance

Lent signifies a six-week time of anticipating the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It’s an opportunity to reflect and to grieve while embracing a God who embodies steadfast love and tender mercy. We give up unnecessary indulgences. We take up renewing practices. We seek transformation.

Indonesians build peace after church bombing

SALATIGA, Indonesia — Mennonites in Indonesia are part of in an ecumenical group aiming to quell terrorism-related violence before it happens and react quickly to natural disasters.
MCC partners ease suffering from war, poverty

AKRON, Pa. — Despite war’s obstacles and disruptions, Mennonite Central Committee partners in Afghanistan continue to provide life-enhancing and empowering services to Afghans.

History desecrated

In a March 5 article, “In Europe, Discovering History Deepens Faith,” Vicki Sairs appears not only to excuse but even to praise the tourists who inscribe, usually with permanent markers, their names and often addresses on the prison walls of Trachselwald Castle. She quotes Emily Maust, who feels that these names are a way of saying, “I was here; I saw this; I recognize this.” Sairs paraphrases Maust further, implying that it’s a way of “acknowledgement that the persecution is still remembered.”
Writer appreciated

I’ll miss John A. Esau’s pastoral perspective in MWR. He has provided our denomination with distinctive Mennonite views on congregational leadership and matters of faith that I have looked forward to reading. One practical tool he provided when Mennonites were struggling to define a pastoral leadership theology was a framework for conversation. He was the first Mennonite leader to name the distinctive roles a pastor carries in congregational ministry as person, office and task. From these categories, those in district and conference leadership roles were better able to help pastors and congregations define their relationship. He is the highest-quality pastor and theologian. His perspective will be missed.
God’s violence

Carl Wesselhoeft
Logan, Ohio

Incoming Goshen students to receive iPads

GOSHEN, Ind. — All new first-year, full-time students entering Goshen College this fall will get an iPad mobile computing device — the third-generation version announced March 7 by Apple — to use with new general education curriculum.
Stories key to racial healing

The journey toward racial healing in Mennonite Church USA is moving forward with the sharing of stories.
MCC responds to Syria violence with kits, food

WINNIPEG, Man. — Mennonite Central Committee is supporting efforts of organizations in Syria and Jordan helping people affected by conflict in Syria.
Oklahoma peace center makes Nobel prize nomination

A peace group tied closely to Joy Mennonite Church in Oklahoma City has nominated U.S. Army Private First Class Bradley Manning for the Nobel Peace Prize.