 A Postcard and a Prayer |
|
| Mennonite Women USA |
July 2009 |
|
|
|
|
"The goal of the spiritual life is to resemble Jesus."
-Juanita Nuņez, speaking in the opening session of the Columbus delegate assembly, June 30, 2009
From Paraguay Mennonite World Conference: Patty Burdette, timbrel editor, reports that the women theologian meeting was attended by 70 women theologians from Latin America, 10 from Africa, and a few from North America. More later.
Pictured (right) are Kendra Weaver and Rosa Miller, both from Ohio, two of the many visitors to the MW USA Booth at Columbus
| |
|
Kitchen Table Theology
Kitchen Table Theology, an informal way that women talk about their theology around the kitchen table, brought 280 women to the Mennonite Women USA dinner in Columbus. Regina Shands Stoltzfus began the conversation, saying: "I am 100% sure that all of you practice Kitchen Table Theology." With Regina were Elizabeth Soto Albrecht and Megan Ramer, and one empty chair, an invitation to the audience to join the conversation.
Megan said: "Body and spirit are united around the kitchen table where the heart, the smell, the tastes are. You can't move company into the living room." Elizabeth: "There is healing when we come to the table and the symbol of the round table." More on the website.
Seated at the table are Elizabeth Soto Albrecht, Nancy Roynon (guest from audience), Megan Ramer, and Regina Shands Stoltzfus
Worship at the women's dinner was provided by Anointed Voices of Joy, an acapella women's ensemble from Lee Heights Community Church, Cleveland, who minister through song. |
| timbrel stories on Kitchen Table Theology
You won't want to miss the July/August issue of timbrel in which pastors Cyneatha Millsaps and Mary Nitzsche share ways of discussing the heart of our faith from the heart of our home, the kitchen, or the  beauty shop! "Kitchen Table Theology," the theme for this issue, contains stories that draw on events from a variety of locations where kitchen table theology happens. Suzanne Lind writes about this happening in the Republic of Congo, Kate Good writes about it happening in front of the television, while Vickie Shurelds refers to it happening by the warming stove. This issue also contains an article in which Ruth Guengerich, in-coming MW USA board president, shares her vision for the organization.
In preparation for the September/October issue on "Women, and Poverty," consider:
Two-thirds of the people living in poverty worldwide are women, often women with children. How do you think this high level of poverty among women is a cause or an effect of other problems you see?
Send responses to Patty by July 31. As your daughters and sisters-from your family of origin or elsewhere-go through transitions such as moving out on their own, going away to college, getting married, having a baby, or other changes in their lives, consider giving a gift subscription to timbrel to keep them connected to their sisters in the larger church community.
To subscribe to timbrel, send $15 for one year or $13 per person for a group of 10 or more to Mennonite Women USA, 722 Main St., P.O. Box 347, Newton, KS 67114. You can also e-mail or call 800-794-5101, ext. 227. We'll start your subscription and send you a bill.
|
Why a Resolution Against Human Trafficking?
A resolution against human trafficking, modern day slavery, brought to the Columbus delegate assembly at the request of the Mennonite Women USA Board, passed unanimously. Why this resolution? First, a resolution is the beginning of education. Recognizing victims/survivors of trafficking requires that we know what signs to look for. Second, as peoples of faith create public statements, these can be used in advocacy for new laws to protect victims and prosecute offenders. Third, as we become educated, we as the body of Christ may be called to provide healing and hope for survivors of human trafficking. 
Bracelets to benefit trafficked women and children in Peru were sold at Columbus Assembly by Goshen College student, Rachel Halder. At right, Lynne Kuhl, Illinois, purchases bracelets. |
A woman who made a difference
Don't miss the story of Erna Fast in the July 7 issue of The Mennonite, the story of a young Mennonite woman who wanted to become a minister but was denied that path by Mennonite men in the 1940s. She did not give up and became the driving force behind America's oldest contiguous college exchange program which impacted the lives of many young Germans and Americans.
Henrik Eger, professor of communication and author of the article, writes: "Far too few people in this world know about the amazing work of Mennonites and even fewer about the impact Mennonite women have and have had on life. Without her work, I would not have had the privilege of studying in the US (at Bethel College, KS) and I would never have had so many doors opened for me, all thanks to this extraordinary Mennonite woman: Erna J. Fast."
|
Sister-Care as outreach
In the July 6, 2009 Mennonite Weekly Review, Brenda Lazzaro, Shipshewana, Indiana, says: "The Sister-Care seminar was a place in the Mennonite Church that resonated with my passion for women sharing their stories, supporting each other, and exploring and using their gifts within the church." Article also available from the Mennonite Church USA website -"A Gift for Outreach to Women: Sister-Care."
|
Give to Mennonite Women USA
You can now contribute to Mennonite Women USA's ministry through online giving.
MWUSA is solely supported by gifts from individuals and groups. Every gift make a difference. Thank you for your support.
Or send by regular mail to: Mennonite Women USA, 722 Main St., P.O. Box 347, Newton, KS 67114. |
| Kitchen table angels
 On each table at the Columbus women's dinner were two angels, created and donated by Ohio Mennonite  Women. To learn how to make these, contact Jean Emery (pictured). First time attendees of an Assembly women's dinner and those who traveled the most miles or had a birthday closest to July 1 were lucky winners of these angels. Many thanks to Ohio Mennonite Women! |
Strength for the Journey
By Patty Friesen, in For the Beauty of the Earth: Women and Creation Care (2009 Mennonite Women USA and Canadian Women in Mission Bible study guide, Faith & Life, p. 16)
Creator God,
All gifts of nature and of grace have been given us on loan.
Their ownership is not ours, but Yours.
Help us treat all things as if they were loaned to us
without any ownership -
whether body or soul, sense or strength, external good or honors,
friends or relations, house or hall, everything.
For if we want to possess the property we have
instead of receive it on loan,
Then we want to be master. Amen
| |
|
A Postcard & a Prayer is compiled by Mennonite Women USA staff Rhoda Keener, Patricia Burdette, Berni Kaufman, and Lois Loflin. |
|
Know of others who would like to receive "A Postcard & a Prayer" e-mails from Mennonite Women USA? Have them send name, address, and e-mail Berni. | |
|
