A close friend of the Anabaptist family is counseling Mennonites to take a deep breath: It’s time to bring out the “right stuff,” Jim Wallis told the crowd of 500 attending the final adult worship service.

“I want to pull out your best stuff,” said Wallis, president and chief executive officer of Sojourners. “Mennonites, you’re too shy about your good stuff. I don’t know where I’d be without the peace churches and the black churches.”

Wallis, who was raised in the Midwest in an evangelical family, spoke from his longtime familiarity with Mennonites to call the delegates and other adult attendees to make their voices heard in broader culture. There may be differences within the church, he said, but there are core Anabaptist values that the country and the world could benefit from hearing.

“I’m sort of a friend of the family,” Wallis said. “I’m aware of some controversy in the church. These things will not be resolved quickly or easily.”

Wallis first heard about Anabaptists while at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Ill. “I remember talking a lot with this really tall guy,” Wallis said, referring to theologian and scholar John Howard Yoder. It was around that time in his life, Wallis said, that he “began to recognize how what Jesus was talking about was revolutionary.”

Jesus’ revolutionary message has always been at the heart of Anabaptist theology. Wallis said that Mennonites know the difference between nationalism and patriotism. Many Christians don’t. “To believe that we are Christians first would transform this country,” Wallis said. “To say that Jesus is Lord means that America is not.”

What would it look like to live our vision of healing and hope? Wallis reminded adults that “God is personal but never private.” If our good news — as read from Jesus’ mission statement from Isaiah 61 — cures sickness but isn’t good news to the poor, it isn’t the Gospel.

Though Wallis was speaking to adults, he shared what he’s heard from youth across the country in order to highlight the urgency of his message. “Young people are less concerned with what you believe because you’re a Christian and more concerned with what you do because you’re a Christian,” Wallis said. “Young people have to clear up what it means to be a Christian.” And according to Wallis, it is “time for people to find [the Mennonite] tradition.”

Wallis illustrated three current shifts: religious, political and economic. These inter-generational and multicultural movements have placed poverty, peace and climate change at the “heart of a new religious agenda.” Wallis ventured that “God cares more about the 30,000 children who died today from preventable diseases than about gay marriage amendments in Ohio.” His comments were greeted with applause from many of the same delegates who, earlier in the day, acknowledged the Mennonite church’s existing stance on human sexuality.

As a boy in inner-city Detroit, Wallis questioned the status quo. He now sees similar desires in young people today, and hopes that Mennonites will, as in the song of Fannie Lou Hamer, “let their light shine.”

“A whole new generation wants to be for something not just against something,” Wallis said. “It’s time for you to live and preach your best stuff, because your best stuff is the right stuff.”

What is your history with Mennonites?
“Though this is my first speech since the [Mennonite church] merger, I have a long history with Mennonites and visit all of the colleges, most recently Goshen College and AMBS. There’s been a clear Anabaptist influence on us at Sojourners over the years. Early on, I used to have long conversations and meals with John Howard Yoder. In fact, I have a whole line of “Yoder” and other Anabaptist story books on my bookshelf at home. I feel like I’m kind of an honorary member of the Mennonite family.”

In what ways will you look to challenge the Mennonite church?
“I grew up in a very evangelical home and family with no sense of faith as a public commitment. However, I’ve learned that God is personal but never private. What I love about Anabaptist is their focus on the kingdom of God, not on ‘me’ but on the Lord, on what God is doing in the world. The kingdom is the new order of things and designed to change everything and us with it. Mennonites need to not conform to the battles going on in other churches.”

How do we have a faith that is deeply personal and that transforms our lives, making a real difference in the world?
“I want to call my brothers and sisters in the Mennonite church to the strength of their own tradition that is both personal and public at the same time. There are three big shifts going on right now: One, the new generation of believers can’t conceive of church apart from the social justice; two, political: change doesn’t just happen rom Washington. It happens in social movements, which push on open doors. We now have an open door, just when the movement is more important than ever; and three, economic crisis…we have a real opportunity to rethink some of the things we haven’t rethought for a long time. Christ gives us a chance to talk about our values and priorities in a new way.

You recently finished “The Great Awakening.” Are you working on a new book?
“I’m working hard on a book about the value of a crisis, specifically the current economic crisis and our moral recovery.”

There’s conversation going on within our church about a denomination-wide healthcare plan for pastors. What do you think about the idea?
“I think it is a great idea. The economic crisis is creating a rebirth of mutual aid in our churches. New ministries are needed that would be models for society. We need to ask, ‘how do we best serve our members and our communities with new models of mutual aid?’”

You’re speaking to adults on Saturday. What would you say to youth, if you had the opportunity?
“Half of the audiences I speak to now are under 30 years old, and I’m more often talking to 14-year-olds. This new generation has a chance to shed a lot of the old baggage that has polarized the church. I see a new energy from a generation that wants their energy to be felt. I feel a lot of investment in [the youth] and their choices. They’re the ones who have to clear up the confusion of what it means to be Christian.”

How does it feel to speak on Independence Day?
“There’s a holiday tomorrow?”

Yes. July 4.
“God bless America is not found anywhere in the Bible. Loving your country can be a good thing. When I hear the song ‘This land is your land,’ my hear rises. But nationalism has never sat well with the gospel. If most American Christians really believed Christ was first and America was second, that would transform this country. That doesn’t mean we can’t love our country. It means that nationalism is not something that is part of our tradition.”

2. My GPS system kept re-calculating.
–Rileigh Zickafoose, Lima, Ohio

3. I was trapped in the labyrinth!
–Melanie Hess, Lancaster, Pa.

4. I can’t take my Starbucks into the arena.
–Miranda Snyder, Moundridge, Kan.

5. The Mennonite Game went into overtime.
–Derek King: Harrisonburg, Va.

6. Our Dutch Blitz wasn’t done “chust” yet.
–Jon Burkholder, Lititz, Pa.

7. It’s the only time there’s no line for ice cream at North Market.
–Ki Lynn, Cheraw, Colo.

8. My dog ate my songbook…oh wait, we don’t have songbooks!
–Katrina Horner, La Junta, Co.

9. I forgot my green lanyard and got bounced by arena staff.
–Menno Yoder, Lancaster, Pa.

10. I was stuck in the elevator.
–Dozens of you!

I was in the middle of a game… the Mennonite Game. And it just wouldn’t end.
–Morgan Kraybill: Harrisonburg, Va.

The free breakfast buffet at the Hampton Inn was still open.
–David Fast: Elkhart, Ind.

We were too busy working on witty responses for tomorrow’s top ten list
Our alarm was set to central standard time
Our inflatable dolphin was attacked by a shark and we had to give him CPR
We got stopped trying to talk our way out of a ticket from the jaywalking
police
Our GPS had to recalculate one too many times on the walk there
We missed the shuttle from the Hyatt
We couldn’t tear ourselves away from the breaking news of Michael Jackson’s
death
We didn’t want to lose our place in line for the Jonas Brothers concert.
–Grace Hill youth group: Whitewater, Kan.

Minor league baseball, one block from arena  (good choice, 8 runs scored in home
half of first)
–Gary Oyer: Hesston, Kan.

Sir, no excuse sir! (from a former military officer, now a Mennonite pacifist!)
Uh, oh. Recalculating.
–Steve Carpenter: Harrisonburg, Va.

I forgot my green lanyard and got bounced by arena staff.
–Menno Yoder: Lancaster, Pa.

Drank too much tomato juice.
Getting interviewed by Mennonites Gone Wild.
Horses ran away.
–Justin Cavinder: La Junta, Co.

I got caught up in an intense game of Dutch Blitz.
–Mariah Martin: Hagerstown, Md.

I forgot to fill up the horse and buggy with gas last night.
–Adam Ropp: Milverton, On.

My dog ate my schedule.
Have you seen the lines at the hotel elevators lately?
–Steve Blank: Souderton, Pa.

My hybrid broke down.
My dog ate my hymnbook.
–Cristian Good: Goshen, In.

My dog ate my songbook…oh wait, we don’t have songbooks!
–Katrina Horner: La Junta, Co.

The elevator got stuck, and by the time I got down 20 flights of stairs…well…
–Kallen Terry: Bluffton, Oh.

Our Dutch Blitz wasn’t done chust yet.
–Jon Burkholder: Lititz, Pa.

I pulled my gluteus maximus during the booty-x.
–Steve Smucker: Ottawa, Oh.

My GPS system kept re-calculating.
–Rileigh Zickafoose: Lima, Oh.

I was practicing the booty-x.
–Gideon Dunster: Kidron, Oh.

It’s the only time there’s no line for ice cream at the market.
–Ki Lynn: Cheraw, Co.

Followed the wrong herd.
–Angie Martin: Cheraw, Co.

Dutch Blitz Gone Wild.
I was in line for my caricature.
The escalator was only going up.
I had to help this other youth group find their way.
Evangelizing at Starbucks.
–Kevin King: Bluffton, Oh.

Looking for the number match for my shirt.
–Michael Schrag: Goshen, In.

We conscientiously objected to going.
–James Bennett: Toledo, Oh.

We wanted to have the pool all to ourselves.
–Sam Cook: Toledo, Oh.

I stepped in a “pile” following the hay wagon on the way.
–Patty Schmucker: Toledo, Oh.

Too busy cutting our name tags down to size.
–Toby Cameron: Toledo, Oh.

I seek God’s face on Facebook.
–David Augsburger: Claremont, Ca.

Overworked from MDS.
Pooped from the Relief Sale.
Overslept.
–Leann Augsburger: Claremont, Ca.

My elevator got stuck.
–Mark Horst: Somerset, Pa.

I just had to stop and play the Mennonite game with that really familiar-looking person I saw on the way there.
–Molly Kraybill: Lancaster, Pa.

There’s worship service?
–Luke Nofsinger: Marcellus, Mi.

I got sucked into a conversation with Marion Bontrager.
–Mark Horst: Somerset, Pa.

My ankles have finally given out from all the walking.
–Mary Lee Souder: Archbold, Oh.

Can’t tear myself away from the free breakfast buffet at the hotel.
–Dan Schreiber: Champaign, Il.

Me and my boy Ken were having an improv service.
–Todd Grotenhuis: Indianapolis, In.

Distracted by this new-fangled “cable TV” thing at the hotel.
–Petey Biddle: White Heath, Il.

I was on my way when I met the most interesting homeless man.
–Greg Hershberger: Tempe, Az.

I had a bee in my bonnet.
My horse threw a shoe.
–Jensen Long: Westover, Md.

Stuck in an elevator.
–Andrea Bauman: ???

Clipping your toenails so they don’t get caught in the escalator.
–Fred Miller: Kalona, Ia.

The Lord called us to collect our free t-shirts for the day so we can give to the less fortunate in our community.
–MYF of First Mennonite Church: Wadsworth, Oh.

Threw out back picking up family Bible.
Beard got caught in thresher, in hospital.
Just lost a limb in a tractor accident.
A cow ate my favorite headcovering.
–Thomas Neufeld: Lancaster, Pa.

We had to park our horse and buggy.
–Mennonite Church of Normal Junior Youth

I decided to live as an Amish for the day by unplugging everything in my room, including the alarm clock and therefore slept through the service.
–Matt Weaver: Walnut Creek, Oh.

My horse is on strike for animal rights.
–Didi Bergen: Moundridge, Ks.

Inflatable animals took all the seats.
I was at the Heston booth waiting for my t-shirt match.
I got stuck in the hotel elevator.
–Cody Claassen: Whitewater, Ks.

After breathing in, I was EXHALL E(ing)
–Steven R. Martin: Ephrata, Pa.

All I can say is that it involves a time machine, Menno Simons, and a six-pack of Mountain Dew.
–Dylan Terry: Bluffton, Oh.

Training for the Convention 2009 5K.
Breathed in and out so often I hyperventilated.
Holding a last-minute bake sale to pay for the trip home.
Waiting for the fire department to rescue me from an elevator.
Finishing my trash fashion show outfit.
Waiting for the Columbus monorail.
Working on my Top 10 list.
Staking out my site for Red, White, and Boom.
-Anonymous

I was stuck in the elevator
–Ethan Zook: Harrisonburg, Va.
–Nate Welsh: Waynesboro, Pa.
–Craig Ruth: Waltersville, Md.

I’m a pastor and I’m on vacation
–Shirley Yoder Brubaker: Harrisonburg, Va.

I heard some people were trying to get some cows out of the barn. I wanted to help!
–Lori Bontrager: Archbold, Ohio

Entranced by the flashing lights…ooh shiney
–Michael Schrag: Goshen, Ind.

I got my Bible caught in the revolving door of my hotel
–Matt Weaver: Telford, Pa.

I was too busy holding the door for other people
–Alex Ruth: Walkersville, Md.

We decided to stay in bed and “meditate” instead
–Billy Haggardy: Toledo, Ohio

Pulled a hamstring learning the Booty-X
–Karen Kruzel: Toledo, Ohio

I was trapped in the labyrinth
–Melanie Hess: Lancaster, Pa.

The breath of the Holy Spirit didn’t fill my sail to get me out of bed
–Amy Bennett: Toledo, Ohio

Menno Simons came back and I had to take him in a Dolorian (Back to the Future, anyone?)
My dreadlocks got stuck in a printing press
I needed to grow my beard
–Brian O’Leary: Seatlle, Wash.

My horse got sick
–Dietrich Bergen: Moundridge, Kan.

I got a call from my cousin Matthew Yoder that his buggy had broken down, but I had to find out which Matthew
–Michael Mondragan: Seattle, Wash.

I had to go back to my hotel to get long pants and a sweater from this summer weather
–Bryan Leaman: Louisville, Ohio

My dog ate my Bible
–Katie Stevens: Moundridge, Kan.

I can’t take in my Starbucks
–Miranda Snyder: Moundridge, Kan.

My water broke
–Arielle Zerger: Moundridge, Kan.

What do you mean, “a” worship service?
–Glen A. Guyton: Hampton, Va.

I’m proclaiming God’s name on the golf course
–Michael J. Smith: Gibson City, Ill.

The dog ate my “Sing My Journey”
–Tom Horst: Lancaster, Pa.

I found the children’s service to be more my style
–Andrew Mishler: Indianapolis, Ind.

I just realized we are in Ohio and not in Kansas anymore
–Randy Stucky: Halstead, Kan.

Having a contagious disease
–Mary Schrag: Moundridge, Kan.

Too much homework from delegate meeting
–Robert E. Bomberger: Litiz, Pa.

When the Holy Spirit says “sing,” you sing. When the Holy Spirit says “sleep,” you sleep
–Cassie MIller: Beemer, Neb.

Too busy reading the latest edition of mPress and the Top 10 list for the day
–Eunice Nickel: Newton, Kan.

One house was built on rocks, one on sand. Both were made of cardboard.

Persons interested in peace and justice in Columbus gathered to built two cardboard houses — one on rocks, one on sand — representative of the current economic situation.

“The house built on rocks is supposed to represent what God’s economy looks like,” said Kent Yoder of Assembly Mennonite Church, Goshen, Ind. The two small-scale structures were put together at the corner of Park and Goodale Streets.

The initiative was created as an effort of the local Columbus B.R.E.A.D., which stands for Building Responsibility Equity And Dignity. Every year, B.R.E.A.D. — a chapter of D.A.R.T. [Direct Action and Research Training center] — chooses an issue relevant to the surrounding area.

This year, 2,500 people met on May 4 to present to public officials with their proposal of best practices to work at economic justice. “We wanted to find a local issue in the community to work on vacant properties,” said Melanie Buller of Columbus Mennonite Church.

The house project is part of a larger B.R.E.A.D. initiative called “neighborhood light.”

June Frankel, a member of the Columbus initiative, said, “We usually direct concerns to city officials through our people power.”

Words such as ruthless, foreclosures, quick financial gain ballooning interest rates and greedy leaders marked the house on sand. The house on rocks was painted with words such as living wage, share abundantly, justice, hospitality and equity.

B.R.E.A.D.’s vision to act locally and globally is guided by Micah 6:8, said Buller. “We do a good job of walking humbly with God … we love mercy … but do we do justice?” she asked.

Trisha Handrich/Photo
Leonard Dow, 1987 graduate of EMU was the speaker at the Thursday morning youth worship service at Nationwide Arena.

The slogan of Leonard Dow’s hometown Philadelphia Phillies is “Ya Gotta Believe.” Dow, wearing a black Phillies cap, challenged youth on Thursday morning to believe — in worshipping God again.

“Watching and working without worship can lead to worry,” said Dow, senior pastor at Philadelphia’s Oxford Circle Mennonite Church.

Dow illustrated his exhortation with a story from Durban, a coastal city in South Africa. On a learning tour with Mennonite Central Committee, Dow watched persons gather, sing and cleanse themselves at the ocean. “I wondered, ‘what are they saying?’ Dow said, as he couldn’t understand the Zulu language. “I can’t swim. Will they take me out? Is this some reality television show?”

One of the men approached Dow and asked if he wanted to be washed, to be cleansed. Dow stood then in disbelief, though he longed for personal cleansing. “When the Holy Spirit is moving, what is the proper response?” Dow asked. “I took a step back and said no, and to this day I regret it. I missed out on an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to reach out to me.”

Too often, we are distracted from the Holy Spirit by constant use of media and communication technology. “I invite you to turn off modern distractions and invite the Holy Spirit in to you,” Dow said. “Even modern youth conventions can be a distraction. This should be about how we can go out and do kingdom work in the world.”

On Dow’s prompting, the crowd broke into “Lean On Me.” With open palms — the international sign for giving up, which Dow learned in South Africa — Dow invited youth to believe again in the Holy Spirit. “I sense you are becoming your generation,” Dow said. “I sense we can be radical in our worship together.”

For example, he asked, how often do we get down on our knees like Mary did, and listen for the Holy Spirit? Not often enough. “We’re not afraid to use our voices in four-part harmony,” Dow said. “But can we lift our Lord up with our voices, in prayer, the same way we do in song?”

So flashy distractions were shut down in Nationwide Arena: lights were turned off; Dow left the stage; the cameras refocused on the red, yellow and blue stained-glass cross.

The youth worshippers were invited to rid their mirrors of distraction. The small mirrors given to youth at Wednesday night’s worship session were tossed into buckets and wheel-barrows with noisy splashes of glass like hail on a tin roof.

Dow’s closing words had left youth with a call to believe. “Tell God, ‘I give you my fears. I let it go.’”

9) The ice cream trucks play 606. — David Kempf: Libertyville, Il.

The food banks become fully stocked … and the bartenders are going to need them. — Jon Burkholder: Lititz, Pa.

7) You look around the restaurant and everyone’s drinking water. — Marathana Prothro: North Newton, Kan.

6) The massage chairs stop working because no one is willing to pay a dollar. — Judy Clemens Smucker: Ottawa, Ohio

5) You wonder where they parked all of those horses and buggies. — Pam Witwer: Lancaster, Pa.

4) All of the city’s hotels suddenly find themselves running out of little shampoo bottles. — David Fast: Elkhart, In.

3) Crosswalks: “you go”, “no you go”, “no, we’ll just let the cars go.” –- Kevin King: Bluffton, Ohio

2) The racial diversity drops 20 percent! — Chuck Woods: Toledo, Ohio

1) All the hotel rooms in the city have been reserved under only 6 last names. — Melissa Fisher Fast: Elkhart, In. _________________________________________________________________

All the Yoder Toder’s aka 15 passenger vans in the hotel parking lots –Chris Hershberger: Apple Creek, Ohio The doves outnumber the pigeons –Mark Shelly: Rochester, N.Y. All of my free samples are gone, but I haven’t sold a thing (Jeni’s ice cream helper) I have to repeat prices at least three times to all those with a green lanyard (Starbucks barista) Crosswalks: you go; no you go; no, we’ll just let the cars go –Kevin King: Bluffton, Ohio When you get on an elevator, everyone is singing a hymn/praise song in four part harmony -Hannah Chappell-Dick: Bluffton, Ohio The bars aren’t serving drinks, but the bartenders can’t pop the free popcorn fast enough -Will Schirmer: Lansdale, Pa. Bumper stickers that say: “Honk if you know the difference between Mennonite and Amish” -Justine Murray: Orrville, Ohio You think you can hear angels singing (but it’s just the Mennos) -Danny Row: Shickley, Neb. Peaceful bumper stickers -Steve Herbold: Cincinnati, Ohio You can’t drive when the light is green because a mob of youth is crossing the street -Oak Grove Mennonite Youth: West Liberty, Ohio You see thousands of people carrying black bags and wearing green lanyards -Oak Grove Mennonite Youth: West Liberty, Ohio Youth randomly smile and greet you while walking down the street -Oak Grove Mennonite Youth: West Liberty, Ohio Impromptu four-part harmony hymn sings on the street Oak Grove Mennonite Youth: West Liberty, Ohio Everyone you see is incredibly talented, nice and good looking -Danny Row: Shickley, Neb. 2000 people crossing at once at the crosswalk -Delbert Wenger: Harrisonburg, Va. Plastic inflatable animals are everywhere -Marcia Hershberger: Wakarusa, Ind. Dutch Blitz on the street corners, picnic tables, and by the cricks Sarah Nafziger: Mohnton, Pa. The food banks become fully stocked … and the bartenders are going to need them Jon Burkholder: Lititz, Pa. The bars are empty and the ice cream shops are full! Gay Kauffman: Sioux Falls, S.D. Taxi drivers are bored. Coffee shops overwhelmed, wishing they were bored Jenelle Buschur, Archbold, Ohio Peace sign graffiti James Bennett: Toledo, Ohio Your hotel bartenders are the loneliest people in town Mike Truex: Goshen, Ind. People seem willing to fight for the privilege to hold a door open Sam Cook: Toledo, Ohio The racial diversity drops 20 percent! Chuck Woods: Toledo, Ohio Bellhops are tipped with monster cookies instead of dollars Jenelle Buschur: Archbold, Ohio (1) Being in the minority has nothing to do with skin color, but has everything to do with not wearing a green lanyard. (2) “Breathe and be filled” has nothing to do with the smog in your city. (3) The green light you see in the night sky isn’t a UFO; it’s the hue of 8,000 glowsticks. (4) You see meal ticket scalpers in front of the Nationwide Arena instead of concert ticket scalpers. (5) You wonder where they parked all of those horses & buggies. (6) Everyone but you is wearing a red pedometer and a black backpack. –Pam Witwer: Lancaster, Pa. People are randomly bursting into four part harmony all around you –Michelle Curtis: Lansdale, Pa. The most common question on the street is, “Was your mother a Lehman or a Yoder?” –Aarin Wadel: Chambersburg, Pa. A sudden inexplicable increase in inflatable animal sales –Michael Mondragon: Seattle, Wash. Thousands of people walking downtown with recycled bags filled with as many freebies as they can find –Kim Wideman: Milverton, Ontario When there is a lot of Mennonites –Nathaniel Riessecker: Middlebury, Ind. By all the doves hovering over the convention center –Juna Hartzler: Zirconia, N.C. You see large groups of teenagers wearing clothes you wish your kids would wear –Margaret Plank: Syracuse, Ind. Beards become quite popular –Billy Haggardy: Toledo, Ohio The same six surnames keep coming up –Sally Haggardy: Toledo, Ohio Complete strangers are picking up trash –Terry Berg: Goshen, Ind. Quartets walk down the street singing four-part harmony –Matt Weaver: Walnut Creek, Ohio All the cheap restaurants are full –Andrew Derstine: Souderton, Pa. Local Burger King temporarily changes its mantra from “Have It Your Way” to “Mennonite Your Way” –Kim Kornhaus: Mt. Hope, Ohio The massage chairs stop working because no one is willing to pay a dollar –Judy Clemens Smucker: Ottawa, Ohio Massive amounts of people wearing the same T-shirt –Amanda Mustard and Kim Wideman: Milverton, Ontario Big white vans rockin the highway (literally rocking on the highway) with paint –Jensen Long: Westover, Md. People singing “I will call upon the Lord” in the elevators with people they’ve never met –Michael Spory: Boswell, Pa. There is no spare change on the sidewalks –William Stutzman: Walnut Creek, Ohio Empty bars and long/full lines at food stores –Jan Stoltzfus Buller: Goshen, Ind. Complaints from all the local restaurants saying that tips have gone way down –Jesse Rodriguez: Harrisonburg, Va. Local cable channels feature “The new red green show” staring rednecks with green lanyards –Cory Kivengood: Dover, Ohio The bathroom graffiti is suddenly about the love of Jesus –Evan McCarthy: Bluffton, Ohio A house for a homeless Mississippi family is being built in the middle of your downtown –Shanilka de Soyza: Philomath, Ore. Horse and buggies on Nationwide Drive –Scott Ropp: Milverton, Ontario More tofu restaurant menus People driving actually stop and wait for pedestrians who cross the street –Richard Aguirre: Goshen, Ind. When large blown-up animals are seen roaming the streets –Bianca: Philadelphia, Pa. When you’re late to work because people in green lanyards won’t stop j-walking –Elyse Terry: Bluffton, Ohio When half the folks you meet introduce themselves as a “Yoder” and then begin breaking out into a four-part harmony –Carmela Dow: Philadelphia, Pa. When there are Dutch Blitz tournaments in the halls –Bethannie Parks: Philadelphia, Pa. The population of giant blow-up animals in your downtown area expands by 5,000% in one 24-hour period –Heather Yoder: Baltimore, Md. The bar’s top-selling ale? Ginger. –Ross Lehman: Denver, Co. You look around the restaurant and everyone’s drinking water. –Marathana Prothro: North Newton, Kan. 90% of the population is wearing green lanyards. –Maria Martin: Hagerstown, MD Slogan T-shirts! –Chris Hoover Seidel: Lancaster, Pa. Everyone wearing the same shirts in large groups. –Nate Welsh: Waynesboro, Pa. People are wandering the streets singing four-part harmony. –Hannah Martin: Hagerstown, MD Random potlucks occurring in various parts of the city. –Austin Louck There is joyful song in the air. –Jaron Troyer All the bars are sold out of Ginger Ale. –Kathy Springer: Saybrook, Il. The city’s clocks all change to 6:06. –Brian Sutter: South Bend, In. The Good Will and Salvation Army stores are sold out, and bars go bankrupt. –Michael Smith: Gibson City, Il. How empty the bars are around the area. –Wigginton: Indianapolis, In. The ice cream trucks play 606. –David Kempf: Libertyville, Il. Gang violence is replaced by debates. –Alex Ruth: Walkersville, MD The city jail is filled with inmates arrested for civil disobedience. Instead of an olive branch in its mouth, the MCUSA dove is carrying a key to the city. The mayor renames a street “Mennonite Your Way.” The local weatherman predicts a 90% chance of 4-part singing. The bus line now includes a stop at the local thrift shop. All of the city’s hotels suddenly find themselves running out of little shampoo bottles. — David Fast: Elkhart, In. All the hotel rooms in the city have been reserved under only 6 last names. –Melissa Fisher Fast: Elkhart, In. You see thousands of people carrying the same bag; crossing the street becomes more difficult. –Randy Stuchy: Halstead, Kan.

Sheldon Good/Photo
Yonathan Setiawan, of First Mennonite Church in Bluffton, Ohio, indulges in his lemon and blueberries frozen yogurt from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams in the North Market.

After tasting three different flavors, Yonathan Setiawan selected a fruity frozen-grassfed-organic-Ohio-dairy variety. Was it the right choice?

Setiawan, from Bluffton, Ohio, gave his approval: “So good.” With that, the lemon and blueberry frozen yogurt from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams became another two-word winner.

Signature flavors offered year-round at Jeni’s include: Gravel Road, Thai Chili and Salty Caramel, the shop’s most popular flavor and name of the company blog (saltycaramel.com). Summer seasonal flavors right now include Strawberry Buttermilk, Backyard Mint, and Wildberry Lavender.

“Our flavors are inspired by [local] farmers,” said Jeni Britton Bauer, president and founder of the company, which has two locations within walking distance of the convention center. “We’re looking to shake things up with cucumbers later this week.”

Two new flavors will be blended up by the end of the week: apricot yogurt and cucumber sorbet. Sweet corn and black raspberry was introduced on Wednesday (because you can never be too far from corn).

But corn and raspberries aren’t the only fresh, local produce that Jeni’s incorporates into ice cream. Every Saturday morning during the summer, each of the store managers goes and gets fresh berries at the North Market, which are then served over ice cream, along with real “whooped cream.”

Jeni’s seeks to utilize whatever ingredients are simply in season. “Farmers brought us beets earlier,” Britton Bauer said, “which we used to color one of our chocolate flavors red-velvet, making it look iridescent.”

Britton Bauer opened her first ice cream adventure, called Scream, in 1996. In 2002, it reopened as Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, which has now expanded to include five retail locations and one production kitchen in and around Columbus. According to jenisicecreams.com, the corporate culture is “to create the finest ice creams with compelling ingredients and serve them with graciousness to every customer.”

“We try to visibly be ambassadors for Columbus,” said Jeni’s spokesperson Ryan Morgan, who attributes himself the unofficial title of “marketer in residence.” Some employees refer to Morgan even more informally as “the Twitter guy,” because he is in charge of the Jeni’s account. “People who come to the convention center like to see what we’re all about.”

Mennonites have been flanking Jeni’s since Monday, with no signs of decreasing traffic until Sunday (not because Mennonites don’t eat ice cream on the Sabbath, but because Convention 2009 officially ends that morning). According to Carly Habenschuss, manager of the North Market location, business has been steady. “Usually our rushes are at lunch and dinner, but now it’s all the time,” Habenschuss said.

Setiawan wasn’t the only Mennonite at a loss for words during the noontime rush at Jeni’s on Wednesday. “It was awesome,” said Alyssa Horst, from Orrville, Ohio. “I’m just trying to get the experience of Columbus.”

That’s exactly what Jeni’s wants customers to consider. “It’s all about the experience,” Morgan said. “You could come in and sample flavors for half an hour. That’s fine. We understand that some of our flavors can be intimidating.”

Britton Bauer goes a step farther. She professes to not be shy about eating ice cream in general – from Jeni’s that is. “Our milk is only pasteurized once and contains as many omega-3s as three fish supplements,” Britton Bauer said. “You can eat a big sundae, which is not low on calories but is high on nutrients. People are surprised to hear it, but our cream is actually kind of good for you.”

There you have it: Indulge a little, take a sample or two – or as many as you want. Make your selection, and enjoy a large helping of frozen deliciousness. Don’t worry, it’s good for you; you’re supporting local farmers; and experiencing the best of Columbus all at once.

“Ice cream is one of the cheapest forms of entertainment,” Morgan said (especially when you’re encouraged to sample as many as you’d like).

“We welcome taste-testing,” Britton Bauer said. “You don’t have to buy anything. It’s important to push people to taste things that invite your flavor memory that eats away at your brain.”

July is National Ice Cream Month, created by President Reagan in 1984. The United States ice cream industry generates more than $21 billion in annual sales, according to the International Dairy Foods Association.

Recent coverage of the ice cream shop can be found in the New York Times, Food and Wine magazine, Food Network, Bon Appetit magazine, and NBC’s Today Show. In June 2009, Bon Appetit ranked Jeni’s as the number eight ice cream shop in the United States. In 2005, Food and Wine handed Britton Bauer a “Tastemaker Award” as an ice cream artist.

The Short North location (just up from the convention center on High Street) is open 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. The shop in the North Market is open Tuesday-Friday from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturday from 8am-5pm; Sunday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

9. Menno Simons bobble head dolls
–Jon Burkholder: Litiz, Pa.

8. Martyr’s Mirror action figures
–Sam Cook: Toledo, Ohio

7. Convention meals
–Mike and Marlene Bogard: Newton, Kan.

6. Mouse pads from recycled bonnet material
–Duane Hershberger: Boyertown, Pa.

5. Tattoos of MC USA logo
–Don Garber: Goshen, Ind.

4. Swords (so you can beat your own plowshares)
–Danny Row: Shickley, Neb.

3. Darts with college names
–Les Gustafson-Zook: Goshen, Ind.

2. Tongue screws
–Rachel Nafziger Hartzler: Goshen, Ind.

1. Gently used plastic baggies
–Michelle Slate: Ritzville, Wash.

OTHER ENTRIES:
Mennonite Mission Network Hummer raffle
–Michael Sherer: Goshen, Ind.

Anabaptist martyr action figures
–Ken Shenk: Findlay, Ohio

Baptism by immersion water slide
–Carol Honderich: Goshen, Ind.

Bluffton giving away free, live beavers
–Hannah Martin: Greencastle, Pa.

Limb insurance (for those pesky farm accidents)
Discount misprinted sweatshop shirts of “Mennonite … and proud”
St. Francis bobble head dolls
–Thomas Neufeld: Lancaster, Pa.

Menno Simons action figures
–Danny Row: Shickley, Neb.

Frisbee dried road apples with green painted Mennonite Church USA birds
–Leona Gingerich: Alberquerque, N.M.

(Christopher) Columbus bobble head dolls
–Janeen Bertsche Johnson: Goshen, Ind.

T-squares
Friz-be-gone hair product
–David Fast: Elkhart, Ind.

Water balloons
–Marriah Martin: Greencastle, Pa.

A booth on martyrs and how to become one
–Alex Ruth: Walkersville, M.D.

Shirt inside an EMU egg
–Nate Welsh: Hagerstown, M.D.

A used hammer (by the consortium of Mennonite colleges — trying to lure Mennonite youth into applying)
–Paul Brubaker: Lancaster, Pa.

Kissing booth
–Nathaniel Riegsecker: Middlebury, Ind.

Coupons to a gun store
–Matthew Fenton: Lancaster, Pa.

Amish horseshoes
Water pistols
Autographed pictures of president
Paisley print scarves
Imprinted thongs
Flip-flops
Martyrs Mirror etchings
Cell phone skins
Bald-head polish
–Don Garber: Goshen, Ind.

Menno Simmons Bobblehead
Dutch Blitz Card
Menno Simmons Tatoos
Dance Dance Revolution games
–Christina Martin: Lancaster, Pa.

Ben and Jerry’s ice cream
–Glen Guyton: Hampton, Va.

Doctrine Droid (insect-sized robotic surveillance gadget for detecting theologically incorrect comments in seminars)
–Sarah Pelagius-Conner

Bratwursts and burgers for $4; pizza at $3 a slice; sushi plates for $5; a wide range of ethnic selections such as Moroccan chicken over mojadara at Firdous Express Mediterranean and traditional Pho fare via at the Lac Viet Market.

All frugal options.

But Flavors of India might provide the most value for your money. Six dollars buys a mountain of basmati rice and two vegetarian sides, including a creamy palak paneer that nicely counters spicy dal lentils. For a few dollars more, add lamb or chicken curry. Don’t miss the refreshingly unique ginger lemonade for $1.50.

The wide selection of international options ensures that everybody can find something to enjoy. But it’s the less exotic offerings that might provide the most memorable taste experiences. The lemon garlic dill cream soup from The Fish Guys stand offers a taste as complex as its name implies. Loaded with giant chunks of freshly-cooked halibut, this rich and hearty soup is the antithesis to the canned variety that college students have become accustomed to. At $3.50 for an eight-ounce cup, soup is a slightly less cost-conscious option, but even frugal diners need to splurge occasionally.

For dessert, Taste of Belgium pairs waffles and crepes with freshly-ground, individually-prepared coffees. You’ll smell (and hear) the grinding coffee beans and sizzling crepes long before you see your food being made before your eyes. Waffles cost $3.75 and dessert crepes run $5. For the true penny-pincher, stop by and try a free sample of the waffles from the amply-stocked tray.

For those looking for a refreshing treat on a hot summer day, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams a few stalls away offers an awe-inspiring – though somewhat paralyzing – selection of homemade treats (keep reading this column for much more information on Jeni’s in the coming days).

North Market is open daily from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Conventiongoers pressed for time should consider planning an early lunch break as the crowds of local business people and fellow Mennos swell soon after noontime.  Ample seating is available in two locations: streetside patio or second-floor, balcony tables. If you’re lucky, your afternoon snack attack might be accompanied by local musicians playing beat-box infused bluegrass, as ours was.

10.  “Smooth criminal … (but only if we’re stealing peace)”  –Immanuel Sila, Denver, Colo.

9.  “We Serve the World”  –Chris Walczak, Antioch, Tenn.

8.  “(Not So) Bad”  –Keith Graber Miller, Goshen, Ind.

7.  “Miller” (Like “Thriller”…get it?)  –Gloria Good, Lititz, Pa.

6.  “Thresh It”  –Brian Yoder Schlabach, Denver, Colo.

5.  “Beat it (Into Plowshares)”  –Michael Sherer, Goshen, Ind.

4.  “Menno In The Mirror”  –Kevin King, Bluffton, Ohio

3. “Menno Jean”  –Gordon Houser, Newton, Kan.

2.  “M.C.C. (1.2.3.)”  –Bill Haggardy, Toledo, Ohio

1.  “(It’s) black / (It’s) white … (okay, it’s mostly white, but we’re working on that)”  –David Fisher Fast, Elkhart, Ind.

Sheldon Good/Photo
Customers gather around A Touch of Earth coffee in North Market. Built in 1876 and reminiscent of Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia, the North Market is home to 32 local merchants that offer a variety of bagels, bratwursts, beads and bouquets.

As you enter the city named for the man who sailed the ocean blue, you might feel a bit claustrophobic. That’s because you’re at the geographic center of Ohio, among approximately 8,000 other Mennonites and within 550 miles of half of the U.S. population.

Chances are you’ll spend most of your convention week inside the walls – which you’ve now realized are quite asymmetric – of the Greater Columbus Convention Center. You’ll breathe and be filled within these walls. But perhaps you’ll get the urge to befriend the surrounding city.

Let’s take a stroll.

Stand outside one of the glass entrance/exit areas along North High Street. Notice there’s no light rail. You’re not in San Jose anymore. Columbus is the largest metropolitan area in the country without a passenger rail service of any kind (light rail or passenger train). In fact, the doors you just exited stand directly over the former Union Station.

Which way to turn?

Left takes you to Nationwide Arena, where the Blue Jackets (NHL) play. The arena district is the entertainment hub of the city. Go here for fine dining and live entertainment.

Right takes you to the Short North Arts District, near Goodale Park, a 40-acre retreat along the corner of the Victorian Village.

Go straight, and you’ll hit the North Market. Built in 1876, this market is reminiscent of Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia (yeah, Philly ‘93!). The North Market is home to 32 local merchants that offer a variety of bagels, bratwursts, beads and bouquets.

Let’s turn right down High Street, in the general direction of Ohio State University (the largest university in the country) and grab some grub.

Don’t look up though — that’s a giveaway that you’re a tourist. And take off that Mennonite Church USA lanyard from around your neck.

Notice the Byzantine-like Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral (which challenges the LEGO-style architecture of the convention center). If you want a leg up on the next Mennonite assembly, visit the parish – it’s a member of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh.

Walk toward Goodale Street. This is the beginning of your bohemian adventure among the Short North Arts District, a milelong stretch of restaurants, shops, galleries and green spaces (similar to the tree-lined First Street in San Jose).

Surf and turf greet hungry travelers. Bluefish Seafood On the Cap to the right; Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse on the left. We’re bourgeois Mennonites not aristocratic New Yorkers. Let’s continue on.

As you approach the I-670 crossover and the first of many wrought-iron arches, the options multiply (the formerly wooden original arches were built in the early 1900s).

Don’t be alarmed, though. If you don’t like change, you might sample the espresso at the convention center’s closest coffee shops, which sit catty-corner – Cup O’ Joe’s and Starbucks (W. Poplar Avenue).

According to the Nashville 2001 mPress, Mennonites love ice cream. Ben and Jerry’s ran out of ice cream at the OpryLand Hotel. Thankfully there’s a Coldstone Creamery on the left. Don’t worry – it costs just as much.

But the Short North is renowned more for its murals than its ice cream.

Two of the city’s oldest murals decorate Milley Alley. On north wall of Utrecht Art Supplies sits a mural of Columbus’s original Union Station (now the site of our convention center). On the south wall of Union Station Café is a 100-foot-long collage of trains. Both were painted by Greg and Jeff Ackers in 1989.

The Short North’s most recent mural is on the opposite side of High Street. Curtis Goldstein and Michelle Attias painted this recreation of George Wesley Bellows’s “Cliff Dwellers” in 2004. Notice the chimney.

For more historic encounters, head east to the Italian Village. This area was one of Columbus’s first suburbs and was annexed in 1862.

But we still haven’t found lunch.

For a quickie, try the $7 shawarmas and gyros at Happy Greek (660 N. High St.).

In a large group? In the spirit of Happy Greek, consider a hummus appetizer along with your deep-dish pizza at Fabian’s, one block farther, on the left.

A frugal eater? Five dollars will get you the most food – pound per dollar – at Phillip’s Coney Island restaurant (747 N. High St.)

Finally. Dessert. If you didn’t already fall victim at Coldstone Creamery (or even if you did), stop for a scoop at Jeni’s (corner of High and E. Lincoln Sts.). Thai Chili, Gravel Road and Black Coffee highlight the signature flavor list. Remember Cup O’ Joe’s? They roast their own beans, which flavors Jeni’s Black Coffee flavor.

It’s almost time to get back for the afternoon seminars. Almost.

Walk two blocks down Buttles Avenue. If your breathing gets easier, it’s more than just your metabolism going to work on your Jeni’s waffle cone. You’re approaching the northeast corner of Goodale Park.

Too bad the convention didn’t start on the weekend. The Community Festival (ComFest) – according to comfest.com, arguably the largest free, noncorporate urban music and arts festival in the country – was held here June 26-28.

Take a stroll through the park (past the pond), and wind your way back to Goodale Street. This street takes you back to High Street, the beginning of our trek.

You’ve now successfully traversed the surrounding quarters of downtown Columbus. You no longer have to wonder why Money magazine voted Columbus the eighth-best city to inhabit.

But you’re now left with a new question after all that walking: why doesn’t Columbus have a light rail like San Jose?

Don’t worry – Pittsburgh and Phoenix both do.

Editor’s note: Sheldon Good wrote this article while he was finishing his senior year at Goshen College, well before the convention. He reported the story courtesy of Google and the Internet.

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