COME AT 10AM FOR THE FILMMAKER CONVERSATION WITH NICHOLAS MA!

Questions? Email info@theologicalhorizons.org

STAY ON FOR THE PANEL DISCUSSION AT 11AM!

THE 2024 SCOPER LECTURE IN CHRISTIAN THOUGHT

DAVID BROOKS WITH MELODY BARNES
APRIL 21, 2024, 3:00PM, OLD CABELL HALL, UVA

IN PERSON TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT | LIVE-STREAM TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE!

Theological Horizons is thrilled to announce that renowned author and New York Times commentator David Brooks will deliver the 3rd annual Scoper Lecture in Christian Thought in Old Cabell Hall on April 21, 2024 at the University of Virginia: the anchor event of an in-person and live-streamed community-wide, intergenerational experience.

David Brooks will draw on the themes of his new book, How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen and exploring his sources in Christian thought. The academic lecture will illuminate Brooks’s foundational work on the complexities and urgencies of living well in a democratic society.

Brooks’s public lecture will be followed by an on-stage conversation with  UVA thought leader Melody Barnes, Executive Director at the Karsh Institute of Democracy.

In our increasingly polarized and contentious public life, David and Melody are uniquely equipped to offer guidance and wisdom about how we can better connect with one another to build a richer civic fabric that can sustain a vibrant, healthy democracy.

THEN JOIN US ON APRIL 22 for two FREE companion events in the Dome Room of the Rotunda! Read on…

The Scoper Lecture in Christian Thought is an annual series building off the Capps Lectures that brings eminent speakers to the university to deliver public lectures exploring the breadth of Christian expression in the arenas of scholarship, science and medicine, the arts, and culture. The series is generously funded by Nancy and Stephen Scoper, M.D., through their gift to the University of Virginia, designated to Theological Horizons.

How to Know a Person Book Discussion and Workshop with Diana Brawley

Join therapist and minister Diana Brawley for a deeper look at David Brooks' New York Times bestselling book, How to Know a Person. Whether you've read every word or you're just curious about the cover art, come hear why Diana considers it a valuable and well-researched tool for seeing others and being seen. Lunch Provided.

The Faith & Work Forum is a conversation series on Grounds that discusses the interplay between faith, work, and life. Each semester we feature guest speakers with leadership experience from across a wide range of vocations, who bring authentic stories about seeking a meaningful, purpose-driven life. RSVP required. Email Christy Yates to learn more. 

OUR SPRING 2024 FAITH & WORK LUNCH WILL BE ON THURSDAY, MARCH 28th, 12:30-1:30PM WITH Sheri winston.

Sheri Winston is the beloved Director for the Rotunda and University Events.

On Thursday, March 14, from noon - 1:30 p.m. (lunch available at noon, discussion 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.), The University Fellowship, in partnership with Theological Horizons, invites parishioners for a candid lunchtime conversation with Charlottesville's Mayor Juandiego Wade, a longtime member of Olivet Presbyterian Church, and former mayor Lloyd Snook, a member and trustee of St. Paul's, about the relationship between their faith and their work as community and civic leaders. Lunch provided. Contact Associate Rector for University Ministry Peter Kang for more information.

“People of all races, genders, ethnic groups, ages, economic status, and spiritual conditions talk, shout, whisper, haggle, cry, sing, and wrestle with God in film. Hollywood, Teach Us to Pray offers a roller coaster ride through American film history, highlighting the inclusion of prayers in movie narratives and opening the windows of cinema to the heavens.”

—Producer Terry Lindvall

Please join Theological Horizons and the Project on Lived Theology for a free screening of this film on Saturday, February 10 at 4pm in Newcomb Theater (180 McCormick Rd). The screening will be followed by an interview and Q&A session with the film’s producer, Professor Terry Lindvall. 

Learn more about the film: https://www.hollywoodteachustopray.com/ 

Watch the trailer: https://vimeo.com/864142676 

Questions? Contact MD Maio: mary-dryden@theologicalhorizons.org, (804) 971 7553

We know navigating the college years and next steps is hard! Please join us for a panel discussion featuring three wise friends: a life coach, a career counselor and a therapist. Learn more about what they do, why they do it and how they got there followed by a time for candid conversation.

Drinks & Snacks provided. All are welcome. Always.

Meet our PANELISTS!

Judy Schenk has a passion for people and their “big ideas.”  She holds a Masters Degree in Organization and Management, is a certified Professional Coach, and co- founder of Tinamou Consulting LLC. In 2016, she co-founded, Firepond Press, a publisher of written works that support the landscape of  human “Wholeness, Boldness, and Wonder.”  

She applies her formidable drive to launch people and organizations in the direction of positive and  lasting change.  Her work is strategic…and fun!

Judy has worked in all phases of the business process as well as in multiple service areas including Insurance, Banking/Finance, Faith Based, Tax, Audit, Oil and Gas, Business and Strategic Analysis, Learning Product Development (including Web Based Learning), Performance Solutions, Consulting Services, International Human Resources, Learning System Design, Health Care and Women’s Leadership.

Judy brings a rare combination of Coaching, Facilitation, Design, and Process Consultation skills that serve key decision makers and executive/emerging leaders in both the profit and not-for-profit sectors well.  Judy uses these unique design and learning methodologies to influence, accelerate, and amplify performance that makes a real difference.

Judy enjoys writing, rowing crew, and stewarding a small farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.

She is a poet and published author of In.tu.it The Poems of an American Woman. 

Most importantly, she celebrates life with her husband and business partner, Chris.  Together they have three accomplished children who are applying their unique talents to make this world a better place for everyone.  

Mary originally joined New City Counseling as a staff counselor in 2008 and returned in 2015 after living for six years in Colorado. She has a master's degree in mental health counseling from the University of Virginia. She has clinical experience serving a broad clientele and enjoys working with couples, women, and multicultural clients. Mary worked with families as an intern for the Charlottesville League of Therapists and with students at the University of Virginia Women's Career Center. She also has experience working in Ethiopia, where she served with Women at Risk (WAR), providing counsel to women who are heads of households and struggling to overcome lives involving poverty, prostitution, and addiction, and with an HIV/AIDS team supported by SIM and MTW missions, where she worked as a group leader and women's counselor. She had a private practice in Colorado Springs until her return to New City. Mary was born and raised in Ethiopia to an Ethiopian mother and an Indian father. When she is not counseling, she loves spending time with her large extended family, traveling, reading, and napping. She is married to her better half and is the grateful mother of four children.

Hunter helps students of all years and majors with major and/or career development. He works with students in various capacities including one-on-one appointments, drop-in hours, and/or classroom presentations. As a member of the Exploration community, Hunter can help students who are trying to discover their major and how that connects to a career. Hunter also serves as the co-lead of the Career Peer Educator (CPE) program, overseeing 20 undergraduate student employees who help in the career development of their fellow students. Hunter also serves as the co-lead for the internal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) team within the Career Center.

Prior to joining the UVA Career Center in August 2017, Hunter was a graduate Career Coach at the University of Kansas helping students navigate the career exploration process. He also worked with the Women’s Center as the Men and Masculinities Intern, creating and delivering presentations to various student groups on the definitions of healthy masculinity and how it benefits all people. Hunter is passionate about helping students discover what it is they want to do. With a background in gender and racial inequality, Hunter utilizes an intersectional lens to better serve students who have been marginalized.

Hunter studied Sociology as an undergraduate before receiving his Master’s in Higher Education Administration. Both of his degrees come from the University of Kansas. In his free time Hunter enjoys catching up on the latest movies/shows, Twitter, or trying the latest restaurant Charlottesville has to offer.

Join us for a a welcome back drop-in Vintage Lunch as we return to the beloved Bonhoeffer House! 1841 University Circle. Our new lunch series, Vintage Christianity: Ancient Practices for New Purpose will begin with an exploration of Commitments -- from small, everyday habits to consequential career decisions. Join the conversation around how to shape a life, one commitment at a time.

WHAT IS VINTAGE?

Vintage Lunch is weekly hour of free food and discussion about the spiritual life - sparked by classic concepts, stories and practices from the Christian tradition. Here we learn from people who followed Jesus in their own times and places – across centuries, continents, and identities.  These older brothers and sisters, sometimes called saints,  are mentors and friends who help us understand our own lives, our own times, our own faith.  

Our motto here is All welcome. Always.  And we mean that.  Whether you are a lifelong Christian, questioning or convinced in your faith, simply curious about spirituality, or you just came for the free lunch, we would be so very grateful to have you here.

WHERE & WHEN?

You’ll find us at the beloved Bonhoeffer House, 1841 University Circle.

EVERY FRIDAY FROM 1-2PM

For more info or to get invites, contact Karen karen@theologicalhorizons.org 434-466-1342

All are welcome. Always. No preparation is necessary.

WMRA’s January Books & Brews will feature Karen Wright Marsh, discussing Wake Up To Wonder.

Live at Pale Fire Brewing Co., Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 7pm and available later on WMRA's YouTube Channel and on Facebook.

Signed copies of Wake Up To Wonder will be available at the event and online at Stone Soup Books.

WMRA's Books & Brews is made possible thanks to our series sponsor, Gaines Group Architects. The Gaines Group has offices in Charlottesville and Harrisonburg.

About Wake Up To Wonder

In her quest to live a vibrant spiritual life, Karen Wright Marsh had a revelation: she didn't need to find and follow the perfect plan; she needed people she could follow.

In Wake Up to Wonder, Marsh introduces us to those people: 22 faithful yet oh-so-human Christians from across centuries and cultures. Inspired by their example, she offers playful, simple practices that bring deeper meaning and purpose to everyday life -- a collage of spiritual and personal experiments anyone can do.

Wake up to wonder and discover that a life of spiritual depth, amazement, and connection is within reach, today and every day.

About the Author

Karen Wright Marsh is an author, speaker and the executive director and cofounder of Theological Horizons, a ministry that supports Christians & seekers in academia by providing a welcoming community for engaging faith, thought & life. She is the host of the Vintage Saints and Sinners podcast. She holds degrees in philosophy from Wheaton College & linguistics from the University of Virginia. Karen lives with Charles Marsh, a UVA professor, at the Bonhoeffer House in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Join TH Board Member and friend, Rev. Dr. Nathan Walton as he shared on the topic of conversations of forgiveness. Walton is Co-Lead Pastor at East End Fellowship Church in Richmond, VA. He was previously the Executive Director of Abundant Life Ministries in Charlottesville. He’s passionate about pastoral ministry, teaching and community engagement.

Don’t miss this special Vintage at St. Paul’s Memorial Church. All are welcome. Always.

The Faith & Work Forum is a conversation series on Grounds that discusses the interplay between faith, work, and life. Each semester we feature guest speakers with leadership experience from across a wide range of vocations, who bring authentic stories about seeking a meaningful, purpose-driven life. RSVP required. Email Christy Yates to learn more. 

OUR second FALL 2023 FAITH & WORK LUNCH WITH BE ON THURSDAY, November 9th, 12:30-1:30PM WITH CLAUDE ATCHO & SAM HEATH. IN PERSON ONLy at the Bonhoeffer house.

Claude Atcho is an award-winning author and ordained priest in the Anglican Church of North America. He serves as the pastor of Church of the Resurrection in Charlottesville, VA, having previously pastored in Boston, MA and Memphis, TN. Claude is the author of Reading Black Books: How African American Literature Can Make Our Faith More Whole and Just, and his writing has been featured in Christianity Today, Think Christian, and The Witness: A Black Collective. Claude previously taught writing and literature at the collegiate level and holds masters degrees in both English Literature and Theological Studies. 

Sam leads EJUSA’s engagement with evangelical people and spaces. His faith background enables him to tell stories about the realities of justice and injustice in America and hold together a view of the world as a place both exceptional and exploitative. Before coming on board with EJUSA in 2021, Sam taught high school history for 10 years in North Carolina and Virginia. He has a B.A. in education and psychology from University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and a master’s in theology, ethics, and culture from the University of Virginia. He also helps facilitate the Charlottesville Area Justice Coalition.

How’s it really going?

Family Weekend is a terrific time to reconnect: over food, festivities, new friends, and all the pleasures of life at UVA. 

It’s also an opportunity for meaningful family conversation – a time to ask the question, “How’s it really going?”

Amidst the excitement of college, studies find that 57% of university students suffer from stress, 47% from depression and 45% from loneliness. Meanwhile, back at home, many parents experience loss over their child’s move to college. There are many ups and downs!

Theological Horizons, a Christian faith-centered organization at UVA, offers a safe haven for both believers and seekers; we curate conversations that connect us.

Join us for a free lunch and a guided experience of Essential Photovoice @UVA: an art-based approach to meaningful understanding with amateur photography at its core. 

Photovoice is a dialogue format that invites you into a facilitated small group conversation that is low-pressure and fun. In a casual setting, you’ll be invited to talk about whatever is on your mind: from your hopes, struggles, and friendships to your faith, community, and everyday life --- simply captured in mobile phone snapshots.

No special skills required. All you need is your mobile phone (or a print photo or two) and a spirit of curiosity.

Grab friends and family members and come for a delicious meal and some fun, relaxing time together!

Saturday, November 4th from 11:30AM-12:45PM in the Programs and Council office (PAC) on the first floor of Newcomb Hall

Register here!

Essential Photovoice is an art-based approach to interpersonal understanding that has participant photography at its core. Designed by national dialogue consultants Essential Partners, Photovoice invites participants to share the most important facets of themselves and their communities through amateur photographs. It is the newest iteration of Theological Horizons' Deeper Dialogues Initiative. 

Join us for an evening with author & New Testament scholar Esau McCaulley as he speaks about his upcoming memoir How Far to the Promised Land: One Black Family’s Story of Hope and Survival in the American South.

10/23|8pm Old Cabell Hall - University of Virginia

Since 2019, McCaulley has been an assistant professor of New Testament at Wheaton College. He is a contributing writer on several outlets such as Christianity Today, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and The New York Times.

In 2020, McCaulley received the "Emerging Public Intellectual Award" from Redeemer University. His book Reading While Black won the 2021 Christianity Today book award, under the category "Beautiful Orthodoxy."

This event is held in partnership with Chi Alpha at UVA, the Center for Christian Study, Theological Horizons, InterVarsity at UVA, Victory Church, Grace Christian Fellowship, Graduate Christian Fellowship, Christ Episcopal Church, and Reformed University Fellowship.

The Faith & Work Forum is a conversation series on Grounds that discusses the interplay between faith, work, and life. Each semester we feature guest speakers with leadership experience from across a wide range of vocations, who bring authentic stories about seeking a meaningful, purpose-driven life. RSVP required. Email Christy Yates to learn more. 

Our FIRST FALL 2023 Faith & Work lunch with be on Thursday, October 12th, 12:30-1:30pm WITH gina maio, interviewed by PERKINS Fellow, lanie moore. In person only

Gina Maio* (pronouned May-oh) and her husband of 30 years, Matt, live in the City of Richmond, but they met and graduated from Virginia Tech. They are blessed with two wonderful children: a son who is a civilian mechanical engineer with the Navy and a daughter who is an intern at Theological Horizons. 

Cultivating conversations has been a vital part of Gina’s professional and personal journey. For 20 years she served high school students, first as an international marketing teacher in Fairfax County Public Schools and then as Head of School of Church Hill Academy, a private faith-based high school serving students in the East End of Richmond. Conversing with students and their parents was rarely boring. 

She has also been active in her faith communities, growing in a wide variety of volunteer roles until becoming an ordained minister in 2011. Church community has always been a place of laughter, love and leadership. 

Gina currently serves in the most fulfilling role of her professional journey: as a Hospice Chaplain. The most important thing she does every day is listen with her heart, soul and mind, cultivating conversations to help patients and their families prepare for death.

Join us as we celebrate the release of Karen Wright Marsh’s new book, Wake Up to Wonder: 22 Invitations to Amazement in the Everyday. This in-person event will be free and open to the public. We recommend arriving early for the best seating.

About the Book: In her quest to live a vibrant spiritual life, Karen Wright Marsh had a revelation: she didn’t need to find and follow the perfect plan; she needed people she could follow.

In Wake Up to Wonder, Marsh introduces us to those people—faithful yet oh-so-human Christians from across centuries and cultures. Inspired by their example, she offers playful, simple practices that bring deeper meaning and purpose to everyday life.

In the company of diverse spiritual companions—from Dorothy Day, Francis of Assisi, and Fannie Lou Hamer to Patrick of Ireland, Wangari Maathai, and Henri Nouwen—readers journey through physical health, prayer, activism, Scripture reading, creativity, and beyond. Each chapter includes hands-on invitations such as writing prompts, space for personal reflection, and “Try This,” a collage of spiritual and personal experiments anyone can do. As readers wake up to wonder, they’ll discover what these twenty-two historical figures already knew: that a life of spiritual depth, amazement, and connection is within reach—today and every day.

About the Author: Karen Wright Marsh is the founding director of Theological Horizons, a ministry at the University of Virginia that hosts lectures, spiritual studies, dialogues, and mentoring initiatives. She is the author of Vintage Saints and Sinners: 25 Christians Who Transformed My Faith, which was named an Outreach Resource of the Year, a Logos Booksellers Book of the Year, and a Foreword INDIES finalist. Karen holds a degree in philosophy from Wheaton College and a degree in linguistics from the University of Virginia. She lives with her professor husband, Charles Marsh, at the Bonhoeffer House in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Wake Up to Wonder will be released on July 11. To order the book, please see below for the New Dominion Bookshop book order form or call the shop at 434-295-2552. 

Join Associate Director, Christy Yates, for an open studio 5-6pm of new small works and works on paper as well as works by local woodworker Jacqui Stewart. The open studio will be followed by a house concert starting at 6pm with singer-songwriter Valerie McQueen. Drinks & light snacks provided!

We’re so excited to host three friends for an opportunity to learn more about what spiritual direction is and simple practices to add to your daily routines.

Root bowls while they last! All are welcome. Always!

Meet our friends!

Susan Marks

scass.marks@gmail.com

Susan’s roots in the evangelical church and years of Bible study as both a student and leader have given her a solid Biblical foundation and love of scripture.  The Bible taught her a lot about who God is and became her guide for life. When she began seeing a spiritual director, God showed her that knowing about God is not the same as experiencing God. Through spiritual direction, God began to tune Susan’s heart to His heart and her ear to God’s voice in exciting new ways. She responded to God’s call to offer spiritual direction to others and received training in the contemplative style through Leadership Transformations’ Selah program. Healing prayer, Immanuel prayer and Ignatian Gospel Reflection are part of her ministry.  It’s her absolute delight to share this deeper journey through life's joys and sorrows by holding space for God. 

Kayla Allen

kaylaannallen@gmail.com

Kayla is passionate about creating space for people to experience love, connection, and belonging in Jesus' presence. Shaped by her own seasons of loneliness and grief, she has a heart for working with hurting people. As a spiritual director, she is an attentive listener to the story unfolding in your life, and is committed to helping you identify where God is working to make his love known. As a mother of two elementary aged children, Kayla devotes her days to seeing beauty in the mess and enjoying the simple routines of outdoor play and after school snacks. She loves meeting new people and gathering around the table, usually for tacos. Kayla has a MA in Spiritual Formation from Portland Seminary and is a certified spiritual director.

Laura Merricks

lauramerricks@yahoo.com

Laura loves the unique gifts offered in spiritual direction. Her hope is that, through time together in direction, you will experience the love of God more deeply and become more fully and simply yourself. She is a wife of 32 years and mother of three grown children. Spiritual direction has made a space for Laura to be present to God’s work in her life through difficult and joyful seasons. Laura is trained through Leadership Transformations’ Selah program.

Living Beloved Community: Sustaining the sOUL of Equal Justice with Rev. Eddie Howard.
VINTAGE LUCH

Join our students, TH board and staff and community friends for an intimate follow up conversation inspired by our Scoper Lecture with Bryan Stevenson. We are so grateful to welcome Abundant Life’s Executive Director, Rev. Eddie Howard to share with us.

Eddie Howard joined as Executive Director in fall 2021, after serving on staff for eight years in the early 2000’s. Eddie grew up in the Prospect neighborhood, Abundant Life’s focus for ministry and served on staff building deep relationships in the community and helping to launch our 5/8 Program for Middle School boys. After his initial time with Abundant Life, Eddie moved to Virginia Beach where he was a business owner and continued his vocations of mentoring and pastoring, through his local church and organizations focused on literacy and mentoring fathers. He is also the author of Still Convicted: A Story of Redemption, Reconciliation, and Restoration.

Eddie brings experience and energy along with his broad local network to the areas of development, partner building, vision casting, and strategic planning at Abundant Life. His extensive personal experience in peacebuilding and restorative justice practices, as well as his thoughtfulness about community building will inform his approach to this important work.

The Faith & Work Forum is a conversation series on Grounds that discusses the interplay between faith, work, and life. Each semester we feature guest speakers with leadership experience from across a wide range of vocations, who bring authentic stories about seeking a meaningful, purpose-driven life. RSVP required. Email Christy Yates to learn more. 

Our Spring 2023 Faith & Work lunch with be on Thursday, April 13th, 12:30-1:30pm at Common Grounds with Richard Dean, interviewed by Horizons Fellow, Alma Wolf ‘23. LIVESTREAMED ON FACEBOOK.

Richard Dean is a lawyer and teacher. Rich has taught at the University of Virginia School of Law since 1993. Currently, he co-teaches two courses, Emerging Markets, and Global Business and International Corruption, both of which reflect the expertise and experience he developed from his legal work at Coudert Brothers and later at Baker McKenzie. He graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1977 and earned his M.A. in Foreign Affairs and his J.D. degree from the University of Virginia in 1980.  Now retired from law but active on several boards, Rich and his wife, Sue, live in Northern Virginia and have three children and nine grandchildren.

Often it is easier and more comfortable to bring our joys and gratitude to God instead of our hurt, frustration, or disappointment. Good Friday and the practice of lament offers us an opportunity to explore our pain and engage with God. You're invited to come learn about and experience lament this Good Friday.

Join Jerry Maynard, Director of OneWay Fellowship at UVa, as he shares at our weekly Vintage Lunch.

Torchy’s Tacos catering provided!

All are welcome. Always!

Questions?: christy@theologicalhorizons.org

Our spring 2023 Deeper Dialogue will be a companion event to our Scoper Lecture with Bryan Stevenson.

STEVENSON: CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION

On Sunday, April 2nd from 3:30-5:30pm at Alumni Hall (221 Emmet St S, Charlottesville, VA 22903) UVA students, faculty, staff, and administrators, along with Charlottesville community members, will gather to discuss how they see Stevenson's ideas of justice and mercy at work in our daily lives.

WHAT IS THE DEEPER DIALOGUES INITIATIVE AT UVA?

Deeper Dialogues is a series of facilitated and structured small-group conversations around five topics of human flourishing taking place through June 2022. It is sponsored by Theological Horizons in partnership with Essential Partners. ALL ARE WELCOME.

WHAT IS THE GOAL OF DEEPER DIALOGUES?

The Deeper Dialogues initiative has three primary goals:

● To convene a variety of stakeholders — faculty, students, staff & administrators — from across the university community to improve understanding and connection around common challenges and goals;

● To leverage the unique resources of the university context (e.g. intellectual curiosity, original research, physical proximity) to facilitate honest exchange and promote greater collaboration between and among various members of the university community; AND

● To give community members an experience of reflective structured dialogue in which conversations of meaning and purpose foster a university culture of greater compassion and care, with the added hope that participants will leave equipped with dialogic communication tools transferable to other UVA spaces, groups and discussions.