Fred Kauffman, Program Coordinator PhiladelphiaMennonite Central Committee's work in Philadelphia is linked to a network of 20 diverse Mennonite, Brethren in Christ and Church of the Brethren congregations and ministries called "Kingdom Builders Anabaptist Network of Greater Philadelphia." Together we work at common concerns as we bear witness to Christ. Currently the common concerns among Philadelphian Anabaptists include the high level of violence in our city and the lack of positive opportunities for youth. MCC and Kingdom Builders have four initiatives addressing these issues. The organization of annual workshops on confronting violence; Working to support state legislation reducing the flow of handguns to the illegal gun market. Supporting a young Philadelphia Christian rap artist, Cruz Cordero, who is beginning to create a group of youth in the Kingdom Builders network who will use the arts to confront the culture of violence and bring a Christian message of Shalom. Some of his rap can be seen at http://www.myspace.com/cruzcordero32. Finally, MCC supports the work of Crossroads Community Center, a 40-year-old ministry that grew out of Second Mennonite Church in North Philly. Ron Muse works as a community chaplain to diffuse conflicts and also visits prisons to work with inmates. Crossroads' website is http://crossroadscc.mennonite.net.
MCC Philly is also part of the planning for the January 13-17, 2009 "Peace Gathering" in Philadelphia being organized by Philadelphia Quakers, Mennonite Church USA, and the Church of the Brethren. See http://peacegathering2009.org.
Contact Information: 816 S. 48th St. Tel: (215) 913-8742 E-mail: mccecphilly@mcc.org |
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