J. Tyler Klassen/Photo
Lois Barrett. Church of the Servant, Wichita KS speaks during the delegate meeting about The Corinthian Plan to provide healthcare coverage for church workers and pastors.

A detectable level of tension accompanied Mennonite Church USA delegates into their meeting on Saturday afternoon as they gathered for a final session to discuss a proposed statement about the church’s perspectives on human sexuality.

The resolutions committee drafted the document, titled “A resolution on following Christ and growing together as communities even in conflict,”after receiving differing statements from two groups about the relationship of homosexuals to the church.

After several amendments were carried and one fell short, the resolution was passed by a wide margin of delegate votes and was officially adopted.

The discussion surrounding the document, which was created from two differing submissions to the resolutions committee, included 20 minutes of table talk and then an open mic time. Comments by delegates quickly focused on the two opposing sexuality resolutions that eventually led to the board’s creation of an entirely new document. One delegate wanted to know why the original draft resolutions had not been brought before the delegate body, and why the new document was necessary.

But much of the debate focused on matters of language specificity. A motion for amendment that was proposed and carried was to change the word “affirm” to the word “acknowledge” in the phrase “…we affirm the statements by Mennonite Church USA on Human Sexuality which have been previously passed and are currently in place.”

Two amendments were proposed to change the wording of the “action” at the end of the resolution. One motion carried and one was denied, resulting in this wording of the action: “And so we call upon the Executive Board of Mennonite Church USA to work with conferences to provide and encourage the use of resources which assist conferences and congregations to engage in this discernment…” The phrase “to provide and encourage the use of” replaced the word “highlight” in the original wording of the document. A proposal to add the phrase “in a safe place” after “discernment” was rejected.

As the text of the resolution was discussed, a suggestion to table the resolution for two years, until the next church convention, was not supported. Brent Alderfer, a delegate from Blooming Glen, Pa., said that “postponing the pain for two more years isn’t going to help move things forward.”

Another delegate agreed, saying the issue is not about changing the current teaching positions on sexuality but about addressing an ongoing pattern of conflict. The delegates voted on a motion to postpone the resolution indefinitely, in favor of more table discussion, but that motion failed.

After a period of intense debate covering multiple aspects of the issue, Ed Diller, incoming Mennonite Church USA moderator, began enforcing a 30-second time limit on open mic comments, interrupting speakers when necessary. The full two hours reserved for the meeting ended, and Diller brought the overall resolution to a final vote.

While several delegates still waiting in the line at the mic did not have a chance to speak, motions to extend the discussion time were voted down.

A delegate from Salem, Ore., was less concerned with choosing sides than with church unity and oneness.  “[The point is] not to pick what is right and wrong but how we as a body keep this church united.”

J. Tyler Klassen/Photo
MCUSA delegates work in table sessions on The Corinthian Plan to provide healthcare coverage for church workers and pastors.

Church delegates on Saturday spoke out against “the evil of human trafficking” and urged Congress to support bipartisan legislation that would provide basic and affordable health care for all Americans.

By a majority vote, delegates approved resolutions on human trafficking and health care. The statements had been presented by the resolutions committee of Mennonite Church USA the day before.

Though most delegates affirmed the statement against human trafficking, there was also a desire on the part of some for the church to find concrete ways to express its opposition to all forms of human slavery, including the sex trafficking into which 2.2 million children are sold each year.

Luke Nofsinger, a delegate from Marcellus, Mich., said, “We hope calling a phone number or visiting a Web site is just the first step in being proactive on this issue.”

Delegates also voted on an amendment to the statement to oppose all forms of human trafficking, not just sex and labor trafficking that were mentioned in the original resolution.

The request for the statement against human trafficking came from the board of directors of Mennonite Women USA.

A  majority of delegates also approved a resolution on health-care access that had been drafted by Tim Jost, who teaches health policy and law in Harrisonburg, Va.

Though supportive, delegates expressed a couple of concerns about the document.  One was an inconsistency in the word choice in the resolution. At times, the words “Americans” and “citizens” were used interchangeably.  A motion was brought to the floor to change the inconsistency, and the motion carried.

Delegates also noted that although the Mennonite Church has consistently advocated for total health-care coverage for Americans, an appeal to legislators may not be the best approach.

Jeff Smith, a delegate from Archbold, Ohio, said: “I applaud our thinking about those in our nation who do not have access to health care. It is a matter of justice that we do everything that we can to provide health care for those who are in need. On the other hand, I wonder if the best use of our time is contacting our legislatures.  I wonder if we could not redouble our efforts at grassroots initiatives to provide people the health care they need.”

More than 500,000 people, including many Mennonites, were expected to attend the 29^th annual Red, White and Boom! on Friday — one of the largest fireworks displays in the Midwest.

The 27-minute sky show was just one of the day’s many events, including food and games on Washington Boulevard, and entertainment on Long Street.

A local radio station, 97.9 WNCI, broadcast a specially simulcast soundtrack to go along with the fireworks. The tunes ranged from AC/DC to the Jonas Brothers.

On a typical weekday, the Central Ohio Transit Authority has 49 buses on the road at night. Last night, an additional 193 buses were available.

According to The Columbus Dispatch, security included 200 police officers and three hidden surveillance cameras.

The fireworks were launched from the Veterans Memorial in the Arena District.

The three resolutions will be considered by the delegates in the Saturday morning session.  The delegates may vote to adopt some or all of the resolutions.

The human sexuality resolution, officially called “A resolution on following Christ and growing together as communities even in conflict,” was drafted after the committee received conflicting statements from interested groups. One group affirmed Mennonite Church USA’s current position, and one questioned it. Rather than attempt to vote on either, the resolution committee decided to draft an entirely new statement.

“It was a prayerful, God-led experience,” said Terry Shue, chair of the resolutions committee. “We read them, laid them aside and created an entirely new document … a synthesis of the two.  It is a brand new resolution whose ownership is solely with the resolution committee.”

The statement reads in part: “We acknowledge the pain and frustration of this issue for a number of conferences, congregations, families and individuals. While we clearly hear dissenting voices, we affirm the statements by Mennonite Church USA on Human Sexuality which have been previously passed and are currently in place.”

Tim Jost drafted the national health care resolution, called the “Healthcare Policy Principles.”  Jost teaches health policy and law in Harrisonburg, Va.  He consulted several people in drafting the document, including Joe Kotva, who works at the Anabaptist Center for Healthcare Efforts at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary.  The document encourages Mennonites to become proactive in pushing for a national plan providing adequate health care for all Americans.

“The primary goal,” Jost said, ” is to urge our congregations to speak to their legislators on this issue.”

This statement should not be confused with The Corinthian Plan, which intends to provide a group insurance plan for all pastors of Mennonite congregations and employees working more than 30 hours per week for Mennonite congregations.

The third statement for the delegates to consider was a call to join with other Christian denominations in opposing human trafficking and all forms of human slavery.

The statement was prepared by Rhoda Keener, of Mennonite Women USA; Susan Mark Landis, peace advocate for Mennonite Church USA Executive Leadership; and Linda Gehman Peachey, Mennonite Central Committee, Women’s Advocacy.

According to the statement, human trafficking is the third-largest criminal industry in the world. About 12-30 million people are victims worldwide, and as many as 18,000 are victims in the United States.

Keener said, “I’ve wanted to speak out on this issue for a while, but I never felt educated enough.”

In September, Keener attended a gathering of women of faith organizations across from the United Nations in New York. This gathering inspired her to take action.

Referring to the story in Judges 19 of violence against a woman, the statement encourages Mennonites to “consider it” through becoming educated, to “take counsel” by consulting others, and to “speak out” by joining voices as a body of Christ.

“This is a statement that other denominations have,” said Keener, “and we certainly need to join.”

A relief pitcher, an Amish bench, the EPA paradox (named for Einstein, Podolsky and Rosen) and a Global Positioning System.  June Alliman Yoder and Mandy Yoder Schrock used these images and text from Psalm 121 to encourage worshipers to engage in a partnership with the Holy Spirit.

In the joint worship service on Thursday, over 6,500 adults, youth, junior youth and children filled the Nationwide Arena with their songs and conga lines.

Alliman Yoder, a retired professor at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, and her daughter Yoder Schrock, who is a pastor at Belmont Mennonite Church in Elkhart, Ind., shared the story of a group of sisters in Calcutta who witnessed a mother’s grief when rats quickly ate her newborn baby after the baby had died.  When they asked Mother Teresa, “Where was God?” she replied, “God was there. The question is: where were God’s people?”

Yoder Schrock responded with a question to the audience: “If God was there that day, why didn’t the Spirit make everything OK?”

Alliman Yoder described the relationship between human beings and the Holy Spirit as collaborative interaction.

“The spirit of God needs the help of human beings to accomplish God’s mission,” she said.

To demonstrate this idea, the mother-daughter duo used a four-part model.

The image of a relief pitcher was used to describe when the Holy Spirit is used as a last resort.

The title “Amish bench” is used to describe the process that Amish ministers go through before preaching.  The group of preachers decides minutes before the sermon who will deliver the message, leaving everything to the Holy Spirit.

Yoder Schrock described the EPR paradox as two particles correlated at birth, but continuing to relate no matter the distance between them.  Reversing the spin of one particle affects the spin of the other.

“There’s some form of communication in the universe that we don’t understand,” she said. “We are connected in a profound way.”

This connection could be described as the power of the Holy Spirit.

Reaching for a model easier to understand than one from quantum physics, Alliman Yoder likened the interactions between humans and the spirit as similar to a GPS.  The satellites in the heavens interact with the receiver on earth.  Despite any wrong turns the user may take, the GPS does not give up — it keeps recalculating.

“Ultimately, the spirit can guide us only if we are willing to follow its directions,” said Alliman Yoder.

Alliman Yoder stressed the importance of an elevated view of humans.  “We are just a little lower than the angels,” she said.  In that sense, our role is more important than we may often think, she said.

Ultimately, they said, the goal is to be centered in the spirit.

Yoder Schrock said, “To be centered in the spirit is to be partners with the spirit.”

Ken Medema, Trent Wagler and Ted Swartz added to the message with song and humor.

An offering was taken to support the education of pastors at Iglesia Evangelica Menonita in Fort Meyers, Fla.

Described by a worship leader as the “best kept secret of the convention,” the children’s choir, 180 kids strong, helped the audience catch the rhythm of God through interactive songs. The adult choir, directed by Hal Hess, also performed two pieces.

As Swartz concluded, it all comes down to digestion.  “Faith: chew it up, pass it on.”

Q & A with June Alliman Yoder and Mandy Yoder Schrock:

If I had to choose one person in the world to have a conversation with, it would be:

JAY: Mother Teresa and Mary Magdalene

MYS: My husband! Just kidding…Princess Diana, Michelle Obama and the biblical Lydia

My favorite quote is:

JAY: ”Too much of a good thing is wonderful!” – May West

MYS: “The human being is the sanctuary for the Holy Spirit.” — Archbishop Tutu

One thing I’ve always wanted to do, but never have is:

JAY: Visit the Terracotta Army in China.

MYS: To feel called to serve overseas. I know that it’s not what I’m meant to do, but I think it would be a great experience.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in life so far is:

JAY: There are times in life when you need to focus on taking care of yourself, but it’s always important to remember that it’s not all about me.

MYS: Control what you can, but realize that some things are out of your control.

I would consider some of my role models to be:

JAY: My mother has been a major force in my life, as well as my Aunt Clysta Richard. My aunt was the first professional in the family, so she paved the way for everyone else. Also my daughter for her spiritual depth and passion for God.

MYS: Umm…I should probably say Jesus…but I would say my Mom and Janice Yordy Kauffman, among others. She modeled how to practice effective pastoring and parenting, and how to juggle the two.

Knowing the way of snail mail, it’s a safe bet that few family members this week will receive postcards with the Columbus skyline reflected on the Scioto River at dusk.

Instead, those who aren’t able to attend Convention 2009 can refer to the nearly 15 pages of tweets from Mennonite Church USA. Followers can view up-to-the-second news about events and access links to photos and articles. New tweets are added several times an hour.

Tim Blaum, communications intern for Mennonite Church USA, plays a key part in developing new ways to reach a broader convention audience. Twitter and Facebook seemed like an easily accessible way for the public to follow along, he said.

Blaum aims to update Twitter almost hourly with links to photos on Facebook, reminders about big events, videos posted on YouTube and any other special happenings related to the convention, all in 140 words or less.

Different from just posting photos on the Mennonite Church USA Web site, posting photos on Facebook or links on Twitter allows viewers to respond and interact to the content, as well as upload their own photos. Blaum said many people arrive in Columbus as active participants with Facebook and Twitter.

As of Wednesday, there were 202 followers of Mennonite Church USA on Twitter, and 876 fans on Facebook.  Ideally, Blaum said, Twitter will be used even after the convention is over as a way to keep people involved. At the same time, he noted the importance of not being excessive in posting information.

Representatives for The Mennonite are also involved with Twitter. Anna Groff, assistant editor of the magazine, often posts links to articles she is currently working on, and sees Twitter as a way to interact with readers, receive feedback and build a source base.

Groff began using Twitter about two months ago, so she already had a substantial number of followers — 150 — when she arrived at convention. Although she represents the Mennonite publication, her supervisers do not read over anything she posts, and readers know that it is Groff’s voice being presented.

Twitter “meets the readers’ desires to know what’s going on as it’s happening,” said Groff.

The Mennonite also has a Facebook page, with over 200 fans. Groff explained that using these social networking tools shows that the magazine is willing to experiment, and be open to new forms of communication.

There are also a few youth groups at convention who are tweeting and blogging about their convention experiences.

The youth group from Salford Mennonite Church in Harleysville, Pa., is trying to post at least two tweets a day, as well as write a blog.

Joe Hackman, the youth pastor at Salford, explained it as a way to make the church back home feel connected to the youth in Columbus.

“The kids’ parents are interested in what the youth are doing,” said Hackman. “This is just another way to communicate with them.”

There are about 20 people following the youth on Twitter. Hackman said he realized that not everyone will want to read about what the youth are up to; he is just making the information available for those who are interested.

The blog offers another way to share what they’re experiencing.

“Writing in a blog is more reflective and intentional than just having a conversation over the phone,” said Hackman. “It sharpens their focus, knowing that people will be reading what they write.”

Contrary to some perceptions that mostly young people are interested in social networking, according to Lonnie Miller, a professor at Eastern Mennonite Seminary, the fastest-growing demographic of Facebook users are those 35 and older. He presented a seminar entitled “A conversation about our tools: A dialogue on our Facebook, YouTube and text messaging world.”

Groff said she would consider the majority of her followers to be around the age of 40, or older.  Hackman also mentioned that some Salford followers (not including parents) are in their 70s.

The first Pastors’ Day began many hours before opening worship for Convention 2009.

In opening remarks, James Schrag, executive director of Mennonite Church USA, spoke about the “crow’s nest calling,” a metaphor representing the pastoral vantage point.

“From my humble view,” said Schrag, “a pastor’s role is longer, wider and deeper than any other in the church.”

At least 250 pastors, a quarter of all the pastors in Mennonite Church USA, sat at discussion tables to listen to the first presentation, a lesson on “Understanding the Missional Church,” by Craig Van Gelder, a professor of congregational mission at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn.

Van Gelder, who also taught domestic missiology at Calvin Theological Seminary, addressed the power of change, especially at the margins and from above.

In his overview of church transformation, Van Gelder spoke about contrasting views of church: the instrumental view places the church as the acting agent, whereas the missional view of church places God as the primary acting subject.

Van Gelder encouraged the Mennonite Church to “live more deeply to understand God more fully.”

For Clyde Kratz, a pastor at Zion Mennonite Church in Broadway, Va., the topic of the missional church is not new.

“It’s something I have been reading about for a while,” he said. “This is reinforcing the things I’ve already heard, as well as stimulating some rethinking.”

The topic of the trinity is something that isn’t often talked about in the Mennonite Church, Van Gelder pointed out.

Phil Kniss, a pastor at Parkview Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg, Va., thinks it’s important to see the trinity “as an example of relational diversity that we can base our other relationships off of.”

According to Dorothy Nickel Friesen, the Western District conference minister, an annual pastor’s meeting is an excellent way to resource pastors, open up conversation and provide inspiration.

She said an annual pastoral gathering will “bring us together and make us more approachable in a local context.”

Other events throughout the Pastors’ Day included seminars and a discussion about the Corinthian Plan, which is intended to provide health care for pastors, regardless of congregational means.

Mike Yoder/Photo
A youth group from Vincent Mennonite Church in Spring City, Pa., get their bearings after registration Tuesday morning at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, Ohio. The group planned to participate in a Servant Project Tuesday afternoon, distributing information on food banks and medical clinics to low-income neighborhoods.

Although registration for Columbus set no records, nearly 8,000 Mennonites will be in attendance, surpassing the convention in San Jose by over 1,500 people.

As of 6 p.m. on Tuesday, registration totaled 2,935 adults; 4,284 youth and sponsors; 286 junior youth and sponsors; 314 infants, preschoolers and children K-5; and 250 volunteers.  That adds up to 7,819 people.

The turnout compares favorably with the number of registrants for past conventions: 6,247 people registered for San Jose in 2007; 8,541 for Charlotte (a joint convention with 7,720 Americans and 821 Canadians) in 2005; and 7,867 for Atlanta in 2003.  The convention in 1999 in St. Louis set an attendance record, with more than 9,000 people.

Scott Hartman, the registrar for Convention 2009, said the slight drop in attendance may be due to the nation’s economic recession, the most severe in decades.

Despite that economic cloud, many people were quick to register.  It took only three minutes for Sandra Lapp, a pastor at College Mennonite Church in Goshen, to register for this convention of Mennonite Church USA.

Online registration opened at 8 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 1, and by 8:05 a.m., 100 people had completed registration.   By the end of the day on Monday, 2,600 people had registered online.

It took a month for registration numbers to reach this same amount for the last convention in San Jose in 2007.

Lapp signed up 31 youth and sponsors as soon as registration opened the first morning.  Lapp held the position of interim youth pastor until January and will be attending the convention with the youth group as a sponsor.

“It was my goal to register early, but I didn’t think I would be first!” said Lapp.

Lapp’s top priority was to book a hotel that was close to the convention site and provided free breakfast.  Although her first choice of hotels was already full when she was ready to book rooms, she was still able to get reservations at the Hyatt Regency, which is connected to the convention center.

According to Hartman, the main reason people register early is to ensure getting the hotel of their choice.  Executive Leadership’s Convention Planning staff have 13 hotels on hold for convention use (11 downtown and two in the Dublin area).

Jorge Vallejos, director of convention planning for Mennonite Church USA, said, “I think there is a level of excitement surrounding conventions and people just want to be a part of it.  Plus, it’s obvious people have done their homework and know which hotels offer free breakfast or free Internet.”

Hartman said that usually 90 percent of people who register do so by the early registration deadline.  This year, the early registration deadline was in April.

Online registration became an option in 1999 and is now the most popular method of registering for Mennonite Church USA conventions.  Only 15 registration forms were mailed in by the end of January.

Although people registered at a rapid pace during the first days of early registration, it didn’t take long for things to slow down.  By Dec. 31, 3,459 people were registered.  At the end of January, Hartman estimated receiving an average of around 20 forms per day.

Online registration closed on June 24, and meal plans are no longer available for purchase.  Any new registrations must be made on-site either on Tuesday, June 30, in the Grand Ballroom Concourse, or during the rest of the week in Show Office No. 2.