Word and Spirit Institute

AGING WELL - a free online conference
2025-06-21 09:00 - 14:30 (America/Toronto) | Online Webinar
The righteous will flourish like a palm tree…planted in the house of the LORD,
they will flourish in the courts of our God. In old age they will still bear fruit;
healthy and green they will remain, to proclaim,
“The LORD is upright; He is my Rock, and in Him there is no unrighteousness.”
Psalm 92:12-15 (NIV)
This free on-line conference is for the whole church, as we are called to take the entire gospel—in deed and in word—to the whole world, starting locally in our churches and in our neighbourhoods and bringing it to the world around us near and far. What does that mean? Come and learn about Existing church programs for the aging, Future plans and ideas, The needs in the surrounding community, Available resources and opportunities for inside and outside the church and Global and local awareness of issues around aging (Cantonese sessions)
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:
DATE: JUNE 21, 2025
9:00 – 9:15 Welcome and opening with song and prayer (Sharon Leung)
9:15 – 9:35 Devotional: “Aging Well: Biblical Guidance” (Dr. Tom McCormick)
9:40 – 10:50 Workshop Session A
Breakout Room A1: Church Based Programs
Breakout Room A2: Community Outreach – Missional Dimension
Breakout Room A3: 全球老齡化意識 Global Awareness on Aging (Cantonese Session):
Breakout Room A4: 本地教會對老齡化的意識 Local Church Awareness (Cantonese session):
10:50 – 11:05 Break
11:05 – 11:15 Interviews/testimonials
11:15 – 11:45 Keynote: “Aging Well: Next Steps” (Dr. Tom McCormick)
11:45 – 12:30 Lunch Break
12:30 – 12:40 Interviews/Testimonials
12:45 – 1:55 Workshop Session B:

To offer everyone a chance to attend both sessions in English or Cantonese, the afternoon workshops are similar and have the same topics as the morning workshops. You will automatically directed to the alternate workshop in your chosen language. If you can only attend one session (morning or afternoon), you will be asked to choose a session on the registration form.

Breakout Room B1: Church Based Programs
Breakout Room B2: Community Outreach – Missional Dimension
Breakout Room B3: 全球老齡化意識 Global Awareness on Aging (Cantonese Session):
Breakout Room B4: 本地教會對老齡化的意識 Local Church Awareness (Cantonese session):
2:00 – 2:30 Q&A, Panel Discussion and Closing
INTERESTED?
Please follow the link below to fill out a registration form.
LINK: REGISTRATION FORM

That None Should Perish: A Course in Ecclesiastical Discipline - Register by January 4, 2025!
2025-01-11 15:00 - 17:00
That None Should Perish: A Course in Ecclesiastical Discipline – Register by January 4, 2025!

Presented by Pastor John van Eyk (Trinity URC Lethbridge)

Word and Spirit Institute is offering the next course in Church Leadership. There will be 4 biweekly sessions of two hours each on January 11, 2025, January 25, 2025, February 8, 2025, February 22, 2025 . This is a ZOOM presentation across the continent, therefore the start time is 3:00pm EST.

The course is open to anyone for a fee of $100.00.

Visit https://www.wsinstitute.ca/church-discipline/ or contact wsinstitute@outlook.com for details.

We know what the Reformed tradition has said about the three marks of the Church: the pure gospel must be preached, the pure administration of the sacraments must be made use of, and church discipline for correcting faults must be practiced (Belgic Confession, Article 28). Of the three, we are probably weakest in practicing church discipline. We might be tempted to take solace in thinking that ‘two out three ain’t bad’ but we know that won’t do. We dare not neglect any gift of the ascended Head of the Church. Even if we are eager to accept this gift and use it in Christ’s church there are a host of difficulties that confront us. There are many ways to make mistakes while using this important key of the kingdom. In this course we will be looking at what the Scriptures say about ecclesiastical discipline so that we might confidently practice it while carefully avoiding some of the ways in which we get it wrong. We will also be looking at Reformed Church Orders to see the guidelines our fathers in the faith offered to enable the under shepherds to work out the biblical teaching in the nitty gritty of ecclesiastical life with the persistent challenges that living in a sinful world throws up to us.

ONLINE ZOOM CONFERENCE: CARE AND SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERS AND THEIR LOVED ONES
2024-11-30 09:00 - 12:30
CARE AND SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERS AND THEIR LOVED ONES
Everyone is aging, However, at a certain time in our lives, we may start struggling with aging. Are you or your parents struggling with aging? Or are you a caregiver helping a loved one at home or in a care home? When people age, a lot of things may change physically as well as in a material sense and also mentally people change when aging. The Word and Spirit Institute, together with Connecting Streams, is organizing an interactive ZOOM conference with the aim to discuss issues around care and support for caregivers and their loved ones.
Conference: 9:00 am till 12:30 pm (Zoom call will be open at 8:45 am)
9-9:30 Welcome/Worship/Devotional
9:30-10:45 Caregiver testimonies with q/a and interactive discussions
BREAK
11:00 – 11:30 Session 2: Care And Support For Caregivers-Dr. Tom McCormick
11:30-11:45 Christian Caregivers Network (support options for caregivers)
11:50-12:30 Panel Discussion: What is good, what can improve, how do we get there? Where do we go from here?

Module 4: Tending the Sheep Home visitation and Beyond; Called to Care for God’s Flock
2024-03-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Online Webinar
Course dates for the 2024 session of the course
The course Home Visitation/Visiting Members of the Congregation was held in September 2021 and in February 2022. Many liked the course and recommended it to others; others were disappointed that they had not heard about the course or were too late to register. Therefore the course will be taught again in the winter of 2024. The course will be taught in 4 separate, consecutive online webinar sessions with people all over Canada in mind.

Part 1: Wednesday January 24, 2024 9 – 11 PM EST for ON; 8-10 PM CST for MB, SK, 7 – 9 PM MST for AB; 6-8 PM PST for BC

Part 2: Wednesday February 7, 2024 9 – 11 PM EST for ON; 8-10 PM CST for MB, SK, 7 – 9 PM MST for AB; 6-8 PM PST for BC

Part 3: Wednesday February 21, 2024 9 – 11 PM EST for ON; 8-10 PM CST for MB, SK, 7 – 9 PM MST for AB; 6-8 PM PST for BC

Part 4: Wednesday March 6, 2024 9 – 11 PM EST for ON; 8-10 PM CST for MB, SK, 7 – 9 PM MST for AB; 6-8 PM PST for BC

COURSE DATES ARE SOMEWHAT DEPENDENT ON THE TIME COMMITMENT OF THE PARTICIPANTS AND MAY BE SUBJECT TO SLIGHT CHANGE; IF MANY PARTICIPANTS REGISTER, THE COURSE CAN BE TAUGHT IN 2 SESSIONS
(for instance: January 24, 2024 8-10 EST for ON; 7-9 CST for MB and January 31, 2024 8-10 MST for AB; 7-9 PST for BC etc)
The course will begin with an in depth look at the qualifications of the elder put forward by Peter in 1 Peter 5 and by Paul in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. With these passages as background and foundation for the work of elders, the next three lectures will flesh out a model of caring for those in our ward and congregation, based on the structure of our Lord’s letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2 & 3.
Lecture 2 will look at an outline hinted at by Eugene Peterson in his book Reversed Thunder and then fleshed out by me, using the framework of “I know you; I encourage you; I admonish you; I have hope for you.”
The third lecture works to apply this framework to the lives of elders.
Lecture 4 applies the framework to those placed in our care.

Module 3: Tending the Sheep Home visitation and Beyond; Called to Care for God’s Flock
2024-02-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Online Webinar
Course dates for the 2024 session of the course
The course Home Visitation/Visiting Members of the Congregation was held in September 2021 and in February 2022. Many liked the course and recommended it to others; others were disappointed that they had not heard about the course or were too late to register. Therefore the course will be taught again in the winter of 2024. The course will be taught in 4 separate, consecutive online webinar sessions with people all over Canada in mind.

Part 1: Wednesday January 24, 2024 9 – 11 PM EST for ON; 8-10 PM CST for MB, SK, 7 – 9 PM MST for AB; 6-8 PM PST for BC

Part 2: Wednesday February 7, 2024 9 – 11 PM EST for ON; 8-10 PM CST for MB, SK, 7 – 9 PM MST for AB; 6-8 PM PST for BC

Part 3: Wednesday February 21, 2024 9 – 11 PM EST for ON; 8-10 PM CST for MB, SK, 7 – 9 PM MST for AB; 6-8 PM PST for BC

Part 4: Wednesday March 6, 2024 9 – 11 PM EST for ON; 8-10 PM CST for MB, SK, 7 – 9 PM MST for AB; 6-8 PM PST for BC

COURSE DATES ARE SOMEWHAT DEPENDENT ON THE TIME COMMITMENT OF THE PARTICIPANTS AND MAY BE SUBJECT TO SLIGHT CHANGE; IF MANY PARTICIPANTS REGISTER, THE COURSE CAN BE TAUGHT IN 2 SESSIONS
(for instance: January 24, 2024 8-10 EST for ON; 7-9 CST for MB and January 31, 2024 8-10 MST for AB; 7-9 PST for BC etc)
The course will begin with an in depth look at the qualifications of the elder put forward by Peter in 1 Peter 5 and by Paul in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. With these passages as background and foundation for the work of elders, the next three lectures will flesh out a model of caring for those in our ward and congregation, based on the structure of our Lord’s letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2 & 3.
Lecture 2 will look at an outline hinted at by Eugene Peterson in his book Reversed Thunder and then fleshed out by me, using the framework of “I know you; I encourage you; I admonish you; I have hope for you.”
The third lecture works to apply this framework to the lives of elders and the fourth lecture applies the framework to those placed in our care.

Module 2: Tending the Sheep Home visitation and Beyond; Called to Care for God’s Flock
2024-02-07 19:00 - 21:00 | Online Webinar

Module 1 "Home-visits and visits in the congregation": Tending the flock
2024-01-24 21:00 - 23:00 | Online Webinar

One-Day Conference - Caring for our Aging Neighbours
2023-11-04 10:00 - 14:30 | Redemption Church Flamborough, 823 Safari Rd, Millgrove, Ontario, L8B 1S4, Canada
The Word and Spirit Institute together with the Home Mission Committee of Redemption Church Flamborough is organizing a One-Day Conference titled:
“Caring for our Aging Neighbours”.
The majority of residents in senior residences receive less than 1 visitor per month. These people often lost their hope in life and in death. Churches are called to care for the vulnerable and could play an important role in fulfilling the need of the aging population. Are you willing to help by organizing worship and visits to the homes?
Please join us for the conference on Saturday November 4, 2023 from 10 am – 2:30 pm (doors open 9:30 am).
Pre-registration: $20 ($35 for couples, $15 for students/seniors) Walk-ins $25.
To register, please fill out the form HERE AND e-transfer your registration fee using wsinstitute@outlook.com
Live-stream option $10 (including manual) for those who are unable to attend in person due to distance. Please email us at wsinstitute.ca for more information and how to access the live-stream.
Click HERE for directions to Redemption Church

Church Polity Part 4: Liturgy and Discipline
2023-04-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Online Webinar
Church Polity 101
– An Introduction to Reformed Church Polity –
Part 4 of 4: Liturgy and Discipline
In this session the third and fourth sections of the Church Order will be covered. (Since the Word and Spirit Institute has plans to develop a separate course on church discipline, this session will only briefly deal with church discipline.) Topics that will be reviewed in this session are: worship (e.g. regulations pertaining to worship services), growing and persevering in faith (baptism, catechizing, profession of faith, Lord’s Supper), and discipline (concentrating on discipline of office bearers).
This is the last and final class of the Church Polity 101 course. Registration fee for all four sessions is $100.

Church Polity 101: Part 3 The Assemblies
2023-04-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Online Webinar
Church Polity 101
– An Introduction to Church Polity –
Part 3 of 4: The Assemblies
This session covers the second section of the Church Order. Several topics will be reviewed such as: the assemblies in general (e.g. use of Robert’s Rules of Order), the local assemblies (consistory, council, deaconry), the regional assemblies (classis, regional synod), and federational matters (general synod, inter-church relationships including NAPARC and ICRC).
This is the part 3 of four classes of the Church Polity 101 course. The last and final session of the course will be taught on April 19, 2023. Registration fee for all four sessions is $100.

Church Polity 101 Part 2: The Offices
2023-03-01 19:00 - 21:00 | Online Webinar
Church Polity 101
– An Introduction to Reformed Church Government –
Part 2 of 4: The Offices
In this session most of the first section of the Church Order will be covered. Some of the topics reviewed are: the calling to the office, a Biblical way of how the offices of minister, elder, and deacon are exercised, and what the relationship between the offices is.
This is the part 2 of four classes of the Church Polity 101 course. The 3rd and 4th sessions of the course will be taught on April 5 and April 19, 2023. Registration fee for all four sessions is $100.
If you missed the first session and still want to register, please contact the Word and Spirit Institute by emailing wsinstitute@outlook.com

Church Polity 101 Part 1: Orientation
2023-02-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Online Webinar
Church Polity 101
– An Introduction to Reformed Church Government –
Part 1 of 4: Orientation
In this orientation session topics will be discussed such as how the church order has been derived from Scripture, a brief history of the Reformed Church polity, how church law can be read and applied and the hermeneutics behind this church polity, the character of Dort Polity as well as resources for the practice of Reformed polity.
This is the part 1 of four classes of the Church Polity 101 course. The other sessions of the course will be taught on March 1, April 5 and April 19, 2023. Registration fee for all four sessions is $100.
To register for the course, please fill out the registration form and email it to wsinstitute@outlook.com

Church Liturgy Class 4 Music in Worship and Other Special Topics
2022-11-22 20:00 - 22:00 | Online Webinar
In part 4 of the course, we will take a closer look at principles for selecting music that is suitable for worship as well as debates regarding psalm-singing and things to consider in the selection of an order of worship. Time-permitting, other select topics may be addressed (to be determined).

Church Liturgy Class 3 The Order of Worship (continued)
2022-11-15 20:00 - 22:00 | Online Webinar
Part 3 of the course is a continuation of part 2. We will compare different orders of worship used in Reformed churches. This consists of an examination of the different elements of a worship service, such as the call to worship, the use of the 10 commandments, congregational participation, the place of sacraments, etc.

Church Liturgy Class 2 Biblical Foundations and the Order of Worship
2022-11-08 20:00 - 22:00 | Online Webinar
In part 2 of the course, the regulative principle of worship as formulated in the Reformed confessions will be considered. Included in this, is an overview of how Christian churches use the Bible to govern their worship, and how the Biblical teaching is used to determine the content and order of worship.

Church Liturgy Class 1 Biblical Foundations of Christian Worship
2022-11-01 20:00 - 22:00 | Online Webinar
In this part of the course, a general consideration of the centrality of worship in the Christian life will be discussed. This includes, an overview of whom, why, when, where, and how we worship.

CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN MINISTRY FOR THE AGING COURSE 7: Cultural Concerns, Global Aging, Religious Diversity & Gender
2021-11-20 10:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Many are saying: “Global aging is a defining phenomenon of the 21st century”. It certainly is a major global trend. The GTA is a microcosm of the world. We live in a multicultural and multi-religious region. The challenge for us, therefore, is both local and global, and it will only increase. The World Health Organization forecasts the elderly population (over 60 years of age) to grow from an estimated 680 million people in 2011 to 2 billion by 2050 with those over 60 outnumbering those under 15. This historically unprecedented situation is already impacting all dimensions of life, including the economic, social, and political spheres. This course aims to help prepare us to exercise what the Bible calls “true religion” (Ja 1:27), honouring the aged amongst us as we honour our parents (Ex 20; Lev 19:32; Mat 15; Eph 6; 1 Tim 5). Honour, understood biblically, is holistic and integrated, just as human beings are holistically integrated with their histories, cultures, languages, families, religions, and personal life stages. To engage positively and wisely we must acknowledge these real differences in our neighbourhoods and institutions of care and learn to express our care with understanding and respect. We will look together at some of the barriers and opportunities for more sensitive, compassionate, and fruitful ministries of care.

CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN MINISTRY FOR THE AGING – COURSE 6; Reaching out: The Church and the Community; Families and Caregivers for Seniors
2021-10-16 10:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
In this course, we will discuss opportunities to serve with the aging living in our own neighborhoods and throughout our communities. Over 90% of the elderly live in their own homes or with their own families; 2/3 of those over 85 live in their own homes or with family. 85% of those with dementia live in the community and not in institutions. Further, loneliness among seniors in Canada is recognized as “an epidemic”: 1.4 million Canadians report feeling lonely. COVID has increased this number. 80% of the seniors ages 80 years and over say that they feel lonely up to 80% of the time. This course provides and overview of this situation, a profile of those in our communities, ans considers how we might respond.

CHURCH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM course 2: Home visitation: Tending the Sheep - Called to Care for God’s Flock
2021-09-18 11:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
This course is a second of the 8 modules dealing with leadership in the church and does build on the previous course, A Theology of Church Leadership (however participation in course 1 is not required in order to attend course 2). The course gives further insights into leadership and more specifically, the task of caring for those in our wards. This course is designed to be practical, so that you can take the elements that you learn and apply them to the situations that you are in at the moment.
The course will begin with an in depth look at the qualifications of the elder as put forward by Peter in 1 Peter 5 and Paul in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. With these passages as background and foundation for the work of an elder, the next three lectures will flesh out a model of caring for those in our ward, based on the structure of our Lord’s letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2 & 3.

CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN MINISTRY FOR THE AGING - COURSE 5 Reaching out: Institutional Settings: Families and Caregivers for Seniors
2021-09-11 10:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Certificate program in MINISTRY FOR THE AGING: Course 5 – part 1 – Institutional Settings: Families and Caregivers of Seniors
In this course opportunities to serve the aging already abound, including the frailest elderly living in institutions, either Long Term Care or Retirement Homes, will be discussed. Most likely these opportunities will only increase in the coming years. Presently, more than 50% of the residents of LTC homes are 85+ with more than ⅓ of all Canadians 85+ living in such homes. Further, those 85+ are the fastest growing segment of the senior population with the most rapid increases in the number and proportion of persons 85+ to occur between 2030 and 2050, when the baby boomer cohort reaches 85+. Those 85+ will almost equal those under 20 sometime in the 2030s. This course provides an overview of these institutions, the profile of the residents, and considers how we might respond.

CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN MINISTRY FOR THE AGING - COURSE 4 DEBRIEFING SESSION Principles and Practices of Spiritual Care for Seniors (II)
2021-08-07 10:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Certificate program in MINISTRY FOR THE AGING: Course 4– Debriefing Session– Principles and Practices of Spiritual Care for Seniors (II)
In this debriefing session on August 7, 2021, students will discuss and share their reading, research and practicum experiences in an in-class discussion.

Certificate program in MINISTRY FOR THE AGING: Course 4 – Principles & Practices of Spiritual Care II (Online part 1)
2021-07-17 10:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Course 4:
Principles & Practices of Spiritual Care II

Online part 1: July 17, 2021
Online part 2: July 24, 2021
Debriefing session: August 7, 2021
Description:
Already in Course #2 we introduced Principles and Practices of Spiritual Care for the Aging, looking especially at Honour, Visitation, and Listening. This Course (#7) is Part 2 of Principles and Practices of Spiritual Care for the Aging. Having familiarized ourselves with the joys and challenges of various stages of aging, as well as the situations in which the aging are living, including various institutions (LTC and Retirement) and also the aging living in their own homes, communities, and/or neighbourhoods, we now revisit Principles and Practices of Spiritual Care. We will again attend to Listening, as it is a major key for all ministries, indeed, all relationships. We will also look at two special challenges for the Spiritual Care for the Aging, Dementia and Palliative Care/Death & Dying.
“The righteous … flourish in the courts of our God.
They still bear fruit in old age;
they are ever full of sap and green,
to declare that the LORD is upright”
(Psalm 92).
Facilitators:
Dr. Tom McCormick
Tom McCormick enjoys the interrelationships among several disciplines. He has a BA in philosophy and mathematics, an MA in Bible (Westminster Seminary, Philadelphia), a PhD in Humanities (Linguistics & Philosophy, University of Texas, Arlington), and a PhD in Philosophy (Institute for Christian Studies, Toronto). Tom also integrates praxis with thought, serving as a chaplain at Long Term & Residential Care Homes, teaching ESL, helping coordinate services for immigrants, assisting minority language groups overseas with literacy, development, and Bible translation, while helping to train consultants and literacy workers. He has taught mathematics, linguistics, reading theory, orthography design, philosophy, theology, education, qualitative research methods, and language acquisition. His books include Meditation: a Practical Guide to a Spiritual Discipline; 2 books on Nursing Home Ministry; Theories of Reading in Dialogue; Science, Imagination and God; Towards a Christian Philosophy; The Field and the Spirit; Meditation: a Biblical Study. Tom has been working with those in Long Term Care Nursing Homes for more than 40 years and has taught at both graduate and undergraduate institutions, including conducting workshops both in North America and overseas.
FEES
Conference attendance – There will be a $50 fee for attending the conferences only.
Audit – There will be a $100 fee for auditing the module.
Certificate Level – There will be a $150 fee for each module or $750 if preregistered for the entire program ($650 for chaplains).
Bachelors/Masters Level – Please contact the Word and Spirit Institute for tuition of Bachelor and Masters courses
There will an additional cost for the purchase of required reading material.
COURSE SCHEDULE

Biblical Foundations of Ministries with the Aging
Principles and Practices of Spiritual Care for Seniors (I)
Aging, Stages of Human Development, and Spirituality
Principles and Practices of Spiritual Care for Seniors (II)
Reaching out: Institutional settings; Families and Caregivers for Seniors
Reaching out: The Church and the Community; Families and Caregivers for Seniors
Cultural, Gender, and Religious Diversity; Global Aging

Interested?
Please e-mail wsinstitute@outlook.com for information, to register and/or to receive a course syllabus

Long Term Care Home Ministries in North America: Caring as Christians in the 'Covid Era'
2021-07-10 10:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Long Term Care Homes have been in the news a lot these COVID-days. There have been such headlines as “COVID-19 highlights Canada’s care home crisis” and “Restoring trust: COVID-19 and the future of long-term care in Canada.” Even before COVID there was a huge need in LTC Homes: more than 115,000 people with their families receive care and support in Ontario’s 636 long-term care homes every year.

To facilitate a caring response of Christian Churches we will present a FREE Webinar on July 10, Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. EDT. The restrictions for caring Christian ministry from outside the homes have been lifted more south of the border than as yet in Ontario. We are inviting two chaplains from Ohio who are friends and colleagues to join us to share their experiences now that they have been allowed once again to continue their services in LTC Homes. They have found some significant changes from their pre-COVID ministries.

Tom McCormick, Chaplain and lead facilitator for the Word & Spirit Program in MINISTRY FOR THE AGING will be hosting Chaplain Bill Goodrich, President & Founder of God Cares Ministry, and Chaplain Chris Herman, founder with his wife Carol, of St. Lazarus Mission.
If you wish to register for this webinar, please click HERE Further details can be found at the Word & Spirit Website, https://www.wsinstitute.ca

Ministry for the Aging Course 3: Aging, Stages of Human Development and Spirituality - Debriefing Session -
2021-07-03 10:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Certificate program in MINISTRY FOR THE AGING: Course 3 – Debriefing Session– Aging, Stages of Human Development and Spirituality
In this debriefing session on July 3, 2021, students will discuss and share their reading, research and practicum experiences in an in-class discussion.

Covid, Mental Health, and Aging: Opportunity... and Responsibility?
2021-06-29 19:00 - 21:00 | Online Webinar
COVID, MENTAL HEALTH, AND AGING: OPPORTUNITY…AND RESPONSIBILITY?
A Free Webinar – June 29, 2021; 7-9 PM EDT via Zoom

We are in the midst of a COVID pandemic, but also ‘serious mental health crises’ because of the pandemic. One out of every 10 people now reports having an unmet mental health care need; 7 out of 10 Ontarians think there will be a ‘serious mental health crisis’ because of the pandemic. “We’re going to see this level of trauma for many years,” said the executive director of trauma healing at the American Bible Society (ABS). Many experts confirm that coronavirus isolation is taking a toll on mental health of seniors, as well as their caregivers. Almost 38% of Canadians reported that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they experienced feelings of loneliness or isolation. This free Webinar will introduce the mental health crisis which is, no doubt, all around and perhaps within, each of us. We will then focus on LONELINESS in this first webinar. Our aim is both to understand and to consider biblical responses. We are also preparing to hold a series of webinars, as appropriate, on other relevant mental health topics related to Covid and Aging, including Grief, Anxiety, and Depression.
Presenters include: Mike Krabbendam, who has been involved with health care provision for over 45 years, and currently holds the position of Administrator / DOC at Manoah Manor, Canadian Reformed Senior Citizens Home, Langley, BC. He is trained as both a general and psychiatric nurse; Rev Matthew VanLuik, pastor of the Grace Canadian Reformed Church in Brampton, Ontario; Chaplain Chris Herman, who founded http://lazarusmission.org/, which plants churches in Nursing Homes. Chris serves with the Reformed Episcopal Church in the Dayton, Ohio area; and Tom McCormick, who is directing the Word and Spirit Institute’s Certificate Program in Ministries for the Aging.
Register in advance for this meeting by emailing: wsinstitute@outlook.com
Deadline for registering – June 28th, 12 noon EDT.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing a short survey along with ZOOM link.
Further information at www. https://www.wsinstitute.ca/

Ministry for the Aging; Course 3 (part 2) Aging, Stages of Human Development and Spirituality
2021-06-26 10:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Course 3 (Online courses are offered via two 2-3 hour online sessions)

Part 1: June 19, 2021
Part 2: June 26, 2021
Debrief: July 3, 2021
Aging, Stages of Human Development and Spirituality
Description:
We naturally recognize youth and adolescence as special periods of our lives, each with unique challenges, responsibilities and opportunities. Whether we consider the second half of life or the last third, there are further unique challenge for each of us. Aging presents ambiguities and tensions: between fruition and decline; between satisfactions and losses; between failures, regrets, “could have been”s, and unlived dreams…and the glorious fulfillment of the Promises of God in Christ Jesus (Revelation 21-22). We undoubtedly have a unique message and a unique hope to live and to share. To care for the aging means we each must also care for the unique old man or woman slowing awakening within us. In this course, we look together at the unique privileges, challenges, and opportunities both for our own growth and for ministry, as we explore the spiritual and personal challenges of the human aging process.
“The righteous … flourish in the courts of our God.
They still bear fruit in old age;
they are ever full of sap and green,
to declare that the LORD is upright”
(Psalm 92).
Facilitators:
Dr. Tom McCormick
This course is the third course out of 7 courses with the option to obtain a Certificate in MINISTRY FOR THE AGING
FEES
There is one fee, for all the parts of this course (part 1, part 2 and the debriefing session)
Audit – There will be a $100 fee for auditing the course
Certificate Level – There will be a $150 fee for each course or $750 for the program if preregistered ($650 for Chaplains).
Bachelors/Masters Level – Please contact the Word and Spirit Institute for tuition of Bachelor and Masters Courses.
There will an additional cost for the purchase of required reading material.
COURSE SCHEDULE

Biblical Foundations of Ministries with the Aging
Principles and Practices of Spiritual Care for Seniors (I)
Aging, Stages of Human Development, and Spirituality
Principles and Practices of Spiritual Care for Seniors (II)
Reaching out: Institutional settings; Families and Caregivers for Seniors
Reaching out: The Church and the Community; Families and Caregivers for Seniors
Cultural, Gender, and Religious Diversity; Global Aging

Interested?
Please e-mail wsinstitute@outlook.com for more information, to register and/or to receive a course-syllabus

Certificate program in MINISTRY FOR THE AGING: Course 3 (Part 1) - Aging; Stages of Human Development and Spirituality
2021-06-19 10:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar

Debriefing session Course 2: Principles and Practices of Spiritual Care for Elderly (I)
2021-06-05 10:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Certificate program in MINISTRY FOR THE AGING: Course 1 – Debriefing Session– Biblical Foundations of Ministries with the Aging
In this debriefing session on June 5, 2021, students will discuss and share their reading, research and practicum experiences in an in-class discussion.

Ministry for the Aging Course 2 Part 2 Principles and Practices of Spiritual Care for Elderly
2021-05-22 10:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
THE CERTIFICATE COURSES WILL BE OFFERED AS TWO 2-3 HOUR ONLINE SESSIONS INSTEAD OF ONE INITIAL CONFERENCE

Dates:
Part 1: May 15, 2021
Part 2: May 22, 2021
Debriefing Session: June 5, 2021
Course 2: Part 2

Principles & Practices of Spiritual Care for Seniors

Description:
Spiritual Care is at the heart of our ministries for and with the aging. In this module we will begin our consideration of the Principles and Practices of Spiritual Care for the Aging. We will consider especially the key biblical principles and practices of Honour, Visitation, and Listening, including the understanding and recognition of spiritual needs. Later, in “Principles and Practices of Spiritual Care for Seniors – II” we will look at two special challenges for the Spiritual Care for the Aging, Dementia and Palliative Care/Death & Dying.
“The righteous … flourish in the courts of our God.
They still bear fruit in old age;
they are ever full of sap and green,
to declare that the LORD is upright”
(Psalm 92).
Facilitators:
Facilitators:
Dr. Tom McCormick, Chaplain: LTC; Retirement Home.
This course is the second course out of 7 courses with the option to obtain a Certificate in MINISTRY TO THE AGING
FEES
There is one fee for the two parts of the Course:
Audit – There will be a $100 fee for auditing the module (a $50 fee for conference attendance only).
Certificate Level – There will be a $150 fee for each module or a one time fee of $750 if registered for the entire certificate program.
Bachelors/Masters Level – Please contact the Word and Spirit Institute for the tuition structure of Bachelors and Masters programs
There will an additional cost for the purchase of required reading material.
COURSE SCHEDULE

Biblical Foundations of Ministries with the Aging
Principles and Practices of Spiritual Care for Seniors (I)
Aging, Stages of Human Development, and Spirituality
Principles and Practices of Spiritual Care for Seniors (II)
Reaching out: Institutional settings; Families and Caregivers for Seniors
Reaching out: The Church and the Community; Families and Caregivers for Seniors
Cultural, Gender, and Religious Diversity; Global Aging

Interested?
Please e-mail wsinstitute@outlook.com for more information, to register and/or to receive a course-syllabus

Certificate program in MINISTRY FOR THE AGING (online): Course 2 - Part 1: Principles and Practices of Spiritual Care for Seniors I
2021-05-15 10:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
THE CERTIFICATE COURSES WILL BE OFFERED AS TWO 2-3 HOUR ONLINE SESSIONS INSTEAD OF ONE INITIAL CONFERENCE

Dates:
Part 1: May 15, 2021
Part 2: May 22, 2021
Debriefing Session: June 5, 2021
Course 2: Part 1

Principles & Practices of Spiritual Care for Seniors

Description:
Spiritual Care is at the heart of our ministries for and with the aging. In this module we will begin our consideration of the Principles and Practices of Spiritual Care for the Aging. We will consider especially the key biblical principles and practices of Honour, Visitation, and Listening, including the understanding and recognition of spiritual needs. Later, in “Principles and Practices of Spiritual Care for Seniors – II” we will look at two special challenges for the Spiritual Care for the Aging, Dementia and Palliative Care/Death & Dying.
“The righteous … flourish in the courts of our God.
They still bear fruit in old age;
they are ever full of sap and green,
to declare that the LORD is upright”
(Psalm 92).
Facilitators:
Facilitators:
Dr. Tom McCormick, Chaplain: LTC; Retirement Home.
Pastor Matthew H. VanLuik, Director Word and Spirit Ministries.
This course is the second course out of 7 courses with the option to obtain a Certificate in MINISTRY TO THE AGING
FEES
Audit – There will be a $100 fee for auditing the module (a $50 fee for conference attendance only).
Certificate Level – There will be a $150 fee for each module or a one time fee of $750 if registered for the entire certificate program.
Bachelors/Masters Level – Please contact the Word and Spirit Institute for the tuition structure of Bachelors and Masters programs
There will an additional cost for the purchase of required reading material.
COURSE SCHEDULE

Biblical Foundations of Ministries with the Aging
Principles and Practices of Spiritual Care for Seniors (I)
Aging, Stages of Human Development, and Spirituality
Principles and Practices of Spiritual Care for Seniors (II)
Reaching out: Institutional settings; Families and Caregivers for Seniors
Reaching out: The Church and the Community; Families and Caregivers for Seniors
Cultural, Gender, and Religious Diversity; Global Aging

Interested?
Please e-mail wsinstitute@outlook.com for more information, to register and/or to receive a course-syllabus
