Anabaptism at 500
Join us in spring 2025 as we look back at 500 years of Anabaptism with readers theatre,
an early Anabaptist Bible exhibit, book celebrations and much more.
Recordings of past events
Micah Dodson ’27, Bill Hanefeld, Jr. ’05, Dr. Melissa Friesen, Dr. Paul Neufeld Weaver
’81 and Deborah Yoder ’23 participated in a panel discussion of Anabaptism in the
faith journeys of Bluffton University faculty, staff, students and alumni. Jan. 28,
2025
“Becoming Anabaptist: Personal Faith Stories and Reflections”
Dr. Gerald J. Mast presented Bible reading and discussion practices among the earliest
Anabaptist Bible circles. Feb. 7, 2025
“The Bible and Anabaptist Beginnings”
Dr. John D. Roth, spoke on the Catholic and Protestant influences on Anabaptist biblical
interpretation. March 9, 2025
“The Role of the Bible in the Early Anabaptist Movement”
Dr. John D. Roth, shared opportunities for celebration and repentance during Anabaptism
at 500 and lessons from the Lutheran/Mennonite dialogue. March 9, 2025
“Repentance as Good News”
Dr. John D. Roth, Dr. Gerald J. Mast, Dr. Raymond F. Person, Lydia Brenneman and Rev.
Carrie Mast ’95 reflected on their involvement in compiling the Anabaptist Community
Bible. March 9, 2025.
“Anabaptist Community Bible Book Celebration”
Eric Kurtz explored the significance of Mennonite Central Committee in the Anabaptist
story. March 11, 2025
“Seeking Peace in Challenging Times: Lessons for Today from Mennonite Central Committee”
Schedule of future events
Anabaptism at 500 events are open to public.
March 9-23
Exhibit, “Early Anabaptist Bibles in the Musselman Library Historical Collections”
Curated by Carrie Phillips, Library director
Musselman Library Reading Room
March 23
Drawing Near book celebration
featured speaker and contributor Dr. Jeff Gundy. With contributing poets Sheri Hostetler
’84, Dr. Shannon McKeehan ’08 and Ruth Naylor ’71.
4 p.m., Musselman Library
March 25
Spiritual Life Week Forum, “Bound to Remember: Five Hundred Years of Anabaptist Critique”
by Dr. Maxwell Kennel, pastor of Hamilton Mennonite Church
11 a.m., Yoder Recital Hall
April 13
Reader’s Theatre, “I Have Not Forsaken the Word of God”
(based on testimony of Jacques d’Auchy from the Martyrs Mirror)
directed by Dr. Melissa Friesen, Mary Nord Ignat and Joseph Ignat Professor of Theatre
and Communication
2:30 p.m., College Hall Ramseyer Auditorium
April 27
Choral Concert, “Five Centuries of Anabaptist Singing—a Musical Odyssey”
directed by Camille Lively, director of music, First Mennonite Church
2:30 p.m., Yoder Recital Hall
June 20
Concert, “One Hundred Years of Mennonite Women Through Story and Song”
by Wendy Chappel-Dick, MBA ’08 and ensemble
7 p.m., First Mennonite Church
These events made possible with the generous support of Lowell and Marty Hostetler.