Hex signs on barns, fertile farms, plain dress, PA Dutch cooking: These are the first impressions many people have of Mennonites in Lancaster County. But the ethic of compassion of these folk draws from a deeper well: From their founder, Menno Simons, to the present day, the practice of helping others is deeply ingrained:
In fact, the mission statement on the website of the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), echoes those words of Menno Simons in 1541:
The Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), a worldwide ministry of Anabaptist churches, shares God’s love and compassion for all in the name of Christ by responding to basic human needs and working for peace and justice. MCC envisions communities worldwide in right relationship with God, one another and creation.
Their logo expresses their mission as the cross and dove merge in a “dynamic, interactive relationship in which the cross empties into compassionate action fulfilling our call to global service.”
In a similar vein, loving hands was the image used for the theme of the 90th birthday celebration for my mother and aunt, her sister-in-law, both named Ruth Longenecker, have the same birth year and middle initial “M,” and live independently on the same street,
Mother is and was handy in many ways. Along with Daddy, my mother served on the board of New Life for Girls, an agency supporting the rehabilitation and guidance of young women in urban areas. For many years she volunteered at the Mennonite Home making beds. She served also at the MCC International Gift and Thrift Shop in Mt. Joy, PA. One Monday a month she went to sewing circle where she helped piece quilts and knotted comforters for overseas relief. My sisters and I also remember rolling long, long strips of gauze for bandages to send abroad.
Aunt Ruthie, Principal of Rheems Elementary School and West Donegal Township tax collector, took her call to missions in a different direction. For over 25 years, she with Grandma, opened their home to refugees and immigrants, beginning with Phuong from Vietnam whom she sponsored. Her home was a warm cushion absorbing the cultural shock of leaving home and family. Aunt Ruthie was never married and has no biological children, so she was flummoxed by Phuong’s normal adolescent activity: She takes such long showers, she doesn’t know when to hang up the phone, and she wants to stay out so late!
The house on Anchor Road was a safe haven, welcoming refugees from a collage of countries in addition to Vietnam: Bosnia, Croatia, Serbia, Russia—anywhere there was political upheaval.
Salt of the Earth Award for 25 years of service through Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services in recognition of “exceptional compassion in welcoming the stranger,” as Menno Simons admonished.
When I was a child, Grandma’s house was a Home Depot for relief: On the back porch she collected eggs from local farmers to help the needy. In a corner of the kitchen facing a window with a bird feeder, she parked her sewing machine with stacks of fabric in baskets to make baby clothes, blankets, shirts, pants, pajamas, and comforters. During the Great Depression, the needy were closer at hand, and Grandma would repair raggedy teddy bears with buttons for eyes, and red yarn or rick-rack for the mouth.
Normal teddies Missing ears, detached arms
At the heart of all this giving is love, pure and simple. “And now abideth faith, hope, and charity, but the greatest of these is charity.” And nothing says “love” to a child like a teddy bear.
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Such lovely stories. Salt of the earth indeed. I just wrote a short piece called “Why I Am (Still) a Mennonite” with many of the same sentiments, different examples.
It’s almost a year later, and I see that I have not replied your comment. Ach, well, here’s my second chance.
I have read your short essay on “Why I am (Still) a Mennonite” and can relate to your examples and similar sentiments. You certainly have a gift for expressing in a direct but eloquent way the powerful influence of our heritage.
What a lovely tribute to two women who have made a difference in the lives of others.
To serve others runs deep in your DNA, which is evident in your life. Love the spirit of mercy and grace you display to others.
I vividly remember YOUR family taking in a lonely homesick family who had just recently moved to Jacksonville. You generously shared your Thanksgiving meal with us. I use this often as an example of hospitality and generosity! Thank you.
Thank you for updating our faulty memories. Alas, neither Cliff nor I can recall this event, but I trust your memory–ha!
Hi would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re working
with? I’m planning to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a hard time making
a decision between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
The reason I ask is because your design and style seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something unique.
P.S Apologies for getting off-topic but I had to ask!
I don’t mind the question at all, Sterling. In fact, it’s a compliment.
Right now I am using WordPress and happy with that. WordPress is my platform and my theme is 2011 (Not the year, particularly, but the name for the design of the website.) I hired someone to set up my blog and then used the WP manual to execute it. If you know html, you could set your blog up yourself. Best wishes!
Awesome blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere?
A design like yours with a few simple adjustements would
really make my blog jump out. Please let me know where you got your design.
Many thanks
It is the Twenty Eleven theme if it’s still available from WordPress.
I couldn’t resist commenting. Perfectly written!
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