News

This past June, scholars, practitioners, support workers, health care experts, and interested parties from across the globe gathered together virtually over the course of three weeks to advance the connections between spiritual practice and the effects of aging at the ninth International Conference on Aging and spirituality. Many health care support workers and religious/spiritual practitioners recognize the benefits to a broader approach of spiritual needs among all aging individuals and communities beyond end of life care, and recognize the diverse experiences of elder care around the world. The conference connected researchers with practitioners in a way that fosters community and advances this important intersection of care.

For the first time in its history, the Conflict Management Certificate Program (CMCP) is being offered online. The program is based out of Conrad Grebel University College’s Peace and Conflict Studies department, and offers workshops in a variety of conflict management and mediation practices.

The Mennonite Historical Society of Canada is utilizing the resources of Mennonite universities in Canada to research and write an updated history book on the history of Mennonites in Canada from 1970-2020. They have invited Conrad Grebel University College (Grebel) Archivist-Librarian Laureen Harder-Gissing to co-author this book with Brian Froese, Associate Professor of History at Canadian Mennonite University (CMU).

Combining academics and practice is vital to learning. Recognizing this, Professor Jane Kuepfer, Schlegel Specialist in Spirituality and Aging, integrates experiential learning in the classes that she teaches in the Master of Theological Studies (MTS) program at Conrad Grebel University College. “Academics is a way of processing what happens in daily life. Our interactions and service outside of the classroom are enriched as we strive to understand ourselves and others better through readings and discussion in class.”

Peace is not an absence of war, but the living process of freely interacting with others across borders seeking to understand their values and perspective, while striving for justice and truth.

For 48 days beginning September 25, the names of 661,818 soldiers and nurses on all sides of the First World War will be digitally displayed at more than 60 locations around the world. The Mennonite Archives of Ontario will be one of these locations.

Peace has been an important value in the lives of Aden and Joanne Bauman and their sons Barry, who passed away in 2016, and Michael.  Lifelong members of the Elmira Mennonite Church, Aden and Joanne were fixtures in the community at their Arthur street jewelry store.    “Peace is a Mennonite thing,” observed Joanne. “Peace is important to our family, and our boys remember that their uncle Elias was a conscientious objector during WW II,” noted Aden.  

During recent days we have shared the widespread sorrow and concern about attitudes, policies, and actions that have resulted in suspicion, fear, violence, and death.  We have stopped in silence and prayer to grieve the deaths, wounds, and shattered families of Muslims in Quebec City who were attacked while gathered with their community for prayer. We have stood and walked in solidarity with those expressing outrage and profound concern about the statements and policies of leaders who foster suspicion, fear, division, and exclusion by closing borders and revoking visas.

This weekend there will be 2 concerts featuring the music of Arvo Pärt to which you are invited.  Pärt, the most often performed living composer in the world, celebrated his 80th birthday this fall.  The concerts this weekend together celebrate the living legacy of this deeply spiritual and prolific composer.