Articles : New Directions by Thompson
May 24, 2010 issue
-
Thompson
Building decision questioned
There is nothing quite like writing for a church paper while sitting across from a large photo of John F. Funk.
Funk (1835-1930) was “the most outstanding leader of the Mennonite Church in the 19th century,” according to Donald Durnbaugh in Mennonite Quarterly Review, a scholarly journal, in the July 1997 issue, which addresses church-related institutions.
Sept. 7, 2009 issue
-
Blessing those who mourn
The beginning of September is often a time of transition. Transitions can be exciting, yet confusing and painful. We look for strength, comfort and accountability in these times.
Aug. 10, 2009 issue
-
Youth speak to the world
The Global Youth Summit brought together 48 delegates from 34 countries — more than 700 participants in all — to get to know one another, work on issues of importance to youth and young adults, and dream together.
July 6, 2009 issue
-
Humility, honesty, humor
In the weeks leading up to the 15th assembly of Mennonite World Conference in Paraguay this month, I took a summer course at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary on “Canon and Community.”
June 15, 2009 issue
-
Service: Live the Difference!
The title of this column is the theme of the Global Youth Summit of Mennonite World Conference, set for July 10-12 in Asunción, Paraguay.
May 4, 2009 issue
-
An interfaith call to peace
In my last column, about the sixth anniversary of the war in Iraq, I mentioned the need to reject complicity with violence that governments commit in the name of their citizens.
April 6, 2009 issue
-
March madness for six years
At 9:45 p.m. on March 19, 2003, my college’s peace group gathered around the television, anxiously listening to President Bush’s declaration of war on Iraq. Then we organized a protest.
Oct. 20, 2008 issue
-
Restructuring in real time
Businesses, nonprofits and universities are reshaping themselves in these early years of the 21st century. New economic, social and political climates demand creative responses.
July 7, 2008 issue
-
Planting the kingdom’s seeds
The parable of the mustard seed is springing to new life in Central Plains Mennonite Conference this summer.
March 31, 2008 issue
-
Service with few resources
One of the Iraq war’s many consequences is funding cuts for domestic social services. The U.S. government spends $12.5 million an hour to fund the war, shortchanging our home communities.
Jan. 7, 2008 issue
-
Our church’s birthday party
The holidays seem to stretch longer every year as the popularity of pre- and post-Christmas celebrations like Kwanzaa and Three Kings Day grows. I’m excited because my holidays can extend all the way to the end of January, culminating in an Anabaptist birthday bash on Jan. 27.
Download