Very similarly, just the day before, I had spent some time reading our denominational periodical, kind of yearning for some adventurous text, something more than routine business as usual. Lo and behold, there it was – kind of anyway! The editorial, still on pandemic theme and well written, set a wise tone. “Moving toward normal,” was the title, and included this sentence, “In the future normal, whenever that might come, we must avoid the temptation to settle back into old routines without evaluating whether they will serve us well” (Canadian Mennonite, Aug 16, p.2). Point also made that this will need to include more than what happens in the one hour of worship on Sunday mornings. And then the publication ‘is what it is,’ seems like old hat for this reader. The usual: a nice article on spiritual direction; a perspective from the executive minister of our denomination, “Why don’t we talk about evangelism?” making plans for a nationwide gathering next summer; some good thoughts and information pieces on fundraisers; possibility of online church for good? It’s informational and it’s wholesome for those of us who don’t mind reading and espousing ‘things of our church’ (also included is listing of 3 births, 3 weddings, and 26 deaths. No baptisms).
This is ‘news’ within the community which will probably be around for the remainder of my days on this earth. I cannot but wonder, where is a hint of recent discovery? Any tie-in with what’s happening among our U.S. neighbors, or other parts of the world? Any kairos moments that might go off-script just a bit? I noted a few samples kind of in that direction. One of the columnists, looking at himself in the mirror, got disgusted with his slouchy physique brought on by corona non-exercise and proceeded to dance it out (“It’s about getting weird”, p.12), offering a smile for us cerebral Mennonites. One of the correspondents writes a piece about several young people seeking to address a challenge, weak wifi signal in tenement housing, faced by immigrant kids doing online schoolwork during the pandemic. And then the interesting section, "Readers Write." A big farmer writes in somewhat indignantly to C.M.'s senior writer re a previous article about small scale farming, obviously not quite in tune with agro-business. Then another farmer letter grabs my 'even fuller' attention. This one from my long ago home stomping grounds near Osler, SK on another topic! It's a critique of our trademark Mennonite pacifism alongside our modern lifestyle convenience practices. To him the contradiction of belief and practice proves it doesn’t work! Written in a somewhat crotchety or contrarian style, I disagree with his conclusion, but note the evidence of spiritual depth here – reminds me of Psalm 42:7, Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls. Here is challenge to the inner spirit of each one of us. Although he hopes for “more balanced, honest, and realistic conversations” I see here an invitation for him and every one of us - even to the big farmer above - to experience (yes experience) the peace that passes understanding. Indeed, pacifism as a lifestyle in our modern society fails the test if there be not an initial spiritual commitment (Luke 9:23). Much reflection needed on this latter prophetic word.
So, overall, my faith community is ‘working at it.’ Working at it diligently and perhaps even discovering a new script? 😏 I remember once upon a long time ago when I was a young pastor, attending a Triennial Conference of our whole North American General Conference Mennonite Church, at none other than the scenic Estes Park, just north and up the mountain from Denver, CO. It was a good time and place to be with several thousands of others. On one of those evenings the crowd was in a particularly celebrative mood. I don’t remember the theme anymore, but I remember that evening. Our keynote speaker, Dr. Tony Campolo, was just getting started, “Your enthusiasm, your singing, and your goodwill is everywhere here tonight. What a commendable genuine hard-working people,” he gets into stride, “but you are so ---- German!” He said it as only this Italian evangelical social-activist sociologist could. We roared with laughter at his joke so tritely placed in this excellent speech, and I still smile at this smart-ass speaking to us like that. I’m 100% sure that wasn’t in his notes, but he spoke it, and it’s a poignant memory still!
The need for diligence and order and even control (pacifist of course) is why we have always had carefully built barns and nicely cultivated fields and good sausage - and four-part harmony singing in church. As Dr. Campolo and many others know, these are commendable traits, but not necessarily the full requirements of Christian faith. In fact at present time the largest percentage of Mennonites are non-white and living in the southern hemisphere. And they are likely not Mennonites because of our Dutch-German origin and orderly worship services. They sing and dance and clap and admonish each other in full-on community of believers! They are Mennonite because, tired of warfare in their countries, have discovered us brothers and sisters with a peace theology that is a natural follow-up to new life in Jesus Christ.
With this latter awareness I hope that some healthy emotion may yet find a way even into our North American Mennonite churches. To me it’s a no-brainer. We’ve got to loosen up. Emotion is part and parcel of appearing before God who knows everything about us anyway. What’s to lose? Our ordered life style may be appropriate for those of the Germanic DNA but absolutely non-essential for entry into the Kingdom of God. Personally I care not about Mennonite living, but much enjoy Anabaptist Christian living, laced with hospitality and openness to learn from all peoples, so very important in today’s repopulating world.
As suggested in the above-named editorial our significant events may be happening other than Sunday mornings. I only hope and pray that if they want to happen on Sunday morning we won’t turn a blind eye because they may be off script a bit.
For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34).
