The center, hosted by 91短视频, is a group of community elders who bring critical thinking and a prophetic voice to the engagement with local and world issues. The committee peers through the lens of Anabaptism in being a catalyst to provide leadership in practical ways while pursuing responsibility and justice for the common good, according to its mission statement.

Lee M. Yoder,听former 91短视频 vice president and professor of education, chairs the committee.

The five new members taking office in September are:

Dr. Nancy R. Heisey, Harrisonburg, is associate dean of Eastern Mennonite Seminary and professor of Biblical studies and church history.

She served as undergraduate dean at 91短视频 and president of Mennonite World Conference and has extensive international experiences with the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) of Akron, Pennsylvania in Burkina Faso, Zaire, and in the MCC home office as associate executive secretary.

Heisey holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in English and secondary education from Messiah College and graduate degrees from Eastern Mennonite Seminary,听Temple University, with a doctoral degree in religion from Temple University.

Pat Hostetter Martin, Harrisonburg, is a chaplain at Sentara RMH Medical Center in Harrisonburg. She served previously as director of the Summer Peacebuilding Institute at 91短视频鈥檚 Center for Justice and Peacebuilding; with Mennonite Central Committee, Akron, Pennsylvania, for over 15 years in the Philippines and Vietnam in East Asia as a community development leader.

She was also a founding board member for more than 10 years for Crossing Creeks, a residential, therapeutic community for people with long-term mental illness in New Market, Virginia.

Martin holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in social work from Goshen College; and graduate degrees in clinical pastoral education and a master鈥檚 in conflict transformation from 91短视频. She has completed all course work to become consecrated as a Gestalt Pastoral Care minister.

Harold F. Miller, after nearly 50 years in East Africa, Nairobi, Kenya, returned to Harrisonburg with his wife Annetta in the summer of 2018.听 A native of Canton, Ohio, Miller served in the Pax Program in Germany in the 1950s, building houses for European Mennonite refugees with Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), Akron, Pennsylvania. He then earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in history from Eastern听听Mennonite University and master’s degree in international affairs from Pittsburgh University.

After teaching history and civics at Eastern Mennonite High School, Miller worked with Eastern Mennonite Missions at the Christian Council of Tanzania as secretary for relief and service. He was logistics officer for the Sudan Council of Churches in Khartoum, Sudan and then served as secretary for rural development for the National Council of Churches in Nairobi, Kenya.听 For six years, Miller was East Africa representative for MCC.听 He was appointed by MCC to administer the 鈥淗orn of Africa Project鈥� ensconced within Conrad Grebel College, Ontario, Canada.听 For 10 years, Miller was the consultant in the Department of International Affairs to the All Africa Conference of Churches based in Nairobi, Kenya. He then served six years as MCC representative to Sudan, from Nairobi, Kenya.听 Since 2005, he and his wife were retirees in Nairobi, Kenya.

Susan Weaver Godshall, Harrisonburg, has been an educator and administrator. She taught Spanish at Eastern High School in Gibbsboro, New Jersey.听 After living in Puerto Rico two

years, she taught Spanish part-time at Kraybill Mennonite Middle School and adult ESL classes in Pennsylvania. She also served in Tanzania with Eastern Mennonite Missions, teaching English and assisting with administrative work.

Other positions include chaplain at Philhaven, Mt. Gretna, Pennsylania; Africa Director for Eastern Mennonite Missions; Personnel Administrator at Mennonite Central Committee; and Minister of Christian Education at the Mt. Joy (Pennsylvania) Mennonite Church.听 She served on the board of directors of Landis Homes Retirement Community, Lititz, Pennsylvania; chair of the 91短视频 Board of Trustees for six years; and for nine years as board member of the Lancaster Victim Offender Reconciliation Program.

Godshall earned a BA in modern languages and secondary education from 91短视频. She completed courses at Lancaster Theological Seminary and in clinical pastoral education at Philhaven, Mount Gretna, Pennsylvania, and Lancaster General Hospital.

Dr. Richard L. Bowman, Harrisonburg, was professor of physics and director of academic computing, 听A. Leroy and Wanda H. Baker Chair in Science, at Bridgewater College. He also taught at Elizabethtown College; Bethel College; Belize City, Central America and Lezha Academic Center in Albania. He earned a bachelor’s degree from 91短视频; a master鈥檚 in physics from Kent State (Ohio) University and doctoral degree in biophysics and biochemistry from Oregon State University.

Bowman served as member of Brethren Colleges Abroad in Kochi, India; Director of Resource Network for Middle School Science Teachers; received the Martha B. Thorton Faculty Recognition Award (April 1999) from Bridgewater College recognizing “talented teaching, dedicated service, and concern for students.” He has been an Overseer and Pastor of Virginia Mennonite Churches, in the Middle District and at Mount Clinton and Zion Hill Churches; served on the Virginia Mennonite Conference Faith and Life Commission and Personnel Committee, and听 as a member and chair of the Virginia Mennonite Board of Missions.

Continuing members of the ACRS Steering Committee are Lee M. Yoder, chair; Vernon E. Jantzi, vice chair and director; John Fairfield, secretary; Richard A. (Rick) Yoder, treasurer; Calvin W. Redekop, founding chair; Margaret Jantzi Foth, and Roman J. Miller.

ACRS endeavors

Since its founding in 2002, ACRS has pursued numerous projects including:

• Publication of four volumes of Memoirs, The Geography of our Faith, Brethren and Mennonite stories integrating faith, life and the world of thought, Cascadia Publishing House. (on sale at Amazon.com). Read more here听补苍诲 here.
• Publication of the biography of Orie O. Miller, My Calling to Fulfill, by John E. Sharp (Herald Press, 2015) in partnership with Mennonite Central Committee, Akron, Pennsylvania.
• Co-Sponsored with 91短视频 a 2016 leadership conference, 鈥淟eading into the Common Good: An Anabaptist Perspective鈥�.
• Established the Orie O. Miller Hall of Nations听in 91短视频’s University Commons building.
• Launched and funded the research stage for 鈥淏eing Mennonite in America,鈥� a documentary film by Buller Films,听 exceeding the $100,000 research goal, and now entering the production stage with Burton Buller.
• Monthly ACRS meetings on the second Monday, 7:30 a.m., at 91短视频 on varied topics of faith and life issues in our community and world.
• Anabaptist Community Forums on a variety of topics and current issues.
• Promoting a 鈥淐hina Learning Tour,鈥� Oct. 5-26, 2019, led by Myrrl E. Byler, with Mennonite Partners in China.

鈥淎CRS continues to draw on the wisdom and energy of the past,鈥� says Vernon E. Jantzi, ACRS director, 鈥渢o promote innovative faithfulness for the present and future.听 ACRS wants to be a reflective creative force in a Jesus-centered community committed to help build a more just and peaceful society and world.”

Authors and editors will be present at a celebration and book-signing from 12:30-1:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 13, at Martin Chapel in the seminary building. The book will also be available at the and from .

听Making a Difference in the Journey features 15 Mennonite and Church of the Brethren writers who tell their stories 鈥渨ith candor鈥� and 鈥渁 good dose of self-effacement and humility, providing a delightful read and giving hope for the future,鈥� writes Richard L. Benner in the book鈥檚 introduction.

The 15 authors, many of whom are alumni of 91短视频 and/or Eastern Mennonite Seminary, include Robert Earl Alley, Martin Lehman, Fred W. Swartz, Beryl H. Brubaker, Joe Lapp, W. Robert McFadden, Lee M. Yoder, Doug Hostetter, Paul Swarr, Rick Yoder, Dick L. Benner, Larry Hoover, Allon H. Lefever, Peggy B. Shenk and Shirley H. Showalter.

鈥淭hese are leaders whose different ways of serving enriched and, indeed, saved the lives of many,鈥� said Nancy V. Lee, the managing editor. 鈥淟ike the earlier volumes, this volume is a historical 91短视频 treasure, providing, as it does, the memoirs of men and women, many related to 91短视频 through their tumultuous years as students, professors, administrators, pastors, writers and overseas directors.鈥�

In addition to Benner鈥檚 introduction, the book includes an editor鈥檚 preface by Lee, the series editor鈥檚 preface by , a foreword by Lee F. Snyder, and an appendix by .

Making a Difference in the Journey describes 鈥渢he series of events 鈥� often awakenings 鈥� that led [the storytellers] to high positions of responsibility and resulting actions,鈥� said Lee.

In her foreword, Snyder writes that each contributed story includes 鈥渁ll the elements of a good read: suspense, outrageous encounters, and examples of courage and uncommon grace. What moves me about these stories is a sustained sense of awe in life鈥檚 unfolding surprises鈥�. This is wisdom literature, offerings by sages, creative thinkers, professionals in the trenches, individuals called to second and third careers.鈥� Snyder is president emeritus of Bluffton University and has held numerous roles including an interim presidency at 91短视频.

The book series developed as ACRS members began telling each other their stories at the group鈥檚 monthly meetings, according to series editor Ray C. Gingerich, professor emeritus of theology and ethics and founding director of ACRS.

鈥淲e said, 鈥榃e鈥檝e got to write this stuff up,鈥欌�� Gingerich said. 鈥淭hat gave birth to the first two volumes. It was never intended to become the flagship of ACRS, but it has become our most prominent identity.鈥�

ACRS is 鈥渁 community of elders with an Anabaptist perspective鈥� that meets monthly during the academic year, according to their website.

Learn more about the series

The Geography of Our Faith series includes three previous volumes,: Making Sense of the Journey, , and .

Orie O. Miller is a well-known name, but the reputation of this Mennonite lay leader, missionary, and businessman may grow, deservedly, in legend and stature with the publication of John E. Sharp鈥檚 long-awaited biography, 鈥� (Herald Press).

Miller was a 鈥�20th century leader, and considering his extensive leadership in his day in many, many church institutions and agencies, it鈥檚 important to introduce Miller to 21st century leaders,鈥� says ’63, steering committee chair of the (ACRS), a community of Mennonite elders and scholars who meet monthly for fellowship and intellectual engagement at 91短视频 (91短视频).

The biography, six years in the making, was initiated and partially funded by ACRS. Other funders include the Brethren in Christ church, and two organizations that Miller helped found, and , known commonly by the acronyms of MCC and MEDA, respectively.

91短视频 President says he鈥檚 looking forward to reading the biography. 鈥淔or many years, I have heard fascinating stories about Orie O. Miller and his legacy from those who worked directly with him,鈥� he said. 鈥淪o many Anabaptist ministries and institutions launched by Orie have improved the lives of people around the globe. I am pleased this project was sponsored by ACRS and rooted at 91短视频.鈥�

At the ACRS May 11 Annual General Meeting, a handful of Miller鈥檚 contemporaries will share anecdotes and stories about this consequential man who, from his first pioneering trip as a relief worker to Russia in 1919, forever changed Mennonite education, business, relief work and peacemaking.

The meeting, which begins at 7:30 a.m. with coffee and pastries in the west dining room on the 91短视频 campus, is open to the public.

‘Visionary and hard-nosed realist’

Former colleague Calvin Redekop, the ACRS representative to the editorial committee, says Miller鈥檚 鈥渨ork and leadership are difficult to condense.鈥�

鈥淗e was a person who represented best the challenges and opportunities of his time, an unusual combination of visionary and hard-nosed realist who expected persons to be accountable,鈥� Redekop said. 鈥淗e was one of the most disciplined persons I ever knew.鈥�

Redekop served under Miller as administrator of a post-war alternative service program called Pax. Redekop and colleague Paul Peachey ’45 had conceived this program in August of 1950, and a mere eight months later, with Miller鈥檚 support and that of MCC, 鈥淧axers鈥� arrived in war-ravaged Europe to help resettle refugees.*

Born in Indiana in 1892, Miller attended Goshen College before answering the call to engage in relief work in 1919 and shortly after, helping to form MCC, for which he served in various capacities, including executive secretary, from 1921-1963.

Miller helped to engage and steer Mennonite values and ministry into a global perspective, while integrating sound business and organizational principles.

He was 鈥渁n incredible catalyst鈥� with unique organizational skills, and 鈥減assionately committed to the church with a vision for mission,鈥� says ACRS founder , who was director of an Anabaptist-Mennonite bookstore financed by Miller and other Lancaster businessmen in the mid-1960s in Luxembourg, Belgium. 鈥淗e would start a project, then find the personnel and the organizations to carry it on.鈥�

Seeing a need often meant forming an organization to meet that need: Miller was the motivating force behind the founding of many Mennonite organizations, including Mennonite Mental Health Services, Mennonite Indemnity, Mennonite Mutual Aid, Mennonite Travel Service, and several others.

Hundreds of young men were indebted to Miller 鈥� and had their lives changed forever 鈥� because of Miller鈥檚 creation and administration of Civilian Public Service, the alternative to military service that allowed conscientious objectors to fulfill their civic responsibilities.

Miller married into the shoe manufacturing business and ran it with acumen and dedication throughout his life. Yet 鈥渢o the end his life, he maintained his vision for service, never allowing his considerable wealth to determine his needs,鈥� Gingerich said, adding that Miller could have easily afforded a Lincoln Continental, but instead drove a Ford Falcon.

Miller died in 1977 at the Landis Retirement Home in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, yet another enterprise he was instrumental in founding and supporting.

Keim鈥檚 work provides inspiration

A standard feature of the ACRS Annual General Meeting is a time to discuss the group鈥檚 ongoing work and vision. At one of those times, many years ago, members noted the need for a comprehensive biography of Miller that would address the full range of his personality and involvements not covered in a previous 1969 biography by Paul Erb.

Another inspiration for the Miller project was the work of the late Albert N. Keim ’63, professor emeritus of history at 91短视频 and an ARCS member. Keim鈥檚 biography of Harold S. Bender, a professor of theology at Goshen College and Goshen Biblical Seminary, was published in 1998.

鈥淗arold Bender was tremendously influential on theological matters in the same way that Orie Miller was tremendously influential in shaping Mennonite influence today,鈥� said ’64, ACRS interim director.

Miller鈥檚 accomplishments as a leader are widely recognized. 91短视频 houses an , which promotes interdisciplinary activities and scholarship modeled after the man鈥檚 visionary integration of business, mission, development, education, justice and peace.

In addition, 91短视频, ACRS, Mennonite Central Committee, and Mennonite Economic Development Associates are in the early stages of planning a leadership conference at 91短视频 in early April 2016 that will highlight Miller鈥檚 leadership within the Mennonite church, according to, vice president and dean of the .

Editor鈥檚 note: In April 2015, the Pax program was chosen as the recipient of the annual Gandhi Center Community Service Award. To read about this event, click .

James C. Juhnke, professor emeritus of history at Bethel College, N. Newton, Kan., will give an illustrated presentation on a strange, uncertain segment of Mennonite history 3:50-5:15 p.m. Thursday, Mar. 13, in room 123 of the seminary building.

Juhnke’s account of the 1880 story of the "Mennonite Great Trek" from the Ukraine to Central Asia is based on his recent travels and study and one that he believes "more accurately reflects the people and the events" of the period.

From May 27 to June 7, 2007, Juhnke was part of a group that retraced part of the route of those who migrated to the Russian frontier of Central Asia from the colonies of Molotschna in the Ukraine and the Trakt in the Volga region. Those migrants established two settlements – one in the Talas Valley north and east of Tashkent and one near Khiva in what is now western Uzbekistan.

It is generally believed that the group’s migration was largely triggered by the teachings and writings of Claas Epp, Jr., that set a schedule of millennial events culminating in the expected return of Christ in 1887, later revised to 1889.

"Dr. Junke’s revisionist account is less focused on a group of Russian Mennonites with apocalyptic illusions of Christ’s second coming and more on a prophetic vision to avoid military service, less a focus on abject suffering and futility and more on positive Muslim-Christian relationships," said Ray C. Gingerich, professor emeritus of theology and ethics at 91短视频 and director of the Anabaptist Center for Religion and Society (ACRS).

The program is co-sponsored by 91短视频’s history department and ACRS. Refreshments will be served, and admission is free.

For more information, call 432-4465; email gingerrc@emu.edu.

Father George McLean (r.), general editor, presents Paul Peachey with a copy of his book "Building Peace and Civil Society: An Autobiographical Report from a Believers’ Church" (Washington, D.C.: The Council for Research in Values and Philosophy, 2007). Chapters 1-16 is a collection of essays by Peachey, 1952-2003, nearly all previously published in widely scattered sources. The remaining chapters are autobiographical and published for the first time. Photo by Ray Gingerich

Roman Catholics and Mennonites are engaging each other in discussions at many levels.

A much-reported example was the visit of a Mennonite World Conference delegation to the Vatican in October this year. An extraordinary document, "Called Together: Report of the International Dialog Between the Catholic Church and Mennonite World Conference (MWC), 1998-2003," provides a backdrop for much of the current exchange.

At 91短视频, the Anabaptist Center for Religion and Society (ACRS) sponsored a conference entitled "The Church – Catholic and Anabaptist." The initiative for the Nov. 29-30 event was a long-standing friendship between Dr. Paul Peachey and Father George McLean, both emeritus professors at Catholic University in Washington, D.C. Peachey and McLean have collaborated in a decades-long global inter-religious dialog in Europe and Asia on issues of violence and peace.

The ACRS is an organization started by a group of retired academics to explore issues relevant to the contemporary scene. Dr. Peachey, a prominent ACRS member, suggested that a conversation between Anabaptists and Catholics on ecclesiology might benefit both parties while helping to clarify disparate ways of being in the world.

Father McLean began the proceedings by pointing out that much inter-religious dialog today is rooted in the notion that differences must be understood as conflict. McLean suggested it be cast in a new way – as "diachronic" – that is, differences change in the context of time and as a result of changing circumstances. A current example of diachronic activity, he pointed out, is "the flurry of discussion between Catholics and Anabaptists."

A dinner discussion ensued where Peachey and McLean regaled the gathering with stories of their global inter-religious encounters.

In a subsequent session Dr. Nancy Heisey related the experiences of the MWC delegation to the Vatican, which provided a wonderful real-time element to the conference.

Two major addresses focused on ecclesiology. Ray Gingerich, professor emeritus of religion of 91短视频, offered an Anabaptist theological perspective on the church. Professor Bill Barbieri of Catholic University offered a descriptive ecclesiological survey of contemporary church issues, especially related to questions of authority.

Perhaps the most important question was the relationship of churchly authority to issues of freedom and coercion from Catholic and Anabaptist points of view.

There is always an asymmetrical quality to Catholic/Anabaptist ecclesial interchange – Catholic verticality and Anabaptist horizontalism. Catholics have a quite precise ecclesiology; Mennonites not so much. This must leave Catholics wondering which strain of Anabaptist thinking represents the Mennonite position.

For ACRS, the encounter was wonderfully engaging and worthwhile. We hope our Catholic counterparts found it equally stimulating.

Albert N. Keim is professor emeritus of history at 91短视频.

All authors were present for the unveiling (standing, l. to r.): Paul Peachey, John R. Martin, Gerald R. Brunk, Calvin E. Shenk, Nancy V. Lee, Robert Lee (co-editor), Calvin W. Redekop, Myron S. Augsburger, Esther K. Augsburger, Edward. B. Stoltzfus. (Seated, l. to r.): James R. Bomberger, Albert N. Keim, Samuel L. Horst, Titus W. Bender, Harold D. Lehman, C. Norman Kraus and Ray Gingerich. Nearly all have been faculty members at one time or other at 91短视频 or Eastern Mennonite Seminary. (Photo by Jim Bishop)

They were born in the Depression, grew up during World War II, the Korean War, the Cold War and Vietnam. All moved from more rural to professional settings and made major impacts on the Mennonite Church, its institutions and the larger society.

Reflections and stories from these 16 educators and church leaders form the basis of "Making Sense of the Journey: The Geography of Our Faith," a 350-page paperback.

The volume, with a foreward by 91短视频 President Loren Swartzendruber, is edited by Mennonite educators and church leaders Robert and Nancy V. Lee.

The book, published by the Anabaptist Center for Religion and Society (ACRS) at 91短视频 and distributed by Herald Press of Scottdale, Pa., was released at a book signing and celebration held Dec. 6 in Martin Chapel of the seminary building. The authors all were present at the unveiling.

The book was written by 16 scholars, nearly all of whom were 91短视频 or EMS faculty at one time.

ACRS is a recently-formed group affiliated with 91短视频 that embodies the growing realization that retirement from the classroom offers new and ongoing possibilities for creative intellectual interaction and support of the larger university, church and society.

The writers are:

• Esther K. and Myron S. Augsburger
• Titus W. Bender
• James R. Bomberger
• Gerald R. Brunk
• Ray Gingerich
• Samuel L. Horst
• Albert N. Keim
• C. Norman Kraus
• Nancy V. Lee
• Harold D. Lehman
• John R. Martin
• Paul Peachey
• Calvin W. Redekop
• Calvin E. Shenk
• Edward B. Stoltzfus

Nearly all have been faculty members at one time or other at 91短视频 or Eastern Mennonite Seminary.

According to Dr. Keim, professor emeritus of history, "These remarkable accounts reflect the experiences and stories similar to hundreds of other Mennonites whose lives were changed during this disruptive era. By confronting their own beliefs and faith practices, they gradually transformed the Mennonite Church."

The book is available at the University Bookstore, other area bookstore outlets and at .

Learning and new experiences don’t end with retirement, at least not for one group of seniors who spent most of October traveling in China.

The combined group had extensive overseas experience and represented decades of college classroom teaching, but few had ever been to China. As retired Temple University professor Elmer Miller stated, "China was never on my radar screen."

Mennonite Partners in China (formerly China Educational Exchange) arranged the visit at the request of the Anabaptist Center for Religion and Society (ACRS). ACRS is a group of retired professors, primarily from 91短视频, who seek to connect faith and life in contemporary academia and the church. ACRS members and long-time Mennonite Mission Network workers Robert and Nancy Lee sparked the interest in the tour.

The 17 participants visited major historical sights like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City in Beijing, the canals of Suzhou, skyscrapers in Shanghai and the ancient terracotta army in Xian. A visit to the 7th century site of the first Christian church and monastery in China was a highlight for many. An ancient pagoda marks the site of this Nestorian mission.

Listen and Learn

According to John A. Lapp, former executive secretary of Mennonite Central Committee, a primary objective for the group was "to listen and learn what the Spirit is saying to the churches in China." Following a worship service in Beijing, the senior pastor shared the history of her congregation of 7,000 and fielded questions from the ACRS group.

Visits to seminaries in two different cities highlighted the progress that the church has made in training pastors. However, leaders admitted that most churches and meeting points still rely on lay leadership.

An unusual privilege was the visit to a meeting point in the remote countryside of Sichuan province. The Christian faith came to this area of China less than 20 years ago, but already more than 300 believers attend. Park View Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg, Va., contributed funds for the completion of the building where the believers meet. Albert Keim and others from the Park View congregation continued the ties between the two congregations by bringing greetings. Members who gathered at the meeting point shared several songs, and the pastor explained how the church had been helped by other churches in the province in their battle against false teachings.

After numerous conversations with Chinese pastors, seminary teachers and North American Mennonites working in China, the ACRS group admitted that the situation of the church in China is highly complex. In a signed letter to Mennonite mission agencies and MCC, the group stated: "We are sure that to work in China without a profound respect for differences and divergences from conventional western assumptions about authentic Christianity would be a serious mistake.: The group commended Mennonite Partners in China for their work in :interpreting the faith and practice of the church in China, serving as helpers and facilitators of its vision."

Looking at Christianity for Answers

Calvin Redekop, retired from years of teaching at several Mennonite colleges, was impressed with the incredible interest in the study of religion at China