Jay Wittmeyer, Executive Director of the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center visited the diocese and presented A Fractured Vine Bears No Fruit to the College of Presbyters and the Retired Clergy & Spouses and Surviving Spouses gatherings last week at DaySpring.
Mr. Wittmeyer spent two sessions with the College of Presbyters. The morning session examined our current epidemic of loneliness and the emotional fractures of estranged family relationships. In the second session, the discussion turned to our culture of “tribalism” and the new sense of belonging found in the American political arena. The day wrapped with ways the church can be foundational in restructuring relationships by sharing a renewed understanding of the gospel and healing the breach.
Following lunch each day, Bishop Doug Scharf provided updates from the House of Bishops. On Wednesday, the retired clergy & spouses, and surviving spouses also celebrated Holy Eucharist. Bishop Scharf was celebrant and Mr. Wittmeyer preached, and the service included music by Dr. James W. Guyer, organist and choirmaster of St. Boniface Episcopal Church in Siesta Key.
Mr. Wittmeyer is an ordained minister through the Illinois-Wisconsin District of the Church of the Brethren. His career focus has been on organizational capacity building and he has spent many years in international faith-based contexts.
See a photo gallery of the events: