Dr. Jasmine L. Harris, a guest earlier this month on the weekly edition of “A Matter of Faith: A Presby Podcast,” talked about what changes are needed for Black women to be truly accepted, welcomed and empowered while pursuing higher education.
When the Rev. Dr. Alonzo Johnson isn’t busy directing the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People, he’s convening the Education Roundtable, part of an initiative of the 221st General Assembly (2014) to Educate a Child, Transform the World.
Leaders with Educate a Child, Transform the World held an online roundtable Wednesday imploring Presbyterians to protect public education and provide care and nurture for students, teachers, administrators, board members and school staff.
As communities in various parts of the country grapple with equity issues related to public education, a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) webinar is being held Sept. 27 to discuss Presbyterian policy and how to get involved in advocating for youngsters.
Over her long career in higher education and in hymnody, Dr. Melva Wilson Costen taught her students that music is a gift from God that can lift our spirits and serve as a refuge during difficult times. “It speaks,” said the Rev. Addie Peterson, eulogizing Costen on Saturday at Central Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, “when we don’t know the words to say.”
The last harvest of peaches, melons and other summer fruits is not the only sign of changes in the season. School backpacks replacing beach bags and hiker’s packs in the piles that accumulate at front doors signal a new year and a shift in schedules for families across the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), marking a renewed commitment to learning and growth as the new school year begins.
Once the American Film Institute came out with its list of the 100 most memorable heroes and villains, the Rev. Mark Bedford did AFI one better: He paired the top good and bad guys and gals Hollywood has to offer with scriptural passages to promote lively discussions during his “Good vs. Evil 2: The Sequel!” class held last month during Synod School.
Born more than 600 years ago and burned at the stake for heresy at age 19, Joan of Arc still had a lot to teach a roomful of Synod School students last month — especially with guidance from Dr. Scott Stanfield, Emeritus Professor of English at Nebraska Wesleyan University and a longtime Synod School participant.
Susan Stabile, a distinguished senior fellow at the University of St. Thomas School of Law in Minneapolis and a spiritual director and retreat leader, taught a fascinating and helpful week-long class at Synod School last week, “Jesus the Storyteller: Learning from the Parables.”