Group shot of students, staff, and chaplain for the learning circle
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Images from Health, Pain, & Trauma 2025

From October 23 to 29, eleven students gathered in Winnipeg to explore spiritual care in the context of illness and hurt. The Health, Pain, & Trauma learning circle was an opportunity to explore the needs of people in various kinds of pain – physical, mental, and spiritual. With the help of chaplain and guest facilitator Noelle Bowles we learned about mental health challenges and some of the physiology and psychology of trauma responses. Janet Ross took students on a deep dive into Biblical healing narrative and the Psalms as a tool for expressing pain. Miriam Spies joined us by zoom with insights from disability theology. And a conversation with members of the spiritual care team from Winnipeg’s Health Sciences Centre helped students think about the practicalities of bringing comfort and care when you might otherwise want to flee the room. Students also had time to build relationships, explore the wonders of Winnipeg, and laugh.

close-up of a session agenda from the Centre for Christian Studies with a circle of students sitting in the background
Diaconal ministry students looking at a display with a slide about mental health
A woman with a stuffed oppossum toy and a stuffed watchdog toy
A woman with a stuffed oppossum toy and a stuffed watchdog toy
Circle of students talking to a person on a laptop
Laptop screen of a woman video conferencing with a class
Selfie of three diaconal ministry students at a pond
A woman in a jean jacket with a United Church crest by a large painting of an otter
A woman with an amazed expression standing by a large Inuit carving of a bear.
A tray of colourful modelling clay shapes
A tray with lego figures and shapes
Four hospital chaplains sit in a circle with diaconal ministry students. There is a labyrinth pattern on the floor.
Diaconal ministry students sit in a circle at a hospital chapel. There is a labyrinth pattern on the floor.
Group shot of students, staff, and chaplain for the learning circle
Marcie looks excited to receive a stone carving of a DUCC symbol from Janet while Ally looks on

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