Spring 2022 Grebel Now

Editorial

This issue of Grebel Now highlights Grebel programs that help grow or resource church leaders and congregations. This issue also catches up with a sampling of alumni who are serving the church in a variety of ways, as a career or as a volunteer.

Editorial Team

Grebel Now is published annually by Conrad Grebel University College.
Send all comments, submissions, and ideas to: grebel@uwaterloo.ca

Managing Editor and Designer
Jennifer Konkle

Advisor
Fred W. Martin

Tyler looking at a certificate in a frame Marcus is holding

Tyler Allen works in the kitchen at Grebel, washing dishes and helping the cooks prepare and serve food. A few weeks ago, we celebrated Tyler’s “One Thousand Days Without Pop” at Grebel.

Carol pointing to an artwork in a full art gallery

Images reach into our lives in a different way than written text or even music. I remember sitting in church services as a little kid, paging through my Bible and looking for pictures. Children growing up in congregations with the new Voices Together hymnal will be shaped by the artwork they see week after week.

Students holding candles outside in the snow

As we emerge from many months of a global pandemic, the Grebel community is eager for renewal of mind, spirit and direction. Our new strategic plan focuses on a relatively short time frame of three years, and centres on the work we need to do to recover and thrive following the unexpected upheavals of the past two years.

song book held by student in front of chapel window

As part of Grebel’s mission to nurture faith in service to church and society, the College has woven many threads of opportunity into its programming. While Grebel students are on diverse career paths, those who want to build church leadership skills find ways to develop those gifts.

It may not be immediately apparent how an academic teaching and research centre like the Toronto Mennonite Theological Centre (TMTC) serves the church. Nevertheless, over the course of more than thirty years, TMTC has consistently been a bridge between the church and the academy.

people gathered in table groups facing a speaker standing in the front of the room

The Conflict Management Certificate Program operates under the premise that each person can learn how to deal with conflict in a healthy and effective manner. The program and the workshops provide an opportunity to explore new ideas and train participants to work effectively with others.

Marcus, Henry Paetkau and his wife Leonora sitting together

In an effort to resource churches, schools, and civil society, Grebel is introducing Grebel to-go. Through lectures, presentations, workshops, adult and youth education, and sermons, faculty members at Grebel are eager to share their expertise in peace, music, worship, Mennonites, religious studies, theology, and history.

Grebel’s Spirituality and Aging program helps to connect the church with resources. Our Aging and the Spiritual Life course (which accepts auditors), our annual Spirituality and Aging seminar, and ongoing consulting and research, links pastors and the community with opportunities to learn from one another, and from scholars and spiritual care providers around the world.

luke jantzi standing in front of a mountain range

Grebel’s mission is to “Seek wisdom, nurture faith, and pursue justice and peace in service to church and society.” After graduation, alumni who desire to serve the church find a multitude of pathways to fulfill this call: in lay leadership roles, in pastoral vocations, or in leading church-inspired non-profits.

map of the relationships related to Mennonite Church Eastern Canada (MCEC)

In the summer of 2021, Mennonite Church Eastern Canada (MCEC) partnered with the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement to contract Grebel student and now Interim Coordinator of the Centre, Victoria Lumax, to map relationships to inform MCEC’s strategic planning process.

A surprising turn of events brought Grebel Master of Peace and Conflict Studies (MPACS) student Bethany Serengheu (MPACS 2022) together to work with Zambia-based alumnus Issa Ebombolo (MPACS 2017) on a Peace Club curriculum for The Meeting House church based in Oakville, Ontario.

Grebel building with a tree in front and two birds flying

Each year, several graduating students are invited to offer reflections on their time at Conrad Grebel University College.

This year Grebel returned to an in-person Convocation service after a two-year hiatus. This April 10th event marked tremendous achievements and celebrated the hard work and dedication of Grebel’s graduate, academic, and residence students.

stained glass window with blues and reds

After an extensive search, Conrad Grebel University College has named Beverley Fretz as Director of Student Services.

four people wearing face masks standing beside wooden sign that says "fill the table"

An Open House on Saturday, March 26 signified the end of the Fill the Table Campaign as donors were invited to tour the new kitchen and dining room facilities.

five people standing by colourful stained glass inspired wire sculpture.

Art donations are being accepted for Grebel’s permanent art collection. Contact Fred W. Martin for more details.

students sitting in a semi circle facing a mic

Abi Kowalski and Tim Peters, two Grebel residents, participated in the C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest on March 2, 2022.

In addition to classroom teaching, faculty and other academic personnel at Grebel accomplish a wide range of scholarship and service in the academy, church, and community. Here is a sampling of recent activities and achievements.

Lectures that were held at Conrad Grebel University College in 2022.

david neufeld teaching to a small group in library

Grebel has appointed Dr. David Y. Neufeld as Assistant Professor of History, beginning July 1, 2022, succeeding Professor Marlene Epp who retires this summer.

Editorial

Editorial Team

One Thousand Days without Pop

Worship through Visual Art: A New Hymnal Leads the Way

Strategic Plan for 2022-2025: Renewing an Inspired Community

Setting a Foundation for Church Leadership

Building Bridges

Addressing Conflict in Congregations

New Initiative Sends Profs to Congregations

Big Questions about Spirituality and Aging

Alumni Called to Church Leadership

Systems Mapping Reveals Interconnected Webs in the Church

Peace Clubs: From Zambia to Oakville

Learning from Each Other in Community

Convocation: Threshold of a New Beginning

New Director of Student Services Feels Called to Role

Grebel President Reappointed

Tables are Filled as Campaign is Complete

Alumni Art Acquisitions

Oratorical Contest Winner

A Sampling of Scholarship

Winter Lectures

New Anabaptist and Mennonite Historian will Connect the Past with the Present

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