Activities2005 - Zion Mennonite Church

Peace and Justice group Activities

Sailing Acts, November 18-20, 2005 Weekend in Oregon with Lin and Janet Stutzman [ Sailing Acts website], pdf flyer
    Lin and Janet grew up in Oregon Mennonite congregations and have since served with Eastern Mennonite Missions in Germany and on the faculty of Eastern Mennonite University. They have led four cross-cultural semester study programs in the Middle East with EMU and this past year spent a 16-month sabbatical on their boat called “SailingActs” on the Mediterranean Sea visiting all of the ports and cities connected with the Apostle Paul mentioned in the book of Acts from Jerusalem to Rome.
    Since 1993, Lin has been Associate Professor of Culture and Missions at EMU. His recent book projected for publication in 2006, Kingdom, Power and Glory: What Christians in Globalization Can Learn from Paul in the Roman Empire, examines Paul’s faith and witness and implications for the American “global empire.” Lin has written many essays on faith, missions and culture and served as a co-editor of recent books including: Meeting Muslims: a Calling for Presence in the Way of Christ; Practicing Truth: Confident Witness in our Pluralistic World; and Treasure in Clay Jars: Patterns in Missional Faithfulness.
    Don’t miss these opportunities to hear and engage with Janet and Lin in Oregon—their presentations will include extensive use of multi-media Power Point:
Friday, November 18 at Western Mennonite School, assembly and classes: “Paul the explorer: lessons learned from sailing the Mediterranean”
Saturday, 9am-12pm at Zion Mennonite Church, 6124 S Whiskey Hill Rd, Hubbard, seminar: “What Christian leaders in globalization can learn from Paul in the Roman Empire” (aimed for pastors and SS teachers, but all are welcome, a presentation using themes from Lin’s forthcoming book Kingdom, Power and Glory that relate directly to Anabaptist leadership, education, and mission in the context of globalization dominated by American interests.)
Saturday, 7pm at Portland Mennonite Church, 1312 SE 35th Ave, multi-media presention: “Sailing Acts: Following Paul’s Incredible Journeys of Change”
Sunday, 9:30am SS hour followed by 10:45am worship at Salem Mennonite Church, 1045 Candlewood Dr, sermon: “Paul’s Travel Tips for Christian Travelers through Global Empires”
Sunday, 7pm at Albany Mennonite Church, 3405 Kiser Ave, multi-media presentation: “Sailing Acts: Following Paul’s Incredible Journeys of Change.

Saturday, November 5, Draft Counseling Workshop
Presented by Bill Galvin, counseling coordinator at Center on Conscience & War. Bill has decades of experience working with conscientious objectors.
    Friday, Nov. 4, 7 p.m., at Albany Mennonite Church – Public presentation on draft issues.
    Sunday, Nov. 6, 2 p.m., at Salem Mennonite Church: A seminar specifically for pastors, youth leaders and Peace committees.
    Thirty participants representing most of the Mennonite churches in the Valley participated in the full-day training on Saturday.

September 30 - October 1, J. Denny Weaver
    The Scandal of the Nonviolent Gospel: Theological Reflections on the Atonement, a weekend workshop with J. Denny Weaver at Albany Mennonite Church, Albany, Oregon.

Keynote Presenter:
J. Denny Weaver is the Harry and Jean Yoder Scholar in Bible and Religion and Professor of Religion at Bluffton College, Bluffton, Ohio. He has written a number of books, including the ones we will discuss at this workshop: Anabaptist Theology in Face of Postmodernity: A Proposal for the Third Millennium, and The Nonviolent Atonement

Questions/Themes:
  - What is the relationship of peacemaking to the message of the Gospel?
  - Why did Jesus die?
  - How do theories of atonement influence our faith perspective?

Workshop Schedule:
  Friday, September 30
      6:30 p.m.    Registration and refreshments at Albany Mennonite Church
      7:00 p.m.    Anabaptist/Mennonite perspectives on theology, J. Denny Weaver
  Saturday, October 1
      8:30 a.m.    Registration and simple breakfast
      9:00 a.m.    Standard theories of atonement/Christology: survey and critique, J. Denny Weaver, Panel discussion
      12:00 p.m.    Lunch at Albany Mennonite
      1:30 p.m.    Narrative Christus Victor: a nonviolent atonement theory, J. Denny Weaver, Responses from John Gomans and William Higgins
      4:00 p.m.    Workshop ends

October 9, Kim Thiessen and Neville McDonald
A Music and Storytelling Event, on Sunday, October 9, at 3:30 pm, Kim Thiessen, accompanist Darryl Neustaedter Barg, and MCC East Coast Material Resources director Neville McDonald were featured at a Music & Storytelling event at Zion Mennonite Church. Kim Thiessen is the creator of three Cd's to benefit MCC's "Generations at Risk" program. Neville will tell his life story of growing up on the streets of Calcutta, India.

September 11, Peace Pole dedicated at Zion Mennonite Church
A dedication service for our Peace Pole was held on Sunday, September 11, 2005. Pastor, Todd Lehman lead the service including a litany of scritpture (Psalm 100), readngs and prayers (from An Anapabtist Prayer Book). The message "May Peace Prevail on Earth" was installed in four languages: English, German, Spanish and Russian with additional languages to follow soon. To find out more about this project, visit their Peace and Justice group web site.

Joint Assembly of Mennonite Canada and Mennonite USA , July 4 - 9
Peace and Justice Group members attend joint assembly of Mennonite Canada and Mennonite USA in Charlotte NC and participate in a variety of Peace and Justice events. Read all about it.

Pacific Northwest Mennonite Conference, June 17 - 19
seminars

Matt Chandler speaks at Salem Mennonite Church, June 2
On, Thursday, June 2, a group from Zion Mennonite(*) joined the Salem Mennonite Church peace cabinet for a 6:00 pm Peace potluck meal and an opportunity to talk with Matt Chandler who recently returned from the Middle East and shared "Stories from Baghdad: Reflections from a Christian Peacemaking Team Member.” Matt is a thoughtful articulate speaker who shared his personal biography including experience growing up in a supportive christian home and church which supported our country's military, attendance at Thurston High School and experience of the shootings there, his personal growth leading to a pacificst position, attendance at George Fox University and the Friends church.
*(Cary & Marilyn Buchanan, Doug & Gloria Gingerich, John & Louise Gingerich, Rich & Karen Kropf)

Daryl Byler visits Oregon, May 21 - 23
Daryl Byler is a staff member in the Washington DC office of Mennonite Central Committee.
Please check this link to find out more about the Washington DC office.
Following is a tentative schedule of the activities planned for his visit.
Brief resume.

Saturday, May 21, 11:30-1pm, Portland Mennonite Church, brown bag lunch
The Politics of God - and MCC
Saturday, May 21 evening, Salem Mennonite Church
5pm- Session I, 6:45- Session II, 6pm- finger food (please bring)
Conflict, Peace & Discipleship-exploring global issues of peace-building, alternative security visions, the draft & Mid-east tensions from the mission, perspective, history & work of the MCC Washington office

Sunday, May 22 morning
Zion Mennonite Church, 9:30 - 10:30 am Sunday School with MYF and adults
1. History and work of the MCC Washington Office. How advocacy to government connects to MCC's relief, development and peacebuilding work. Ways that congregations can get involved in advocacy.
2. Alternative security vision. Since 9/11, the U.S. has fought wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Mennonites say no to war, but what do we say yes to? As Anabaptist Christians, how do we propose to address the issue of terrorism, and what do we believe will help create a more secure world? The Washington Office has been working on such a vision for the last 18 months and testing it within the church. We are now sharing this with congressional offices on Capitol Hill.
10:45 - 11:45 am Worship Service, Sermon: Responsibility and Rest
Sunday, May 22 afternoon     Salem Mennonite Church     3:00 pm informal meeting with Peace and Justice Groups
Sunday, May 22 evening, Albany Mennonite Church
The community is invited to bring finger food and meet with J. Daryl Byler, director of the MCC Washington DC office, beginning at 6pm in Albany Mennonite church Fellowship Hall. Daryl will be sharing about MCC’s work in Washington DC and reflections on how to help our churches do a better job of talking together about controversial topics. Please bring a snack to share as we talk and learn together.
Monday, May 23 morning, Albany Mennonite Village
10:30 - 11:30 am Lakeside Center presentation: Stories From the MCC Washington Office- What Can We Do?
11:45 am - 12:45 pm traditional Mennonite potluck
1:00 - 2:00 pm Quail Run presentation
Monday, May 23 evening, Western Mennonite School

St. Joseph's Shelter, May 14
Our Peace and Justice Group was brought to its knees at the St. Joseph's Shelter in Mt. Angel. The shelter is run by the Benedictine Sisters and is the regional shelter for North Marion County. They serve many migrant families during the summer. Betty Garen made arrangements with Sister Marcella for this service opportunity. We scraped, cleaned and painted the concrete floor in their dining room. It looked much better when we left.

John D. Roth, April 30 - May 2
John D. Roth, Professor of History at Goshen College, Indiana, visited to Oregon this spring. An outline of his schedule is listed below.
You can read a review of his book Choosing Against War: A Christian View at this link.
You can read a review of his book Beliefs: Mennonite Faith and Practice at this link.

On Saturday, April 30, 1:00 - 4:30 pm, John met with a group of Willamette valley youth at Zion Mennonite Church, Hubbard, Oregon. The event "Peaceful Rebellion: Where Do You Stand" was planned and lead by Jana Gingerich, Zion Mennonite Church Youth pastor and Jennifer Gingerich youth pastor of Salem Mennonite Church. This event was recorded and is available in the Zion Mennonite Church Library. Jana Gingerich wrote the following report on the program.
A Peace Perspective (John D. Roth)
John Roth shared with youth at a "Peaceful Rebellion" rally held at Zion Mennonite Church, Hubbard, OR on April 30, 2005.
     The secret of the universe is that "Love is stronger than Fear". Through our Mennonite lenses, we see the Peace Perspective as an integral part of our call to follow Jesus. John indicated to all that he had no interest in backing anyone in to a corner to accept what he was about to share. He invited us to listen.
     John shared ways that Jesus really lived what he preached. He taught us to love our enemies not only in word but also in deed. John also shared a real life story that would have tested any of us.
     Much popular belief about violence/war stem from a context of what is often referred to as "just war". Many would agree we should avoid violence but indicate that all too often there is no other way. They resigned to consider only two methods to face injustice or evil. John challenged us to consider that this assumption is simply not true and is actually fear-based. There is always a third way, a way that requires us to trust in God and to seek a creative path that only God can give; an action other than "fight or flight". This path can not be spelled out as easily as violence, passivity or escape, it requires a relationship and a trust that God will give us what we need at the time we need it. It doesn't "fit" into a popular sound bite. It is not driven by fear but rather by love.
     We all needed to reflect as John suggested issues other than war that truly reveal our view of the world. Do our lifestyles reflect a path of peace? If we are influential or popular, how do we use/abuse this power? How do we include or exclude the "unwanted" in our society? What type of movies are we drawn to? John invited us to "get mad" about injustice, but then to "get focused". He shared that prayer is a good way to do this.
A Peace and Justice booth was sponsored by our Peace and Justice Group with books, bookmarks and posters distributed.

Saturday, April 30, 5:30 pm, Alumni & Friends Dinner at Phu Hoa Restraunt near Portland Mennonite Church (3811 SE Belmont)
Saturday, April 30, 7:30 pm, John speaks at Portland Mennonite Church "Called to One Peace: Christian Faith and Political Witness in a Divided Culture"
Sunday, May 1, morning Worship (10:45 am) and Christian Education (9:30 am) time at Salem Mennonite Church, Salem, OR
Sunday, May 1, 2:30 pm     Meeting with the Oregon Mennonite Historical and Genealogical Society. “How Stories from the Past Shape our Future”
Sunday, May 1, 6:00 pm     At 6pm at Albany Mennonite Church Middle-School and High School youth met in the Fellowship Hall to have Pizza with John and learn more about what it means to be a Christian peacemaking youth.
Sunday, May 1, 7:00 - 8:30 pm     At 7pm at Albany Mennonite Church: “Red & Blue Mennonites” and what it means to be a Mennonite Church in the middle of today’s polarized politics.
Monday, May 2, Meeting with Faculty and Staff at Western Mennonite School, Salem, OR
Monday, May 2, 2:00 - 3:30, Meeting with representatives of area Peace and Justice Groups.
Tuesday, May 3, morning     Classes, Chapel, Lunch with Faculty, Staff & Students at Western Mennonite School, Salem, OR

Jim Wallis at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, April 17
Jim Wallis, Founder and Editor of Sojourners Magazine, Author of "God's Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn't Get It" spoke at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral on Firday, April 15 at 7:30 pm. A nice group from our area attended this event: Ken and Nancy Beachy, Gilbert Boller, Tom and Dorothy Brenneman, Dan and Kari Ferguson, David and Betty Garen, Charles and Sheryl Gingerich, Craig and Jana Gingerich, John and Louise Gingerich, Judy Gingerich, Gina Hansen, Kari Hansen, Dave and Julie Yoder, and Don Yoder to hear the lecture "Choosing Hope in an Era of Cynicism" .
If you missed this event, you may hear much of the same content on your computer from the April 10 presentation which was recorded live at Grace Cathedral, moderated by the Very Rev. Alan Jones.
You may also wish to consider subscribing to SojoMail, the SoJourners weekly email-zine, A Christian ministry whose mission is to proclaim and practice the biblical call to integrate spiritual renewal and social justice.
Use this link to read a review of Jim Wallis' bestselling book: God's Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn't Get It.

Tools for our time, April 12
Janis and Sheldon Burkhalter, Dorothy and Tom Brenneman, Louise & John Gingerich joined a group from the Salem Mennonite Church Peace cabinet to participate in the "Tools for our time: congregations in a country at war" phone-in. This event has archived so others may participate, you can hear it using your computer to connect to this link.

We live in a country that will be at war for the foreseeable future. As Christian people, we need information and encouragement to help us hear God's call as we seek to live as peacemakers in the United States.

Live Internet Broadcast, April 12
On April 12, 2005, 9:00-10:00 EST, Susan Mark Landis, peace advocate, Executive Leadership hosted a phone call and live internet broadcast to
• draw us together in worship and community,
• inform us,
• equip us to be Christians of peace in the United States, and
• send us out in action.

Featured Speakers:
Daryl Byler, MCC Washington Office director
Ron Kraybill, associate professor of conflict studies at Eastern Mennonite University
Jim Schrag, Mennonite Church USA executive director
David B. Miller, pastor of University Mennonite Church
Myron Augsburger, evangelist, church planter, pastor, EMU dean and professor
Carol Rose, pastor and Christian Peacemaker Teams co-director
John D. Roth, professor of history at Goshen College
Pearl Hoover, pastor of Northern Virginia Mennonite Church

April 12: Peter Dyck speaks in Salem
A group from our group travelled to Salem Mennonite Church on Tuesday evening, April 12, at 7:00 pm to hear Peter Dyck speak. It was a delight to hear this 90-year old man tell stories with enthusiasm and convistion. He is a superb storyteller recounting incidents from his childhood in Russia where starving Mennonites were the first recipients of aid from the newly formed Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), on to his years as an MCC volunteer and the development of the comprehensive MCC program today. Click this link for a 1-page bio on Peter Dyck.
For more on MCC, visit the MCC web site.

Eyes Wide Open, April 6-7
Most of our group attended Eyes Wide Open, AFSC’s widely acclaimed exhibition on the human cost of the Iraq War at the First United Methodist Church of Portland. The exhibit featured:
• a pair of boots honoring each U.S. military casualty
• a field of shoes and a Wall of Remembrance to memorialize the Iraqis killed in the war, and
• a multimedia display exploring the history, cost and consequences of the war.
Click this link for a 1-page flyer about this event.
You can read more about this exhibit at the American Friends Service Committee web site.

Sack Lunch Meeting, Sunday, April 3
We had "sack lunch" meeting in our church fellowship hall following the worship service. Based on this experience and the feedback of those who joined us for this meeting, we decided to have one of our two monthly meetings this way to accomodate those unable to attend evening meetings. We understand that we will need to be flexible with our scheduling to work around church schedule. Our next "sack lunch" meeting is Sunday, May 15.
A bulletin insert called attention to the books added to the "Peace & Justice" section of our church library which were displayed in the foyer for the morning worship service and the evening choir program by the Western Mennonite Singers.

Email list, January 31
We created an eMail list of church members, family, and friends who are interested in the activities of our group. This list will be used to notify participants of significant Peace and Justice events and activities of the group. If you would like to be included on this list, please send a message to John Gingerich.

Peace Vigil at Portland Mennonite Church, March 19
On Saturday, March 19, our Peace Group participated in the Peace Vigil Marking Two Years of War in Iraq sponsored by the Portland Mennonite Church. We gathered in rememberance of lives lost and in prayer for peace in a service of
silent reflection
scripture reading
prayer
singing
litany of the cost of war
procession along hawthorne blvd.
candle-lighting and benediction
A group of approximately 100 participated in this event.
The statement "Confessing Christ in a World of Violence" was shared with the group.

Meeting with Salem Mennonite Peace Cabinet, March 13
On Sunday, March 13, our Peace Group joined the Peace Cabinet from Salem Mennonite Church for a potluck dinner and get acquainted event. In addition to the good food and conversation we shared our respective histories, interests and missions. We were included in the dicsussion of their agenda items and agreed to work together on them. The first was a shared concern that students at Western Mennonite School be taught our historical Peace position. We also discussed ideas for a Willamette Valley Peace Rally with Dary Byler in May. Jeannette Flaming will be in conversation with Matt Friesen about this and keep us informed via eMail.

Zion Mennonite Quilting Workshop, February 24 - 26
     Our group participated in the 33rd annual quilting workshop at the Zion Mennonite Church on Feb. 24-26 by hosting a "Peace Corner" which displayed posters, brochures, and bookmarks with information on the Mennonite Church and its peace and justice witness and resources.
     1250 guests attended this workshop to enjoy the quilt displays, learn about quilting, have a great bowl of soup with bread and dessert and visit the Ten Thousand Villages Fair Trade shop.
     We had the opportunity to visit with many of these guests and share the literature and other resources we had gathered for this event. This was our first activity of this type and are pleased that each of us had the opportunity to participate. The image to the left is a picture of our booth.
     In addition to our regular meetings, our next activity is a joint meeting with the Peace Cabinet of the Salem Mennonite Church on Sunday, March 13, to get acquainted, share our visions, and explore the possibility of working together on some projects.

Bookmark, January 31
We approved the design and content of our Peace and Justice group Bookmark developed to call attention to our group and Peace and Justice information. Click on this link to see the bookmark and ask any member of our group it you'd like one or more.

Dr. Vincent Harding, January 21
We attended a joint appearance by Dr. Vincent Harding and the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir at Willamette University. Click this link for some information on Dr. Harding, and this link for more information on Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir. We were warmly welcomed by M. Lee Pelton, President of Willamette University. Who introduced us to the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir and Dr. Vincent Harding. After one hour of 'spirited' and sometimes deafening gospel music we were treated to the thoughtful, prayerful insights and wisdom of the 'soft spoken' Dr. Harding from his experience and study of the life and events of Martin Luther King, Jr., The Inconvenient Hero. The contrast to the Gospel Choir was striking, but the messages complementary. Truly a night to remember for the things we experience and learned.

January 16, SMARTer Alternative
Our group participated in a presentation by Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility on the Health Effects of War and the SMARTer Alternative; A Sensible, Multilateral, American Response to Terrorism, at Salem Mennonite Church. Check this link for more information.

January 15, America looks beyond
David wrote, and the group endorsed, a letter to the Gates Foundation in support of the "America Looks Beyond" proposal, in which high school students would be given the opportunity to spend several weeks in a third world country.

January 5, Sorry Everybody
Our group submitted out contribution to the Sorry Everybody campaign. You can see a picture of our group at this link.