Fall 2005 Programs
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*Denotes Cultural Events Credit
Wed, August 31st at 5pm
Interfaith Center
Presentation by members of the IFC describing the history, mission, and annual goal of the council as well as the introduction of the program calendar for Fall 2005. A brief, general Q&A follows along with serving of gourmet Indian food from the Taj Palace
Religious Science and New Thought Spirituality*
Wed, September 21st at 5pm
Interfaith Center
Led by Pastor Leigh Waddell, this presentation will present New Thought theology with specific focus on Religious Science (a denomination of New Thought) in detail. Pastor Waddell will address how Religious Science is similar and different to other New Thought and mainstream Christian philosophies, while also introducing the practice of ‘affirmative’ prayer.
Navaratri — the Hindu Festival in Honor the Goddess *
Wed, October 12th at 5pm
Interfaith Center
Navaratri is one of the most important of Hindu holidays. Celebrated according the lunar calendar, Navaratri ("Nine Nights") usually occurs in September-October. During this 10-day festival, Hindus throughout the world honor the different forms of the Goddess while also remembering the victory of the god Rama over the forces of evil. At this lecture and explanatory ritual local Hindu leaders and scholars will explain the significance of this important festival.
Sukkot -- the Jewish Holiday in Celebration of the Harvest*
Thursday, October 20th at 5pm
Interfaith Center
The Jewish holiday of Sukkot (literally, "booths" or "shelters") celebrates the harvest. In this lecture-explanatory ritual, we will explain a little about hte festival's source and meaning. We also will demonstrate the brief ceremony for the holiday. People attending hte event will be invited to participate in decorating a wooden frame commemorating hte shelters used for sleeping when harvesting crops in ancient Israel, and all are welcome to share refreshments in the sukkah as part of the celebration.
Halloween Program: All Saints Day and Samhain*
Monday, October 31st at noon
Evans Auditorium
Panel discussion on the pre-Christian and Christian roots of All Saints Day, one of the principal feast days of the Christian Church. As its name suggests, All Saints Day is a celebration of past saints. The word “hallow” means to sanctify, and All Saints Day has also been known as Hallowmas—the mass for those who have been “hallowed.” The day before Hallowmas is Hallows Eve, or Halloween, and coincides with the important pre-Christian harvest festival, Samhain. This presentation will introduce the audience to the basic beliefs and practices associated with both All Saints Day and Samhain and also discuss the historical relationship between Christianity and Paganism. After the panel presentation, the panelists will take questions from the audience.
Wed, Nov. 9th 2005 at 5pm
Evans 119
“When God appears to an assistant grocery manager as a good natured old man, the Almighty selects him as his messenger for the modern world.” Audience will watch the movie and have a discussion afterward led by Dr. Bell.
Ongoing Classes and Events
Tai Chi Class
Sept. 13th through Nov. 8th Tuesdays, (excluding Oct. 11)
11a.m.-12 noon
Lawn outside Ford Dining Hall
Originating in ancient China, Tai Chi is a meditative martial art, which aligns the body, breath, and mind through a series of synchronized body postures. Taught by Dr. Jeffrey Lidke, this weekly class incorporates both Qigong and Deng style 108-movement slow form Tai Chi and is open to all levels. Co-sponsored by the Senior Alumni Program.
Soto Zen Meditation Group
Tuesdays, 7:30, starting September 20th
Interfaith Center
Sessions will be led by Gareth Young, an instructor from the Atlanta Soto Zen Center (ASZC) and disciple of Michael Elliston, Abbot and founder of ASZC. Gareth Young has been a disciple of Taiun Michael Elliston for three years and currently instructs the group at sessions held at a private residence in Kingston.