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My spirit rejoices in God my savior:
Mary in Anabaptist Dress
March 24 to 26, 2011
See news story reporting on the conference
See the photo gallery on AMBS's Facebook page.
We recognize Mary as woman who said yes to God. We recognize her as the first disciple in Luke’s Gospel. We identify her as a revolutionary. She tugs at us in art, music, poetry and drama.
As Mennonites have become more involved in ecumenical conversations, we realize that Mary plays a role in those discussions as well. While we will examine Anabaptist perspectives in particular, we want to encourage dialogue on the biblical figure of Mary and to examine recent interest in her from a variety of perspectives.
This conference, sponsored by the Institute of Mennonite Studies, will initiate and encourage wide-ranging discussion about Mary, including biblical, theological, pastoral and practical aspects. We are inviting people from a variety of disciplines to join us, so that these conversations involve pastors, church members, scholars, artists and church leaders. Our hope is that all who participate will join in conversations about Mary and will experience art—music, poetry, story and visual art—that will help us understand the place of Mary in our lives and thoughts.
Speakers and activities
Wendy Wright, Ph.D., Professor of Theology, University of Creighton, Omaha, Neb.
“Why should Anabaptists pay attention to Mary? Historical gleanings”
Elizabeth Soto, D.Min., coordinator for field education at Lancaster Theological Seminary and ordained minister in the Colombian Mennonite Church
“María llena eres de Gracia/Mary full of Grace”
John Rempel, Ph.D., Professor of Theology and Anabaptist Studies, AMBS
“What did 16th-century Anabaptists think about Mary?”
Dinner, hymn sing and concert at the Goshen College Music Center led by
Paul Dueck, acclaimed choral conductor who has studied in Canada, Europe and South America, and
Deb Brubaker, Professor of Music, and the Women’s World Music Choir of Goshen College
Breakout sessions provide opportunities to discuss scholarly papers, meditate, join in gallery talks and share with other participants.
Event coordinators
Kay Bontrager-Singer, AMBS student and co-pastor of Faith Mennonite Church, Goshen, Ind.
Marlene Kropf, D.Min., Associate Professor in Christian Formation, AMBS
Rosanna McFadden, AMBS student and free-lance artist
Libby Richer Smith, AMBS student
Mary H. Schertz, Ph.D., Professor of New Testament and Director of the Institute of Mennonite Studies, AMBS
