The Mennonite, Inc., invites your original submissions for our June 2020 print magazine issue and corresponding online content focusing on Community in the face of COVID-19.

Description of the theme:

Jesus called his disciples to love one another (John 13:35), and he reiterated the biblical command to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39; Mark 12:31). A community of Jesus followers formed to live out virtues of compassion, mercy, grace, generosity, peace, justice and joy. Now we all face a pandemic during which we are simultaneously practicing social distancing and newly realizing how interconnected we all are as COVID-19 causes suffering across the world, no matter who you are. In a time of isolation, how can we be community together?

Submissions may consider one of the following prompts/questions, among others:

• What has been your experience in facing COVID-19? How have you lived out community, showing compassion and practicing generosity? Tell us your story and be sure to include the voices of all involved, with their permission.
• How have you or your church or organization found creative ways to care for those who are most vulnerable in recent weeks? Tell us your story and be sure to include the voices of all involved, with their permission.
• Where have you witnessed instances of systemic or interpersonal injustice or oppression? How have you responded to these? Be sure to include the voices of all involved, with their permission.
• How do you understand the ways the Bible portrays suffering? How has this shaped the way you think about extending love in this time of suffering?
• How might Scripture’s teaching about community inspire you and others?

Submissions are due to Editor@TheMennonite.org no later than May 1.