Mennonite Life will host a screening of the documentary "Seven Points on Earth" with author and researcher Royden Loewen on Tuesday, April 1, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The event will take place in the Visitors Center theater at Mennonite Life, 2215 Millstream Road, Lancaster.

Mennonite Life is joining a global faith community in commemorating the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism in 2025. Mennonite Life will explore the movement's history at events throughout the year.

"Seven Points on Earth" studies the lives and family histories of seven Mennonite farmers in seven communities: Apollonovka in Siberia, Matopos in Zimbabwe, Riva Palacio in Bolivia, Margorejo in Java, Friesland in the Netherlands, Washington County in Iowa, and the rural Municipality of Rhineland in Manitoba. The film considers the environmental history of each context, focusing particularly on the relationship between faith and topics such as climate change, state policy, and global markets.

The 55-minute film will be followed by a question-and-answer session with author Loewen, whose research inspired the production of the documentary. Loewen is a retired Canadian history professor and chair in Mennonite studies at the University of Winnipeg. He is the author of "Mennonite Farmers: A Global History of Place and Sustainability."

This event is complimentary and does not require registration.

In addition, Mennonite Life will host an author talk with Shirley Showalter in the chapel at Garden Spot Village, 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland, on Thursday, April 10, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Showalter, an author, speaker, and grandmother, will discuss her book, "The Mindful Grandparent: The Art of Loving Our Children's Children." Showalter will emphasize embracing elderhood and leaving a spiritual legacy through wisdom and storytelling with children and grandchildren.

Showalter also blogs at http://www.shirleyshowalter.com, where she reflects on family, Mennonite heritage and history, and her travels.

The program is free and does not require registration. People from all life stages are welcome.