Rediscovering mutual aid

by Celeste Kennel-Shank

It's difficult to find bright points in the economic downturn. I do see some, however, in examples of churches banding together and their members deepening a sense of interdependence.

In the Anabaptist tradition we have a set of practices called mutual aid—sharing resources to meet needs among believers. Biblical roots for mutual aid include the early church's practice of sharing possessions and the proceeds from property sold, along with Paul's encouragement to the Corinthian and Macedonian churches—this Sunday's epistle reading—to give to Christians in Jerusalem for a "fair balance between your present abundance and their need."

With some of our congregants experiencing economic strain, our Mennonite church is revisiting the place of mutual aid in church life. We have restarted an education scholarship fund to aid college and seminary students as more families struggle with higher tuition costs.

In addition, we are taking several steps toward developing a community of goods and a community of skills. Practically speaking, the community of goods is a list of items that households are willing to share with other members, as needed. My husband and I offered an air conditioning window unit, a duffel bag, a juicer appliance and bongo drums. The second category includes skills such as baking bread, editing research papers and preserving food.

The lists will be compiled on our church Web site. Instead of buying an item that I would use only infrequently, I can consider borrowing it instead. Recently a couple from our church asked if they could borrow our air conditioner for visiting family members. When they came to pick it up, we shared a meal and got to know each other better before we loaded the air conditioner into their car.

Our church has focused on external need as well. During Lent we went without small luxuries—such as a $2 cup of coffee—in favor of pooling money to send to Mennonite Central Committee. Through these shared efforts, church members deepen relationships outside of worship and planned events.

I'm learning that the best way for a church to get through tough times is to do it together.

Celeste Kennel-Shank is a lay worship leader and preacher at Chicago Community Mennonite Church.