I have visited the Grossmünster in Zürich, Switzerland, on many occasions over the years in my trips to Switzerland while visiting my wife Esther's family and tracing my Swiss roots. I have never wanted to be there more than today, May 29, 2025. It is where the worship service was held as the culmination of Mennonite World Conference's celebration of 500 years of Anabaptism in Europe. I had to settle for watching the live stream from my home in Harrisonburg, VA.

View of the Grossmünster in Zürich, Switzerland

Despite not seeing it live in Zürich, the ceremony touched me deeply. The service opened with a traditional hymn "Grosser Gott Wir Loben Dich," a hymn that has been loved through the years by Mennonites. In English it is known as "Holy God, We Praise Thy Name." The mass choir consisted of people from all over the world, representing the diversity of the Mennonite church worldwide.

For me the highlight of the celebration was the statements of reconciliation between Mennonites, the Catholic church, the Lutheran Church and the Reformed Church. All three of these church movements persecuted the original Anabaptists.

The Catholic Cardinal present read a statement from Pope Leo IV. That the head of the largest Christian denomination in the world, knew about the 500th anniversary of the Anabaptist movement was a pleasant surprise.

Foot washing ceremony

The other reconciliation moment that was moving was when the leader of the world conference of the Reformed Church, and the leader of Mennonite World Conference washed each other's feet; one an African, and the other a Latin American.

The 2-hour service ended with a recessional while everyone sang the African song "Siyahamba" or "We are Marching to the Light of God." 

Some Latin American friends in the audience

César García, President of MWC delivers the sermon

EMU's Choir was part of the mass choir.

EMU's Nancy Heisey led in prayer

Expanding My Horizons: Five Languages and Six Cultures in One Day

A street scene from Italy

Probably like many of you, I am sick of the political nonsense that surrounds us these days. I can't go on to any social media platform without being bombarded by posts from all ends of the spectrum. It leaves me exhausted and full of dread--especially regarding the future of my five grandchildren. I need perspective. I need to broaden my horizons.

Yesterday I did just that. While being in English and in the USA most of my day, I had delightful forays into other cultures and languages.

While I was exercising on my stationary bike, I watched an episode of an Italian film on my PBS/VPM app. Although my understanding was aided by English subtitles, I was delighted with how much Italian I could understand.

Later in the day, I was reading a novel that took place simultaneously in England and Australia. Although the language was English, I encountered many unfamiliar words and expressions. 

Immediately after dinner, I taught Spanish to two adult learners at the Spanish Lab and Learning Center that was established by a former language assistant of mine at Eastern Mennonite University. Along with typical grammatical and vocabulary exercises, we looked into some of the cultural aspects of Peru. Previously we had studied other Spanish-speaking countries--Mexico, Guatemala and Puerto Rico. 

Finally, my wife Esther and I watched a documentary in German about two elderly women in Austria who continued to farm with no machinery like their ancestors. Although the film director spoke in Standard German, the women's responses were in the Austrian dialect. Even though their answers were given in standard German in the subtitles, my familiarity with other dialects of German aided my understanding.

Antigua, Guatemala

Five languages and six cultures in one day. Not only did this help lift the fog of the political nonsense enveloping me, but also expanded my horizons. At the end of the day, as I reflected on where I had experienced God (consciousness examen) I was able to fall asleep grounded it the fact that I am not alone, and that the world is bigger than the bubble most of us live in.

Solo Dei Gloria

Oh, to be a Writer

Eastern Mennonite University hosted a writer's read tonight (02/28/25) featuring Rachel Yoder and her book Nightbitch. Several years ago I presented my own book at such an event: Coming of Age in Honduras: a Young Adult's Struggle with Poverty, Faith and Sexuality. 

Every time I hear a writer speak, or whenever I read someone else's work, I get the renewed itch to write. Writing is cathartic. Writing is spiritual. Writing is life-giving. At least that is the way I have come to understand this magical process.

In order to write, one must have a project. I've written a book on the Beatitudes, I've written a book on Spirituality, I've written a book on the experiences of my daughter while she was in Mexico, I've written a memoir and I have consolidated my blog posts into a book.

So what should be my next project? A novel? An historical novel of the lives of my ancestors who emigrated from France to Switzerland to Germany and finally to the USA? Should I write about my son's experiences in Switzerland like my daughter's in Mexico? 

Rachel Yoder in her presentation said that she was inspired by a writing group to write 1,000 words a day which she would do for several weeks, then stop for several months before beginning again. Is this how I should begin?

I have a good friend who encouraged me to do the historical novel about my ancestors. He is a scientist, and I asked him if he would be interested in a book about a dialog between science and spirituality. 

Despite these ideas, one needs some sort of inspiration, or impetus to write. I am waiting for that impetus. I am waiting to be inspired so that I can put my need to write into gear. 

Any suggestions?

Thank You, My High School Teachers, Thank You!

I was sick of seeing all disheartening news on social media, and my distraction by reading a novel was getting old. Something pulled my eyes toward some old note books bound by Guatemalan patterns and colors that I saw beside me on a bookshelf.

Inside I found a collection of thank you notes from former students over the years that lifted my spirits and misted my eyes. Themes emerged: thank for your authenticity, for your humor, for your vulnerability, for your empathy, and for the energy and enthusiasm with which you teach your classes. Thank you for listening; for caring for us as individuals. These notes helped me to see that I had made an impact on some of my students' lives. I am grateful for the chance I had to do something notable for them.  

I was transported back to my High School years and thought of the teachers who made a significant mark on my own life.

Mr. Carey, my Spanish teacher who was a little quirky, was a chain smoker and came to class with an oily black mark on his forehead on Ash Wednesday. You taught me my first words in Spanish . . . and look where that took me. Thank you!

Mrs. Weaver, my English teacher. She was prim and proper and pronounced the "d" and the "c" in adjective when no one else did. She read my short story out loud to the class as an example of creative writing . . . and look where that took me. Thank you!

Miss Smith, my choir director. You chose me for the select choir even though I was only a freshman, and most of the others were juniors and seniors. I auditioned with the required Brahms' "How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place" without knowing how to read music . . . except from the shaped-note hymn books from church . . . and look where that took me. Thank you!

Mr. Weaver, my gym teacher. You begged me to go out for sports that were forbidden by my family, but when he watched me performing gymnastics, he pulled me aside and asked me if I had ever considered going to college to become a Physical Education teacher . . . and look where that took me . . . not very far except for entertainment at family reunions.

Bro. Dietz, my Anabaptist history teacher. You gave me a sense of identity and love for my heritage that I tried to hide from in public schools . . .  and look where that took me . . . teaching in four different Mennonite/Anabaptist colleges. Thank you!

All of these mentors have now left this earth. While they were here, I didn't take the time to thank them for how they influenced me. How much their encouragement meant to me. I am sorry for not recognizing them, because I now know how much those Thank Yous mean. I will treasure them for the rest of my life. 

Having been in the education system for over 30 years, I know how heavy the load is for teachers. I also know that over the course of those years, the loads have become increasingly heavy with assessment requirements and social issues we never had to face. So, kudos to you teachers who persevere. You never know what kind of impact you will have on a young life. 

Honduran Woman Thanks VSers on 500th Anniversary of Anabaptism

Me with a young friend on the Bay Island of
Guanaja, in Honduras

This letter appeared on the Facebook page Honduras Voluntary Service Connections and Memories on January 21, the anniversary of 500 years of Anabaptism. Some 78 people, mostly men, who served their alternative service in Honduras, are members.

Dear brothers,

Today, January 21, as we celebrate the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism, as a Honduran I express our most sincere gratitude to you and your parents for the sacrifice, dedication and love with which you have taught us the gospel of Jesus Christ. Your work in the missions has not only allowed us to know the truth of the Word of God, but has also integrated us into a community of faith that deeply values ​​the principles of peace, love and commitment to the Kingdom of God.

Thank you for having paid the price, for persevering in the midst of challenges, for sharing the hope we have in Christ. Thank you for showing us, with your example and teaching, how to follow Jesus in a life of justice, humility and service. Thank you for having transmitted to us not only a message, but a way of living that reflects the heart of God.

Today, as part of this people celebrating 500 years of Anabaptism, we recognize that, thanks to you, we can walk under a faith that calls us to live according to the values ​​of the Kingdom, always seeking what is just and true. Your dedication and commitment have not been in vain, and their fruits are seen in the community that we form together.

May God bless you abundantly, and may the legacy of your missionary work continue to multiply in the generations to come. Thank you for your obedience to God's call, for being instruments of transformation in our lives. May we continue forward together, celebrating God's faithfulness and extending his love to the world!

With gratitude and blessings

Mary Cano from Honduras