Creating a Culture of Ordinary Goodness: What rural Mennon­ite pastors and congregations today can learn from the rescue efforts of the village of Le Chambon and Pastor André Trocmé during WWII

Presenter: Matthew Peterson

During World War II, the French town of Le Chambon, a small, conservative, agricultural town in rural France, played a central role in the rescue operation of as many as 5,000 refugees, including 3,500 Jews. André Trocmé, who was a pacifist and the pastor at the French Reformed Church in Le Chambon during this time, played a critical role in inspiring these rescue efforts. This workshop will examine what Mennonite pastors and congregations, particularly in rural areas, can learn from Trocmé and the villagers of Le Chambon including:

• The use of the pastorate as a form of resistance
• The role of Scripture and Bible study groups in nonvio­lent resistance
• How Anabaptist history can encourage rural congrega­tions to assist outsiders, im­migrants and refugees today

Pastors and congregations will gain ideas on how to help create a culture of ordinary goodness in their own congregations from the work and efforts of Trocmé and the villagers of Le Chambon.

There is no cost to participate in this workshop. Please register by Monday, April 5.

Register Now

After April 5, if you wish to participate in this workshop, contact Alysa Short or Judy King to request the login link.