On the Banks of the Jordan

River East Church has a long history of struggles and victories. Pastor Mary Anne Isaak used the Israelite story from Deuteronomy and showed how God led this people from the wilderness across the Jordan into a new, promising land. This has made me think about the REC situation and led me to write the following.

What a history we have had, a history

From humble beginnings at Princess Margaret School

To the building at the corner of McLeod and Raleigh,

The church has faced many trials throughout this time,

But always within the Mennonite Brethren fold.

Even when a sad, disturbing split occurred that brought tears to many,

The church body, though suffering from body blows,

Stayed true to its mission: to be a helping hand to all.

River East challenged many traditions and covenant rules,

But sought to help the larger family see the benefits and joys

That come from changes—from open baptism modes, to women in ministry.

Always looking forward to the riches this direction could bring.

River East Church again is facing major disruptions,

But this change is different from all others.

River East has lost its place in the family—

The Mennonite Brethren Conference has removed

The church from its family—cut off and made an orphan!

What a blow to this local set of believers.

However, just as in times past, the church must look beyond today;

Just like the Israelites of old, River East Church is at an exciting juncture.

We have a wide open path, across the Jordan, into a future filled with possibilities.

Nothing but our own fears and hesitations may keep us

From developing many new connections and relationships.

Where do we go from here—now unencumbered and excited about the future?

Can we connect with others of like ilk and open up a path for them and us?              

What happens if we travel this path alone?

Will our church increase or decrease because we took a stance for inclusion?

How do we move forward without unnecessary severing of all past ties?

What will it take to bring together all within our ranks, even if not all wanted this separation?

How do we discern God’s path for us as we move beyond this stone memorial?

Questions we have, but answers will take time.

River East Church, in typical fashion, will study all possibilities,

And study some more, until the right decision is made

For all the within the church, to best serve God and all humanity.

Let’s take the time to catch our collective breath,

And move forward with united mind and heart

Can two walk together…?

Recently I attended a special session of the Mennonite Brethren Church of Manitoba. In the past, I have attended, with joy, many conventions. This one was different. I was sad, angry, frustrated and defeated. Why? Our local church, River East Church, was ‘on trial’ for its stance concerning the LGBTQ+ community. We had drawn up a statement of inclusivity, which stated that ALL individuals are welcome, not only to attend, but to participate fully in the life of the church.

Because of this, the Conference delegates voted to expel REC from the M.B. Conference. For a person like me, who has a life-long connection to the M.B. Church, this was a total blow. What do I (we) do now?

Personally I looked to scripture to console my spirit. I immediately was drawn to the passage in Amos 3:3 “Can two people walk together except   they be agreed?” (KJV) The Message, one of my favorite translations, stated “Do two people walk hand in hand if they aren’t going to the same place?”. I mulled over this passage—what was the Spirit trying to tell me?

I thought—O this is the Old Testament, what does the New Testament tell me? I was captured by the words of John in I John 2:5-6, “But the love of God is truly perfected in whoever keeps his word. The one who claims to remain in him ought to live in the same way as he lived.”(CEB)  Or as the NIV states in I John 2:6 “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” What was John saying? How did Jesus live, and how do we follow his example? Again, I am reminded of Christ’s words in the Sermon on the Mount, where he repeatedly reminds his listeners, “You have heard that it was said by them of old time…but I say to you…” (Mathew 5). Jesus was demonstrating a “better way,” a way of love and compassion.

I am amazed at the many times Jesus mixed with the “outcasts” of society and demonstrated love, not judgment. Think of the woman at the well. Jesus sat with her and carried on a rather deep conversation, even though the disciples were rather horrified at what they observed.  Think also of the woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears. What did Jesus do? He admonished the supposed righteous members around the table, by asking, “Do you see this woman?” (Luke 7:44) Simon, the host, was put to shame because the usual “hosting duties” he should have performed were done by this “sinful” woman. Simon needed to have his “spiritual eyes” opened to the people around him, not as sinners to be shunned, but as individuals who needed to be shown love.

And of course, we all recognize the story of the Good Samaritan. It was the “outcast” from Samaria who showed mercy and love.  Here again, Jesus was teaching that love of a stranger is vital in the ongoing story of the Kingdom of God. There are many other examples of Christ showing love in his walk. What do we make of his example to us?

Both Peter and Paul came to the realization that their “Old Testament” rules and ways of treating others needed revision. Peter was challenged by God that what Peter thought was unclean God loved and accepted. Paul, for a long time, tried to root out the “cankerous” followers of Christ, only to be challenged by God that Paul was wrong and needed to accept the lordship of Christ. When Paul said yes, what great changes came to the world he knew.

The “Council of Jerusalem” (Acts 15) brought into focus the differences within the church body. The Gentile believers no longer were required to follow all the Jewish laws and traditions. Diversity was the accepted standard for the Body of Christ.

When I reflect on what transpired at the M.B. Manitoba convention, I see little of the love of Christ. I see judgment, and pious righteousness. I did not hear anyone ask, “What would Jesus expect and do if he were at this convention?”

I see Jesus weeping, sad that two are unable to walk together. I see Jesus with arms outstretched, “Come to me, regardless of your circumstances, regardless of someone’s presumed sinfulness, and regardless of differences. In my kingdom, all are welcome; diversity is what makes us strong.”

I  am sad, and I know many others are also grieving this decision. My question is to the Mennonite Brethren Conference leadership. When will you see the error of your ways, and recognize that Christ’s love supersedes all? Diversity within an organization is healthy for effective growth.  Our arms are open to receive you in order that we, together, can build God’s Kingdom. In the meantime, I grieve—for the Conference, for its leaders, for the lack of diversity allowed.