Church Apologies for Historical Wrongs
Speaker: Dr. Jeremy Bergen
Tuesday, March 20, 2012

It is only in recent decades that churches have offered public statements of repentance or apology for past actions and beliefs they once endorsed.  Churches have repented for acts of division within Christianity, for complacency or complicity in the Holocaust, for anti-Semitic theology, for the support of slavery, for Indian Residential Schools, for the crusades, to name a few.  The novelty of such "ecclesial repentance" presents a challenge--how to make sense of a new practice--and an opportunity to watch the development of theology.  Dr. Bergen will discuss several instances of church repentance and the issues these actions raise.  He proposes that three doctrines-the communion of saints, the holiness of the church, and forgiveness-held us to understand what this practice means.  At the same time, ecclesial repentance requires some rethinking and reshaping of those very categories of theology. Ultimately, ecclesial repentance challenges Christians to rethink the nature and mission of the church today.

Click here to listen

Healing and Growing the Soul: A Call to Spiritual Renewal
Speaker: The Rev. Susan C. Johnson
National Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Reverend Susan Johnson is the national bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. The first female nominated to this post in North America, Susan previously served as assistant to the bishop of the Eastern Synod in Kitchener, Ontario. She has also been an advisor to The Lutheran World Federation Council since 1998.

Click here to listen.

Theology of Religious Shame in Counselling
Speaker: Dr. Paavo Kettunen

Dr. Paavo Kettunen is professor of practical theology at University of Eastern Finland. His main area of study is pastoral psychology and counselling. His latest research on spiritual shame among Finnish Lutherans was published in May 2011 in a book titled “Hidden and Silent”.

Before his tenure as professor, Dr. Kettunen served as a parish pastor, university chaplain, and a researcher.

His lecture is based on his latest research on spiritual shame. What is shame, psychologically and theologically? What is the difference between shame and guilt? How does shame affect one’s relationship with God?

Click here for the handouts from Dr. Kettunen's lecture.

Lenten Lunch Conversations 2012

Mondays in Lent

In the Midst of Life: Pastoral Care, Worship and Music

This year the Kanata Centre for Worship and Global Song will host conversations that explore the relationship between pastoral care and music, and pastoral care and worship. Each Monday of Lent, the presenter will provide a 20 - 30 minute talk and the remainder of the hour will be conversation around the topic of the day. You are welcome to bring your lunch; coffee will be provided.

Pastoral Care and Worship
Dr. Kristine Lund, Director of Spiritual Care & Counselling, WLS, click here to listen

Worship planning from the pastoral care perspective 
Rev. Nancy Kelly & Lilla Hall, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, click here to listen

Music and Spirituality in Palliative Care
Dr Colin Lee, Professor of Music Therapy, WLU, click here to listen

Heroine's Journey: Narrative therapy and group analytic music therapy with refugee women in Canada
Dr. Heidi Ahonen, Professor of Music Therapy, WLU, click here to listen

Abrahamic Faiths Forum
Theme: "Welcoming Strangers"
Oct 26/11
Speakers:
. Nancy Kelly, Pastor at St Mark's Lutheran Church, Kitchener
. Ali Zaida, Professor in Global Studies, Wilfrid Laurier University
. Rabbi Nevo Zuckerman of Beth Jacob congregation, Kitchener
Click here to listen.

Opening of 101st Academic Year at Waterloo Lutheran Seminary

Over 100 students, faculty and guests marked the opening of the 101st academic year at Waterloo Lutheran Seminary on September 12, 2011 with a special worship service in Keffer Memorial Chapel. WLS Principal-Dean, The Rev. Dr. David Pfrimmer preached on the theme of "Grateful to be Here."  Click here to listen to the sermon.