On this episode of Candler in Conversation, we bring together three faith leaders who also serve as wellness practitioners to discuss balance, community, and living life in 2020.

In this episode of Candler in Conversation, we focus on finding balance as we continue living through 2020. 

Our guests are: 

Emily Rivers 20T, Yoga Instructor and Youth Pastor at Harrison UMC

Lahronda Little 17T, PhD student in Spiritual Care and Pastoral Theology in the Graduate Division of Religion

David Kim 96T, Founder of the Research Institute for Counseling & Education in Peachtree Corners, GA

It has been an extraordinary few months for adults, but what about our young people who are also experiencing life at this time? From the closing of schools and virtual learning to having to celebrate major life milestones in new ways, we must consider how our up-and-coming generation is faring and how this time will forever mark their future. This conversation will center best practices and strategies for working with young people at such a time as this. How do we best support the youth in our lives during this longer-term crisis?

On this special episode of Candler in Conversation, our guests will discuss the current state of affairs in America, the church’s role in and response to current events, and how intersectionality has a huge impact on one’s lived experience.

Our guests are:

Dr. Marla Frederick, Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Religion and Culture

Rev. Dr. Nichole R. Phillips, Associate Professor in the Practice of Sociology of Religion and Culture; Director of Black Church Studies

This conversation will be facilitated by

Chrystal Golden 20T, Program Coordinator for The Candler Foundry

Nefertiti Williams, Interim Senior Director of Advancement and Alumni Engagement; Director of Alumni Engagement

Throughout the Bible, there are many examples of individuals as well as entire communities crying out to God in need of divine intervention. The practice of lament in present-day seems to be a more private affair, but there is power in using lament as part of one's public witness.

Our guests engage our essential question: "What is the role of lament in public witness?"

The work of becoming actively anti-racist often starts in one’s own heart, home, and church. From congregations newer to the fight for racial justice to congregations that have been engaged in it for a much longer time, current events suggest that there’s still so much more to learn and put into practice.

Our invited guests will discuss what they’re saying and doing within their own congregations.

Darci Jaret 17T, Pastor of Worship, Advocacy, and Arts at Park Avenue Baptist Church, discusses why and how their congregation constructed a site of memory in honor of those who have lost their lives to police violence. 

The entire world seems to be responding to the multiple incidents of racial violence against Black men and women that have happened over the last few months. From demonstrations happening in all 50 states in the US to acts of solidarity happening in other countries, signs have been made and voices have been lifted to decry the dehumanization of Black bodies.

Our invited panelists discuss what these public responses have to do with our faith.