Summertime is a good time to slow down a little, take time for yourself, work on your relationships – with self, family, friends and God. Here at Scarritt Bennett Center we have a variety of activities that can enrich your spiritual life, strengthen your understanding of self, and help you focus on some important justice issues
Weekly Worship Opportunities
Tuesdays in the Chapel is every Tuesday from 12:30 – 1:00 in Wightman Chapel. Speakers will include Mike Waldrop, Merilee Wineinger, Sylvia Bouvier and Stacey Croft. Find the complete schedule on our website at www.scarrittbennett.org.
Vespers & All the Jazz meets on Sunday evening from 6:30-7:15. The themes this summer center on God’s gift of grace and the music includes a variety of music genre all done in jazz format. Again the complete schedule is on our website.
Monthly Events
Storylines Book Club for women meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:00-8:15 PM in Fondren Hall 2nd floor. June 10 book: “The Library” by Susan Orlean; July 8 book: “Reading Lolita in Tehran” by Azar Nafisi; and August 12 book: “Before We Were Yours” by Lisa Wingate. Good conversation available!
Poet’s Corner is the 4th Thursday of each month at 7:00-8:00 PM. This summer our June 27 poet is Barbara Young; on July 25 its Joseph Powell; and August 22 we feature Jeff Hardin.
Bios are found on our website. The readings include a time for questions and answers. Relationships, justice issues and religion are often addressed in the poetry.
Special Events
An Evening with Rumi is on the calendar for June 22, 7-9 pm in Harambee Auditorium, Fondren Hall. This is an interactive community gather of Rumi poetry accompanied by live music with Massood Taj & friends. Suggested donation of $5. Bring your favorite Rumi poem to read with live background Sufi music.
Art Exhibit, Local Color: A Sense of Place from July 8 – September 25 with artist reception, July 11, 4:30-6:30 pm. Local photographer, Richard Barrow shows picturesque landscapes across Tennessee which have given him a true connection with nature and a higher power. Exhibit is open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Religion & Science: Universe Story will be held on Sunday, August 11, 2:00-3:30 in Laskey Hall. The event focuses on gaining a new integration of scientific facts, creation stories, and our own sense of awe and wonder using poetry, fact and metaphor. Leadership includes Dr. Craig E. Philip; Dr. Keivan Stassun, Tamara Marshall Whiting and Joyce Wilding.
Liberating the Soul Through Sound and Color meets Saturday August 17, 10 AM-3:00 PM in Fondren Hall, 2nd floor. Led by Karen Renée Robb, this retreat explores the creative power of sound and color through drumming, vocalizing and watercolor techniques designed to engage your presence and connection with the Spirit. Cost is $75. Registration and more information on our website.
Yes, it is summertime. Hope to see you on the campus to experience the presence of God through worship and the arts.
Joyce D. Sohl, Laywoman-in-Residence
