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Most people of Russian Mennonite heritage have heard stories of the massive old oak tree in Khortitsa, Russia. The tree was an unofficial gathering place for the whole community with picnics, weddings, and meetings often taking place in the cool shade of its leaves. Coined “Hundert-jaehrig Eiche” (Hundred Year Old Oak) by early Mennonite settlers, the tree is estimated to be 700-800 years old.

After combing through nine of Frank H. Epp’s filing cabinets (so far), Linda Huebert Hecht knows more than a little bit about this important church leader. Hired by Conrad Grebel University College in 1999, she has worked part-time archiving Epp's extensive collection of correspondence, research notes, articles and newspaper clippings. According to Sam Steiner, Grebel Archivist, this five year project, jointly funded by the Frank H. Epp Memorial Fund and Grebel, is important because

Know what is in front of your face and what is hidden from you will be disclosed.

This is the central theme in Tom Harpur’s most recent book The Pagan Christ: Recovering the Lost Light. Harpur, a columnist for the Toronto Star, spoke at a fundraiser for Toronto Mennonite Theological Centre (TMTC) in June.

At Conrad Grebel University College’s 24th annual Convocation Service in April, 63 students were challenged to strive to be bigger and better, dialogue with one another, and make a difference in the world. Achievements of University of Waterloo undergraduates who have participated in Grebel life were recognized, while four Master of Theological Studies students had degrees conferred upon them.

Mark Yantzi embodies the spirit and tradition of peacemaking and conflict resolution that lies at the heart of Grebel's Peace and Conflict Studies program,

says Henry Paetkau, Conrad Grebel University College President. Yantzi is the 2004 recipient of the Conrad Grebel Distinguished Alumni Service Award.

Professor Leonard Enns has been a member of Conrad Grebel's Music department since 1977. Conducting, music theory, and composition are his main teaching areas, and he has directed the College Chapel Choir since coming to Grebel.

Tom Harpur, columnist for the Toronto Star, Rhodes Scholar, and former Anglican priest and professor of Greek and New Testament at the University of Toronto, will speak at Waterloo North Mennonite Church at a fundraiser for Toronto Mennonite Theological Centre (TMTC).

The Conrad Grebel Chapel Choir is embarking on a four-day whirlwind trip to Ohio, April 23-26, 2004. Stops on the tour include the Mennonite Church Eastern Canada Annual Conference in Leamington, Bluffton College, First Mennonite Church in Bluffton, Oak Grove Mennonite Church in Smithville, and Central Christian High School in Kidron.

Mennonites and Brethren in Christ have historically upheld a peace position internationally that does not encourage the use of coercion or force to resolve disputes, seeking instead to find collaborative solutions that disputants voluntarily accept. While law is rightly viewed as an “operating system” that allows a diverse society to live together with minimal violence, law can often be viewed as an instrument of coercion and the use of the legal system a way of using power to “bend” someone else to your will.

Conrad Grebel University College is looking pleased to announce that Dr. Nancy Heisey will present the 2004 Bechtel Lectures in Anabaptist Mennonite Studies. Heisey is the President of Mennonite World Conference and is a professor at Eastern Mennonite University.