In many American churches, the Sunday closest to July 4 is a patriotic service. The national anthem or another patriotic hymn is sung while the American flag is marched down the center aisle. Many churches do this, or something similar, because they believe democracy is the form of government God specially favors. Democracy is a kind of kingdom of God on earth, and the United States has been chosen by God for spreading democracy everywhere …
In light of the current discussions around “variance” within Mennonite Church USA, it is an important time to consider how we understand variance from established denominational doctrine, standards and commitments …
Several decades ago in the Bronx, a borough of New York City, says Hyacinth (Banks) Stevens, God was shaping her heart. She was becoming a youngster who shared Jesus in the inner-city streets near her congregation, the former Burnside Mennonite Church. At the same time in the neighboring borough of Manhattan, says Benjamin Stevens, God was shaping his heart as well …
Gospel Fellowship Chapel counts 60 attenders, but the number of lives it has touched over a decade is far greater . . .
