Peace of the City

In Luke 15:1–10, Jesus speaks to two very different audiences—tax collectors and sinners who listen with open hearts, and Pharisees and scribes who grumble in judgment. In this message, Pastor Jason Storbakken explore how Jesus disrupts polarized categories, centering the marginalized and revealing God’s heart through stories of a shepherd and a woman searching for what was lost. These parables remind us that our worth is never diminished, no matter how hidden or burdened we may feel, and that joy erupts in heaven when we are restored. What does it mean to seek mercy over sacrifice, to remove anything that stands in the way of love, and to see the eternal value in every person?

In Luke 14:25–33, Jesus challenges the crowds—and us—with stark words about discipleship: “Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” What does it mean to “hate” family, give up possessions, and count the cost? In this sermon, Rev. Dr. Jason Storbakken explores the cultural context of Jesus’ radical call, the danger of finding identity in politics, possessions, or social status, and the invitation to reorder our lives through the costly yet life-giving way of the cross.

In this episode of Peace of the City, we reflect on Trinity Sunday, Pentecost, Pride Month, and Father’s Day through a sermon titled Let Us Make Space. Rev. Jason Storbakken invites us into the paradox of honoring fatherhood while challenging patriarchy, exploring the mystery of the Trinity not as rigid doctrine, but as divine friendship and relational love.Drawing from John 16:12–15, the sermon affirms a Spirit who continues to speak and a God who parents without domination. Through themes of inclusion, power-sharing, and holy disruption, we hear a call to embody a church that celebrates all flesh, all genders, and all people.This is a word for seekers, doubters, and dreamers—a call to create space for love in all its forms.Listen in and let the Spirit make space in you.

On this Pentecost Sunday—also the second Sunday of Pride Month—Rev. Dr. Jason Storbakken invites us into the fire and fullness of the Spirit. Tracing the roots of Pentecost back to Shavuot and moving through Acts 2 and the prophecy of Joel, this sermon proclaims a radically inclusive vision of church and Spirit.What does it mean that God’s Spirit is poured out on all flesh? What does it look like when queer teens, trans prophets, and nonbinary mystics receive divine fire? And how can we be a church born not in fear, but in flame?Join Manhattan Mennonite Fellowship in this powerful celebration of Spirit, liberation, and love beyond the margins.

In this episode of Peace of the City, Rev. Dr. Jason Storbakken preaches from John 14:23–29, exploring the promise of Christ’s peace: “not as the world gives.”Titled God’s Home, this sermon invites us to imagine a God who does not demand perfection but chooses to dwell with us—in love, in truth, and in peace. Jason contrasts the world’s transactional, performative peace with the liberating, abiding peace of Abba. Drawing from trauma-informed chaplaincy and nonviolent practice, he asks: What kind of God makes a home with us? And what does it mean to become a home for God’s peace?This is not a peace that demands silence or compliance—but one that tells the truth, holds sorrow and joy, and stays with us through transition and healing. In a world of temporary peace and conditional love, Jesus offers something deeper.

In this episode of Peace of the City, we welcome Dr. Ashley Moyse, Assistant Professor of Medical Ethics, McDonald Scholar, and Director of the Columbia Character Cooperatives. Drawing from his work at Columbia’s medical school and his research at Oxford, Dr. Moyse reflects on the view from the 14th floor—where the city’s pain becomes quiet, abstract, and dangerously distant.Preaching on Revelation and the Gospel of John, he reminds us that God's dwelling is not above but among us. This is no promise of escape, but a call to costly presence: to see, to touch, to stay near enough to wipe away tears. With sharp theological insight and deep pastoral care, Dr. Moyse challenges us to love not from a safe height, but from the ground—with fidelity, nearness, and grief-soaked grace.A sermon for anyone wrestling with how to live—and love—in proximity to suffering.

In Part 2 (of 2) of our series on John 20, we return to the locked room where Jesus appears not in triumph, but in tenderness. This Mother’s Day, we reflect on Thomas—the twin, the questioner, the one who names what so many of us carry: Unless I touch the wounds, I cannot believe. But Jesus does not shame him. Instead, Christ invites him—invites us—into the liminal space where wounds meet grace.Through Thomas’s story, and through the witness of all who mother from their own woundedness, we glimpse a deeper truth: that faith can emerge from doubt, that healing begins with touch, and that even our broken places can become sacred portals. Blessed are those who mother, who mend, who believe without seeing—and who dare to reach for peace. Message by Pastor Jason Storbakken.

In this first part of a two-part message from John 20, Pastor Jason invites us to breathe deeply and draw near to the sacred. Through the lens of Scripture and spirit, we explore breath as both a physiological and theological gift—infused with divine presence from creation to resurrection. In a world often marked by fear and fragmentation, this episode reminds us that Jesus meets us behind locked doors, breathing peace and the Holy Spirit into our weary lungs. How close must we be to feel the Spirit move? Come, share a breath—and be renewed.

🎙️ Easter Sunday: Holy DisruptionManhattan Mennonite Fellowship – April 20, 2025Christ is risen—and nothing will ever be the same.In this Easter Sunday message titled “Holy Disruption,” Rev. Dr. Jason Storbakken invites us to reflect on resurrection not as a tidy conclusion, but as a bold and unsettling beginning. We re-member the wounded body of Jesus, the brokenness of our world, and the fragility within our own faith communities. And yet, we dare to believe: resurrection begins with what remains.Drawing connections from the empty tomb to Anabaptist origins in 1525 Zurich, this message calls us to live as resurrection people—with love in our hearts, justice on our lips, and trembling hope in our steps.🔗 Learn more: www.manhattanmennonite.org📱 Follow us @manhattanmennonite on Instagram and Facebook#HolyDisruption #ResurrectionSunday #EasterSermon #MennoniteChurch #PeaceAndJustice #ReMember #AnabaptistFaith #ManhattanMennonite #ChristIsRisen #ChurchOnTheMargins #ResurrectionPeople #LoveAndJustice #TeachingPeace #StillBearingWounds

What does it mean to seek the peace of the city—not just for the city, but within it?In this short reflection from Manhattan Mennonite Fellowship, one member, Eric Kanagy, shares his personal journey of faith, family, and community in New York City. He speaks candidly about the challenges of building lasting relationships in a city of 9 million, the quiet grounding found at places like Camp Deer Park and Menno House, and the unexpected gift of a child’s phrase—touching boundaries—as a metaphor for spiritual growth.As our fellowship enters a time of transition, this reflection is also an invitation: What keeps you connected to MMF? What vision do you carry for our community? Take a moment to reflect—and if you feel moved, share your story on a Sunday or by email. Let’s shape our future together.

In this Palm Sunday message, Pastor Jason Storbakken reflects on the radical act of Jesus entering Jerusalem—not on a warhorse, but on a donkey. It was a deliberate move of humility, vulnerability, and resistance without violence. Set against the backdrop of empire, crucifixion, and fear, the crowd’s cry of “Hosanna!” was not just praise—it was a plea for liberation.What does it mean to follow Jesus today through vulnerable resistance? How do we confront systems of domination—not with retaliation, but with love that disrupts, heals, and transforms?Rooted in Philippians 2:5–11 and liberation theology, this sermon calls us to walk the path of peace, to overturn tables of injustice, and to remember: love is not weakness. Love is power. And in the end, love will win.Join us Sundays at 4 PM at the 15th Street Friends Meeting House for worship rooted in peace, justice, and community—and follow us on Instagram @manhattanmennonite to stay connected.

🎙️ Episode Title: Heroes of the Radical Reformation: Felix Manz and the Birth of Anabaptism🎧 Guest Speaker: Jason Landsel, graphic novelistIn this special episode of Peace of the City, guest speaker and graphic novelist Jason Landsel, a member of the Bruderhof community, shares a powerful presentation from his ongoing trilogy Heroes of the Radical Reformation. Speaking at Manhattan Mennonite Fellowship, Jason brings to life the dramatic story of Felix Manz, cofounder of the Anabaptist movement, whose bold faith led to one of the first acts of adult baptism in modern history—and ultimately, to martyrdom.Jason’s trilogy—By Water, By Fire, and By Sword—traces the roots of the Radical Reformation through rich storytelling and stunning visual art. In this episode, he walks us through the historical context, spiritual fervor, and revolutionary courage of young reformers like Manz, Conrad Grebel, and others who broke from state-controlled religion to follow Christ more faithfully—even when it cost them everything.📖 By Water focuses on Felix Manz and the early days of the movement.🔥 By Fire, the next installment, tells the story of Jakob and Katharina Hutter.⚔️ By Sword is in the works, centered on Peter Reidemann.Tune in for a compelling blend of theology, history, and graphic art as we reflect on what it means to count the cost, live by conviction, and be shaped by the stories of those who came before us.

🎧 Episode Title: Costly PeaceScripture: 2 Corinthians 5:16–21; Matthew 5:9Featuring the witness of Felix ManzIn this sermon titled Costly Peace, we return from retreat refreshed by the Spirit and re-enter a world aching with injustice. Drawing from Paul’s call to the ministry of reconciliation, the teachings of Jesus, and the radical witness of Anabaptist martyr Felix Manz, this episode challenges us to reject cheap peace—the kind that ignores suffering—and instead embrace the hard, holy work of liberation.What does it mean to be an ambassador for Christ in a time of fear, division, and systemic harm? How can we embody a reconciliation that tells the truth, confronts oppression, and centers those most marginalized? In this reflection, we are reminded that peace is not passive—it is revolutionary.Join us as we explore the sacred tension between healing and justice, faith and action, tradition and transformation. Costly Peace is a call to discipleship that dares to disrupt.

Danielle Williams, guest speaker at Manhattan Mennonite Fellowship. Danielle joined @connect_nyc in 2021 as a community educator. In her capacity at CONNECT Faith, Danielle collaborates with New York City’s diverse faith communities to create and strengthen their response to gender and family violence. She has a passion or empowering diverse faith communities to live into their values of social justice and transforming the world. Prior to CONNECT, Danielle spent many years as an inter-faith-based community organizer in California, equipping congregations to enact police accountability, criminal justice reform, violence intervention and prevention, and civic engagement. In her downtime, Danielle enjoys designing Afrocentric jewelry, watching Nollywood movies and cooking random recipes from YouTube influencers. She holds a Masters of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley.

A message from guest speaker, Rev. Katrina Foster, pastor at St. John's Lutheran Church (Greenpoint).

Guest speaker, Nekeisha Alayna Alexis, intercultural coordinator at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. Mark 10:17-27 (the rich young ruler)

A message from Paul Ryneski. https://neosoul.com/religion/queer-black-music/

A message from Hans Smucker, MMF member. John 20:19-31

A message from Laura Lacombe, Princeton Theological Seminary intern at Manhattan Mennonite Fellowship. There is a 5-minute musical interlude where participants are invited to use crayons, colored pencils, etc. to color and draw. This interlude was kept in this episode, so consider grabbing some crayons and paper before the sermons starts! The disciples came up to Jesus with the question, “Who is the greatest in the kindom of heaven?” Jesus called for a little child to come and stand among them. Then Jesus said, “The truth is, unless you change and become like little children, you will not enter the kindom of heaven. Those who make themselves as humble as this child are the greatest in the kindom of heaven.  Whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. But those who would cause any of these little ones who believe in me to stumble would be better thrown into the sea with millstones around their necks.” - Matthew 18:1-6 (Inclusive Bible Translation)

Guest speaker, Sara Wolcott's message on decolonization, land acknowledgments, and deeper spiritual truths.  To learn more about her work, visit: https://www.sequoiasamanvaya.com/

Special guest, Juan Carlos Ruiz, shares about his work and ministry among the recent wave of migrants into NYC. To learn more about his work, visit: https://goodshepherdbayridge.space/

A special message from Hyacinth Stevens, Bishop in Lancaster Mennonite Conference and Executive Director of Mennonite Central Committee East Coast. Matthew 26:36-46; Romans 12:2

Edgar Hayes, guest speaker, shares about the preparing for a child, and about preparing for the Christ child. Note: the sound quality is poor on this episode due to a tech challenge.  Advent 3

A message from special guest speaker, Sarah Augustine (Pueblo, Tewa), founder and cochair of the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery and the executive director of a Dispute Resolution Center in central Washington state. She is author of "The Land Is Not Empty, Following Jesus in Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery." For more information on the Coalitionto Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery, visit this link. 

Luke 18:9-14 Min. Laura Lacombe, intern, Princeton Theological Seminary

Luke 16:1-13 A message from Pastor Jason Storbakken

Pastor Jason preaches a message rooted in Jesus' teachings from Luke 11:1-13. Jesus' teaches his disciples to persist, and particularly to persist in seeking God's Spirit.

Pastor Jason Storbakken shares a message from Matthew 5:43-48. "Jesus said, 'You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.'"

Message by Pastor Jason Storbakken 1 Kings 17-19

Message by Jason Storbakken Song by Mory Ortman www.manhattanmennonite.org

John 21 Message by Pastor Jason Storbakken

A reflection rooted in the Beatitudes that moves through warring in the Bible (as well as warring today, and the warring that often happens within persons and relationships).  #antiviolence

This series explores Luke 4:14-30, including the content (Isaiah 61:1-3, 1 Kings 17, and 2 Kings 5) and context (synagogue at Nazareth) of Jesus' message. In this fourth installment, Jesus says "And there were many in Israel with leprosy in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian." This message centers on the prophet Elisha and his healing of a foreign military general.

Just when we thought the series was a two-parter, there's a third part to this series (and likely, at least, a fourth!). Pastor Jason explores Jesus' reference to the Elijah and the widow. Luke 4:16-30. 1 Kings 17:8-16.

Guest preacher, Rev. Shawn P. Torres-Anderson. Joel 2:25-28 #BlackHistoryMonth #Epiphany

Pastor Jason concludes this 2-part series. Luke 4:21-30

Pastor Jason shares a message on Luke 4:14-21

Deut. 6:1-9 Mark 12:28-34 Message by Rev. Jason Storbakken

Pastor Jason shares a message for Peace Sunday.  Matthew 26:47-56

Sue Park-Hur, denominational minister of transformative peacemaking at Mennonite Church USA. #BringThePeace #BeTransformed

A message on the importance of deep listening. "You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger." James 1:19-27

Pastor Jason reflects on Ephesians 4:25-5:2.  "I ride my bike to the Bowery every weekday morning. And there are some crazy drivers out there. One day, a truck nearly hit me. And I became angry, and just about lost my witness. I then recalled that I had recently learned that anger is a secondary emotion. And so I paused and searched my heart... I realized I was scared... When Paul says, “Don’t let the sun go down on your anger.” This calls us to consider the deeper emotion we may be experiencing."

Pastor Jason explores the mission of Manhattan Mennonite Fellowship: "Seeking the peace of the City!"

Guest speaker, Edafe Okporo was born in Warri, Nigeria. A native of Egbo Uhurie, Ughelli South Local government in Delta State Nigeria. He migrated to the United States in 2016 as an asylum seeker and now a refugee of the United States, residing in New York. Edafe is a global gay rights activist and the executive director of the RDJ Refugee Shelter in Harlem. Edafe is among the inaugural winners of the David Prize 2020, The David Prize is a celebration of individuals and ideas to create a better, brighter New York City. Genesis 9:1-17

Dr. Sibonokuhle Ncube (guest speaker) is from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. She is a mother, social justice advocate and development expert. Sibonokuhle has served as a deaconess and is known for her passionate speaking, intergenerational and cross-cultural insights.  She has more than 18 years of experience working with climate change responses, climate finance governance, and disaster preparedness in southern Africa.  She is a member of the Brethren in Christ Church of Zimbabwe, and recently served as National Coordinator of Compassionate Development Services. She is currently studying at the Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. #Bringthepeace

Ezekiel 17:22-24 Reflections by Pastor Jason.

Message by guest preacher, Edgar Hayes. Trinity Sunday. 100th anniversary of Tulsa Massacre

Pentecost Sunday sermon from Pastor Jason Storakken. www.manhattanmennonite.org #Bringthepeace

This message was preached on Mothers' Day by Pastor Jason Storbakken.

Davis Logan and Chihchun Yuan, both nearing completion of their graduate programs at Union Theological Seminary, reflect on their journey. #BringThePeace www.manhattanmennonite.org