In 1920, the Russian Mennonites’ world was in upheaval. Civil war had been raging for three years, creating political and social chaos and leaving the country’s Mennonites impoverished, hungry and fearing for their future. Their brethren in North America responded by founding Mennonite Central Committee, putting aside their sectarianism to come together to feed the hungry and clothe the naked.
Hurricane Hanna brought added misery to a community devastated by COVID-19 on July 25 when it hit South Texas and Mexico. For New Life Christian Center in San Benito, Texas, the damage served as inspiration to keep praying and assisting neighbors.
As congregations navigate the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on worship, responses can vary greatly, even in the same town.
In the switch to online worship during the coronavirus pandemic, congregations are trimming services down to as little as 30 to 40 minutes, with recorded videos, streamlined videoconference gatherings or in-person services abridged to mitigate virus spread. Sermons have been one place to condense in the name of efficiency.
The Peace and Justice Support Network is collaborating with Mennonite Church USA staff, area conferences and peacemakers to create a movement: Mennonites Against Militarism.
Mennonite Education Agency has revised its investment strategy, adopting five stewardship commitments targeting climate change. The MEA Investment Fund manages more than $150 million in endowment assets of 19 institutions, including schools, colleges, congregations, conferences and other programs.
The African American Mennonite Association called upon fellow Mennonite Church USA congregations, which are predominately white, to be involved in healing and reconciliation amid the protests that erupted since the killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police.
