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WINNIPEG, MB — On the University of Manitoba campus, young people from around the world enjoy Menno Office as a place to eat their lunch, study, connect with friends, play musical instruments or chat with Chaplain Mark von Kampen.
Through the activities and atmosphere in Menno Office, the Inter-Mennonite Chaplaincy Association (IMCA) provides a welcoming space for students to receive pastoral care, peer support, discipleship and other supports.
“Menno Office offers students a safe place to process their studies, their daily lives and the events of the world around us in a caring Christian context,” said Chaplain von Kampen at the association’s annual meeting in November.
“Some students visit almost daily, others spend time there weekly, still others come only occasionally but still value the office as a touchstone where they find support and connection when needed.”
Liena Klassen of Winnipeg, a second-year student, visits Menno Office about once or twice a week to connect with friends and participate in structured activities like Menno Talk.
She heard about Menno Office through her church, friends and family and visited Menno Office the first day of her university orientation last fall. “It is a nice quiet place on campus,” said Klassen. “It is a welcoming place.”
Menno Talk is a focused time for discussion, reflection and worship. This fall the Wednesday discussions focused on the “I am” statements of Jesus in John’s Gospel. Thursday talks used podcasts, videos, articles and excerpts from books to spark faith-based discussions about everyday topics of interest and concern to the students.
Menno Office is supported by IMCA, a partnership of Evangelical Mennonite Mission Conference and Mennonite Church Manitoba. It also receives prayer and financial support from congregations and individuals who value the opportunity to be active partners in a ministry that nurtures Christian faith and community among students at a critical stage of their development.
Menno Office is located in room 525 University Centre. This ministry is also available to U of M staff and faculty. To become an active partner and to learn more visit mennooffice.ca.
Watch for updates about the third annual Valentine Coffee House and Charcuterie that will take place February 8, 2025 in Morrow Gospel Church, 755 St. Anne’s Rd in Winnipeg Manitoba. This event raises funds for IMCA and provides opportunity for students to share their musical skills with the community that supports them through prayer and financial support.
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