July/August 2006 Merle Durst Licensed for Red Run Mennonite Church We had a very touching and challenging service May 20, 2006, when our overseer, Daryl (Doc) Dawson, officiated in the service of licensing Merle Durst from Meyersdale, Pa., for the Red Run Mennonite Doc Dawson also brought the morning message, Build on the Rock of Christ. He dwelt on the verse from 1 Corinthians 3:16, encouraging the church to have the doors open for sinners, ready to meet the needs of people, as when Jesus brought Lazarus from the grave. Jesus told the people to loose Lazarus from his grave clothes, and let him go. Se we, too, can tell people to be loosed from their grave clothes (the bondage of sin) through the Lord Jesus Christ. Following the sermon, Doc Dawson had Merle kneel with his wife, Jennel by his side, and with laying on of hands, installed him as pastor. Then we, as a church, gathered around them, showing that we will be standing with them in prayer and support. We also were blessed to have the Durst s musical group, God s Ambassadors, with us. They sang a number of songs during our worship service. A fellowship meal followed the worship service. The room was beautifully decorated for this special occasion. Dorothy A. Yoder, Red Run Merle and Jennel Durst listen as Doc Dawson (center) asks Merle the questions for liecensing pastors in Mennonite Church USA.
Scottdale MC Urged to Depend On God's Grace Below: Chairs, pulpit, and piano were moved from the Kingview Road location into the Market Street location to create a new worship space for the Scottdale Mennonite congregation. Photo Credits: p. 1, 3, & 4, supplied by authors; p. 2, Donna Mast; p. 7, Conrad Mast. On June 4 Scottdale Mennonite Church held its first service in the refurbished meetinghouse on Market Street. This was the final step in the merger of Kingview Mennonite Church and Mennonite Church of Scottdale which had been formalized on June 1, 2003. Numbers of persons had worked hard on the refurbishing. James Lederach, chair of the congregation, was pleased by the results. There were a lot of people working together, he said. It seems to redeem some of the disharmony of the last year or two. The congregation had been meeting for extended periods in each of the church buildings while efforts were made to decide which one to use. At one point the council recommended keeping both buildings, one for wor- ship and the other for program and offices. This recommendation did not pass so the council tried again and finally recommended keeping the older building. This received a majority vote, but a sizable group was not happy and some of them were not present on June 4. Addressing the congregation that morning, Dirk Kaufman used the Serenity Prayer as basis for his sermon along with Jesus words to Peter in Matt. 19:28-30. Like Peter in verse 27 we wonder, What will we have? We have stuck together, Kaufman said. What will we get? He answered that what we get is grace. Grace provides us a time to celebrate being Christian, being a fellowship, being a family, eternal life. We give up a lot to be a Christian, he said. What do we get? We get to fellowship with people all over the world. Scottdale once had three Mennonite congregations although they were all tied together. North Scottdale and Kingview had begun as Sunday schools sponsored by the home congregation. Jim Sprinkle remembered that as a small boy he attended the church on Market Street. Then his family transferred to North Scottdale. When that building was ruined by termites he went to Kingview and now he was invited to complete the circle by returning to Scottdale. Let s celebrate God s grace in this congregation, Kaufman urged. Don t worry what God has in mind. Daniel Hertzler, Scottdale July/Aug. 2006 Volume 63 Number 4 Allegheny Conference News (ISSN 0746-7362) is published six times a year. Periodical postage paid at Scottdale, PA 15683. Send all change of address notices, editorial and business correspondence to Donna Mast, editor, Allegheny Conference News, 531 Scottdale Ave., Scottdale, PA 15683; home phone: (724) 8875563; e-mail: kingview@westol.com. Printed in USA. 2 Allegheny Conference News July/Aug. 2006
Maple Grove Receives Seven New Members Maple Grove was blessed to take in seven new members by believers baptism on Easter Morning. The new members, standing in front of their parents or special faith friends, (from left to right in the picture above) are: Josh Yoder, Evan Yoder, Brenda Renninger, Faith Geckle, Ashley Geckle, Kelsey Byler and Tanner Atkins. Easter Lilies adorned the pulpit, placed there by members in memory of, in appreciation of and in celebration of special people in their lives. Maple Grove 2006 New Believers Class Front row: Kelsey Byler and Ashley Geckle. Back Row: Evan Yoder, Tanner Atkins and Josh Yoder. (Missing were Faith Geckle and Brenda Renninger.) July/Aug. 2006 Allegheny Conference News 3
Top: Doug Berg & John Hepler downsizing Springs MC church pews for the auction. Above: Quilters. Top Right: Youth knotting comforters. TriState Relief Sale Vintage Quilts & Tea ~ July 7 & 8 As good Mennonites, we have learned to be frugal and continue to reuse items to save the environment. TriState is encouraging anyone who has old quilts, both good and poor condition, to contribute these to raise funds for Mennonite Central Committee. We are not asking for your treasured heirlooms, but perhaps you have some stored away or perhaps you will find one that someone did not want at a yard sale. These may be taken to the TriState Relief Sale to give to the quilt committee or to the TriState s new event this year on Friday and Saturday, July 7 & 8 : Vintage Quilts & Tea at Penn Alps Restaurant, Grantsville, Md. The Spruce Forest Summer Quilt Festival will be held at the same time, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday. While enjoying tea and fancies and the display of vintage quilts, you may have your quilt evaluated by a Quilt Historian from the Lancaster Quilt Museum and a Textile Expert, trained at Williamsburg. They will date, identify and provide textile information. Admission is $5.00 plus $2.00 for each textile item to be evaluated. More information is on www.tristatesale.org. TriState Relief Sale ~ July 21 & 22 The TriState Relief Sale will be ready to host you as we all have fun together while helping others at the Garrett County Fairgrounds, McHenry, Md. You will want to attend both days, Friday and Saturday. Enjoy a casual Friday evening music program while shopping at the Market Place or Silent Auction where you will find those one-of-a-kind items. Saturday you can again enjoy the classic auto cruise-in and the chance to bid on signed NFL footballs, including a limited edition Super Bowl 2006 football. The children from the 2005 TriState Relief Sale created a comforter which will be auctioned on Saturday. Schedule of Events Friday July 21 4:30 p.m. Food Booths Open Preview Quilts & Auction Items Market Place Opens 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Giant Silent Auction Music Performances Saturday July 22 7:30 a.m. Gates Open Pancakes & Sausage Breakfast 8:30 a.m. Classic Auto Cruise-In Market Place Opens 9:00 a.m. Children s Activities Opens 10 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Auction: Quilts Etc. 11:00-Noon Children s Auction 11:30 a.m.chicken BBQ Handcrafted furniture, lovely quilts, artwork by local artisans there will be something for everyone. The children always have a good time learning about how they can help respond to the needs of others. Go to www.tristatesale.org to view a list of sale items and for more information and refer to the June TriState newsletter for more details. The more people who become involved by participating and providing sale items, the more people we can help to have a better life. With further questions, contact (724) 864-2037, (814) 445-6945 or (814) 479-4827. 4 Allegheny Conference News July/Aug. 2006
Service Adventure: Room for Grace For Service Adventure participants, community living encompasses the good, the bad, the ugly and leaves room for grace. For 101 2 months these young adults live together with a unit leader while they serve in eight communities across the United States. While units have great adventures together, it s not fun and games all the time. Conflict is inevitable in life and even more difficult to avoid when living communally. No matter how hard one may try to appease four people at the same time in the same place, such a feat is not only impossible, but futile, said Caleb Miller of the Albuquerque, N.Mex. unit. And it s not easy to admit to being part of a problem. In the beginning I really had a hard time admitting that I make mistakes and that I m not an angel, said Anne Wahl of the Albany, Ore., unit. But living with others has taught her lessons she s thankful for. Direct and indirect messages throughout the year opened my eyes and showed me behaviors I have to work on. Unit leaders help participants think about their conflicts and how to reconcile with one another. Once a month the Albany unit sits down for a sharing circle, said Mary Lou Bonham, who leads the unit with husband, Rusty. Each person shares what they re experiencing, uninterrupted. Problem-solving comes later, Bonham said, after each person has been heard. I believe Christ called us to community because it is the most efficient and direct route to encounter both what is sacred and what [needs work] in myself and another person, Bonham said. Monty Graber, leader of the Albuquerque unit, said communication is the key to success in community living. He hopes to guide young adults in figuring out how to work conflicts out on their own. Monthly one-on-one meetings with each participant give him a way to check in, while weekly house meetings are often the place to resolve problems. Living in community is a lesson in patience, said Daniel Foxvog of the Philippi, W.Va. unit. Though at times this lifestyle has tested him, he s learned how to love and respect others on a new level. It s also made him take a new look at his own values, habits and priorities. I have been blessed by the relationships that I have built at work, church and especially the unit, he said. In Service Adventure the household isn t the only community young adults interact with. Local congregations that support each unit provide a wealth of opportunities for learning about living in right relationships. At Philippi Mennonite Church young adults play an important role in congregational life. Here I have been able to try out different areas in which to contribute to the church, said Philippi participant Trish Hershberger. Because of her increased role in worship, Hershberger s concept of church has been redefined. The example they have set before me this year has given me the greatest and most profound view of true discipleship, she said. Each young adult in Service Adventure is assigned to a host family from the supporting congregation. These hosts help young adults feel connected by including them in family meals, special trips and providing transportation to appointments. Host families provide the bridge to the community and family that the participants left behind, Graber said. Host parents can also step in if the leader is away and gives young adults a break from everyday life. Living in a household is actually the first occasion many young adults have in experimenting with the concept of compromise and negotiation, said James Krabill, the Mission Network s senior executive of global ministries. Yet the experience prepares these young adults for a life-time of problem solving and communicating with others. Julia Patton of the Raleigh, N.Car., unit said her year in Service Adventure has helped prepare her for living in a college dorm, dealing with family and getting along with neighbors. If we all put our heads together we will sooner or later get an idea of how to fix something, plan a trip or get the weekly house chores arranged, she said. And, Bonham said, the people she has lived, laughed and struggled with will forever hold a special place in her heart. Bethany Keener, Mennonite Mission Network July/Aug. 2006 Allegheny Conference News 5
PEOPLE David B. Miller, pastor of University Mennonite Church, received a Doctor of Ministry degree from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia, on May 20. His D.Min project was entitled: The Missional Church and the End of Christian Social Ethics: Reassessing, Remembering, Rehearsing. At commencement he received the George and Sally Telford Award which annually recognizes an outstanding graduate in the Doctor of Ministry program who shows exceptional ability for congregational leadership with an emphasis on social justice issues and vision for the church. David has served as pastor at University since August 1997. Goshen College recently recognized 212 students, including five Allegheny Conference students, for excellence in academics, on the 2005-06 spring semester Dean s List. The Dean s List includes students earning at least a 3.8 GPA, while completing at least 12 hours of course work for a letter grade and taking no courses credit-elect. Lauren R. Hall, daughter of Joyce and Marvin Hall of State College, is a sophomore studying nursing at Goshen College. She graduated from State College Area High School in 2003 and attends University Mennonite Anna E. Mast, daughter of Conrad and Donna Mast of Scottdale, is a junior studying art at Goshen College. She graduated from Southmoreland Senior High School in 2004 and attends Scottdale Mennonite Mary Elizabeth Miller, daughter of David and Mary Kathryn Miller of State College, is a senior studying peace, justice and conflict studies at Goshen College. She graduated from State College Area High School in 2004 and attends University Mennonite Kathryn R. Stutzman, daughter of Mervin and Rose Mary Stutzman of Nairobi, Kenya, is a junior studying biology at Goshen College. She graduated from Central Christian High School, Kidron, Ohio, and attends Scottdale (Pa.) Mennonite Jason A. Yoder, son of Joseph and Amanda Yoder of Sturgis, is a junior studying mathematics and computer science at Goshen College. He graduated from Southmoreland Senior High School, Scottdale, Pa., in 2004 and attends Scottdale Mennonite Eight students from Allegheny Mennonite Conference were among the 405 members of the Eastern Mennonite University graduating class of 2006. The 88th annual commencement exercises were held Apr. 30 under sunny skies on the front lawn of campus. The students, their majors, parents and home congregations are: Michael P. Dezort, Normallville, Pa., bachelor of arts degree in music, son of William and Alta Dezort; member of Scottdale Mennonite Benjamin T. Heatwole, Springs, Pa., bachelor of science degree in biology with minor in psychology, summa cum laude; and Sara M. Heatwole, BS degree in congregational and youth ministries with minors in music and psychology, cum laude; son and daughter of Steven and Bonnie Heatwole, Mt. Joy, Pa.. Benjamin and Sara are members of Springs Mennonite Andrea R. Opel, Accident, Md., BA in psychology with minor in youth ministry, cum laude; daughter of Jeffrey and Rose Opel, Glade Mennonite Kurt H. Rosenberger, State College, Pa., BS in art with minor in environmental science; son of James and Gloria Rosenberger, University Mennonite Adam D. Savanick, Scottdale, Pa., BS in history with minor in communication; son of Reuben and Marty Savanick, Scottdale Mennonite Julian S. Wiebe-Johnson, Elkhart, Ind., BA in economic development and economics with minor in communication, cum laude; son of Stephen and Dorothy Wiebe-Johnson. Julian is a member of Scottdale Mennonite Sarah G. Yoder, Davidsville, Pa., BS in social work, cum laude; daughter of Daniel and Marcia Yoder, Kaufman Mennonite In addition, two Allegheny Conference members graduated from Eastern Mennonite Seminary on the EMU campus in separate commencement exercises held Apr. 29. Brenda L. Benner of Friedens, Pa., and Jeremy W. Byler of Harrisonburg both received the master of divinity degree. Benner is a member of New Life Mennonite Church, and Byler is a member of Maple Grove Mennonite 6 Allegheny Conference News July/Aug. 2006
Eight Goshen College students will spend their summer pursuing an interest in outdoor ministry at a church-related camp or retreat center through the college s Camping Inquiry Program (CIP). An Allegheny Conference resident is among the participants. Anna Mast, a junior art major from Scottdale, will be serving at Laurelville Mennonite Church Center in Mount Pleasant, Pa. Mast is the daughter of Conrad and Donna Mast. She graduated from Southmoreland Senior High School in 2004 and attends Scottdale Mennonite Now in its fifth year, CIP involves a collaborative effort by Goshen College, students home congregations and the host camps. With the support of the United Service Foundation of New Holland, Pa., CIP enables students to participate in a leadership internship and receive a $2,000 scholarship toward their return to college in the fall. CIP grew from a donor couple s life-long interest in camping. Larry and Janet Newswanger, former residents of Goshen and friends of Goshen College, envisioned a camping internship program that would parallel existing programs in congregational ministry (Ministry Inquiry Program) and church-sponsored voluntary service (Service Inquiry Program). CIP provides students with the opportunity to spend three months interning at one of several camps and retreat centers affiliated with the Mennonite Camping Association. Anna Mast Allegheny Mennonite Conference Office PO Box 12, Somerset, PA 15501 ph. 814-443-2007 fax 814-445-3418 e-mail: office@amc-mcusa.org Three Allegheny Conference natives are among the 240 candidates who received diplomas at Goshen College s 108th Annual Commencement April 23. Rachel L. Eisenstat, daughter of Mike and Donna Eisenstat of Waynesburg, received a bachelor s degree in peace, justice and conflict studies. She is a graduate of Waynesburg Central High School and attends Morgantown Church of the Brethren. Mary Elizabeth Miller, daughter of David and Mary Kathryn Miller of State College, received a bachelor s degree in peace, justice and conflict studies. She is a graduate of State College Area High School and attends University Mennonite Daniel K. Stutzman, son of Mervin and Rose Stutzman, former residents of Scottdale now living in Nairobi, Kenya., received a bachelor s degree in music. He is a graduate of Southmoreland Senior High School and attends Scottdale Mennonite From the Editor As I began filing the May-June issue of Allegheny Conference News I felt my face redden. I had discovered a blatant error. There on the front page, in bold type, the headline I d written stated that the delegates had met at a congregation that is no longer a part of Allegheny Conference. The first sentence of the article set things to right, but the headline remains! Here s an example of why it is not wise to do your own proof reading. As I write, I am enjoying the slower pace of a 3-month sabbatical. One of the things I m relearning during this time is to recognize that mistakes happen. To be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect (Matt. 5:48) does not mean we should feed perfectionistic tendencies. Rather, Jesus is encouraging us to love as God loves. As we love in this way, we are made complete or perfect. I am human. Humans make mistakes. I made a mistake. But I still apologize, particularly to Barrville, who hosted the delegates, and to the rest of you for any confusion I caused. Donna Mast Conference Calendar July 15 Registrations due for AMC Annual Meeting July 21-22 TriState Relief Sale McHenry, Md. August 1 Deadline Sept./Oct. issue ACNews August 4-6 AMC Annual Meeting at Laurelville September 8-10 Pastor-Spouse Retreat at Laurelville October 3 Deadline Jan.-Feb. issue ACNews ACNews 531 Scottdale Ave. Scottdale, PA 15683 ph. 724-887-5563 e-mail: kingview@westol.com July/Aug. 2006 Allegheny Conference News 7
Postmaster: Send Form 3579 to Allegheny Conference News, 531 Scottdale Ave., Scottdale, PA 15683. Book Review: The History of Hyattsville Mennonite Church by Gene Miller The 50th Anniversary book on Hyattsville Mennonite Church is now in print from Pandora Press in Waterloo, Ontario. Taking Root in Strange Soil is now available for sale online for only $15(USA)/ copy ($18CDN) at www.pandorapress.com or 866-696-1678. Two of Hyattsville s own have made this celebratory book a possibility. Gene Miller researched and wrote the text and Nancy Gehman designed the book and coordinated its production. Here is what Gene has to say about Taking Root in Strange Soil: If writing history simply involved collecting facts, then the World Almanac would be a great history. It isn t, and the reason it isn t is because history is not just facts, it s a story. Taking Root in Strange Soil is one take on Hyattsville s story: how the congregation came to be and what happened to it after it began in 1952 in the Georgetown section of Washington, DC. Because Hyattsville is our congregation, this story is our story. It describes how we ve come to where we are today. The book has regular chapters in it that tell the more-or-less chronological story, but it also has some excursions into issues in greater depth. For example, the first three chapters deal pretty straightforwardly with the founding of the congregation and its subsequent move from Georgetown to Woodridge, and then to its own building in Hyattsville. After a chapter on the 1972 congregational reorganization, there is an excursus that explores some of the differences between Hyattsville s first constitution and the new organizing document adopted in 1972, which was called the Polity. There are subsequent explorations of Hyattsville s decision to seek dual OM/GC affiliation, as well as its decision to accept its first gay member. Edward Stoltzfus, professor at Eastern Mennonite Seminary, submits the following review: Taking Root in Strange Soil lets us peek into the metabolism of the Hyattsville congregation in the Washington D.C. area. It tells us what we expect from a congregation s history details about the congregation s beginning, its members, its ministers, the growth of its internal structures, its theological and ethical emphases and characteristics. But Gene Miller gives more. A lot more. Here we watch a gathering of Mennonites and others from different rural and ethnically distinct backgrounds nurture the best of their inherited Christian and Mennonite identities and values. They negotiate their way, usually intentionally but sometimes haphazardly, through the growing pains of a congregation s internal life its membership, organization, education and worship practices, style of leadership, building needs and financial arrangements. We see them deal with outside institutions and influences relations with Mennonite conferences, the character of their witness in the community, along with the pressures of urbanization, intensified individualism and secularization. This is an important, well-told story. You need to read it. 8 Allegheny Conference News July/Aug. 2006