Plenary Sessions and Other Highlights

Keynote #1 – “Conflict from Above: The Drive for Accumulation”- Walter Brueggemann

Brueggemann will use Pharaoh as a model and metaphor for the drive to accumulate. It is a drive borne in anxiety that issue in the destruction of the neighborhood and the normalization of violence in society.

Keynote#2 – “Conflict from Below: The Possibility of Astonished Gratitude”

Brueggemann will take the manna story as the root of a counter narrative about finance that is grounded in creation that exhibits the generosity of God and the abundance of resources for the community of the world.

Keynote #3- “Sabbath as a Means of Transition from Anxious Scarcity to Grateful Abundance”

Brueggemann will consider the “sabbatic principle” as the practice and discipline whereby we may move from the narrative of scarcity and violence to the narrative of abundance and generosity. I will consider the Sabbath, the year of release (Deuteronomy 15) and the Jubilee year (Leviticus 25) as counters to the restless 24/7 of our anxious society.

Other Highlights

Everence Pre-Conference Event – Ministry and Money Seminar

Monday 12-3:30 p.m., 841 Mt Clinton Pike, The Gathering Place
Cost: Free but pre-registration is required to receive a free lunch.
Register by contacting Beryl Jantzi at (800) 442-7930 or email

Pastors and lay leaders minister to persons struggling with all kinds of issues including their finances. In fact almost all life crises faced by members in our congregations carry with them financial implications. This seminar will provide you with tools to help people honestly address their financial challenges including practical ways to help people get out of debt. Using money autobiographical resources we will explore how to help people examine family-of-origin issues related to their money behaviors.

The second focus of this seminar highlights and provides resources to help pastors review the stewardship practices of our congregations. We will discuss “Six Best Practices” that can help congregations customize stewardship strategies that fit their culture and context. The Best Practices tool is tied to the Mennonite Church USA’s “Stewardship Priority” highlighted in the Purposeful Plan introduced at Pittsburgh 2011 Mennonite Assembly.

Welcome Reception

Pick up your registration packet, then enjoy light refreshments and fellowship sponsored by EMU Office of Church Relations.

Conversation with Walter Brueggemann

SLT participants will have an opportunity to discuss plenary sessions with Brueggemann.

Seminary Alumni Luncheon

Seminary alumni are invited to join President Loren and Pat Swartzendruber for lunch, fellowship and sharing. Cost is $5.

Mennonite Mission Network Gathering

Mennonite Mission Network gathering Tuesday noon, Northlawn West Dining Room
Called to international ministry? Know someone else who might be interested? Come talk to Sharon Norton, the personnel counselor from Mennonite Mission Network about the variety of possibilities. Bring your dining hall tray or bag lunch to the West Dining Room.

“Business with Soul” Luncheon with Michael A. King

Seminary Dean Michael A. King will speak of trying to operate his business, Cascadia Publishing House LLC, simultaneously on sound capitalist principles and the teachings of Jesus. He will then moderate discussion of the pitfalls and possibilities such a quest encounters. Those from congregations, church institutions and businesses interested in blending responsible business practices with faithfulness to Christ are welcome to register. Bring your dining hall tray or bag lunch to the West Dining Room.