SBC Blog

Image: Miller-Perry, left, with guest at the 2014 Friend of Scarritt Bennett Center Banquet. Today, we join countless others in honoring the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of Rosetta Miller-Perry, a visionary publisher, courageous civil rights advocate, steadfast champion for justice and transformative leader. Scarritt…

Image credit: Autumn Prather. Pictured from left: Averianna The Personality, Rev. Soundrea Tolbert, Gina Miller, Ashley Curry, Piper Jones and Kellee Halford. Scarritt Bennett Center and MOJO Impact Collective hosted the third in a series of lunch and learn networking events entitled Powerhouse Conversations on…

From Thursday June 25th through Saturday June 27th people from across Tennessee and Kentucky will gather at Scarritt Bennett for United Women in Faith (UWF) 2026 session of Mission u. Rev. Linda Furtado, Scarritt Bennett’s Director of Spirituality and the Arts, authored the Adult Study,…

Juneteenth Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2 Corinthians 3:17 (NKJV) Juneteenth reminds us that freedom declared is not always freedom experienced. Although emancipation became law in 1863, many enslaved people did not learn…

As we celebrate Juneteenth, we are reminded that freedom is not only a historical milestone but also an ongoing call to justice. While Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States, it also invites us to confront the realities of racial inequity…

Editor’s note:The following article was written by Morgan Stence as a part of her internship with Nashville Public Library in 2022. We share it again today to shine a light on the collections housed within the Virginia Davis Laskey Research Library which include the inception of what…

Powerhouse Conversations: Women in Music will be held on June 17th in Bennett Hall Social Room on the Scarritt Bennett Center Campus. It will begin at 11 am, continue until 1 pm and include lunch. The cost is $25. If you have not already saved your…

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.   2 Corinthians 9:8 (NKJV) There are seasons in life when we wonder if we have enough…enough strength,…

R.I.S.E. is a sacred two-day retreat created for Black women who are carrying heavy loads—emotionally, physically, spiritually, and communally—and need intentional space to rest. The event has been rescheduled for August 22-23, 2026 and we are so glad to have all of our session leaders…

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14 (NIV) Let’s Reflect: Have you looked in the mirror lately? Not merely to check your appearance, adjust your clothing, or smooth your hair but to…

Scarritt Bennett Center staff joined 3,000 women who traveled from around the world to be a part of United Women in Faith (UWF) Assembly 2026, themed Dream it! Believe it! Do it! To say this quadrennial gathering was an event really does not capture the…

Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things…Matthew 25:21 & 23 Read: Matthew 25: 14-30 This month’s Powerhouse Conversations: Women in Business edition reminded us that women are carrying more…

On Wednesday May 20th Scarritt Bennett Center and MOJO Impact Marketing presented the second in a series of lunchtime conversations from 11:30 am until 1 pm in Bennett Hall on the campus of Scarritt Bennett. Women in Business was the theme of this luncheon and…

Newschannel 5 host Heather Mathis welcomed Scarritt Bennett Chef Joe Irwin for a lively episode of Talk of the Town’s Plugged In on May 20th. Chef Joe showcased some of our favorite Susie Gray Community Lunch meals including: Chef Joe also brought along some appetizers…

Author’s note: We are traveling to United Women in Faith Assembly this week to gather together in worship, fellowship, justice, leadership, and spiritual formation.  May we remember that God still honors courageous faith. See you at the United Women in Faith Assembly! Stop by the…

From May 5 through May 7, Tennesseans gathered at the State Capitol as lawmakers moved to redraw congressional maps—threatening to eliminate Memphis’ majority-Black 9th Congressional District. By the time you read this, the special session called by Governor Bill Lee will have concluded. But what happened…

The next in Powerhouse Conversations lunch on May 20th will focus on Women in Business and feature   6 dynamic women leaders in a variety of business fields. CEO of MOJO Impact Collective, Mochiere’ Holmes-Jones, will moderate a discussion with Rev. Sondrea Tolbert, Sharon Reynolds, Shannen…

You are invited!  Spend World Labyrinth Day at Scarritt Bennett Center’s Peace Garden and Labyrinth, located on our campus bordering Grand Avenue between 19th and 18th Avenues S. For people from across Nashville’s mid-town community, pausing to walk Scarritt’s labyrinth is a peace practice during…

“I think a lot of our growth happens in discomfort,” shared Rev. Linda Furtado during a recent guest spot on United Women in Faith (UWF) Faith Talks podcast hosted by Jennifer R. Farmer. “And, if we’re not always working and studying with the same people…

Save the date and reserve your spot for the Scarritt Reunion, which will be held on October 11-14, 2026 at Scarritt Bennett Center. Scarritt Harvest . Seeds of Hope is the theme for the 2026 gathering and we are excited to gather former students from…

When our partners at NewsChannel5 (NC5) could not attend the unveiling of Scarritt Bennett’s Centennial Marker, they reached out and invited Scarritt’s Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Sondrea Tolbert to be a part of their live call in show entitled OpenLine. The live show happened at…

We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord… so the next generation would know… Then they would put their trust in God.. Psalm 78:4,6-7 Psalm 78 is a communal call to remember, recount,…

Editor’s note: This blog was first published on Ministers Helper, a resourcing hub for clergy designed and curated by Rev. Linda Furtado, who serves as Director of Spirituality and the Arts with Scarritt Bennett Center. It is shared here with Furtado’s permission. Early in the…

When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Matthew 28:17 This powerful moment in Matthew’s Gospel occurs after the resurrection. The disciples have followed the instructions to meet Jesus on the mountain in Galilee. When they see Him, they respond in worship yet…

To say that Rev. Dr. Sondrea Tolbert and Monchiere’ Holmes-Jones are leaders in the Nashville community committed to creating positive impact is a grand understatement. When Tolbert, Executive Director and CEO of Scarritt Bennett Center, and Holmes-Jones, CEO and Chief Impact Office of MOJO Impact,…

R.I.S.E. is a sacred two-day retreat created for Black women who are carrying heavy loads—emotionally, physically, spiritually, and communally—and need intentional space to rest. In a season marked by economic strain, caregiving demands, health disparities, and ongoing spiritual labor, R.I.S.E. offers an invitation to slow…

Many women were there, watching from a distance… Matthew 27:55 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb. Matthew 27:61 During this sacred movement of Holy Week, the Gospel writers make a quiet yet powerful observation…the women were there. When the…

On a clear spring morning, Rev. Kelli X crossed the streets between Scarritt Bennett Center and her alma matter, Vanderbilt Divinity School, to moderate a panel discussion centering on the history of the segregated Christian church in the US. Rev. X pastors The Village Church…

Scarritt Bennett Center, Nashville’s historic mid-town conference and retreat center, will host an artists’ reception and poetry reading on April 15th, in the Laskey Art Gallery. Come celebrate our exhibit of new photographs from the artists of the Society of Nashville Artistic Photographers (SNAP) entitled Poetry of Light,…

by Sue Thrasher, Scarritt College Alumna Class of 19663 I met Bernard Lafayette at just the right time in my life. I arrived at Scarritt in the fall of 1961. Nashville had an exceptionally strong Freedom Movement, whose student leadership included Bernard, John Lewis, Diane…

She did what she could. Mark 14:8 In Mark 14:3–9, Jesus declares of the unnamed woman: “She did what she could.” These words are profound in their simplicity and power. She did not wait for perfect timing.She did not wait for approval.She did not measure…

“I call myself a mutt,” said one of the 40 clergy women gathered in Bennett Hall the morning of March 24th for a moment of community. “I grew up Southern Baptist, was ordained Church of Christ, I’ve served as a Chaplin and now I pastor…

Rev. Linda Furtado, Scarritt Bennett Director of Spirituality and the Arts, is preparing two special services during Holy Week 2026. Please plan to join us on Good Friday, April 3rd and on Easter Sunday April 5th. On Good Friday we will gather in historic Wightman…

A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.” Matthew 15:22 NIV emphasis added. Scripture: Matthew 15:21–28; Mark 7:24–30 During this Lenten season, the Gospel accounts in Matthew 15:21–28…

“Long before therapists called it emotional expression, our ancestors understood something powerful: sometimes healing begins when you let the pain sing.” With these simple words, Rev. Sondrea Tolbert welcomed those gathered for Healing Blues and Jazz 2026 on Sunday, March 15th. Rev. Tolbert, Executive Director…

A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are no more. Jeremiah 31:15 Lent is a season of reflection, repentance, and remembrance. It is a time when…

During the month of March we are praying together as we celebrate women from across many professions and backgrounds during the month of March. This guide to daily prayer is designed to be simple, accessible, and invites all in the Scarritt Bennett community to prayer…

During the month of March we are praying together as we celebrate women from across many professions and backgrounds during the month of March. This guide to daily prayer is designed to be simple, accessible, and invites all in the Scarritt Bennett community to prayer…

During the month of March we are praying together as we celebrate women from across many professions and backgrounds during the month of March. This guide to daily prayer is designed to be simple, accessible, and invites all in the Scarritt Bennett community to prayer…

She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. Luke 10:39 Read Luke 10:38-42 Many women today live in Martha’s world juggling responsibilities, responding to constant demands, and carrying the invisible labor of leadership, caregiving, and community service. The…

Scholars, students, singers and sacred music aficionados gathered in the historic Wightman Chapel and Harambee Auditorium on the Scarritt Bennett Center campus for the 3rd Annual Black Sacred Music Weekend (BSMW). On the evening of Friday March 27th, the W. Crimm Singers kicked off the…

By Beth A. StockwellSecretary, TWK Conference United Women in Faith Editor’s note: Rev. Linda Furtado is an integral part of Scarritt Bennett Center where we develop and host programming that educates and activates people to become engaged with women’s empowerment, racial justice, transformative education and…

Editor’s note: Author Rev. Kelli X serves as the Scarritt Bennett Director of Racial Justice Ministries (RJM). At Scarritt Bennett Center, our commitments to Racial Justice, Women’s Empowerment, Transformative Education, and Spiritual Formation are not separate lanes. They intersect. They shape how we lead, how…

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 Read: Psalm 51:1-12 Psalm 51 is David’s prayer of deep contrition after recognizing the weight of his own wrongdoing. It is a psalm of confession but also a…

Today we honor the life and legacy of Jesse Jackson—pastor, organizer, presidential candidate, and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. Rev. Jackson expanded the moral imagination of American democracy. Through the Rainbow Coalition, he brought together Black, Brown, Indigenous, Asian, poor white, labor, immigrant, and LGBTQ communities…

During the month of March we are praying together as we celebrate women from across many professions and backgrounds during the month of March. This guide to daily prayer is designed to be simple, accessible, and invites all in the Scarritt Bennett community to prayer…

Ella Baker believed deeply in the wisdom of ordinary people. While many celebrated charismatic leaders, Baker quietly organized communities, nurtured young leaders, and rejected systems that concentrated power in the hands of a few. She taught that injustice thrives when people are made to believe they…

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrew 11:1 At Scarritt Bennett Center, where faith and justice have long walked hand in hand, we pause to honor the life and legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr.: preacher,…

During the month of March we are praying together as we celebrate women from across many professions and backgrounds during the month of March. This guide to daily prayer is designed to be simple, accessible, and invites all in the Scarritt Bennett community to prayer…

After Power Comes Back On Editor’s note: News Channel 4 reporter Steve Mehling covered the aftermath of Rickey Washington’s Family house fire. Check out his coverage and donate to help Rickey, his Mom and Dad rebuild. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – A North Nashville family lost…

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23 Proverbs 4:23 reminds us that the heart is the command center of our spiritual, emotional, and moral life. In Hebrew thought, the heart (lev) and the mind are deeply connected,…

By Rev Kelli X, Director of Racial Justice Ministries James Baldwin insisted that America’s deepest crisis was not political but spiritual. He warned that when a nation refuses to reckon with its history, it turns fear inward and outward—scapegoating the vulnerable rather than confronting its own…

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8  What Does It Mean to Persist in Love? When Peter urges believers “above all” to love deeply, he is calling us to make love the highest priority even…

We are praying together as we celebrate women from across many professions and backgrounds during the month of March. This guide to daily prayer is designed to be simple, accessible, and invites all in the Scarritt Bennett community to prayer together as we start this…

If you have ever been to Community Lunch at Scarritt Bennett, chances are you know Rickey Washington – the Mayor of Community Lunch. Rickey wants to know your drink order, answers any dietary questions about lunch you may have, and can keep you up to…

By Rev. Kelli X, Director of Racial Justice Ministries, Scarritt Bennett Center Ida B. Wells,  American journalist, educator, civil rights and women’s rights activist, understood something America still struggles to accept: violence does not need chaos to thrive—it only needs lies. In the late 19th century,…

Like most of Nashville, Scarritt Bennett Center lost power during the snow and ice that blanketed our region last weekend left homes and business with out heat, wifi and in some cases water. Although much of the Scarritt campus is back up and running, we…

“Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9 April 25, 1957, when Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was denied access to speak at Vanderbilt University because of the color of…

If you have friends and family that have stood in line for hours to get a Real ID, we have great news that will make getting your own Real ID much less of a headache and time commitment. Scarritt Bennett Center will be hosting a…

Then the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand? Exodus 4:2 On Sunday, January 11th, Scarritt Bennett hosted the Women of Faith panel in conjunction with the Interdenominational Minister’s Fellowship (IMF) MLK Day Week activities. The panel discussion was entitled Legacy in…

The 5th Annual Interdenominational Ministers of Faith (IMF) Women of Faith Panel kicked off a week of events celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. on Sunday, January 11th. Scarritt Bennett Center Racial Justice Ministries hosted the discussion, which was a part of MLK Week, produced by IMF.   …

Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Romans 12:2 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 Imagine waking…

Dear Friends, As this year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting with deep gratitude – a gratitude for the journey we have shared, for the community we continue to nurture, and for you. This year has reminded us that hope is not passive….

As we enter the final week of Advent, the glow of candlelight reminds us that LOVE has come to dwell among us. In a world filled with hurry, anxiety, comparison, grief, and division, love can feel costly but that is what makes it holy. Throughout…

Everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. Isaiah 35:10 Advent joy is not shallow happiness or denial of pain. In Scripture, everlasting joy is rooted in God’s presence and promise, not in…

May the Lord who gives peace give you peace at all times and in every way. May the Lord be with all of you. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 NIRV Advent invites us into the holy tension of waiting…waiting not with anxiety, but with expectation. In the…

And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:5 Scarritt Bennett Center Advent Series – Week of Hope Advent invites us into a sacred…

Scarritt Bennett Center has always been more than a campus—it is a beacon of hope, a home for transformative education, and a sanctuary for justice-centered work. Every day, people enter our gates seeking meaning, belonging, healing, and connection. On Giving Tuesday, we ask you to stand with us in…

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” Psalm 106 opens with a command, not a suggestion: “Give thanks.” In Hebrew, the phrase “hodu l’Adonai” is urgent, heartfelt, and communal. It invites God’s people to: This psalm recounts Israel’s failures—but…

“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”  Psalm 9:1 (NIV) Psalm 9:1 is David’s wholehearted declaration of thanksgiving. The phrase “with all my heart” (Hebrew bekhol levav) conveys more than polite appreciation—it signifies…

Editor’s note: We know Scarritt Bennett is a special place. And, it is great to hear from our guests around how they experience our campus and brand of radical hospitality. We will be sharing these reviews out occasionally, so stay tuned. Have a review you’d…

Like walking our campus labyrinth, Scarritt Bennett Center is a place of radical hospitality that invites you to journey inward in order to journey outward toward toward hope, peace and justice. And, we are planning to be here for generations to come through partnerships, large…

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV) Paul’s command to “give thanks in everything” challenges our human instincts. Gratitude is easy when life is good — when prayers are answered, doors open,…

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 (NIV) Storms in Jamaica have left homes damaged and families displaced. At the same time, storms of another kind rage here—job losses,…

We are deeply grateful and send a heartfelt thanks to all those who made Scarritt Bennett Center’s Radical Change Banquet a fabulous success!   The fundraiser was held on October 16 and was themed Journey Inward to Journey Outward Towards Hope Peace and Justice. The…

I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each…

On this episode of the podcast Conversations at the Intersection, Rev. Kelli X., Director of Racial Justice Ministries at Scarritt Bennett Center welcomes Dr. Kaila Adia Story. Kaila Adia Story, PhD is a full professor in the Departments of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and…

Rev. Linda Furtado, Scarritt Bennett’s Director of Spirituality and the Arts, hosted a Writer’s Weekend Meet-Up October 10-11, 2025 in Fondren Hall on the Scarritt Campus. Folks gathered for a time of networking, peer to peer learning and some set aside writing time – all…

We at Scarritt Bennett Center extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Dr. James Abbington. Dr. Abbington was a gifted musician, educator, and worship leader whose ministry touched hearts and lifted voices around the world. We were honored to host him for Hymn Sing Workshops in 2024…

Thursdays in Black is an international campaign started by the National Council of Churches (NCC) to raise awareness around violence against women that happens every day in communities around the world. The staff of Scarritt Bennett wear black every Thursday in solidarity with women who…

Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Amos 3:3 kjv The prophet Amos ministered during a time of prosperity and political complacency in Israel. Outwardly, the nation was thriving—but injustice, inequality, and corruption had become its foundation. In Amos 3, God calls Israel to…

See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. Luke 11:35 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 In Luke 11:35, Jesus warns His disciples to…

“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall, I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1 Today, freedom of speech—the right to raise our voices for truth and justice—is under attack across the globe…

Kathryn Mitchem will be honored as a Champion of Scarritt at the Radical Change Banquet on October 16th. The Scarritt College alumni are launching a special giving campaign in her honor to raise $20,000 to update and enhance the campus Peace Garden and Labyrinth which…

The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Romans 13:12 (NIV) Paul’s imagery here is both urgent and hopeful, painting a vivid picture of transition from night…

Scarritt Bennett Center is excited to announce that Ashley Judd has agreed to be the Keynote speaker for our Radical Change Banquet on Thursday, October 16. Judd is an American Feminist Social Justice Humanitarian, author, and actor. Her first film, Ruby in Paradise, in 1993, was awarded the…

The 2025 Tower of Justice Awards will be presented during Scarritt Bennett Center’s Radical Change Banquet on October 16, 2025. The awards honor outstanding community leaders and organizations that cocreate justice by embodying the tenants of Scarritt Bennett: Women’s Empowerment . Racial Justice .  Spiritual…

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. Isaiah 60:1 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like…

The General Commission on Religion and Race of The United Methodist Church (GCORR) celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month (9/15 – 10/15) with resources for individuals, small groups and local churches including a book study on “Brown Church: Five Centuries of Latina/o Social Justice, Theology, and Identity”…

Scarritt Bennett Center is an oasis in mid-town Nashville regardless of the season and fall is the perfect time to enjoy a new resource for spiritual centering. “Introducing a new resource from our Online Community that guides you on a spiritual journey through history and…

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was…

United Women in Faith is excited to announce that registration is now open for Assembly 2026, an unforgettable gathering of Christian women committed to putting faith into action. The event will be held May 15–17, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana, and is expected to draw thousands…

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. Mark 4:39 “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 Women’s Equality Day is celebrated in the United States…

Raising Our Voices: The Joyful Launch of the SBC Christmas Community Choir If you happened to stroll by Scarritt Bennett Center on Tuesday, August 9th, you might have heard something special drifting through the halls—laughter, new harmonies, and the unmistakable sound of a community coming…

Image: Texas State Rep. Nicole Collier District 95 from Fort Worth sleeps at her desk on the Texas House floor on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025 after refusing to sign an agreement to be under police escort. (Rep. Nicole Collier) “I refused to sign. I will not…

Editor’s note: United Women in Faith member Dona Mosby, (pictured foreground left), serves on the board of Scarritt Bennett Center and was among those who advocated for the right of a public education for undocumented children and young people. She wrote the following appeared which…

Let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 Radical hospitality is not just opening our doors — it is opening our hearts so wide that God’s light spills out into every…

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.  Hebrews 13:2 (NIV) From Pharaoh’s palace to a prophet’s chamber, the biblical story is filled with open doors and open hearts. Hospitality is…

Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10 (Image credit: Monday Motivation) Joy is not just a fleeting emotion. It’s a divine choice, a spiritual stance, and a courageous declaration—especially in difficult times. In Nehemiah 8, the people of…

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11 In a world that often celebrates hustle over healing, women often are bearing the weight of everyone else’s…