Eastern Mennonite University Podcast: Recent Episodes
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| Join us for the last chapel of the semester, as Dr. Stephanie Powell leads us in imagining “What’s Next?” Matt. 28:1-10 |
| “Table Story: Jesus (at) the Passover” – Join us as Dr. Joyner explores the practice of telling stories around a meal, which is central to both Judaism and Christianity. This chapel will explore the Passover meal that Jesus shared with his disciples and invite reflection on our role in conveying central stories to future generations. Luke 22:1-23 |
Join us to hear presentations from two 2025 Seminary graduates, Graciella Odelia “Home Away from Home: Embracing Young Asian Immigrants in Church” and Chrissie Muecke “Toward a Thriving Faith in the Midst of Loss: The Wisdom of the Elders.”
| Join us to hear two presentations from 2025 Seminary graduates. Shimeles Abebe: “Beyond Evangelism: An Invitation for the Church to Work on Peacebuilding and Restorative Justice in a War-torn Country” and Dave Mansfield: “Beyond Inclusion: Creating Hospitable Spaces alongside Members of the IDD Community.” |
| “What the….?! Wow. Theology in Poetry (this struggle should be real)” What even is this thing called “theology”? And why should we care? Turns out, we are all theologians – we struggle to hear ourselves and each other into saying something meaningful. Join us, along with Dr. Heike Peckruhn, for a time of hearing, doing, and feeling poetry from and with each other. Ezekiel 1 |
You can also join us live on the Seminary FB page or by Zoom in myEMU under the calendar tab.
“You Want Me to Do What?” – Like Peter’s call to fish for persons, the outcomes are unpredictable when people risk encountering each other across cultures, groups, and traditions, thereby moving beyond the stereotypes they have embraced. We may learn that the most profound and significant experiences of God and life are not to be found inthe safe ways and places. Luke 5:1-11; WV UMC Conf. Supt, Neil Leftwich.
| “God of All Compassion” – Join this chapel time hosted by the CPE students from our two current Clinical Pastoral Education classes and Certified Educators. We will worship in song, scripture and storytelling from our CPE cohorts and our various ministry experiences. |
“Though Many, One Body” – Join us to hear Rev. Dr. Jason Stanley, Director of Call and Candidacy for VA United Methodist Conference. 1 Cor. 12:12-31
| “Worship in the global Anabaptist realm” – Is there Anabaptist worship? Hymns or drums? At the intersection of diverse traditions, in international meetings, denominational conferences or in our local church context, how can we unite around meaningful expressions of worship? Join us to hear Makinto, Mennonite Pastor and Seminary student. 2 Samuel 6:12-23 |
| “A Strange Invocation: Finding theology (or maybe even divine) in songs where you may not have thought to look. Songs by Greg Brown, Paul Simon, and Bob Dylan. Reflections and performances by Dan Ott. |
Join us as Rev. Dr. Sarah Bixler shares stories of friendship and resistance from the life of a Dutch Anabaptist deaconess, Elisabeth Dirks.
“Transitions” – Seminary Chaplain Ned Allyn Parker will reflect on the multiplicity of transitions happening around us – everything from the transition of seasons, to the completion of the semester, to the movement from Advent to Christmas. Transitions are hard, but they are also holy.
“From Fear to Freedom” – “I was scared and had doubts, but I joined the march anyway. Don’t let fear stop you from moving forward.” Join us to hear how Luis Padilla, seminary student, addressed his fears and moved forward.
| Join us to hear Sherah-Leigh Gerber and Gwen Lantz, EMU alums and authors, as they share their recently published book and new ways to celebrate Advent. |
| “Disability and the Church” – Join us to hear Rev. Jordan Bucey, Asylum Hill Congregational Church (Hartford, CT) give a reflection on the theology of disability and building inclusive spaces in the Church. |
“Embracing Uncertainty” – Join us as Dr. Powell preaches on Mark 2:13-17 and what we might learn from an undecidable text.
“Act justly and love mercy”, and “If I perish, I perish.” Come and learn about the powerful life journey of Mukarabe Makinto, student at CJP and Co-founder of Amahoro International, an agency for peace and development. Hear her powerful testimony “My Journey: Persecution, Mission, Redemption” – how God uses a bruised yet redeemed vessel for his Kingdom purposes.
“Clinging to Good in a World Obsessed with Great” – In the first Genesis creation story, we see God repeatedly declaring each part of creation “good”. But is “good” good enough? Join us a we welcome Seminary Recruitment Specialist, Adam King (MDiv ’18) sharing his thoughts on goodness in a world overwhelmed by hyperbole.
“Bones, Tombs, and Queer Kinship: Grief as Praise for What We Love” – Annabeth Roeschley, Exec. Dir. for Brethren Mennonite Council for LGBT Interests, will look at grief, healing, repair and unexpected life through a queer, trauma-informed reading of Ezekiel 37:1-10, John 11:1-53.
“Sabbath and Sacred Selah“ – How are you caring for yourself as we approach the halfway mark in the semester? Join Drs. Joyner and Parker as they reflect on the challenges of observing Sabbath, focusing on both the challenges of time and isolation.
The Epistle of James challenges us to live out our faith by word and deed. Join us in considering what it may mean to journey on “The Road Less Traveled” when it comes to our response in faith. – seminary student, Jeff Thompson; James 1:1-12
“Our Journey in Faith” – As we journey with God, individually and collectively, our faith is the vehicle for a ride with unexpected turns, beautiful sights and unforeseen encounters. Today we hear stories of the Makinto family’s journey with the Lord. Hebrews 11:8-10.
| What is the value of sharing stories in community when we’re in the midst of a “storm?” How do we nurture and inspire each other by the mutual telling and sharing of stories? Together we reflect on the power of “storm stories” by using Mark 4:35-41. |
“It’s All Communion” – There is one “Last Supper” described from different perspectives in the Gospels, but there are many “communion” stories. What do the communion stories in the post-Easter narratives teach us about the meals we share in community? How should we regard them? And, where is Christ made known to you in these experiences?
| “Making Room” Join us to hear Dr. Rev. Ned Allyn Parker, reflecting on thoughts on doubt in the context of seminary and contemporary life. John 20:24-29 |
| Two Truths and Three Lies About Hope and HumanityACE Festival Keynote featuring Douglas Abrams, one of the authors of The Book of Hope, EMU’s 2023-24 Common Read. In a world that seems so troubled, how do we hold on to hope? New York Times-bestselling author Doug Abrams will examine this most sought-after and least-understood element of human nature. He will explore the importance of hope in our lives and how to cultivate it personally and collectively when we need it most. Through sharing little-known truths and confronting the widespread lies about the future of humanity, Doug invites the listener to see hope not as a passive or weak response, but as an act of resistance that challenges the status quo. The talk will draw on his work writing The Book of Hope with Jane Goodall, as well as his collaborations with the Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, Stephen Hawking, Nelson Mandela, Bryan Stevenson, and many other leading spiritual teachers, activists, and scientists.Doug Abrams is a multiple New York Times-bestselling author, as well as an editor, literary agent, and film producer. He is the founder and president of Idea Architects, a creative book and media agency helping visionaries create a wiser, healthier, and more just world. He co-wrote The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World with the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu which inspired the film MISSION: JOY, now on Netflix. Doug served as the interviewer in the film as well as an Executive Producer. Doug also co-authored The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times with Jane Goodall. (The Book of Hope is EMU’s Common Read selection for 2023-24.) He has also written many other bestselling non-fiction books and has written two novels, The Lost Diary of Don Juan and Eye of the Whale, which together have been translated into over thirty languages. Books and films he has developed have been credited with convincing then-President Bill Clinton to stop the genocide in Kosovo (THE BRIDGE BETRAYED), for launching the modern anti-slavery movement (DISPOSABLE PEOPLE), for helping to expand a mass incarceration reform movement (JUST MERCY, a book by Bryan Stevenson and film starring Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx), and for helping to address our environmental crisis (THE FUTURE WE CHOOSE, TWO WORLDS, which inspired a near future grounded sci-fi feature film being developed with the Obamas’ Higher Ground Productions for Netflix). |
| Join us for “Devotions in Motion” – led by Sarah Mount-Elewononi, we will experience the scriptures through symbolic gestures in a meaningful way. Just what you need to re-center for the end of the semester. Ezekiel 36:24-28 |
| Dr. Ned Parker will be on campus April 16-17 as a candidate for the position of Ass’t Professor of Preaching and Worship and Seminary Chaplain. Please join us to hear Dr. Parker speak on Luke 24:13-35. |
| “Fulfilled in Weakness” – Jesus’ nonviolence unto the last challenges earthly powers’ dependence on coercion and violence to maintain a sense of secure order. In the resurrection, God affirms Jesus’ life of noncoercion as in keeping with the flows of power and authority in God’s kingdom. Yet, with the resurrection as a basis of belief, we are left with a relatively “weak” basis for grasping truth or engaging the powers. Could this weakness, too, be for our good? Dr. Jacob Cook was our speaker. Mark 16:1-8 |
| Join us for a time of meditation and reflection on Holy Week, as we contemplate Jesus’ work of redemption and love for us. |
| Love & Duty in the Final Chapter: Experiences of Home-based Caring for Family EldersCarol Grace Hurst, PhD, LCSWAssociate Professor of Social WorkEastern Mennonite UniversityDr. Hurst presents results of a qualitative inquiry exploring home based caregiving experiences for family elders. Elders with complex health challenges are often assumed to need institutional care. The ways that family members respond to the dilemma of the need for caregiving involves unique problem solving within family systems. To remain at home, someone else must become a caregiver and invest significant love, labor, money, and time in the intensifying needs of the elder. Despite an historic focus on burden in caregiving literature, this study sought to explore caregivers’ meaning-making of both challenges and joys inherent to accompanying a loved one during their final chapter.Dr. Hurst serves as Associate Professor of Social Work at EMU. She holds PhD and MSW degrees from the School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Dr. Hurst’s years in clinical practice have focused on children, youth, and families. She believes in the power of attachment, love, and deep spirituality to anchor resilience in families. Dr. Hurst’s scholarship endeavors have focused on family caregiving from two stages of the life cycle: early childhood and the elder years. Her research and writing collaborations have focused on breastfeeding, care giving, and clinical supervision. |
| Jesus had a habit of serving others. Join us to hear Rev. Sarah Bailey talk about how we recognize that we, as Jesus’ followers, are called to serve – but how often do we make it a part of our daily, regular habits of living? With God’s help, service can become a holy habit for us, a part of our everyday life. Matt. 5:40-48 |
| Join us to hear Rev. Maren Hange share about racial and social justice and her experiences in Charlottesville Clergy Collective. She is Minister of Formation and Soul Care for Virginia Mennonite Conference. |
| “Receiving, Accepting, and Adapting to Ourselves and One Another” Rev. Karl McKinney, LMC Intercultural Leadership minister will be speaking from John 15:12-17. How do we follow Messiah in the ways that we treat ourselves and each other every day? |
| Experience the ancient Christian practice of praying the hours and chanting the psalms. Together we’ll learn how we can organize our day around the life of Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit. |
| A Potluck with No Food: Fasting in Community – As Christians approach the Lenten season, many prepare for a fasting practice of “giving something up” for Lent. In this chapel gathering, Courtney Joyner will explore how the Jewish practice of fasting on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, an inform Lenten spiritual discipline in Christian communities. Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, Ps 51 |
| Join us to hear noted Christian ethicist and ordained minister David P. Gushee speak to us about “Thinking Biblically about Government in an Election Year.” Gushee is author and editor of more than 28 books and 175+ academic book chapters, journal articles and reviews. |
| “Who Is My ‘Another’?” Join us as Dr. Sarah Bixler speaks about Jesus’ command to love “one another.” As an indication of mutuality and friendship, just how far does this command to love one another extend? (John 13) |
| Join us for a time of visio divina using the parable of the mustard seed. A time of contemplation where we open ourselves to God’s voice through sacred art and reflection. Matt. 13:31-32 |
| “Epiphany and the Secret Work of God” – Join us to hear Rev. Brett Isernhagen speak of the visit of the Magi, which is often heralded as the first time Christ was revealed to Gentiles. But what exactly did the Magi take away from their visit and how can this encounter shape our attention this semester? Matt. 2:1-12 |
| Pastoral Care in an Intercultural EnvironmentJoin to hear Rev. Chidi Ihezuoh present his Ministry Specialization Project, as part of the Master of Christian Studies (MACL) graduate program. |
| Catherine E. Rittenhouse, DNP, MSN, CRNP, RNAssociate Professor of NursingEastern Mennonite UniversityBased on the most recent data from the CDC, there were 26 million new diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the US – almost half of these infections occurred in people aged 15-24 (CDC, 2021). The majority of the undergraduate student population at EMU falls within this age group. Racial and ethnic minorities and gay and bisexual men are also disproportionately affected (CDC, 2021). For students to succeed in their educational endeavors, it is essential for colleges to work to meet health needs. Measures that raise awareness about STIs and reduce barriers to testing are steps in this direction.Catherine Rittenhouse has taught as an Associate Professor in the undergraduate nursing program at Eastern Mennonite University for 15 years, in both the classroom and clinical settings. She recently assumed the position of Director of the Master of Science in Nursing program at EMU. She graduated from (then) Eastern Mennonite College in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, from the University of Pennsylvania with a master’s degree in nursing and specialization as a women’s health nurse practitioner, and from EMU with a Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2023. She has clinical experience in critical care nursing and reproductive health in various settings, and a special interest in health promotion in undergraduate students. |
| Join us to hear our own Rev. Tim Reardon, Ass’t Professor of New Testament. Acts 10:1-5, 28-43 and Isaiah 25:6-10 |
| Join to hear “Encounters with Jesus” with Seminary student, Carlos Malvaez. Luke 7:11-17. Carlos is pastor of Manantial de Vida in Harrisonburg. |
| Stop Loving Others! Exploring the Relationship Between Self-Love and Loving OthersJoin to hear CJP graduate (2013), Dr. Rasoul Naghavi speak about faith-based peacebuilding from a Muslim perspective. Originally from Iran, he is a scholar and peacebuilder in Northern VA. He is the founding president of Mufid Academic Seminary and a professor of Muslim Intellectual History at Maryland Institute College of Art. |
| Join as Rev. Crystal Sygeel reminds us of the message of the Great Commandment and what it means to live into this calling. Rev. Sygeel is the Assoc. Dir. for Call and Candidacy for the Center for Clergy Excellence of the VA Conference of the United Methodist Church. |
| Dave Mansfield, Seminary student, brings us a message – as part of the Foundation for Christian Preaching course. |
| Embedding Restorative Justice Pedagogy in K-12 Instructional PracticeEmbedding Restorative Justice Pedagogy in K-12 Instructional Practice is the result of a research study that draws upon a framework of restorative justice in education pedagogy, developed in collaboration with Dr. Kathy Evans. The framework examines the intersection between three components of restorative justice (nurture healthy relationships, repair harm and transform conflict, and create just and equitable learning environments) and common instructional dimensions (content, learning experiences, assessment and evaluation, social-emotional environment, and physical environment). The findings of the study feature the pedagogical practices applied by K-12 educators within a restorative justice in education framework. Dr. Cathy Smeltzer Erb is Professor of Teacher Education at EMU, Director of the Academic Success Center, and Co-director of the Center for Teaching and Learning. Previously she served as Director of Undergraduate Teacher Education for 16 years. Cathy’s lifelong passion of all things teaching and learning has been nurtured through undergraduate years at EMU, M.Ed. and PhD. programs at the University of Toronto, teaching middle and high school in Ontario, Canada, and now in higher education. Cathy’s passion resides in pedagogical practice –influencing teachers toward equitable and inclusive practices that engage all learners. |
| Join us to hear Seminary student, Carmen Shenk, explore the ways Jesus broke through the hierarchy, separation of the old covenant making a way to God’s presence – not just for Jewish men and priests, but for women, lepers, and gentile illegals. The life and death of Jesus brought all of us outsiders to the mountain of the Lord. |
Come and join us as Rev. Brett Isernhagen guides us in remembering the 19th century abolitionist martyr, Anthony Bewley, and the all to love our enemies.
“Hospitality, Fostering Healing Communities for Immigrants and Refugees” Join us as Seminary student, Juan Carlos Malvaez shares his capstone with us, taking a holistic approach to hospitality. “Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.” “No maltrates ni oprimas a los extranjeros, pues también tú y tu pueblo fueron extranjeros....
“Who Are We That We Should Go?” Dean Daniel Ott will explore the ways we deny our calling to deliver the oppressed. Exodus 3:1-15 (JPS translation)
| Gather as a campus community to recognize and celebrate student academic, leadership and service achievements and accomplishments from this academic year. Awards, such as Teacher of Promise, Tutor of Distinction, Outstanding Senior in Math and Engineering, Beloved Community, Exceptional Leadership and Exceptional Service will be given by around 20 different departments or programs across the university. |
| Welcome the spring semester Intercultural Seminar group back to campus and hear what they encountered on their learning adventures in South Africa. |
| The entire EMU community was invited to join to honor Kevin Clark for his 24 years of service to EMU! Also experience a Lectio of Ephesians 3:14-21 within a rhythm of silence, prayers and songs/hymns. |
| What Poetry Offers: More than FeelingACE Festival 2023 welcomes Luisa A. Igloria as our keynote speaker. Especially in these last few years of the pandemic and other experiences of global upheaval, there has been a rededicated interest in the public role of poetry and its relationship to social change. And while it’s true that literature and the arts could be said to have empathy as their cornerstone, what they give us, really, is more than a capacity to feel deeply or to empathize with others. Writer Jenny Boully says: “Can you give to someone else what has been? That’s the task of the poet.” It seems that “giving to someone else what has been” has to do with a generosity that exceeds any moment filled with feeling, no matter how lavish the catharsis it might deliver. Besides feeling, there is also work: ways in which we can use language, technique, practice, and revision. This work enables us to nudge the poem toward what comes beyond the moment of its outburst, articulation, and perception. The poem must also ask: what remains of our attention and witnessing? How will our conversations and creations change, after the poem? |
| Come explore Climate Justice: From Anxiety to Action with Douglas Kaufman, Director of Pastoral Ecology with the Anabaptist Climate Collaborative (ACC). Convocation ended with a Lament Hole exercise on the north lawn of Lehman Auditorium followed by a Litany of Hope activity that might go until 11:15 a.m. |
| Today’s talk, entitled “Climate Change and the Healing of Creation,” explores the science of climate change and the theology of creation care. Steve offers a message of hope and a call to action.Dr. Steve Pardini has a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Iowa State University and a Master of Divinity from Eastern Mennonite Seminary. He and his wife Deb have three grown children. |
| Rev. Rachel Ringenberg Miller, denominational minister for Ministerial Leadership for Mennonite Church USA, will show us how Jesus models compassion for others and for himself. Leadership involves knowing when to do the work of ministry yourself, when to delegate and when to practice self-care. Matt. 14:13-33. |
| Join us to hear the Rockingham Male Chorus – of which Seminary student, Jeff Thompson is a member! The chorus has given over 1,000 concerts and perform regularly starting in September through April traveling from Pennsylvania to Florida. |
| Gather in this western Christian Holy Weekfor a journey with Jesus highlighting How Jesus Waged Peace throughout Holy Weekwith teaching from Jason Porterfield. |
| Shenandoah Valley Biblical Storytellers – A Collection of Passion Week Tellings from the Gospel of Matthew. Hear the Word of God come alive through storytelling. |
| Lean in for personal reflections from Vietnam addressing themes in the 2022-2023 EMU Common Read, The Best We Could Do. Panelists include: Yung Trinh, Rebecca Dietz, Earl Martin and Caleb Schrock-Hurst being interviewed by Professor Kevin Seidel. |
| “The Lord Provides” – Join us as we learn how the Lord provides the gifts of strength, mercy, grace, faith and love. These gifts are even provided to those whom the church may perceive to be unlikely candidates. 1 Tim. 1:12-17 |
| Join artist, Katie Jo Suddaby, for a live creation of symbolic sand art as a meditative spiritual practice and expression of faith inspired by the song, My Love Colors Outside the Lines (Voices Together 582). Will Stutzman will help hold and form our shared space with original music. |
| Revisiting Old Experiments: What Can Reenactment Teach us About Transforming Goals for Labs?Daniel King, PhDAssociate Professor of Physics and EngineeringEastern Mennonite University |
| Join the campus community in hearing from Sue Park Hur as stories of women encountered through the Laboring Toward Wholeness – A Training on Dismantling Patriarchy curriculum and personal stories are woven and featured. |
| “The Living Water is Deeper than Our Religious Worldviews” – Join us as Jacob Cook, Pathways Grant Director, applies the worldview theory to Jesus’ conversation with the woman from Samaria at Jacob’s well. John 4:5-42 |
| Join us as Seminary student, Rev. Ashley Isernhagen leads us in contemplative meditation, as we experience this Lenten season. |
| Have you heard of Ash Wednesday but never really understood it? Why dosome Christians smudge ashes on their foreheads on this day? What meaning does this ritual have for some followers of Jesus? Are there other ways to acknowledge humility before God? |
| “Hope Without Wavering” – Join us to hear Rev. Brett Isernhagen explore the traditions of Lent, Shrove Tuesday, Shrovetide, and Ash Wednesday. How do Christians approach the ideas of repentance and confession, and their connection to God’s love and eternal life? Hebrews 10:19-25 |
| Resources for Recovery: Reading Ron Rash’s Short Stories Alongside Formerly Incarcerated WomenMartha Greene Eads, PhDProfessor of EnglishEastern Mennonite University |
| Join the EMU Community in celebrating Black History Month with speaker George Johnson ’11. Former EMU star athlete and now author, George Johnson, returns to Eastern Mennonite University to share his triumphant story of Double Crossed. Johnson speaks on his journey leading up to, during and life after his tenure as a Royal. |
| Join us as Seminary alum, Steve Pardini, speaks to us about the science of climate change and the theology of creation care. John 3:16 |
| Come, join us and be refreshed by hearing testimonies of gratitude as a result of finding and naming joy in our lives. |
| “Blessed Assurance” – Marci Frederick will lead us in imagining the world that Jesus promises and to see where it already exists. Thus, we are blessed and then shaped by the Spirit to be a blessing. Matt. 5:1-12 |
| Gather for campus worship featuring a hymn sing on newness, growth and opportunities often embraced in the turning of a new year with music professor Benjamin Bergey. |
| Join us for “Walking Amid Chaos: Jesus Saves.” MaryBeth Heatwole Moore leads us in a guided imaginative contemplation of Matthew 14:22-33. |
| “Engineering Peace?” with Paul Heidebrecht, PhDGiven the power of contemporary technologies—and the problems they create and exacerbate—it is often argued that the education of engineers should include the liberal arts. But what does engineering contribute to a liberal arts university? More particularly, what does an engineering sensibility offer to fields of study in the social sciences and humanities such as peacebuilding? In this colloquium I will address this question by drawing on insights from teaching and research that bridges engineering and peacebuilding, as well as my experience supporting social entrepreneurs in Conrad Grebel’s Peace Incubator who have sought to use technology to advance peace and justice. |
| The annual MLK Day Celebration Convocation featured community leaders, people involved with creating the On These Groundsfilm and the Rev. Vincent Jones speaking on the theme Beloved Community.This convocation is planned and hosted by the Office of Multicultural Student Services. |
| Join ProvostFred Kniss to launch spring semester with his address: What EMU Has Taught Me. Musician, Ken Medema, listens and offers a musical response to the address. There is also a prayerful sending for the South Africa Intercultural Seminar group. |
| Welcome the fall semester Intercultural Seminar group back to campus and hear what they encountered on their learning adventures in Peru. |
| In the Fall semester Student Recognition Convocation, hosted by Dean of Students Shannon Dycus and Professor Mark Metzler Sawin, we recognize students who have contributed to the common good for all of us. |
| This convocation continues a three-part series featuring each of the EMU Schools to hear from the Dean of the School and experience various aspects of the school related to their strengths and contributions to the EMU Mission, Purpose and Values and strategic goals plus their vision for meeting ongoing challenges and opportunities. Today we featureDean Dan Ottand theSchool of Theology, Humanities and Performing Arts. |
| Join Gaurav Pathania, Assistant Professor of Sociology, for an interview with Kathy Sreedhar on Faith in Education for Social Justice. Kathy Sreedhar has been a champion of social justice in India for five decades. |
| Seminary student led reflections based on the first Sunday of Advent lectionary texts. Special Advent musical offerings. |
| Join us as we are led by Congregational Worship students in “Giving Thanks for the Bread of Life.” |
This week for Campus Worship, come see a short performance, “A View from the Underside: The Legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer” by Al Staggs, longtime actor blending ministry and performing arts. “A View from the Underside: The Legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer” is a one-person play, adapted and performed by Al Staggs, which brings the life of one of....
The European Collection in the Menno Simons Historical Library contains many fine examples of rare books and marginalia. In this presentation, Simone Horst will share the findings from her summer sabbatical spent investigating the 16th-19th century volumes in the European Collection. She will highlight what she learned about the variety of bindings and provenance present....
Led by Congregational Worship students, we spend time in Scripture, prayer and song as we consider reconciliation as bringing together, reconciliation as prayer, and reconciliation as peace.
This convocation launches a three-part series featuring each of the EMU Schools to hear from the Dean of the School and experience various aspects of the school related to their strengths and contributions to the EMU Mission, Purpose and Values and strategic goals plus their vision for meeting ongoing challenges and opportunities. Today we feature Dean David Brubaker and....
Students and staff from various camp and outdoor ministry settings share songs and stories from camp experiences. What is it about camp that opens people to experiencing the flow of Spirit and the goodness of God in community?
Kevin Seidel, Professor of Literature in English; Steven Johnson, Professor of Visual and Communication Arts; and Mary Ann Zehr, Writing Instructor and Graduate Writing Coach lead the audience in a visually inspired discussion of several graphic novels and memoirs. The aim will be to heighten our appreciation for Thi Bui’s illustrated memoir The Best We Could....
Explore the importance of diverse visual representation on the EMU campus with reflections from a Yale Medical School study and panelists of EMU students, faculty and staff facilitated by Jackie Font Guzman. The local case study explores why the presidential portraits (all white and male) were moved out of a classroom, in the Hartzler Library and the....
In observance of All Saints’ Day, Spiritual Direction student Rev. Ashley Isernhagen leads us in reflection and meditation on “Everyday Saints,” including lighting of candles to remember our spiritual ancestors past and present.
Join us as Mark Adams, U.S. Coordinator of Frontera de Cristo, shares about his experiences as a US-Mexico border missionary.
Nancy Heisey introduces us to the Anabaptist Bible Project, which is set to release for the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Anabaptist Movement.
Rev. Crystal Sygeel brings the message, “From the Gut,” based on Exodus 32:9-14 and Mark 7:24-30. Rev. Sygeel is the Associate Director for Call and Candidacy for the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Have you heard of the EMU student organization called Y-Serve? Did you know that it is the longest running student organization on campus? How long? Y-Serve is celebrating 100 years in 2022 with gatherings during the EMU Homecoming and Family Weekend. Gather for worship and reflections from alumni, and current students, who led and shaped Y-Serve and the Young People’s....
Join the Latinx Student Alliance (LSA) for a Latinx Heritage Month convocation featuring Salvador (Sal) Romero speaking on the theme: Si se puede: through resilience and hopefulness we will strive for more. Romero serves as Vice Mayor for the City of Harrisonburg and Director of Equity and Community Engagement for Harrisonburg City Public Schools.
“Meditations on Blessings” – Seminary community members will reflect on Genesis 12:1-4a. A blessing for new Seminary faculty will be given, followed by an open house time to discover where faculty have their offices.
Understanding the Needs of Dual Language Teachers Ron Shultz, PhDAssociate Professor of EducationEastern Mennonite University Across the country, bilingual teachers are in short supply. This has direct implications for Dual Language programs. Professional literature also suggests that equally problematic to the recruitment of DL teachers is their retention. Multiple factors can influence a teacher’s choice....
What’s your story? Where and how does your story connect with God’s story? Gather for worship and personal reflections on these prompts with student chaplains and affiliates from the Office of Faith and Spiritual Life. This service is hosted by EMU Chaplain Brian Martin Burkholder and the team of student chaplains.
Steve Pardini, Seminary grad will lead us in a contemplation of Dirks Willems’ witness in a modern-day context. How do we reflect Christlike love in our relationships? Matt. 5:43-47; John 13:34-35.
Let’s hear from students who participated in the 2022 summer intercultural programs: Spain 1, Spain 2, Ghana, Local Context, A Women’s West, and Washington Community Scholars Center. How did these IC learning experiences challenge and affirm them? What were their major surprises and learning opportunities? How are they changed or energized? And what pictures did they take?
A service of Lectio Divina (Holy Reading) based on Luke 16:1-13. Gather as we Listen, Reflect, See, Respond, and Rest in the scriptures.
So, what happened over the summer in Indonesia? What is Mennonite World Conference and why does it matter to EMU? Join Andrew Suderman and Benjamin Bergey for theological and ecclesial reflections and worshipful music from their experiences with the recently held Mennonite World Conference Assembly in Indonesia. See also Mennonite World Conference Assembly draws EMU community.
Using liturgies from the Iona Community, we will pray for Peace and Justice around the world. Karen Chamblee, Seminary student, will share a devotional entitled, “Thin Place,” based on her summer Iona pilgrimage.
The campus community is warmly invited to gather with President Susan Schultz Huxman for Opening Convocation and Worship featuring a processional of faculty and staff, welcome to a new academic year from Provost Fred Kniss and the SGA Co-Presidents, plus the President Huxman’s address, On Character, Kindness, Community and Cake with a musical response from the music program faculty.There will be a prayerful sending....
Come join us as our new EMU Dean of PATH, Dan Ott, will be addressing us for our first Tuesday Chapel. He will be using Micah 6, with the title: “You’ve Been Told”
Welcome the spring semester Intercultural seminar group back to campus and hear what they encountered on their learning adventures in Guatemala. This event is available via Facebook Live from our EMU Facebook page.
Gather as a campus community for convocation to recognize and celebrate student academic and service achievements and accomplishments from this academic year. Over 50 awards, such as Teacher of Promise, Tutor of Distinction, Math Competition, Exceptional Leadership and Exceptional Service will be given by at least 12 different departments or programs across the university.
Collective Voices: Lament and HopeAs this academic year draws to a close, let us take stock of our EMU collective experiences of lament and hope. Leaders from student clubs and organizations, faculty groups, staff councils, and administrative bodies have been invited to bring a statement of what they are lamenting and where their hopes lie as....
The entire EMU community is invited to Seminary Chapel as we honor Sue Cockley and Nancy Heisey for their combined 49 years of service to EMU! Both Sue and Nancy will be sharing meaningful songs, scripture, and reflections. Additionally, anyone is invited to share a memory or blessing, either in person or virtually.
Come hear Dr. Peter Dula address creation care: “Doom and Hope in an Age of Climate Change” using Amos 7:1-17.
Semana Santa (Holy Week) is a time in which Christians around the world are anticipating Easter by remembering the events that led up to the crucifixion and celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Day. The Latinx Student Alliance (LSA) invites you to the bilingual service which will include worship led by Celebration and....
Join the Center for Interfaith Engagement (CIE) for an educational and advocacy experience about Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. Tim Seidel will moderate a panel discussion focused on the questions listed below. Panel participants will include current EMU students, alum, as well....
Rev. Dr. Paula Owens Parker of the Center for Womanist Leadership at Union Presbyterian Seminary will preach on Matthew 25:31-40, “Lifting as We Climb: The Black Women’s Club Movement”
Lecture 1 in Nancy Bedford’s Augsburger Lecture Series: Why Does Theology Matter? Malleability What is theology and why should we care about it? Who gets to count as the “we” in this question? Why does the malleability of theology matter?
Women’s History Month features Betty Kilby Baldwin and Phoebe Kilby, co-authors of Cousins: Connected through Slavery. What happens when a White woman, Phoebe, contacts a Black woman, Betty, saying she suspects they are connected through slavery? First surprise? Betty responds, “Hello, Cousin.” Betty had fought for an education and won. She broke through the concrete ceiling in....
Interfaith Chapel Service – Rabbi Randi Nagel of Temple House of Israel in Staunton, Virginia will speak on “Torah and the Essence of Jewish Prayer.” This inaugural Interfaith Chapel Service is co-sponsored by Eastern Mennonite Seminary and the Center for Interfaith Engagement. Rabbi Randi Chudakoff Nagel was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio. Her childhood rabbi recognized....
Gather with Drew Strait to explore biblical perspectives on Christian nationalism with an address titled, Disputing Christian Nationalism with the God Who Serves inspired partly by Luke 22:24-27. Grapple with the challenges patriotism and Christian nationalism present to discipleship in Anabaptist perspective. Through personal stories and engagement with biblical texts, this address empowers us to become an alternative global....
During this week of St. Patrick’s Day, join us for a celebration of Celtic music and prayers featuring guest musicians Shannon Dove, Cheryl Tobler, and Phyllis and Jim Gaskins!
Focusing on Jesus’ healing of the woman crippled for 18 years, we will celebrate God’s healing love shown to all people regardless of gender, race, age, and ability. We will lament the injustice faced by women around the world. And we will be inspired to use our voices, hands and feet for the liberating work....
Join the Black Student Alliance (BSA) and their featured guest, Melody Pannell, for this worship service developing this year’s theme of Black History Month at EMU, “Celebrating Black Excellence“. Melody Pannell’s address is entitled, Black Excellence: Revisiting Resistance, Resilience and Radical Hope based in part on Romans 5: 1-5 in the Christian scriptures. Melody M. Pannell is a native of Harlem,....
Rev. Courtney Joyner, instructor of preaching and Seminary Chapel Minister, will preach on Psalm 13, “God’s Vacation Responder Status: AWOL“
Disarmed: The Radical Life and Legacy of Michael “MJ” Sharp – Marshall V. King ’92 At 34 years old, Michael J. “MJ” Sharp, EMU ’05 alum, was working for the United Nations Group of Experts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo – urging rebels to lay down their weapons – when he and his colleague,....
Join our storytellers for reflections on themes in the EMU Common Read, Just Mercy. Come to hear scripture and reflections on times when someone incarcerated was treated unjustly and when mercy was needed as a restorative action. Reflections will focus on themes like racial injustice, criminal justice, brokenness in communities, transformation and restoration. Let’s ask together,....
Dr. Timothy Reardon will lead us in a scholarly presentation on Luke 1:67-79 entitled “The Benedictus as Test Case for Theopolitical Interpretation.”
Convocation is partnering with Writers Read to host Dr. Reo Berroa for the convocation address: The Earth Belongs to Each and All of Us.Dr. Rei Berroa’s work centers around language, building peace and dissent, ethics (the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth), social justice, gender and racial diversity and equality, ecopoetics, and compassionate....
Professor Benjamin Bergey and the Chamber Singers lead this hymn sing style service featuring our new worship resource, Voices Together. This service will look at each of the works of art in the hymnal, along with the song that is on its facing page. We will experience the interplay of the songs and visual art. This....
This seminar will be presented in person, and also livestreamed on EMU’s Facebook Live page. Theology and Ethics After Nature Peter DulaProfessor of Religion and CultureEastern Mennonite University Can nature tell us anything about morality? Can humans draw conclusions about how to live with each other and the land from observations about ecology? In recent years,....
Gather for the annual MLK Day of Learning, Service, and Legacy Convocation with the theme “History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.” —Martin Luther King, Jr., “Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story” (1958).....
Join President Susan Schultz Huxman to open our spring semester with the address, Ready, Set, Launch 2022! Provost Fred Kniss will welcome all to the new year and the Guatemala Intercultural Seminar group will be prayerfully sent at the close of the program.
Welcome the fall semester Intercultural seminar group back to campus and hear what they encountered on their learning adventures in Thailand. This event is available via Facebook Live from our EMU Facebook page.
“In Many and Various Ways”: how the Ten Commandments and Covenant Code became Torah Andrea SanerAssociate Professor of Bible, Religion, and TheologyEastern Mennonite University Theological interpretation of scripture began in the 1990s as a Christian movement within English-language theology and biblical studies, as scholars rallied around a shared critique of historical criticism. Recently, the battle....
Join members of this summer’s bicycle trip across the U.S. to hear Reflections from the Climate Ride this week in Convocation. What difference does it make if we really listen to the stories that people and places have to tell about climate change? Renowned climate scientist and communicator Katherine Hayhoe says the most important thing we can do in....
CPE students will be sharing about their experiences serving in various hospital systems and retirement communities over 10 weeks this past summer. Using poetry and story-telling, they will talk about their ministry and engagement of the action/reflection/action process of learning that is an integral part of the CPE experience. Come, worship and celebrate with us!
Bring your whole self to Seminary Chapel as we experience together Worship through the Five Senses. See, hear, touch, smell, and taste the goodness of the Lord!
Let’s celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month! “Rejoice with Those Who Rejoice, Mourn with Those Who Mourn” – Seminary student and pastor of Iglesia Mennonita Manantial de Vida, Carlos Malvaez, will share his journey of discovering and being called to ministry through the Mennonite Church.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Convocation features Sarah Augustine, author of The Land is Not Empty: Following Jesus in Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery. Sarah Augustine, a Pueblo (Tewa) descendant, is founder and co-chair of the Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery Coalition and executive director of a dispute resolution center in central Washington State. She is also the co-founder....
Professor Benjamin Bergey leads this Hymn Sing featuring our new worship resource, Voices Together. Hear the stories behind the selected songs, prayers and more while also dedicating Voices Together for faith and spiritual nurture at EMU. Dr. Benjamin Bergey serves as Assistant Professor of Music at EMU and was the music editor for the Voices Together project.
“Nothing Can Happen Without Admitting Who We Are.” Rev. Crystal Sygeel, Associate Director for Call and Candidacy from the Office of Clergy Excellence will be our guest preacher. She will preach from I Samuel 28:3-25 and Matthew 16:13-20. We welcome guests from the Virginia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Hear our EMU Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Jackie Font-Guzmán, present her priorities for EMU in this address: Forging a community where we ALL belong and flourish. Jacqueline N. Font-Guzmán (Jackie) serves as the inaugural executive director of diversity, equity, and inclusion, president’s office. She is also a tenured professor in the Center for Justice....
A service of “Poetry, Praise, and Prayer” featuring the works of past and current Anabaptist poets.
Jesus is Nice and Other Lies I Learned in Church with Melissa Florer-Bixler Pastor and author Melissa Florer-Bixler teaches from her newest book, How to Have an Enemy: Righteous Anger and the Work of Peace, in which she looks closely at what the Bible says about enemies—who they are, what they do, and how Jesus and his....
Is Polarization the Problem?: New Imagination for Times of Conflict with pastor and author Melissa Florer-Bixler. Pastor and author Melissa Florer-Bixler teaches from her newest book, How to Have an Enemy: Righteous Anger and the Work of Peace, in which she looks closely at what the Bible says about enemies—who they are, what they do, and how Jesus....
Without Discerning the Body with Melissa Florer-Bixler Pastor and author Melissa Florer-Bixler teaches from her newest book, How to Have an Enemy: Righteous Anger and the Work of Peace, in which she looks closely at what the Bible says about enemies—who they are, what they do, and how Jesus and his followers responded to them. Melissa Florer-Bixler is....
Fruit Fly Control in Mangoes on the Pacific Rim: Research Collaborations, Technology Transfer, and Zoom Matthew SiderhurstProfessor of ChemistryEastern Mennonite University Tephritid fruit flies are among the most damaging horticultural pests worldwide, damaging fruits and vegetables through the tropics and subtropics. Areawide pest management, in which neighboring farmers coordinate their control practices, has the potential....
Join Eboo Patel, Founder and Executive Director of the Chicago-based Interfaith Youth Core, for a convocation address entitled, We Need to Build: Field Notes for Diverse Democracy. We live in a molten era where so much is changing and therefore anything is possible. Will America become a nightmare or a dream? So much depends on leaders like....
Come focus your spirit in prayerful meditation in Martin Chapel, 11 AM. Singing music from the Taize community and offering prayers rooted in the Iona tradition, we will seek the Quiet Center that grounds our study and lives.
On Eagles Wings: Navigating Pandemic with Faithfulness It’s been quite a time these past 18 months continuing into today and here we are in a new academic year gathered together for the opening campus worship. University Chaplain Brian Martin Burkholder and student chaplains share reflections on journeying through a pandemic. How do we process our individual and....
Want to learn new songs in “Voices Together?” Come join Seminary Chapel where we sing hymns led by Perry Blosser and Caleb Schrock-Hurst and hear devotionals from Rev. Courtney Joyner based on this amazing new collection!
The campus community is warmly invited to gather with President Susan Schultz Huxman for Opening Convocation and Worship featuring a welcome to a new academic year from Provost Fred Kniss and the SGA Co-Presidents plus the president’s address entitled “The Little Engine that Could”? A new twist on a classic tale. There will be a sending for the Southeast Asia Cross-Cultural seminar group toward the close....
Gather on-line as a campus community for convocation to recognize and celebrate student academic and service achievements and accomplishments from this academic year. Over 50 awards, such as Teacher of Promise, Tutor of Distinction, Math Competition, Exceptional Leadership and Exceptional Service along with acknowledging Cords of Distinction recipients and ACE Festival awards will be given by at least 12 different departments or programs across....
A time to hear from and honor Lonnie Yoder and Kenton Derstine as they retire from decades-long careers of service at Eastern Mennonite Seminary.
The ACE Festival 2021 Keynote, featuring Rabbi Niles Goldstein Dreams, Drama and Dogma: Spiritual Writing Through the Centuries This presentation will explore the rich and diverse legacy of writing and writers within the context of the Abrahamic faith traditions. It will highlight several works from antiquity to modernity, examining their content, style and purpose, as....
Join Professor of English Marti Eads and several dynamic panelists for a conversation with author and teacher Rabbi Niles Goldstein introducing his book, Eight Questions of Faith: Biblical Challenges That Guide and Ground Our Lives. Reading the book in advance is not necessary to enjoy this event! Each panelist will read an assigned section of the book. They will tell....
ACE Festival/Senior Capstones: “Playing and Praying with Scripture: Rediscovering Biblical Imagination through Ignatian Contemplation” by MaryBeth Moore and “To Glaze with Love: Visual Arts as Spiritual Formation” by Carmen Miller.