Blossom Hill Mennonite Church

We are all called to do the work of spreading compassion and understanding. Acting with compassion is not the work of the left or the right, the conservative o...r the progressive. It is the work of all of us who care about those who have experienced life in ways that are different than we have. It is about doing the work of stepping into other shoes by listening, it is about stripping off each of our blinders to the misery, trauma, and discomfort that others have experienced. It is about engaging with those who are different than we are. Andy Dula Words That Activate Change is a digital article series focused on uplifting voices in our community that encourage dialogue, cultivate transformation, offer thought-provoking ideas, and challenge all of us to be better, be stronger, and, most importantly, be advocates for systematic change within both our community and our workforce. Read the sixth article by Andy Dula, Chief Operating and Financial Officer of EGStoltzfus.

Tune in for yesterday's conversation on Race, Church and Change with some of Mennonite Church USA's leaders.

The balcony progress continues! Here they are lifting the pews up to the balcony from the fellowship hall.

In response to the lynchings of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25, Breonna Taylor in her Louisville, KY home on March 13, Ahmaud Arbery while he was jogging in his Georgia neighborhood on February 23, and countless other precious black and brown lives, we condemn white supremacy. We grieve with their families and lament the loss of life. We condemn the brutal policing of black people and the constant threat of violence to black lives. As a majority white congregation, we ...confess that we have benefited and continue to benefit from white supremacy, but only to the very detriment of our souls and well-being. As the Reverend Dr. Otis Moss III said, "Racism is a virus. It infects the spirit. We acknowledge the virus among us and we recognize our impulses to claim that "we are different" or "we aren't racist". We confess that at times our actions have not matched our words and our good deeds have disguised our complicity. We confess that only a fraction from our Mennonite faith communities were in solidarity with our black and brown siblings during the civil rights movement and the shortage continues in 2020. The wisdom of Rev Vincent Harding at the Mennonite World Conference in Amsterdam in 1967 is as much a word for today: "On which side are we as Mennonites, Christians, and humans who love humanity? .Are we surrounded by the barricades of a status quo where we pray that the storm may pass on so that we can continue living without disturbance? . In this case, we must admit that we are... missionaries of law and order, defenders of a status quo, and seekers for peace without a cross." We confess that our peace stance means nothing when we are silent as people are oppressed, imprisoned and murdered for the color of their skin. As people of faith, we recognize the sacredness of standing in solidarity with black lives as we are all created in the image of God. We also acknowledge that this statement alone is not solidarity. By the grace of God, may we follow the lead of our black and brown siblings and do the work we must do so that all may breathe and live. (In the comments below are some suggestions from Dr. Regina Shands Stoltzfus for how to engage in the work of justice for black lives.)

Congrats to all the 2020 graduates!

Saw a couple things recently...a virtual talent show, virtual hymn sing, virtual tea time, what else could we do? Any ideas or suggestions?

So, week 6 or 7 for us...anyone learn a new skill? Or find something they forgot about? What’s been encouraging you?

A Maundy Thursday idea from our Rossmere Mennonite siblings

We had a great team from Blossom Hill Mennonite Church make, package and serve about a 100 takeout meals on Monday night! Guests enjoyed meatloaf, fresh corn fr...om summer harvest, green beans, applesauce, cookies and water or milk. We are so grateful to be able to continue to provide meals each week, thanks to such amazing volunteers!

Post some songs that have been encouraging to you this week!

One of the coolest things I’m seeing is people reaching out online and the ingenuity of making that happen. Helping others to see we’re not alone in this, even if we are at home. Found this video via twitter and thought it illustrates the ability for music to transcend language. These two teenage twins from Sicily, Italy choose to share and I’m so glad they did. It brightened my morning. Hope all of you are well! -CM

Look for the virtual worship service again this Sunday, by email!

How’s everyone’s week been going?