Word and Spirit Institute

Debriefing Session Ministry for the Aging Course 1 (Biblical Foundations of Ministries with the Aging
2021-05-01 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto) | 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 May 1, 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 1 - part 2 - Biblical Foundations of Ministries with the Aging
2021-04-17 10:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Course 1 Part 2 (2nd part of the Online version of this course, offered on April 17, 2021; Debrief session May 1, 2021)
Demographic Realities of Ministries with the Aging…with a Missional Action Plan (Feb. 13, 2021)
Description:
Opportunities to serve with the aging already abound, including the elderly living in our own neighbourhoods and throughout our communities. The vast majority (90+%) live in their own homes or with their own families; 2/3 of those over 85 live in their own homes or with their families. 85% of those with dementia live in the communities (not in institutions). Further, loneliness in Canadian seniors is widely recognized as “an epidemic”: “1.4 million elderly Canadians report feeling lonely”, “while 80 years and older say that up to 80 per cent of the time they feel lonely” (here). How, though, shall we go about understanding aging, our own as well as “ministries with the aging”*? This course begins our considerations for orienting both our understanding and our practices with attention to biblical foundations. We will look at a biblical view of the elderly & aging (especially the privileges promised as well as the special challenges), the biblical opportunities & responsibilities of the elderly, the church’s responsibility toward the elderly, as well as pastoral & ministry applications including an examination of the motives and privileges for ministries with the aging. In addition to our consideration of biblical foundations both in class and via the readings, each student will begin a practical exploration of the opportunities in your church and community.
*(Notice we say “with”, not “for”; we are in this together.)
“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 and Rev. Matthew VanLuik
This course is the first course out of 7 courses with the option to obtain a Certificate in MINISTRY TO THE AGING
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the course will be offered in 2 (two) online sessions on April 10 and 17, 2021; debriefing session: May 1, 2021
FEES
This is session 2 of the online course; there is one fee for both sessions. These fees are:
Conference attendance – There will be a $50 fee for those who ONLY attend the conference
Audit – There will be a $100 fee for auditing the module.
Certificate Level – There will be a $150 fee for each module 0r $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 to register and/or receive the Course-Syllabus

Certificate program in MINISTRY FOR THE AGING: Course 1 - Part 1 - Biblical Foundations of Ministries with the Aging
2021-04-10 10:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Course 1 (Online version offered in two parts on April 10 and 17, 2021; Debriefing session May 1, 2021)
Biblical Foundations of Ministries with the Aging (April 10, 2021); Demographic Realities of Ministries with the Aging…with a Missional Action Plan (April 17, 2021)
Description:
Opportunities to serve with the aging already abound, including the elderly living in our own neighbourhoods and throughout our communities. The vast majority (90+%) live in their own homes or with their own families; 2/3 of those over 85 live in their own homes or with their families. 85% of those with dementia live in the communities (not in institutions). Further, loneliness in Canadian seniors is widely recognized as “an epidemic”: “1.4 million elderly Canadians report feeling lonely”, “while 80 years and older say that up to 80 per cent of the time they feel lonely” (here). How, though, shall we go about understanding aging, our own as well as “ministries with the aging”*? This course begins our considerations for orienting both our understanding and our practices with attention to biblical foundations. We will look at a biblical view of the elderly & aging (especially the privileges promised as well as the special challenges), the biblical opportunities & responsibilities of the elderly, the church’s responsibility toward the elderly, as well as pastoral & ministry applications including an examination of the motives and privileges for ministries with the aging. In addition to our consideration of biblical foundations both in class and via the readings, each student will begin a practical exploration of the opportunities in your church and community.
*(Notice we say “with”, not “for”; we are in this together.)
“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 and Rev. Matthew VanLuik
This course is the first course out of 7 courses with the option to obtain a Certificate in MINISTRY TO THE AGING
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the course will be offered in 2 (two) online sessions on April 10 and 17, 2021; the debriefing session will be held on May 1, 2021
FEES
Conference attendance – There will be a $50 fee for those who ONLY attend the conference
Audit – There will be a $100 fee for auditing the module.
Certificate Level – There will be a $150 fee for each module 0r $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 to register and/or receive the Course-syllabus

WEBINAR: Christmas, COVID and Eldercare
2020-12-05 10:00 - 12:00 | WEBINAR
FREE WEBINAR: “CHRISTMAS, COVID, AND ELDERCARE“
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, our lives have been changed in 2020. There has been a lot of anxiety and worries especially among the elderly, the isolated, the vulnerable and the lonely. In a few weeks, we will be celebrating the Birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ again. This year’s Christmas will also be celebrated differently than we have ever done before, which again, will affect the isolated elderly, the vulnerable and lonely.
The Webinar: CHRISTMAS, COVID, AND ELDERCARE seeks to discuss and address some alternative ways to celebrate Christmas in the Time of COVID.
To make this Webinar as useful as possible, please CLICK HERE to fill our our short survey to let us know what you have done already for the elderly and what you hope to do around Christmas time as well as other ideas and/or questions to discuss. Our panel of experts in the field of Ministry to and with the Elderly will try to discuss as many or your ideas and questions as possible.
For more information about the webinar or to register, please email the Word and Spirit Institute at: wsinstitute@outlook.com
Certificate Program MINISTRY FOR THE AGING
This Certificate Program is meant for all who are involved with and interested in eldercare. In the courses, a Christian perspective of aging with it’s joys and struggles, as well as one’s own aging and how to deal with one’s own emotions, joys and struggles while caring for elderly (grand)parents is discussed. For more information about the Certificate Program “Ministry for the Aging”, please CLICK HERE

POSTPONED!!! Mini-conference: Transforming Lives with Music and Art
2020-05-23 09:00 - 14:00 | Bethel Canadian Reformed Church, 11251 Bayview Ave, Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4S 1L8, Canada
DUE TO THE CLOSURES AS RESULT OF THE SPREADING CORONA-VIRUS, THE CONFERENCE HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO A LATER DATE. PLEASE CHECK BACK AFTER THE SITUATION STABILIZES.
Transforming Lives with Music and Art
Transforming Lives with Music and Art is a conference to equip and encourage Christians to use music and art to minister to the older population. Through workshops, sharing and demonstrations, we hope to show the power of music and art to enhance well-being, re-activate memory, combat social isolation and help with re-construction of identity. We explore the why and the how, and invite reflections on the spiritual benefits of music. If you have an interest in music and art, or are curious how music and art can be used in ministries, or want to deepen your understanding and enrich your existing programs, you are very welcome to join us.
Who will be there? Family and professional caregivers, seniors, chaplains, music and art volunteers, musicians, therapists, educators, other professionals, or anyone with an interest in music and art. No prior experience necessary.

Date: May 23rd, 2020 (Saturday)
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (registration starts at 9:00 a.m.)
Lunch: Please bring your own brown bag lunch.
Venue: Bethel Canadian Reformed Church, 11251 Bayview Ave, Richmond Hill (North of Elgin Mills Road East on the East side); map
Parking: Plenty of parking at the church premise available.
Cost: $15 (includes tea, coffee and light refreshments); pay at the door – cash only
Registration: Click here to fill in a simple form.
Questions? Contact blessedmelodymakers@gmail.com

[Include poster]
Schedule of the Day:
9:00-9:30 Registration
9:30-9:45 Introduction and Worship
9:45-10:45 Workshop: “Music, Memory and Meaning” by Bev Foster
10:45-11:05 Inspirational Music Ministries for Seniors (nursing homes) – Stella Chung
11:05-11:25 Inspirational Music Ministries for Seniors (adult day program) – Peggy Peacock
11:25-11:45 Inspirational Music Ministries for Seniors (respite program) – Art and Coby Jaarsma
11:45-12:30 Lunch and Networking
12:30-1:30 Workshop: “Visual Creativity, Cognition and Well-Being” by Nicole Balan
1:30-1:50 Inspirational Music Ministries for Seniors (dementia unit) – Ron Wilson and Tom McCormick
1:50-2:00 Closing

Workshop Descriptors and Presenters Bios
Music, Memory and Meaning
Music accompanies us on our journey and connects us to people, places and events in our lives. It is cross-coded into life passages. Music connects us to our memories and our lived experiences especially as we grow older. This workshop explores how and why we remember music and in particular, how songs connect us through shared feelings, events and ideas that have both cultural, spiritual and personal meanings.

Presenter: Bev Foster. Bev Foster is the Founder and Executive Director of the Room 217 Foundation, an organization dedicated to music and care. She is an experienced musician and worship leader who speaks and writes extensively on the power of music, especially in life limiting situations. Her passion for music enhancing quality of life is contagious.

Visual Creativity, Cognition and Well-Being
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” Pablo Picasso
“I found I could say things with colour and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.” Georgia O’Keeffe.
Mark-making, using colour, shape, pressure, and various media provides opportunities to process emotions, sensations, and thoughts beyond words. Zeller (2020) speaks about viewing visual images and verbalizing associations providing opportunities for socializing, focusing and mental processing. This workshop explores the benefits of art therapy with elders and their caregivers, as well as provides some experiential opportunities for participants to experience their own creative process. It also discusses some of the results of a major project with elders in a long term care residence creating their own visual biography legacy projects.
Presenter: Nicole Balan. Nicole Balan is currently training at the Toronto Art Therapy Institute (TATI). She has been working with elders in two long term care / retirement residences. Her art therapy major project draws upon reminiscence therapy, narrative therapy, and the spiritual autobiography literature, inviting elders to create visual images, colours and shapes through the decades of their lives, creating a Life Book as a legacy item. Nicole is a graduate of Tyndale Seminary, as well as the Toronto Institute of Relational Psychotherapy. She is active in various lay ministries, enjoys creative pursuits, and is a life-long learner.

Inspirational Music Ministries for Seniors
Four groups of presenters will share their experience in using music in their ministries, including demonstrating with music. The contexts include an Adult Day Program, nursing homes, and a monthly program for the seniors in the county on a respite day for the caregivers. The kinds of music used vary. Come and learn from one another and offer your ideas.
Stella Chung is a family caregiver, a soprano and a spiritual director. She is passionate about sharing the love of God through music with those in need of blessings and encouragements. Having conducted a research on seniors, offered music programs at nursing homes for five years and ministered to her dying father with music, Stella understands the power of music in uplifting the spirit of the lonely, the sick and the dying. To Stella, music is beyond therapeutic; it is God’s unspoken language of love which transcends all differences in race and religion.
Peggy Peacock grew up in Toronto. She has a diploma and a degree in Social Services and Sociology. Soon after graduation, she volunteered for 2 years on a committee at Humbervale Day Centre, which later became Etobicoke Support Services (ESS), an agency working to support seniors in their own homes and community. Peggy worked in the Adult Day Centre of ESS as a Program Co-ordinator for 29 years until she retired in 2019. She was involved in planning and implementing various programs in ESS including several music programs. Peggy strongly believes in the power of music for the well-being of the senior population.
Coby and Art Jaarsma. Coby took piano lessons in her youth, and enjoys playing regularly for pleasure at home. She accompanies the church organist in leading the singing at church services. Art has always loved music, and has been playing the accordion for pleasure since his teenage years. His playing is mainly self-taught.
Art and Coby were involved in a ministry called “Friendship” for mentally challenged adults for about 15 years, and Art would accompany the enthusiastic singing with the accordion. “Friendship” has been discontinued, and Art and Coby are now leading a sing-along group once a month for seniors who are in the beginning stages of dementia. They will share about this program as well as demonstrate some of what they do.
Ron Wilson is an experienced pianist specializing in addling lively rhythms to traditional hymns. He started leading worship and playing music in a monthly service in the local long term care home soon after he moved to the Bradford area. He met Tom McCormick in 2007 and soon they began ministering together, including regularly at Elginwood Long Term Care for the past 10 years, and currently at Oak Ridges Retirement Community. Ron has a collection of recordings of hymns that he played and sang made available on his website http://www.becruciform.com/. Ron is also a chaplain at Eagle Terrace Long Term Care Home in Newmarket.
Tom McCormick has ministered for over 40 years in Nursing Homes, and has been a chaplain in both a Long Term Care Home and a Retirement Community. In the 1980’s he published a manual for training others. In 2003 he coauthored Nursing Home Ministries. Currently he is facilitating a program in Ministries for the Ageing. Tom has served as an overseas missionary in Peru, Papua New Guinea, Cameroon, India, and China. He lives near Toronto, Canada, while teaching part-time at Tyndale Seminary.
Through a combination of music, song, stories, Scripture, prayer, and in some cases, dance, Ron and Tom have been privileged to participate in leading worship as well as hymn sings. Together they will demonstrate some of what they have done and share lessons they have learned.
This conference is organized by Blessed Melody Music Ministry and sponsored by the Word and Spirit Institute.

POSTPONED!!! Worshiping and Visiting with Elderly
2020-03-28 09:00 - 16:00 | Grace Christian School, 497 Millgrove Side Road, Millgrove, Ontario, L0R 1V0, Canada
DUE TO THE CLOSURES AS RESULT OF THE SPREADING CORONA-VIRUS, THE CONFERENCE HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO A LATER DATE. PLEASE CHECK BACK AFTER THE SITUATION STABILIZES.

ONE DAY CONFERENCE ABOUT WORSHIPING AND VISITING WITH ELDERLY

Worship of God is an often neglected aspect in the lives of institutionalized elderly. Many elderly were raised in churches, but had to move when they went to an old-age home and lost contact with their pastor and/or church. Others left the church earlier in their life. During the end-stages of life they reflect on their lives and often want to return to the Lord. Their children don’t see the need to bring them to church and they do not have the ability to attend on their own anymore. Yet worship can and should play an important part in their lives just as in ours. Not only can they offer God the praise and honor He deserves, but they can also derive deep satisfaction, joy and peace through worship of Him.
Honoring the elderly inside and outside the church is a Biblical mandate and there is much need for us as churches to organize worship for institutionalized elderly and visit the people we meet at worship gatherings. Many churches see the need and organize worship services in (secular) facilities. Is your church involved? Are your small groups? Are you? But, do we know how? Are we prepared to deal with specific “aging” issues? Where do you start? How to organize worship with elderly? What are things to watch for? How do you visit? Should elders, deacons and ministers get involved? The institutional setting is not the same as a traditional church, and so we must also consider the logistical challenges and practical concerns involved with the institutional context, including following up with those who attend worship services.
To help the church develop, organize and extend worship gatherings and aftercare in Assisted Living and Long Term Care Facilities, Please join us for a ONE-DAY-CONFERENCE ABOUT WORSHIPING AND VISITING WITH ELDERLY. This conference is organized by the Home Mission Committee of Redemption Canadian Reformed Church in Flamborough together with the Word and Spirit Institute (www.wsinstitute.ca). Throughout the day, the use of Scripture and Music will be considered as well as the life situations of residents in Long Term Care.

The main speaker for the day is Dr. Tom McCormick. Tom enjoys the interrelationship between several disciplines. Tom integrates practice with thought which shows in his various ministry related activities. He teaches ESL, helps coordinate services for immigrants and assists minority language groups overseas with Bible translations. As a chaplain, Tom works and has worked at several Long Term Care and Assisted Living facilities. Tom has also written several books on Nursing Home Ministry, Mediation and Christian Philosophy. Dr. McCormick has developed and taught the program “Ministry for the Aging”, a 6-module certificate program that promotes a Biblical approach on all aspects of elderly care. For more information on this program, please visit https://www.wsinstitute.ca/certificate-program-in-ministry-for-the-aging/ Furthermore, Tom has organized and conducted many conferences, workshops and college/university courses about Christian care for elderly. As a life-long learner, he has acquired 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).

THE CONFERENCE: WORSHIPING AND VISITING WITH ELDERLY
Date: Saturday March 28, 2020 9-4 (doors open at 8.30 for coffee and registration)
Place: Grace Christian School, 497 Millgrove Side Rd. Millgrove, ON L0R 1V0
Coffee, tea and lunch included (a free will offering will be accepted to offset the cost of the day)
Interested? Please RSVP by March 25 by emailing wsinstitute@outlook.ca or visit our fill out the form on our “contact us” page. Please include any dietary restrictions
Walk-ins will be accepted

Organized by:

The Home mission Committee Redemption Canadian Reformed Church of Flamborough

The Word and Spirit Institute

Leadership Program - Theology of Christian Leadership
2020-01-25 | Grace Christian School, 497 Millgrove Side Road, Millgrove, Ontario, L0R 1V0, Canada
Please visit the page describing the Leadership Program for more information about the certificate course in Church Leadership and stay tuned for more information about the session: Theology of Christian Leadership

Ministry for the aging Session II / one-day/evening conferences
2019-10-19 | Grace Christian School, 497 Millgrove Side Road, Millgrove, Ontario, L0R 1V0, Canada
In 2019, a new session of the program “Ministry for the Aging will be started for new students and students who missed courses, can complete these courses at that time. We hope to be able to start the program after the summer again, however, as of now, the date for the start of this program is tentative as of yet. The program will start when enough students are enrolled. Those who have shown interest will receive an email in due time.
Please find more information about the program here: https://www.wsinstitute.ca/certificate-program-in-ministry-for-the-aging/
As of yet, we do not have enough students to warrant a new course program, instead, a new initiative is developed for those interested in Ministry for the Aging.
As early as October, informative and educational one-day and/or one-evening sessions will be organized in Toronto, Burlington, Hamilton and/or the Niagara Peninsula.
Please stay tuned for more information and/or
fill out the form on the Contact us page

Aging: The Final Frontier
2019-03-30 08:15 - 15:30 | 105Gibson Centre, 105 Gibson Drive, Markham,, ONTARIO, L3R 3K7, Canada
Aging: The Final Frontier is a one-day conference about Aging.
It attempts to bring together a wide spectrum of concerns from looking at one’s own aging, the church’s roles in looking after the elderly, to perspectives and models in ministering to the elderly. Ultimately, we are looking at discipleship in Christ and the goal is spiritual maturity. The Keynote Speaker is Dr. Paul T. P. Wong and he will be talking about Spirituality and Successful Aging.
The workshops cover 6 different tracks:
i. Disruptions: Dementia and Disability;
ii. Care for the Caregivers;
iii. Re-framing Aging;
iv. Ministering and the Aging;
v. Outreach: Local;
vi. Outreach: Glocal (Global / Local).

The conference is open to anyone who is interested in issues surrounding aging, whether their own or that of others around them. Health care workers, pastors, chaplains and family caregivers may be particularly interested.

Certificate program in MINISTRY FOR THE AGING: Course 7 – Cultural Concerns, Global Aging, Religious Diversity & Gender
2019-02-02 09:00 - 16:00 | Bethel Canadian Reformed Church, 11251 Bayview Ave, Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4S 1L8, Canada
Course 7:
Cultural Concerns, Global Aging, Religious Diversity & Gender

Description:
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.
“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.
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 the course syllabus

Certificate program in MINISTRY FOR THE AGING: Course 6 – Reaching out: The Church and the Community
2018-09-15 09:00 - 16:00 | Covenant Reformed Church, 265 Albion Rd., Toronto, Ontario, M9W 3P1, Canada
Course 6:
Reaching out: The Church and the Community

Description:
Opportunities to serve with the aging already abound, including the elderly living in our own neighbourhoods and throughout our communities. The vast majority (90+%) live in their own homes or with their own families; 2/3 of those over 85 live in their own homes or with their families. 85% of those with dementia live in the communities (not in institutions). Further, loneliness in Canadian seniors is widely recognized as “an epidemic”: “1.4 million elderly Canadians report feeling lonely”, “while 80 years and older say that up to 80 per cent of the time they feel lonely” (here). This course provides an overview of this situation, a profile of those in our communities, and considers how we might respond.
“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
Audit – There will be a $100 fee for auditing the module ($50 for those who ONLY attend the conference).
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 more information, to register and/or to receive the course-syllabus

Certificate program in MINISTRY FOR THE AGING: Course 5 – Reaching out: Institutional Settings; Families and Caregivers for Seniors
2018-05-19 09:00 - 16:00 | Bethel Canadian Reformed Church, 11251 Bayview Ave, Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4S 1L8, Canada
Course 5:
Reaching out: Institutional Settings; Families and Caregivers for Seniors

Description:
Opportunities to serve the aging already abound, including the elderly living in our own neighbourhoods and throughout our communities. The vast majority (90+%) live in their own homes or with their own families; 2/3 of those over 85 live in their own homes or with their families. 85% of those with dementia live in the communities (not in institutions). Further, loneliness in Canadian seniors is widely recognized as “an epidemic”: “1.4 million elderly Canadians report feeling lonely”, “while 80 years and older say that up to 80 per cent of the time they feel lonely” (here). This course provides an overview of this situation, a profile of those in our communities, and considers how we might respond.
“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
FEES
Audit – There will be a $100 fee for auditing the module ($50 if you ONLY attend the conferences).
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 more information, to register and/or receive the course-syllabus

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Certificate program in MINISTRY FOR THE AGING: Course 3 - Joy in Aging (old number 3)
2017-12-02 09:00 - 16:00 | Covenant Reformed Church, 265 Albion Rd., Toronto, Ontario, M9W 3P1, Canada
Course 3:
Joy in Aging
Description:
Aging has unique challenges and joys.
Many think of aging with a sense of dread. And yet, mature Christian authors suggest Finishing Our Course with Joy (J.I. Packer) and Aging Joyfully (Timothy Starr). The Bible promises a flourishing life in old age (Psalm 92), even counting all our various trials as joy (James 1; Romans 5). In this course we will consider the promises and possibilities of joyful aging, along with the fears, challenges, and fun of growing older, all in the light of a biblical perspective on aging.
Come and learn to prepare for joyful aging.
“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.
Cathy Clark: Cathy is Manager of the 911 & Emergency Planning Program for the County of Simcoe, serving within the Health & Emergency Services Division. She has an MDiv from Tyndale Seminary, and is active ministering with seniors in her church and community.
Pastor Matthew H. VanLuik, Director Word and Spirit Ministries.
Cathy Clark, MDiv.
This course is the third course out of 8 courses with the option to obtain a Certificate in MINISTRY FOR THE AGING
FEES
Audit – There will be a $75 fee for auditing the module.
Certificate Level – There will be a $100 fee for each module.
Bachelors Level – There will be a $125 fee for each module.
Masters Level – There will be a $150 fee for each module.
There will an additional cost for the purchase of required reading material.
The cost will include a light lunch on the day of the conference.
COURSE SCHEDULE
1. Biblical Foundations of Ministries with the Aging (April 2017).
2. Principles and Practices of Spiritual Care for Seniors I (Sept. 2017).
3. Joy in Aging (Dec. 2017).
4. Reaching out: The Church and the Community; Families and Caregivers for Seniors (March 2018).
5. Aging, Stages of Human Development, and Spirituality (Sept. 2018).
6. Reaching out: Institutional settings; Families and Caregivers for Seniors (Dec, 2018).
7. Principles and Practices of Spiritual Care for Seniors II (March 2019).
8. Cultural, Gender, and Religious Diversity; Global Aging (Sept. 2019).
Interested?
Please e-mail wsinstitute@outlook.com to register

or fill out the form on the “contact us” page
scroll down for a map to Bethel church 11251 Bayview Avenue Richmond Hill, ON, L4S 1L8

Philippians - Understanding "The Gospel of Joy" (Conference Part 2)
2015-02-07 08:30 - 12:30 | Grace Canadian Reformed Church, 10301 Creditview Road , Brampton, Ontario, L7A 0X3, Canada
Philippians – Understanding “The Gospel of Joy”
Course instructor: Dr. Eric Pennings
Conference Dates: January 31 and February 7 from 8:30am to 12:30pm

Conference will be held at:
Grace Canadian Reformed Church, 10301 Creditview Rd. (at Fairhill Ave.) Brampton
Course Description:
A study of the practical implications of the message of Paul’s epistle to the Philippians.

Course Objective:
To learn the main message of Philippians in order to apply it to the students’ life and ministry.

Synopsis of the Course:
The book of Philippians is written in the historical context of several other Pauline Epistles. The student will be familiarized with these books during the study of this course. During the course the student will learn concepts of Christian joy that is characterized by and leads us to gratitude, faithfulness, humility, submission, justification, eternal life, peace and sharing.

Explanation of the Course Format:
The course is introduced by a conference that consists of 8 hours of lectures by the professor. The conference is open to anyone for a fee, without committing to the course requirements. Those who register as a student for the course will, in addition to the conference lectures, meet in class for 16 hours of follow-up classes. These follow-up classes can be held in different geographical locations where the number of registered students in the area warrants.

Registration/Tuition Fees:
Conference fee – $25 (For conferences only)
Course – level 1 – $70 (Bachelor’s level)
Course – level 2 – $100 (Master’s level)
Auditing the course – $40
Initial application fee to register as a student – $25
Contact for more information and to register email: gertievanluik@gmail.com

Course Professor: Dr. Eric Pennings

Ordained minister for 28 years
Born in Canada and married with four children
Education:

BRE in Bible and Christian Education from Kuyper College (formerly Reformed Bible College) of Grand Rapids, Michigan
MDiv from Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan
DMin from Miami International Seminary (MINTS) in Miami, Florida

Ministry Experience:

During his studies, he served part time in several churches as well as serving as a missionary in Mexico and Honduras
After graduation from seminary, he served 8 years with the Christian Reformed World Missions in Costa Rica where he founded a church, directed the Costa Rican Center of Reformed Studies and was a founding member of the Board of the Costa Rican Center for World Mission.
In 1994 he returned to Canada to pastor a CRC church in Strathroy, Ontario for eight years.
In 2002 Rev. Pennings served as a missionary among the Sikhs, an Indian immigrant population in Toronto.
In 2005 he began his ministry with the Miami International Seminary (MINTS) where he has served as Associate Dean for Central America. In March 2015 he will become the International Academic Dean for MINTS.
In 2011 he received his Doctorate in Ministry with MINTS and is currently a PhD candidate at the same institution.

Philippians - Understanding "The Gospel of Joy" (Conference Part 1)
2015-01-31 08:30 - 12:30 | Grace Canadian Reformed Church, 10301 Creditview Road , Brampton, Ontario, L7A 0X3, Canada
Philippians – Understanding “The Gospel of Joy”
Course instructor: Dr. Eric Pennings
Conference dates: January 31 and February 7 from 8:30am to 12:30pm

Conference will be held at:
Grace Canadian Reformed Church, 10301 Creditview Rd. (at Fairhill Ave.) Brampton
Course Description:
A study of the practical implications of the message of Paul’s epistle to the Philippians.
Course Objective:
To learn the main message of Philippians in order to apply it to the students’ life and ministry.
Synopsis of the Course:
The book of Philippians is written in the historical context of several other Pauline Epistles. The student will be familiarized with these books during the study of this course. During the course the student will learn concepts of Christian joy that is characterized by and leads us to gratitude, faithfulness, humility, submission, justification, eternal life, peace and sharing.

Explanation of the Course Format:
The course is introduced by a conference that consists of 8 hours of lectures by the professor. The conference is open to anyone for a fee, without committing to the course requirements. Those who register as a student for the course will, in addition to the conference lectures, meet in class for 16 hours of follow-up classes. These follow-up classes can be held in different geographical locations where the number of registered students in the area warrants.

Registration/Tuition Fees:
Conference fee – $25 (For conferences only)
Course – level 1 – $70 (Bachelor’s level)
Course – level 2 – $100 (Master’s level)
Auditing the course – $40
Initial application fee to register as a student – $25
Contact for more information and to register: gertievanluik@gmail.com

Course Professor: Dr. Eric Pennings

Ordained minister for 28 years
Born in Canada and married with four children
Education:

BRE in Bible and Christian Education from Kuyper College (formerly Reformed Bible College) of Grand Rapids, Michigan
MDiv from Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan
DMin from Miami International Seminary (MINTS) in Miami, Florida

Ministry Experience:

During his studies, he served part time in several churches as well as serving as a missionary in Mexico and Honduras
After graduation from seminary, he served 8 years with the Christian Reformed World Missions in Costa Rica where he founded a church, directed the Costa Rican Center of Reformed Studies and was a founding member of the Board of the Costa Rican Center for World Mission.
In 1994 he returned to Canada to pastor a CRC church in Strathroy, Ontario for eight years.
In 2002 Rev. Pennings served as a missionary among the Sikhs, an Indian immigrant population in Toronto.
In 2005 he began his ministry with the Miami International Seminary (MINTS) where he has served as Associate Dean for Central America. In March 2015 he will become the International Academic Dean for MINTS.
In 2011 he received his Doctorate in Ministry with MINTS and is currently a PhD candidate at the same institution.

Seeing the Forest in the Trees
2014-10-04 08:30 - 15:00 | Covenant Reformed Church, 265 Albion Rd., Toronto, Ontario, M9W 3P1, Canada
