Grebel-to-Go

 Alicia Batten

Professor of Religious Studies and Theological Studies 
Expertise: New Testament, Religion and Dress, Religion and Visual Art 

How Was the New Testament Formed? 

Most Christians throughout the world share the same New Testament canon. However, it took a few hundred years for this collection to become consistent. Many early Christian writings were produced during the first few centuries of the Christian church. Why were some books included in the canon and others were not?  
Suitable for adult education class. 1.5 hours 

James: A Puzzling Letter 

Unlike most New Testament texts, the Letter of James has no reference to the death and resurrection of Jesus. Yet some of the letter’s teachings bear striking resemblance to those attributed to Jesus, specifically those found in the Sermon on the Mount. Where might the Letter of James come from, how does its wisdom compare to that of Jesus, and why has this letter historically received less attention than other texts in the New Testament? 
Suitable for adult education class. 3 hours 

Religion and Dress

These days, there are many controversies about religion and dress. However, such debates are not new, and we see conflict over religion and dress in a variety of contexts at different points historically. Why is dress so controversial, and how does the study of dress help us understand the meaning of religion? We will explore examples from the ancient world up to the present day.
Suitable for adult education class. 1.5 hours

Jeremy Bergen 

Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Theological Studies
Expertise: Expertise: Anabaptist/Mennonite Theology, Church Apologies for Historical Wrongs, God as Trinity, Atonement, Martyrdom, Ecumenism  

Church Apologies for Historical Wrongs 

What does it mean for a church (congregation or denomination) to apologize, repent, or ask forgiveness? In light of calls to truth and reconciliation, what is the role of an apology?  An apology calls for careful reflection on the relationship of the past and the present, as well as future commitments and relationships. We will also consider what an apology for past wrongs shows about the nature and mission of the church. 
Suitable as sermon and/or adult education session(s) 

Atonement

Some traditional hymns describe Jesus’ blood as saving, and his death as a penalty paid on behalf of sinners. Does this mean that only Jesus’ death matters for salvation? What about his ministry and teachings, resurrection and ascension? What about the very fact that Jesus is both God and human? We will explore the wide range of metaphors in scripture and beyond for how Jesus repairs the relationship between God and human beings and consider the implications of various models of atonement.
Suitable as sermon and/or adult education session(s) 

Paul Heidebrecht

Director, Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement, Adjunct Assistant Professor 
Expertise: Incubating Peace, Peace Entrepreneurship, Political Advocacy, Technology and Ethics 

Advancing Peace 

In a world filled with conflict and injustice, the need for creative new efforts to advance peace has never been clearer. Drawing on examples from the dynamic mix of researchers, activists, and entrepreneurs who call the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement home, this session will provide a window into innovative and inspiring efforts that are making a difference in both local and global contexts.  
Suitable as an adult education session  

PeaceTech 

Many of us struggle to keep up with accelerating developments in technology, and are increasingly worried about how technology is shaping the way we live and relate to each other. This session will provide insights into how students and faculty at Conrad Grebel University College and the University of Waterloo are thinking critically about technology, and creatively using technology to make a positive impact. It will also create space for a conversation about how Mennonite faith and practice can help us all grapple with technology. 
Suitable as an adult education session 

Troy Osborne

Dean, Associate Professor of History 
Expertise: Church History, Anabaptism, Mennonite History, The Reformation 

Being Anabaptist Mennonite in the Past and Present 

Explore the Anabaptist story in its historical and global context. How has Anabaptist identity changed over time and across the globe? How have “Anabaptists” and “Mennonites” told their stories? What difference does that story make in the contemporary, global church?  
Suitable as a sermon, Sunday School presentation, or 3-hour multi-session workshop 

What’s “New” in Anabaptist History? 

As Anabaptists prepare to celebrate 500 years of their tradition’s history, we will examine recent developments and approaches in the study of Anabaptist and Reformation history and thought. We will move beyond the easy story of the usable history to look at the ways that the study of Mennonites and Anabaptists has changed and provide new insights to the complex story of this diverse movement. 
Suitable as an adult education session 

Kate Kennedy Steiner

Associate Professor of Music, Director of the Church Music and Worship Program
Expertise: Liturgical song, medieval chant, early polyphony, religious communities

Hildegard of Bingen: Church Musician

Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) has captured the imaginations of feminists, New Age pantheists and pop musicians. In 2012, the Vatican approved her canonization, making her one of four women who have received the official title of Doctor of the Church. Among her most important and enduring contributions is her liturgical music. How did Hildegard use music to shape the theology of her own women's community? We will listen to and sing some of Hildegard's music and its adaptation in Voices Together to explore her unique voice in church music.
Suitable as an adult education session 

Singing the Songs of the Bible

At many points in the history of the church, reformers have sought to reinvigorate the church by returning to its core repertory: the Psalms, which the church shares with the Jewish faith, and other songs scattered throughout the Bible. What do these songs of the Bible offer for faith communities today? We will practice singing Psalms and Canticles in different styles, and consider the theology that they form in us through singing. 
Suitable as sermon and/or adult education session(s) 

Reading the Bible Liturgically

The Reformation and the advent of the printing press revolutionized the way that Christians read the Bible. While it gave access to the Bible to many more people, it also turned reading the Bible into a primary private, silent act, in the same way one reads a novel. But in pre-Reformation churches, the Bible was read primarily through the lens of the liturgy, it texts shaping daily life in tune with creation: the morning and the evening, the seven days of creation, birth and death, and the changing seasons. In this way, the Bible was a text through which to read the world and in which to live, rather than a propositional or moral textbook. We will examine the full liturgical life of the pre-Reformation church, particularly in its Benedictine form, and the role that the Bible played in the liturgy. 
Suitable as an adult education session 

Carol Penner 

Director of Theological Studies, Assistant Professor of Theological Studies 
Expertise: Equipping Worship Leaders, Equipping for Pastoral Care, Theology and Abuse/Boundaries/Safe Place Policies, Feminist Theology, Significance of Lament 

How to Lead Worship Faithfully and Effectively 

Being a good worship leader is connected to knowing the purpose of the role. In these sessions, we will explore the “whys” of worship leading and also the “hows.” We will survey the different components of a worship service, and how to craft or find words that suit the situation.   
Suitable as a 3-hour multi-session workshop 

Understanding Pastoral Sexual Misconduct 

Creating safe spaces is of vital concern to congregations.  When church leaders misuse their power by violating sexual boundaries, the ripples affect individuals, families and systems. How is misconduct addressed, and how can people move forward in healing ways? Themes of accountability, justice, and forgiveness will be explored.   
Suitable as a sermon, adult education presentation, or 3-hour multi-session workshop 

Derek Suderman

Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Theological Studies 
Expertise: Psalms, lament, prophets, Wisdom literature, violence and the Bible, and the use of the Old Testament in the New Testament 

The Beginning of Scripture

The Bible starts with: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen. 1:1). In another sense, however, the function of the Bible as Christian Scripture begins in each community that dedicates itself to engage this foundational document. Focusing on Jesus’ inaugural message in Luke 4, this sermon explores often overlooked questions: what was missing in the scroll Jesus read? What does this narrative say about what grounded Jesus’ ministry? And what implications does this have for being a follower of Jesus in our time? This sermon depicts the church as a sport in search of players. Are you willing to get off the sidelines and into the action?
Suitable as sermon and/or adult education session(s) 
[Best when paired with a Sunday School or Faith Formation session on a topic drawn from the ‘Biblical Explorations’ below.]

Land, People, and Covenant (Treaty!): Rediscovering the Doctrine of Discovery

When Europeans arrived in the Americas, they brought with them the conviction that they were able to claim the land they ‘discovered.’ How did they understand what they were doing? What was the biblical and theological logic that grounded this perspective, and the assumptions on which it was built? Most importantly, what antidotes are there for such a perspective? While we may assume that the Doctrine of Discovery reflects ancient history that we have moved well past, this workshop explores both where this belief came from and how it continues to reverberate in our own time.
Suitable as a workshop for adult education class. 3 hours 
[This workshop engages the TRC Call to Action to engage the history of the Doctrine of Discovery and its role in justifying Residential Schools in Canada.]

Biblical Explorations

Have you every wondered what the Bible says about key issues in our day?  Or questioned why people bother with the Bible anymore or if it is still relevant? These workshops facilitate encounters with the Bible that leave people both intrigued and scratching their heads. Assuming that Scripture is something to be shared and interpreted together, they provide new lenses for looking at biblical passages and topics with an eye to exploring their relevance for today. The topics listed are suitable for complete novices all the way to people who are very familiar with biblical material, from youth to seniors, and can be customized for your group and setting.
Suitable as workshops, faith formation events, or Sunday School classes. From 1-3 hours    

• Beyond Creation vs. Evolution: Reimagining a Biblical Understanding of Science
• Jonah: SO MUCH More than a Fish Story…
• “In the Beginning”: Exploring the Creation, Purpose, and “Fall” of Humanity in Genesis 1-5
• Ruth the Moabite: A Radical Refugee Story and its Implications for Today
• But what about Joshua?!?  Wrestling with a Violent Book as Followers of Jesus
• Praying for What?!?  Why Many Psalms sound so Vindictive and Why They’re Important
• From “An Eye for an Eye” to “Love your enemies” --- Exploring the Purpose of Biblical Law and How Jesus “Fulfills” it (Exodus and the Sermon on the Mount)
• The Transformation of the “Messiah”: From Conquering King to Suffering Servant (Psalms and Matthew) --- especially appropriate for Lent/Easter season
• Is God Still a Warrior (and Why)?  From Exodus to Jesus
• Rethinking the “Great Commission”: What does Evangelism look like in the Gospels?
• Church, State, and Civil Disobedience? (Does Romans 13 really mean what they say it does?!?)
• When Christians were Jews… Reframing our Understanding of the NT (and our Jewish Neighbours)
• Recognizing Diversity within the Church (and the Bible!) -- as a Resource, not a Problem...

What is the Bible and How Should We Teach It?

Geared to Sunday School teachers, small group leaders, and others involved in facilitating Bible studies, this workshop guides participants to consider some strategies and pitfalls for leading biblical studies. It engages questions such as: what do people expect from the Bible? How can theological diversity be a resource for engaging the Bible? What are some common tendencies and stumbling blocks to avoid when facilitating a Bible study? This workshop explores various strategies and provides concrete tips for leading dynamic and engaging Bible studies in various contexts. 
Suitable as a workshop. 3 hours
[Workshop functions best as a follow-up to experiencing one of the “Biblical Explorations” listed above.]