The theme for the next Mennonite World Conference assembly, Africa 2003, will be "Sharing gifts in suffering and in joy." Officers and senior staff made the decision here in November. The theme is drawn from I Corinthians 12, the primary biblical text selected for the gathering.

The events of September 11 have created a new sense of shared vulnerability to terrorism, economic decline and instability that now includes North America. In the wake of the attack, MWC member churches around the world, especially several in highly volatile countries, expressed condolences and encouragement to their brothers and sisters in the U.S. These developments confirmed for the officers and staff the growing understanding of the global church as the body of Christ with many members and many gifts to be shared in all circumstances of life. The theme is deeply rooted in years of work toward that end and reflects this emerging reality.

"I Corinthians 12 states concerning the Body of Christ, 'If one part suffers, every part suffers with it.' The church is not about being 'fair-weather friends' but it is about coming together for encouragement and prayer during times of adversity," they said.

Rejoicing together and celebration will be central at the assembly, with music being a major component. The music committee, with representatives from MWC-related churches in five continents, met for the first time with the officials in Strasbourg. The committee will select at least two additional people from each region to form a choir to lead singing at the assembly. They will also choose songs for worship from around the world and hope to produce a songbook and a recording.

Plans continue for a youth gathering of representatives from each of the 87 MWC member conferences to precede the assembly. The agenda will focus on faith and life issues youth face in their contexts.

The youth programs and the scope of the music committee's ambitous ventures are contingent on adequate funding.

To reinforce the theme of sharing gifts, assembly participants will be invited to bring a gift to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, to share with someone.

-- Ferne Burkhardt, News Editor
Mennonite World Conference