Memento mori
Have you been thinking about death lately? Between the macabre festivities that surround Halloween and the liturgical observances of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, we’re noticing plenty of opportunity to ponder our mortality. Sara Johnson, a postdoctoral fellow focusing on palliative care and hospice psychology, reflects on the spiritual gifts available through courageous encounters with death.
“As we approach All Saints’ Day and Día de los Muertos, may we rest in the hope of the resurrection. Just as we surely know we will die, may we be equally assured that we will be raised out of our tombs on the final day. Our graves will today be places of mourning, but will one day be transformed into places of celebration and resurrection.”
Thinking of the saints in our own lives always brings to mind our dear friend Jay Sivits. She was one of the founders of
Women Scholars and Professionals and a supremely wise woman. We love to remember her beautiful instructions for developing a discipline of gratitude, especially at this time of the year. Her love and spiritual wisdom continue on in the lives of many.
“It’s a discipline that is different from what appears to me to be more active ones. Bible study is something I do. Prayer is something I do. Fasting is something I do. Giving is something I do. But gratitude is something that I am. It is the difference between doing and being.”
You’re Invited!
Join us for a conversation with Amy Sherman. We invite all faculty, graduate students, and professionals to join the finale of our Fall 2023 Book Club where we'll engage in conversation with Amy L. Sherman about her book Agents of Flourishing. Join us as we gather online on Tuesday, November 28 at 7:00 pm (Eastern). We'd love to have you join us even if you weren't able to participate in the book club!
Weekly Prayer is underway! Mark your calendar for Fridays at 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. (Eastern) for our weekly online prayer meetings.
Faculty Ministry Fall Series: The Harmony Way. How can we be peace-makers in our departments and campuses? How can we care better for our Indigenous students or colleagues? Join the Faculty Ministry Fall Series: The Harmony Way to learn from North American Indigenous leaders who have walked this way of harmony.
Nov 11 — 10:00A to 2:00P (ET): Writing Retreat
Nov 16 — 1:00P (ET): ESN Conversation: Rethinking the Police
IVP Faculty exam copies. Professors can request a free exam or desk copy for InterVarsity Press titles adopted for classroom use up to three times a year. Your free exam or desk copy will be sent to you within four weeks. Register for a professional account to access this benefit!
Are you an InterVarsity alum? Use promo code IVCFALUMNI to get a 25% discount at ivpress.com.
It’s not too early to get your Advent books on sale at InterVarsity Press! From now until December 18, get 25% off select books when you use promo code IVPCHRISTMAS23 at ivpress.com. You'll also get free US shipping when you select USPS Economy shipping.
Emerging Scholars Network has released their upcoming lineup of author conversations! Considering joining them for one of their events over the next several months.
Believers in Business Conference 2024. MBA ministry is excited to announce the 19th annual Believers in Business Conference February 23-24, 2024. Their vision is to inspire and equip attendees to become believers who are radically inspiring to others in all areas of their lives. Registration opens in late October. In the meantime, follow on Instagram and spread the word to those you think would be interested in participating.
Black Healthcare Students Cohort. Join InterVarsity's Black Healthcare Student cohort for 2023-2024! This cohort's mission is to be a place of belonging, encouragement, and prayer for Black healthcare students during their years of training. Students from all areas of healthcare are welcome! The first meeting will be in October. Interested students can email Renee Nicholas.
Four More Things We Loved This Week
Author Tsh Oxenreider reflects on prudence, “the queen of all virtues.”
Give yourself a treat! Turns out that everyday luxuries increase happiness.
Wondering what to do with all that candy? Here are six ideas.