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, dean of in Harrisonburg, Va., will speak on his quest to know his father, an Amish entrepreneur who died when Ervin was three years old, at 7 p.m. Sunday, May 7, at Walnut Creek (Ohio) Mennonite Church, 2619 CR 144.

Dr. Stutzman’s ten-year search revealed tangled strands of relationships, woven by Tobias J. Stutzman’s ambition through the fabric of family, church and community. It led to his writing a book, “Tobias of the Amish,” released by Herald Press of Scottdale, Pa., in 1995.

Stutzman was born into an Amish home as a twin in Kalona, Iowa. After his father’s accidental death, his mother moved her family to her home community in Hutchinson, Kan. He was baptized into the Center Amish Mennonite Church near Partridge, Kan. He later joined the Yoder Mennonite Church near Yoder, Kan.

After marrying Bonita Haldeman of Manheim, Pa., the couple served five years in Cincinnati, Ohio, with Rosedale Mennonite Missions, where Stutzman was co-pastor of the Mennonite Christian Assembly.

Ordained as Bishop

In 1982, the family moved to Lancaster, Pa., where Stutzman became associate director of the home ministries department of Eastern Mennonite Missions. In 1984, he was ordained as bishop of the Landisville District of Lancaster Mennonite Conference.

He was moderator of Lancaster (PA) Mennonite Conference, 1991-2000, and moderator of Mennonite Church USA, 2001-2003, the newly-merged denomination joining the Mennonite Church and the General Conference Mennonite Church.

The EMS dean completed his undergraduate work at Cincinnati Bible College, earned an MA degree from the University of Cincinnati, a master of arts in religion degree from Eastern Mennonite Seminary and a Ph.D. in communication from Temple University.

Stutzman joined the seminary faculty in 1998 and was named dean in July 2000. He is also founding director of the seminary’s Preaching Institute.

Telling His Story

Stutzman has three additional books published by Herald Press – “Being God’s People” (1986), “Creating Communities of the Kingdom,” co-authored with David W. Shenk (1988) and “Welcome” (1990).

Stutzman notes that “Tobias of the Amish” is more than a book about his father – “It’s also the story of a family and faith community struggling with the challenges of a modern world.

“I hope that my story will encourage others to embark on the arduous but deeply-rewarding task of delving into their family lore,” Stutzman states. “Gazing into my father’s face has helped me to see my own.”

The program at Walnut Creek Mennonite Church is open to the public. For more information, call 330-852-2560.

Acoustic music festival "" will make its debut in Harrisonburg Nov. 4-6, bringing visual artists, musicians and fans together from across the eastern United States.

This event will offer delightful performances for all ages at venues around the city – from downtown Harrisonburg to Eastern Mennonite High School to local churches.

Most performers have some connection to the Shenandoah Valley, and what brings them together is the experience of roots or membership in the Mennonite Church. A variety of genres are represented, but the common thread is "folk music" written about themes of faith, love and hardships of the everyday life of regular people. Many hymns began as folk songs or take their melodies from older folk tunes.

Using the theme, "Tis a Gift," organizers have encouraged performers to create new music for the festival as well as interpret traditional music. Mennofolk represents a homecoming for many artists.

Featured Artists

J.D. Martin (aka Jerry Derstine)

Headliner Jerry Derstine (stage named JD Martin) grew up near Harrisonburg. At a young age, he wrote several songs which have become well loved among Mennonites, one of thenm included in the latest hymnal for Mennonite and Brethren churches. However, Jerry spent most of his career living and writing music in Nashville and Los Angeles. There he hit the big time, writing songs for Wynnona Judd, Reba McEntire, and Peter Cetera, and had a number of top ten hits to his name.

Now, Jerry returns to his roots, bringing with him recent songs that reach a new level of spirit and hope meant to inspire people towards themes of the heart. He is accompanied by his wife Jan Garrett, a renowned singer-songwriter in her own right, who performs "music for soul retrieval." Garrett will also lead a women’s singing workshop entitled "Finding Your Authentic Voice."

Locals who were in high school or college in the 1970’s may remember a popular Christian band called "Daybreak," which toured in this area. This year, Mennofolk will feature a reunion of the Daybreak band members, some of whom had lost touch with each other but are now coming together for this encore performance.

Reunion Vocal Band

"Reunion Vocal Band" also brings old friends to the stage. For over 20 years this eclectic group has been meeting to perform from all corners of the country. They will play at Mennofolk as their reunion concert of this year, blending folk, spiritual and jazz influences with good old rock and roll.

Appalachian music will take the stage at Mennofolk through Liz McGeachy and Tim Marema’s haunting harmonies, The New Johnson’s fiddle tunes and Alex Albright’s Appalachian Blues. Phil Ruth, a Mennonite historian and dulcimer player from Pennsylvania, claims that the mountain dulcimer may have originated in the Shenandoah Valley, a mix of early Swiss/German and Irish instruments. Dave Landes develops the dulcimer theme further with hymns and folk songs played on a hammered dulcimer, one of many instruments he regularly plays at the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton.

Bluegrass fans will be well-satisfied with the sound of local bluegrass/gospel group, "Daphna Creek." "The Goldmine Pickers," a young up-and-coming band from Goshen, Ind., features Jay Lapp, originally of Harrisonburg, and blends newgrass and jazz with a traditional bluegrass idiom. Songwriter Dave Nealon plays bluegrass style and includes banjo and guitar in his set of originals.

Mennofolk will also include "Trent Wagler and the Steel Wheels," with original and American roots music material. Wagler recently made his CD release debut at Court Square Theater.

Musical Styles

Mennonites are known for their tradition of a capella singing, an influential foundation apparent in the harmony focus of many Mennofolk acts. At the festival, this tradition will be explored with performances by "Finely Tuned," "Cantore" and "Sons of the Day." Ruth Stoltzfus Jost will tell the moving story of her family history during the Civil War through a song she sings without accompaniment.

On Sunday, Mennofolk will conclude with the "Festival of Praise" at Park View Mennonite Church, a celebration through men’s choral singing.

Singer-Songwriter styles at Mennofolk range from rock to pop to roots music and include themes of peace, faith and the complexity and beauty of everyday life. Original material will be presented by Chris Kniss, Andru Bemis, Konrad Wert, Brad Yoder, , Heather Kropf, Gina Holsopple and Jonathan Reuel. Saturday night’s Songwriter’s Circle gives a chance to hear a smorgasbord of contemporary music being produced by Mennonite writers.

Visual arts are a special part of Mennofolk Harrisonburg. Oasis Gallery is presenting a show by , and Gusler has coordinated local artists for a show at Eastern Mennonite High School. Art will be for sale, and Artisan’s Hope will create an off-site sale of fairly-traded gifts by artisans from around the world.

Schedule

Mennofolk begins Friday night with concerts downtown at The Children’s Museum, Court Square Theater, Oasis, St Stephens Church, The Little Grill, Luigi’s and the Daily Grind. Saturday during Mennofolk at Eastern Mennonite High School, food will be sold from The Little Grill Collective and music will run from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sets will be divided into three stages. A concert/jam session continues after 11 p.m. at Common Grounds Coffeehouse at 91短视频 featuring the Goldmine Pickers.

Sunday, participants are invited to local churches to hear their favorite Mennofolk musicians play. Sunday afternoon brings "The Bob Show," a Ted and Lee comedy, to the Court Square Theater, Jan Garrett’s women’s singing workshop at Cups to Go, and the Festival of Praise at Parkview Mennonite Church.

A complete schedule and admission prices can be found at: .

Local organizations and business sponsoring Mennofolk are Garrison Press, The Little Grill, Artisan’s Hope, Harrisonburg Downtown Rennaisance, Court Square Theater, 91短视频’s, Common Grounds Coffeehouse, , Virginia Mennonite Conference, Shalom Congregation, Park View Mennonite Church and the Arts Council of the Valley.

Organizers plan to make Mennofolk a yearly event. To volunteer or make a donation (both provide free admission to the festival) check the Mennofolk website or call Trent Wagler at 540-438-1842.

For 50 minutes on Friday morning, Feb. 18, in the President’s Room of Hartzler Library, it was something of a time warp.

Three scholars, part of a seven-member group who assembled in 1952 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, to critique the status and direction of the Anabaptist movement, interacted with students in a "Mennonite History and Thought" class.

Irvin B. Horst, 89; Paul Peachey, 86; and Calvin Redekop, 79, outlined their involvement in what proved to be a landmark 12-day meeting that also included John W. Miller, A. Orley Swartzendruber, David A. Shank and the late John Howard Yoder. All were living in Europe at the time, doing graduate study or post-war work with Mennonite Church agencies.

"Dr. Al Keim, professor emeritus of history at 91短视频 and author of a major biography of the late Mennonite theologian and educator H.S. Bender, called that gathering "the most creative event in Mennonite history," Mary S. Sprunger, professor of history, told the class in introducing the speakers. "This ‘reunion’ today of three of those original group members is also an historic event."

Dr. Horst, a one-time professor of church history at 91短视频 who later taught 18 years at a Mennonite seminary in Amsterdam, was instrumental in bringing the original group together and in providing insight into similarities and differences between American and Dutch Mennonite faith and practice.

"American Mennonites were becoming more and more acculturated, especially after World War II, just as Dutch Mennonites had generations before," Horst said.

Dr. Redekop, a sociologist and author, is the only "Concern" member not of "Old Mennonite" background. Of Russian Mennonite descent, Redekop said he was raised "a fundamentalist" and was "quite taken back" upon enrolling at Goshen (Ind.) College in 1946.

"Although at first I felt like an alien [at Goshen] my experience there made me appreciate my Anabaptist heritage, and I quickly found myself stimulated and encouraged by the interaction in that European group meeting," he told the students.

The gathering became known as the "Concern" movement, and from this initial meeting came subsequent gatherings and the issuing of a series of widely-distributed "Concern" pamphlets addressing several key issues they felt the Mennonite Church needed to squarely face.

"Even though we all had done graduate study in church-related areas, our group didn’t focus as much on theological issues as on polity – the question of power and authority in the church and are we congregationally structured or more of an authoritarian body," Dr. Redekop said.

"Our aim was to ‘critique’ the Mennonite Church, not to set it off in a new direction," Redekop stated. "We all were influenced by the thought and writings of Harold S. Bender, the most prominent Mennonite leader of the 1940s and 1950s."

"Unfortunately, Bender felt threatened by our efforts, when really what we wanted was to take his work a step farther," Peachey said. "However, a number of the younger generation of Mennonites appreciated what we were trying to do."

"Our desire was to work at reform and revival as an Anabaptist people and not to promote divisiveness and schism," Redekop said. "I think we achieved that goal."

He noted that an intentional church community, Reba Place Fellowship in Evanston, Ill., evolved from the "Concern" movement with one of the group members, John W. Miller, giving leadership.

"I wanted to introduce students to the story of these young Mennonites who were trying to find a way to make 16th century Anabaptism relevant for the church in the 1950s and ’60s," Dr. Sprunger said. "They took these issues seriously and dared to propose radical ideas about New Testament congregationalism to a hierarchical church leadership that didn’t welcome the Concern group’s critique of Mennonite denominationalism.

"Even though they wore suits and listened to lectures on Mennonite history, this was a kind of activism," she said. "Scholarly research, discussion and publishing was their way to raise issues and call the church they loved to be more faithful."

"The speakers captured an important topic that still faces the church today – distribution of power," said Paul J. Yoder, a junior history and social studies major from Harrisonburg. "I appreciated the emphasis on reform that they voiced. It’s rare to get to talk with and hear from actual figures that we’re studying in class," Yoder added.

A sense of expectancy pervaded Martin Chapel at Eastern Mennonite Seminary, evidenced in part by the capacity crowd gathered there and the robust singing that opened the annual School for Leadership Training, Jan. 17.

That feeling of anticipation was amplified as guest resource speaker Patrick Keifert mixed wit and keen insight in addressing the conference theme, “Dwelling in God’s Space and Time: Core Practices for Transforming Leaders.”

The capacity crowd of 320 registrants – regrettably, some persons had to be turned away – were invited to “dwell” on the biblical text, Luke 10:1-12 repeatedly during the four-day gathering. The scripture recounts Jesus sending out His followers in pairs to spread the good news of the gospel, declaring that “the Kingdom of God has come near to you.”

Dr. Keifert is president and director of in Minneapolis, Minn., a research and consulting organization that assists congregations in moving from a “maintenance” mode to “a mission-driven” mindset. He has done consulting work for Mennonite Church USA and several regional Mennonite conferences. He is also professor of systematic theology at Luther Seminary and adjunct professor of law at Hamline University, St. Paul, Minn.

“We spend too much time as congregations focusing on what we don’t have or how we differ from other groups rather than dwelling on what God has given us and allowing ourselves to be caught up in God’s purposes for us,” Keifert said.

Keifert chided Mennonites for arguing and disagreeing over peace, justice and evangelism and seeing each other as enemies on this point. “They belong together; don’t give up this witness,” he told his audience.

He also cited evidences that today’s Mennonite Church is “thoroughly modern,” as full of anxiety and uncertainty as any other group and turning to resources other than God’s Word and the power of the Holy Spirit.

“Americans are starved for time, doing more now but enjoying it less,” he said, citing research done by two major universities showing that persons actually have more free time today than they did in 1965, only they perceive themselves as having less.

“We’re too concerned about time, and about doing, when we should be concerned about God’s timetable for our lives and congregations,” Keifert stated.

“Transformation is being, not doing,” he declared. “It is tending to the movement of God and going with that flow. It doesn’t happen overnight, but one senses it happening when there is a sense of increased vitality in the congregation and the emphasis shifts from ‘program’ to ‘ministry,’ to an alignment with God’s purposes for the church.”

The “change element” in this process, the speaker said, is “the Holy Spirit, who provides all the gifts a church needs,” along with allowing “God’s imagination” to help turn fantasy into a discovery of reality and truth.

“To become a transformed church we must begin by dwelling in the study of scripture and doing so with people you don’t normally do it with to gain fresh perspectives,” Keifer said.

“Come as a beggar to God’s word and allow it to begin to change you,” he admonished.

“The ‘sent’ church is dependent on the world’s hospitality,” Keifert said. “That’s not a real comforting thought to most Mennonites.”

Keifert pointed out the need to view the church as “a public space that belongs to everyone, not just to those who would see it as a cozy home, a place where ‘strangers’ feel as welcomed and are taken as seriously as members.”

Each of Keifert’s plenary sessions opened with representatives of three Mennonite churches that have undergone significant transformation telling their stories – Calvary Community Church, Hampton, Va.; Capitol Christian Fellowship, Laurel, Md.; and West Union Mennonite Church, Parnell, Iowa. The speaker drew from their experiences in identifying essential practices for becoming transforming leaders and congregations.

Steven Brown (at podium), Glen Guyton and Kenyetta Twine of Calvary Community Church, Hampton, Va.,describe their church’s core values and mission in a classroom session at the School for Leadership Training. “Our style is non-traditional and takes risks in seeking to be relevant to our community,” Brown said.
Photo by Jim Bishop

Calvary, now one of the largest congregations in Mennonite Church USA with more than 2,000 members, has experienced rapid growth precisely because of its clearly-defined vision for mission that everyone commits to. Calvary Minister Glen Guyton is leading a youth experience to Ghana, Africa this summer as part of the seminary-affiliated LEAP (Learning, Exploring and Participating) program.

“We have a non-traditional leadership style and a multicultural, cutting-edge ministry,” said Steven Brown, a member of the church’s pastoral team. “We seek to be Christ-centered, seeker-friendly, excellence-propelled, community service-oriented and family-focused.

“We are called to be risk-takers, to move beyond the four walls of the church building,” Brown said.

Glen Guyton, the church’s youth pastor added: “We must be vulnerable, lead from outside our comfort zones and trust God to lead the way.

“God has given us a vision, a mission to fulfill,” he told the assembly. “Otherwise, you wouldn’t even be at this conference.”

In classroom settings, representatives of the three congregations gave more details into their leadership styles, how they worked at bringing change and a greater focus on mission outreach. In all, 16 special interest classes were offered – ranging from “The Church and Change in an Age of Anxiety” to “Ministry Teams in Congregations” to “Ways of Praying for Groups and Congregations” – with participants able to attend four over the course of the conference.

David Boshart and Helen Yoder of West Union Mennonite Church told how their rural congregation began undergoing a transformation when the elders developed a mission statement that the congregation heartily endorsed, asking: “How can we be a beacon of hope in this community, a sign of God’s reign in the world?”

From this process, 18 new ministry outreach efforts spontaneously emerged, Boshart noted.

Capitol Christian Fellowship, formerly Cottage City Mennonite Church, built a new facility in a strategic location just off the Capitol Beltway. One of the pastoral leaders, David Eshleman, described the church as “an amazing gathering every week of 16 cultures and 11 languages – God is blessing us in amazing ways.”

Lighter moments came through an evening of comedy with local actors-playwrights Ted (Swartz) and Lee (Eshleman) and “reflections from 30 years on the road” by 91短视频 President
Loren E. Swartzendruber as part of a midweek pastor appreciation banquet.

Worship, a litany of commissioning and a mass chorus of participants closed the conference, as persons left the meeting place two-by-two, just as Jesus sent out the 70 in pairs to go into the world.

Speaker Pat Keifert had School for Leadership Training participants pair up several times during the conference to respond to questions related to the key text, Luke 10:1-12.
Photo by Jim Bishop

Participants were profuse in their praise of this year’s emphasis on being bathed in scripture as basic to transforming leadership.

Mattie Marie Mast, associate pastor of Sonnenberg Mennonite Church, Kidron, Ohio, said that “believing and doing” emphases were kept in balance at the conference. “Key for me was the space given to silence, to reflection and to hearing the key scripture repeated in order to connect our inner spirits with God. The group experience of spiritual reading of the Word will serve as a model to draw from in encouraging small groups and in my ministry,” she added.

“I was moved in our times of worship, as we allowed the words of Jesus from Luke 10 to speak to us in many ways,” said Steve Landis, pastor at Franconia Mennonite Church. “I appreciated Patrick Keifert

A widely-known pastor, prolific author and speaker on marriage and family life issues was cited Wednesday, Jan. 19, at for 50 years of ministry.

John M. Drescher, now residing in Quakertown, Pa., received a plaque and a letter of commendation during the annual banquet held during the annual School for Leadership Training.

Ervin R. Stutzman, dean of Eastern Mennonite Seminary, made the presentation at the recognition ceremony. In giving the award, Dr. Stutzman read an open letter noting Drescher’s work accomplishments over the past 50 years.

“I appreciate the confidence and affirmation this recognition gives to me and to my ministry in the larger church,” Drescher said. “I couldn’t have fulfilled this without my wife Betty with her gifts of helps and hospitality. We took the ordination vows together and we’ve worked in partnership all these years,” he added.

Drescher has served as pastor of four Mennonite congregations, as bishop or overseer in three district conferences, as editor of the former “Gospel Herald” magazine, 1962-73 (now “The Mennonite”) and was “churchman-in- residence” at Eastern Mennonite Seminary, 1979-83. In this role, he taught “Spiritual Disciplines” (later called “Formation of Personhood”) and the preaching courses and served as seminary pastor.

A 1951 91短视频 graduate, he received a Th.B. degree from the seminary two years later.

Drescher was ordained to the ministry May 2, 1954 at the Crown Hill Mennonite Church, Rittman, Ohio, where he pastored 1954-61. He was pastor at Scottdale (Pa.) Mennonite Church, 1973-78 and at Zion Mennonite Church, Broadway, Va., 1989-92. He served as bishop-overseer in Ohio, Allegheny and Virginia Mennonite conferences.

He was moderator of the Mennonite Church, 1969-71, and presided over the transition from the former Mennonite General Conference to the Mennonite General Assembly. He was a member of the first General Board of the denomination following the implementation of the new church structure.

Drescher completed his last interim pastor assignment on Aug. 31, 2004, at Swamp Mennonite Church, Quakertown, and continues part time as a resource to Franconia (Pa.) Mennonite Church, where he also preaches on fifth Sundays and teaches in their winter and spring Bible studies series.

Drescher has written 37 books, more than a dozen dealing with husband and wife and parent-child relationships. Many others address spiritual renewal and growth issues.

Numerous of his works have been published in other languages; “Seven Things Children Need” has been printed in 20 languages. Another, “If I Were Starting My Family Again,” was condensed in “Readers Digest” and at least 70 other magazines worldwide.

The veteran churchman has spoken or provided other leadership roles in conventions, marriage, parent-child and pastor retreats, seminars and in spiritual renewal meetings across North America and in eight other countries.

Drescher’s brother-in-law, Paul Gingrich, noted: “John Drescher is a churchman, not in the usual sense of the word. His heart is with the local congregation and with individuals in the congregation. He pastored pastors with vision and creativity, always aware of the people. He . . .sought to speak and act prophetically to all.”

The Dreschers have five adult children, 14 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.