MC USA Climate Justice Coordinator Karla Stoltzfus Detweiler addresses members of West Union Mennonite Church. Photo by Jane Yoder-Short.
Blue cornbread. Photo by Jane Yoder-Short.
What kind of meal would we have? What can we serve in February in Iowa if we request items to be locally produced? West Union Mennonite Church of rural Parnell came through with a feast full of delicious surprises. Take Bruce and Edie’s chicken, add some of Donovan’s corn plus rivels created with Iowa flour and local eggs, and soup number one is tasty. Take Steve’s organic beef, add local potatoes, carrots, onions, green beans plus canned tomatoes, and the aroma of soup number two fills the air. Not to be outdone, Holly’s squash with a hint of sweet potatoes and some Kalona SuperNatural cream was soup number three.
The local surprises continued, with Steve’s local blue cornmeal turned into cornbread. Local pawpaws [a native fruit] showed up as pie, thanks to Elana.
Added to the dinner, we had bagels that had been locally “retrieved.” We used them to make croutons for the soup and bread pudding. This reminded us of how much food we toss away.
Pawpaw pie. Photo by Jane Yoder-Short.
According to the University of Iowa’s Office of Sustainability, Iowans import 90% of their food. A typical carrot travels 1,838 miles to reach an Iowa dinner table. We don’t often think about this.
After the meal, Karla Stoltzfus Detweiler, Mennonite Church USA’s Climate Justice coordinator, gently prodded our thinking. Climate can be a difficult subject to discuss.
Stoltzfus Detweiler spoke of her desire “to open doors of prayerful conversation and Christ-shaped action within MC USA.” She reminded us that talking about extreme weather is one way to talk about change. She is hopeful that as we listen to diverse voices within MC USA and Mennonite World Conference, we can find a path of transformation.
Members of West Union Mennonite. Photo by Jane Yoder-Short.
As Mennonites, we see ourselves as peacemakers. Stoltzfus Detweiler reminded us, “Our peacemaking today includes restoring creation, tending to the ailing of our planet and seeking not just to draw down carbon from the atmosphere but transforming our relationships with God, with our neighbors and with the land.”
An audience member reminded us that Mennonites used to pride themselves in simple living. Have we forgotten this?
West Union Mennonite people left with full stomachs and lingering thoughts. We left believing we can talk honestly and respectfully about our fears and concerns and also our hopes and dreams for an interconnected and beloved world.
Written by Jane Yoder-Short, West Union Mennonite Church.