Wednesday, November 26
9:00AM - 4:00PM CST
Steinbach EMC Church
422 Main St.
Steinbach MB
Canada
Get directions
You are invited to join us on Nov. 26 at Steinbach EMC Church for “Walking Together: Domestic Violence and Pastoral Care”. This essential one-day workshop is specially designed for pastors, church leaders, caregivers, therapists and spiritual care providers.
The training will equip those in attendance to better:
Understand the myths and dynamics surrounding intimate partner abuse and how it differs from conflict
Respond to and assist those causing and experiencing harm in ways that foster healing and safety
Offer theological and spiritual support, such as navigating the complexity of forgiveness, in ways that do not perpetuate further harm.
Lunch and coffee breaks are included.
The cost to participate is $50, due at time of registration (payable by credit card or cheque). RSVP required. The registration deadline is Nov. 20.
If making your payment by:
Credit card: Call us at 204-261-6381
Cheque: Mail or drop off your cheque payable to “MCC Manitoba” at MCC Manitoba, 100-140 Bannatyne Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R3B 3C5
Agenda
Walking Together: Domestic Violence and Pastoral Care
This session provides an overview of the problematic rates and nature of Domestic Violence within families of faith. We will identify both the causes and consequences in an effort to break open the “holy hush” of silence that has historically surrounded abuse in Christian families.
Facilitator: Val Hiebert
In this session we will unpack wide-spread misconceptions about domestic abuse and how they impact our ability to recognize and respond to this reality in our communities. We will also discuss common dynamics and forms of abuse, risk factors, how abuse differs from marital conflict and barriers to seeking help.
Facilitator: Jaymie Friesen
Included with registration.
This session will identify the complexities and challenges of various understandings of the role of forgiveness in domestic abuse, including:
a reflection by Val Hiebert,
an interview conversation between Cameron McKenzie and Val Hiebert and
a theological exploration of forgiveness by Cameron McKenzie.
This session will explore how to support both those causing and experiencing harm in ways that prioritize safety and healing. We will address common pitfalls and look to both trauma-informed and restorative justice principles to envision how to come alongside individuals and families navigating intimate partner abuse.
Facilitator: Jaymie Friesen
Session facilitators
Valerie Hiebert, PhD
Val joined MCC Manitoba as an abuse response and prevention co-coordinator in 2021. As co-coordinator, she raises awareness, teaching workshops and seminars relating to healthy relationships within churches and families and walks alongside institutions working through abuse situations.
Val entered her role in MCC Manitoba with an academic background. She taught gender, children and violence, language and culture, cultural anthropology and marriage and family at Providence University College for 20 years. Today, she teaches at the University of Manitoba and Canadian Mennonite University. Val holds a PhD in Sociology and Anthropology from Western Sydney University and enjoys bringing her academic learnings into community contexts – for awareness, advocacy and conversation. She is also a grandma to Nora and Jacob, a social justice advocate in her community, avid organic gardener and cyclist.
Jaymie Friesen, MPS
Jaymie has been with MCC Manitoba as their abuse response and prevention co-coordinator since 2017. As co-coordinator, she raises awareness and equips individuals and faith communities with resources to better understand, prevent and respond to various forms of interpersonal abuse.
Jaymie entered this role with experience as a healthy relationships educator, sexual assault crisis counsellor and mental health worker. She holds a BA in Social Sciences and a Masters in Psychotherapy and Spirituality. She is passionate about restorative justice practices and their potential to cultivate deeper healing and wholeness, both individually and collectively.
Cameron McKenzie, PhD, MDiv
Cameron joined Fort Garry Evangelical Mennonite Church as lead pastor in 2021 after 25 years teaching Old Testament at Providence University College and Theological Seminary. In addition to teaching, Cameron filled roles as dean and provost at Providence.
Cameron currently serves as chair of the Board of Leadership and Outreach for the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. When they’re not spending time with their two granddaughters, Cameron and his wife Irma enjoy walking, cycling, good coffee and British sitcoms.
Questions? Please contact JaymieFriesen@mccmb.ca or call 204-261-6381.