The theme is something like, Shalom within God s wide space. As we know from experience, these MERK meetings are both helpful for our own lives and for getting to know other Mennonites from throughout Europe. On September 17 there will be a big meeting for Dutch Mennonites in Mennorode as part of its celebrations. Over a thousand are expected. The theme is, Building the future of the congregation.
Preparations are underway.
Adults and children gathered from several Australian states for a time of teaching, fellowship, worship, business and fun. Graeme Chatfield, a church history professor at a Baptist theological college in Sydney, presented two talks on 16th century Anabaptism. He also told about his personal journey to Anabaptism. Mark and Mary Hurst, mission workers with Eastern Mennonite Missions in the USA, gave two talks on peacemaking and one on Anabaptist Perspectives for the Church Today. The Hursts were in Australia and New Zealand on a seven-week trip visiting people throughout the Association and speaking to small groups and in churches, universities and theological schools.