Manhattan Mennonite Fellowship: Recent Episodes
Manhattan Mennonite Fellowship
Manhattan Mennonite Fellowship's purpose is to "Seek the Peace of the City." We meet every Sunday at 5 PM at the Meeting House in the heart of Manhattan. All are welcome to join this peace movement. www.manhattanmennonite.org
Danielle Williams, guest speaker at Manhattan Mennonite Fellowship. Danielle joined @connect_nyc in 2021 as a community educator. In her capacity at CONNECT Faith, Danielle collaborates with New York City’s diverse faith communities to create and strengthen their response to gender and family violence. She has a passion or empowering diverse faith communities to live into their values of social justice and transforming the world. Prior to CONNECT, Danielle spent many years as an inter-faith-based community organizer in California, equipping congregations to enact police accountability, criminal justice reform, violence intervention and prevention, and civic engagement. In her downtime, Danielle enjoys designing Afrocentric jewelry, watching Nollywood movies and cooking random recipes from YouTube influencers. She holds a Masters of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley.
A message from guest speaker, Rev. Katrina Foster, pastor at St. John's Lutheran Church (Greenpoint).
Guest speaker, Nekeisha Alayna Alexis, intercultural coordinator at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary.
Mark 10:17-27 (the rich young ruler)
A message from Laura Lacombe, Princeton Theological Seminary intern at Manhattan Mennonite Fellowship. There is a 5-minute musical interlude where participants are invited to use crayons, colored pencils, etc. to color and draw. This interlude was kept in this episode, so consider grabbing some crayons and paper before the sermons starts!
The disciples came up to Jesus with the question, “Who is the greatest in the kindom of heaven?” Jesus called for a little child to come and stand among them. Then Jesus said, “The truth is, unless you change and become like little children, you will not enter the kindom of heaven. Those who make themselves as humble as this child are the greatest in the kindom of heaven. Whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. But those who would cause any of these little ones who believe in me to stumble would be better thrown into the sea with millstones around their necks.”
- Matthew 18:1-6
(Inclusive Bible Translation)
Guest speaker, Sara Wolcott's message on decolonization, land acknowledgments, and deeper spiritual truths.
To learn more about her work, visit: https://www.sequoiasamanvaya.com/
Special guest, Juan Carlos Ruiz, shares about his work and ministry among the recent wave of migrants into NYC.
To learn more about his work, visit: https://goodshepherdbayridge.space/
A special message from Hyacinth Stevens, Bishop in Lancaster Mennonite Conference and Executive Director of Mennonite Central Committee East Coast.
Matthew 26:36-46; Romans 12:2
Edgar Hayes, guest speaker, shares about the preparing for a child, and about preparing for the Christ child.
Note: the sound quality is poor on this episode due to a tech challenge.
Advent 3
A message from special guest speaker, Sarah Augustine (Pueblo, Tewa), founder and cochair of the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery and the executive director of a Dispute Resolution Center in central Washington state. She is author of "The Land Is Not Empty, Following Jesus in Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery."
For more information on the Coalitionto Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery, visit this link.
Pastor Jason preaches a message rooted in Jesus' teachings from Luke 11:1-13.
Jesus' teaches his disciples to persist, and particularly to persist in seeking God's Spirit.
Pastor Jason Storbakken shares a message from Matthew 5:43-48.
"Jesus said, 'You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.'"
A reflection rooted in the Beatitudes that moves through warring in the Bible (as well as warring today, and the warring that often happens within persons and relationships).
antiviolence
This series explores Luke 4:14-30, including the content (Isaiah 61:1-3, 1 Kings 17, and 2 Kings 5) and context (synagogue at Nazareth) of Jesus' message. In this fourth installment, Jesus says "And there were many in Israel with leprosy in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian." This message centers on the prophet Elisha and his healing of a foreign military general.
Just when we thought the series was a two-parter, there's a third part to this series (and likely, at least, a fourth!). Pastor Jason explores Jesus' reference to the Elijah and the widow. Luke 4:16-30.
1 Kings 17:8-16.
Guest preacher, Rev. Shawn P. Torres-Anderson.
Joel 2:25-28
BlackHistoryMonth #Epiphany
Sue Park-Hur, denominational minister of transformative peacemaking at Mennonite Church USA.
BringThePeace
BeTransformed
A message on the importance of deep listening.
"You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger."
James 1:19-27
Pastor Jason reflects on Ephesians 4:25-5:2.
"I ride my bike to the Bowery every weekday morning. And there are some crazy drivers out there. One day, a truck nearly hit me. And I became angry, and just about lost my witness. I then recalled that I had recently learned that anger is a secondary emotion. And so I paused and searched my heart... I realized I was scared... When Paul says, “Don’t let the sun go down on your anger.” This calls us to consider the deeper emotion we may be experiencing."
Pastor Jason explores the mission of Manhattan Mennonite Fellowship: "Seeking the peace of the City!"
Guest speaker, Edafe Okporo was born in Warri, Nigeria. A native of Egbo Uhurie, Ughelli South Local government in Delta State Nigeria. He migrated to the United States in 2016 as an asylum seeker and now a refugee of the United States, residing in New York. Edafe is a global gay rights activist and the executive director of the RDJ Refugee Shelter in Harlem. Edafe is among the inaugural winners of the David Prize 2020, The David Prize is a celebration of individuals and ideas to create a better, brighter New York City.
Genesis 9:1-17
Dr. Sibonokuhle Ncube (guest speaker) is from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. She is a mother, social justice advocate and development expert. Sibonokuhle has served as a deaconess and is known for her passionate speaking, intergenerational and cross-cultural insights. She has more than 18 years of experience working with climate change responses, climate finance governance, and disaster preparedness in southern Africa. She is a member of the Brethren in Christ Church of Zimbabwe, and recently served as National Coordinator of Compassionate Development Services. She is currently studying at the Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary.
Bringthepeace
Message by guest preacher, Edgar Hayes.
Trinity Sunday.
100th anniversary of Tulsa Massacre
Pentecost Sunday sermon from Pastor Jason Storakken.
www.manhattanmennonite.org
Bringthepeace
Davis Logan and Chihchun Yuan, both nearing completion of their graduate programs at Union Theological Seminary, reflect on their journey.
BringThePeace
www.manhattanmennonite.org
Ched Myers joined MMF to share a message entitled, "Resurrection: Reckoning with the Traumatic Somatic."
Luke 24:33-48
Pastor Jason Storbakken shares an Easter message from Mark 16:1-8.
www.manhattanmennonite.org
A message by Sara Wenger Shenk, president emerita of Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary.
Part 3 of a 3-part Sabbath series.
Meditation and Sabbath teaching by Jason Storbakken.
Hang drum and a/v production by Brian Burnett.
www.manhattanmennonite.org
Part 2 of a 3-part Sabbath series.
Meditation and Sabbath teaching by Jason Storbakken.
Hang drum and a/v production by Brian Burnett.
www.manhattanmennonite.org
Take a tour through the holidays this weekend and the coming week - Chinese Lunar New Year, Valentine's Day, President's Day, and Lent!
For Anabaptist World Fellowship Sunday, three members from Manhattan Mennonite Fellowship tell their story. These members include Nancy Benignus, Nindyo Sasongko, and Chihchun Yuan.
Part 1 of a 3-part Sabbath series.
Meditation and Sabbath teaching by Jason Storbakken.
Hang drum and a/v production by Brian Burnett.
www.manhattanmennonite.org
Amos 5:21-24
MLK Sunday
About the guest speaker: Elizabeth Soto was born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico and in the last 30 years has been a proud resident of the southeast part of the city of Lancaster. She worked 10 yrs with Lancaster Theological Seminary as Professor of Practice coordinating field education, designing the cross-cultural courses and teaching. Served as a ChaplainInterpreter at W&B Hospital/LGH. Elizabeth was ordained as a minister in Colombia, South America in 2004, and presently the Atlantic Coast Conference of Mennonite Churches holds her credentials. Most recently she completed 14 months serving as a consultant with Mennonite Disaster Service as the administrator of the response on Hurricane Maria’s disaster in Puerto Rico. Elizabeth has a MAR from Seminario Evangélico de Puerto Rico & Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart IN. In 2005 Elizabeth completed a doctorate in ministry emphasis on International Feminism. She published her D.Min dissertation in 2007 with Orbis Books on the theme of Family Violence and Theology of Non Violence of Jesus. Most recently her long dream project came out in September 2020, published by T&T Clark, she co-edited Liberating the Politics of Jesus: Renewing Peace Theology Through the Wisdom of Women. She has been a writer on other projects both in Spanish and English for leadership formation in her denomination in the US and Latin America/Caribbean. She is passionate on women’s issues/Latina identity, racial justice and community development for the unprivileged. Elizabeth served as Moderator of Mennonite Church USA from 2013-2015, being the first Latina to serve in that position. She is married to Frank Albrecht, a high school teacher, and a loving mother of two young adult daughters and her spouses. Currently her church is Laurel St. Mennonite church in the south west of the city and works as a Spanish Interpreter in local hospitals.
Minister Carolyn May shared this message the Sunday following the insurgency on the Capitol.
Pastor Jason explores the role and urgency of John the Baptizer as he prophesied and bore witness to the First Advent in the person of Jesus of Nazareth.
wwww.manhattanmennonite.org
Message provided by Hyacinth Stevens, pastor at King of Glory Tabernacle and bishop in the Lancaster Mennonite Conference.
An autumnal-themed message framed by the story of the disciples who meet Jesus on the Emmaus Road.
A message by Dr. Hilary Scarsella, professor of ethics & director of women and gender studies.
The content and discussion in this message necessarily engages with sexual violence. Much of it will be emotionally and intellectually challenging to engage with.
Three questions/statements posed by Dr. Scarsella for reflection:
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Anabaptism would do well to center sexual violence in its ethical, community reflections.
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Anabaptist theology needs to re-conceptualize its idea of peace and sexual violence.
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Anabaptists need concrete spiritual, theological, social practices that make it possible for us to act in solidarity with survivors.
What is the relationship between Sabbath-keeping and peacebuilding?
Message by Jason Storbakken, pastor at Manhattan Mennonite Fellowship
Message by Rev. John Rempel. John was the first official pastor at MMF (early 1990s to the early '00s). He has written many books and articles, edited the Minister's Manual (Mennonite Church USA), and contributed greatly to shaping Mennonite and Anabaptist culture over the last several decades. This message is adapted from his recently released book, "Recapturing an Enchanted World" (IVP).
Rev. Erica Lea-Simka, pastor at Albquerque Mennonite Church, was MMF's guest speaker in the Becoming series.
Pride #LGBTQ #QueerLiberation
This service was originally recorded via Zoom during the coronavirus crisis in New York City.
Two stories from members of our community. Clarke Bell shares his wilderness story of mental illness. And Sasha Zamler-Carhart shares their story of “coming out” of the wilderness. Matthew 4:1-11
This is the first service in our monthly communion service where we will be practicing various modes and techniques of contemplative spirituality.
Pastor Jason Storbakken shares a message that builds on the recent climate strike, and explores how the Scriptures call us to partner with creation.
Message by Jason Storbakken. A retelling of the classic David versus Goliath. 1 Samuel 17.
Doug Pagitt joins Manhattan Mennonite to share a message and tell us about his new book.
Jesus taught his disciples how to pray by modeling the Lord’s Prayer. In this message, Jason explores the prayer’s implications for a prayerful life in the 21st-century.
Rev. Nindyo Sasongko, theologian-in-residence at Manhattan Mennonite Fellowship, shares a timely message.
Message by Jason Storbakken. Matthew 25. This message is in response to the attorney general’s recent announcement to move forward with five federal executions.
Guest speaker: Dr. Chung Hyun Kyung, professor of ecumenical studies at Union Theological Seminary.
Trinity Sunday message by Nindyo Sasongko, theologian-in-residence at Manhattan Mennonite Fellowship.
Pentecost Sunday message by Min. Melissa Florer-Bixler, pastor at Raleigh Mennonite Church.
This message, preached by Jason Storbakken, is rooted in Revelation 22, the last chapter of the Bible. This sermon was preached on the last Sunday in the Easter season 2019.
Message by Jason Storbakken. This service celebrated students, teachers, and recent graduates.
Remembering the Rwandan genocide 25 years later with Denise Umiwana, author of FROM RED EARTH.
On this second Sunday of Easter, Jason explores Thomas touching Jesus’ wounds as a liminal space (or what Celtic spirituality calls a "thin place" where transformation occurs.
Ephesians 6:10-20 Video is available here. Unfortunately, our recording of last week's sermons failed. So, today we're sharing a classic from the archives on the topic of perseverance. This sermon delves into Marvel comics, which is appropriate as Marvel Endgame releases later this month. Enjoy and be edified!
marvel #moongirl #mennonite
Minister Carolyn May, Manhattan Mennonite Fellowship's intern from Union Theological Seminary, brings a message of hope, perseverance, and audacity. This message is part of the women's preaching series during Women's History Month. Text: Mark 5:21-43. www.manhattanmennonite.org
Candace Simpson, minister at Concord Baptist Church of Christ (Brooklyn, NYC) brings a prophetic message from Habakkuk 1:1-7.
The Transfiguration of Jesus, his tiredness and frustration, and our need to press through even when it might seem easier to give up.
The Sunday sermon from 2/24/19 by Jason Storbakken, pastor at Manhattan Mennonite Fellowship. Scripture: Luke 6:20-26.