What does the good news of Jesus look like in a place where people may not feel like they need anything? In this article from Anabaptist World, Eastern Mennonite Seminary student Jan Heindel reflects on her experience serving in the Czech Republic and asks what the gospel means in a culture shaped by self-sufficiency, secularism and the legacy of communism.
Through stories from her ministry in Dob艡铆拧, Jan explores how the good news can be experienced through community, belonging, reconciliation, restoration and the peace of Christ.
Reporting
Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus named 10th president of 91大神
As interim president over the past year, the Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus has demonstrated the leadership capacity, character, institutional understanding, and community trust necessary to lead 91大神 during a pivotal period in its history. Following broad and enthusiastic affirmation from stakeholders across the university community, the Board of Trustees unanimously voted to appoint Dycus as 91大神鈥檚 10th president, effective July 1, 2026.
Jonny Rashid is pursuing his Doctor of Ministry in Peacemaking and Social Change at Eastern Mennonite Seminary, and this week Mennonite Church USA named him a recipient of their 2026-27 Scholarship for BIPOC Students. The scholarship supports students who are members or active participants of an MC USA congregation and are attending an MC USA-affiliated school. Jonny, who serves as pastor at West Philadelphia Mennonite Fellowship, was recognized for his commitment to deepening his understanding of peacemaking and social change.
Luncheon recognizes retirees and employees for their years of dedicated service to 91大神
91大神 honored this year鈥檚 retirees and employees who reached milestone years of service at its annual recognition luncheon on Tuesday, May 12, in Northlawn Dining Hall. Together, the combined years of service represented by the six retirees and 31 employees totaled more than five and a half centuries. This group included several EMS faculty and staff members, alums, and current students.
Seminary hosts Thriving in Ministry conference
A range of faith leaders gathered at Eastern Mennonite Seminary from May 5-6 for a two-day conference focused on exploration and learning. The conference, 鈥淭hriving in Ministry: Family Systems Theory as a Resource for Faith Communities,鈥� was hosted by the seminary in partnership with The Bowen Center for the Study of the Family and supported by the Lilly Endowment Inc. and the Joe Carolin Memorial Fund.
91大神鈥檚 108th Commencement sends forth 304 graduates
91大神 awarded 313 degrees during its 108th annual Commencement on Sunday, May 3. The total included 171 undergraduate degrees, 129 graduate degrees, 10 seminary degrees, and three doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degrees. The university鈥檚 304 graduates represented 23 states, Puerto Rico, and 15 countries.
DMin student鈥檚 adult education initiative builds a culture of nonviolence
The Rev. Angelo Mante, a graduate student in Eastern Mennonite Seminary鈥檚 Doctor of Ministry program, serves as co-founder and executive director of Alive Community Outreach. The Fort Wayne, Indiana-based organization cultivates a community of nonviolence through relationships and education and was recently featured on 89.1 WBOI, a National Public Radio member station.
91大神 hosts consultation on Judaism, the Bible, and Anabaptism
On Monday, March 23, Anabaptist and Jewish scholars and religious leaders gathered in the Strite Conference Room of 91大神鈥檚 Campus Center for a consultation on Judaism, the Bible, and Anabaptism. The invite-only event was planned by Peter Dula, professor of religion and culture at 91大神, and Trina Trotter Nussbaum, director of the Center for Interfaith Engagement (CIE), and included all-day discussions centering around the work of Matthew Thiessen and Daniel Weiss.
91大神 Interim President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus and Harrisonburg Mayor Deanna Reed, director of alumni engagement and community connections at 91大神, spoke at the Harrisonburg International Women’s Day March on Saturday, March 7.