Upper House Events

Have archaeologists “disproved” the historical reliability of the biblical texts? These concerns are as common as they are serious for believers, whether confronting flashy news articles or hearing well-articulated, challenging claims from scholars.This lecture aims to contextualize such questions by describing what biblical archaeology is and why it is important for understanding the biblical world. By considering three brief case studies (the Hyksos, “Solomonic Stables”, and the siege of Lachish), we will examine how archaeology interacts with the Old Testament. This enables a perspective in which, rather than “proving/disproving” historicity, biblical archaeology properly applied can illuminate the background of Scripture and render its stories more understandable and more vivid.ABOUT OUR SPEAKERDr. Geoffrey E. Ludvik, an active field researcher, Geoffrey is currently co-director of archaeological excavations at Tell el-Hesi, Israel (occupied 2800 BC through the Persian period). His interests include early Canaanite trade and technology, the cultural world of the Patriarchs, the Iron Age kingdom of Judah, and the Old Testament period generally.He earned his Ph.D. in Anthropology (Archaeology) with an emphasis in Hebrew and Semitic Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2018 and is the author of numerous articles and book chapters on Biblical and Mediterranean archaeology. Geoffrey is also an instructor at St. Ambrose Academy in Madison, WI, and a research fellow at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Cobb Institute of Archaeology at Mississippi State University. Geoffrey lives in Madison, WI, with his wife and son.

Have archaeologists “disproved” the historical reliability of the biblical texts? These concerns are as common as they are serious for believers, whether confronting flashy news articles or hearing well-articulated, challenging claims from scholars.This lecture aims to contextualize such questions by describing what biblical archaeology is and why it is important for understanding the biblical world. By considering three brief case studies (the Hyksos, “Solomonic Stables”, and the siege of Lachish), we will examine how archaeology interacts with the Old Testament. This enables a perspective in which, rather than “proving/disproving” historicity, biblical archaeology properly applied can illuminate the background of Scripture and render its stories more understandable and more vivid.ABOUT OUR SPEAKERDr. Geoffrey E. Ludvik, an active field researcher, Geoffrey is currently co-director of archaeological excavations at Tell el-Hesi, Israel (occupied 2800 BC through the Persian period). His interests include early Canaanite trade and technology, the cultural world of the Patriarchs, the Iron Age kingdom of Judah, and the Old Testament period generally.He earned his Ph.D. in Anthropology (Archaeology) with an emphasis in Hebrew and Semitic Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2018 and is the author of numerous articles and book chapters on Biblical and Mediterranean archaeology. Geoffrey is also an instructor at St. Ambrose Academy in Madison, WI, and a research fellow at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Cobb Institute of Archaeology at Mississippi State University. Geoffrey lives in Madison, WI, with his wife and son.

Have archaeologists “disproved” the historical reliability of the biblical texts? These concerns are as common as they are serious for believers, whether confronting flashy news articles or hearing well-articulated, challenging claims from scholars.This lecture aims to contextualize such questions by describing what biblical archaeology is and why it is important for understanding the biblical world. By considering three brief case studies (the Hyksos, “Solomonic Stables”, and the siege of Lachish), we will examine how archaeology interacts with the Old Testament. This enables a perspective in which, rather than “proving/disproving” historicity, biblical archaeology properly applied can illuminate the background of Scripture and render its stories more understandable and more vivid.ABOUT OUR SPEAKER:Dr. Geoffrey E. Ludvik, an active field researcher, Geoffrey is currently co-director of archaeological excavations at Tell el-Hesi, Israel (occupied 2800 BC through the Persian period). His interests include early Canaanite trade and technology, the cultural world of the Patriarchs, the Iron Age kingdom of Judah, and the Old Testament period generally.He earned his Ph.D. in Anthropology (Archaeology) with an emphasis in Hebrew and Semitic Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2018. He is the author of numerous articles and book chapters on Biblical and Mediterranean archaeology. Geoffrey is also an instructor at St. Ambrose Academy in Madison, WI, and a research fellow at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Cobb Institute of Archaeology at Mississippi State University. Geoffrey lives in Madison, WI, with his wife and son.----🖥️ Watch this talk on YouTube https://youtu.be/i5n8Xbuazv0

This event was recorded live at Upper House on June 6, 2024. This contentious era has tested many of us who long to positively engage on issues that matter, yet find ourselves instead engaging in fruitless arguments, or distancing ourselves from people we care about, or occasionally disparaging those we oppose. We know that God desires us to work out our differences and seek mutual flourishing. In that hope, how can we disagree with empathy and respect without sacrificing our convictions? How can we better navigate the differences and disagreements we encounter every day? John Inazu — law professor, thought leader, and former litigator — addresses these challenges in his new book Learning to Disagree: The Surprising Path to Navigating Differences with Empathy and Respect (Zondervan, 2024), the basis of his in-person interview with Ed Ollie, Jr. at Upper House. John will discuss what he has learned through his years of teaching and working as a litigator, based on navigating conversations with those whose viewpoints seemed ill-informed, wrong, or even evil. At the same time, he will also share gleaned insights that can inform patience, trust, forgiveness, and compassion for the “other.”----Insights: ➡️ Cultivate empathy as a skill for your personal and professional life.➡️ Live a more connected life and have more authentic relationships with family and friends with whom you disagree.➡️ Better understand what holds you back from healthy disagreement.➡️ Develop practical strategies for making difficult conversations more respectful, with better outcomes.➡️ Know when to walk away from difficult conversations.----SPEAKERS:John Inazu is the Sally D. Danforth Distinguished Professor of Law and Religion at Washington University in St. Louis. He teaches criminal law, law and religion, and various First Amendment courses. He writes and speaks frequently about pluralism, assembly, free speech, religious freedom, and other issues. John has written three books and published opinion pieces in the Washington Post, Atlantic, Chicago Tribune, LA Times, USA Today, Newsweek, and CNN. He is also the founder of the Carver Project and the Legal Vocation Fellowship and is a senior fellow with Interfaith America.Ed Ollie, Jr. will interview John to kick off our program. Ed is an executive leader, coach, pastor, educator, and master encourager, and currently serves as board chair for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA.----🖥️ Watch this event on YouTube = https://youtu.be/8q6XaZwRKlE----Connect with Upper Househttps://www.facebook.com/upperhouseUWhttps://www.instagram.com/upperhouseuw/https://www.tiktok.com/@UCDKBeIpt3IK11bjRAqTqdyA https://www.linkedin.com/company/upper-house-uw

This event was recorded live at Upper House for our annual Baccalaureate Service. Adam Penning serves as lead pastor of Blackhawk Church Downtown. Previously, he was the Cru Campus Ministry Director for the New York City Metro Area; from 2001 to 2015, Penning served with Badger Cru on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, including as Area Director. Penning studied at Iowa State University and earned an M.A. in Biblical Studies, Languages, and Urban Ministry from Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

This was recorded live at our annual Baccalaureate Service. Thomas Browne is the Senior Assistant Dean in the Office of Academic Affairs in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at UW–Madison. He is an advocate for meaningful culture and climate change to encourage and support those who might feel undervalued or marginalized. Since 2000 he has worked at UW–Madison, where he also completed undergraduate and graduate work.

This panel discussion was recorded from our annual arts conference, Let the Art Speak: Between Friends. The panelists include Melissa Shackelford (curator), Leslie Iwai (visual artist), and Susi Jensen (writer). Melissa Shackelford is the Director of Program Curation and Community Impact at Upper House. Leslie Iwai is an installation artist and sculptor. With an undergraduate degree in mathematics and chemistry from Wayne State College in Nebraska and a Master of Architecture from Virginia Tech, her work is multidisciplinary and material rich. From the Midwest, Iwai cut her artistic teeth in Omaha, Nebraska. Leslie was the first recipient of the Bemis Community Arts Fellowship (2005), and most recently was the Artist in Residence for Urbana 2018 amongst many other awards and residencies. She now enjoys living and exploring Wisconsin with her husband, where she makes art, collaborates, and connects with her local community.Susi Jensen is a Stanford creative writing graduate. She worked as a college minister for ten years at UC Berkeley following graduation, then started writing dramas for the stage. She turned toward science fiction writing about ten years ago and is currently working on a final edit of her Young Adult science fiction novel, Sarai of Earth. Susi consumes a lot of sci-fi via all mediums and reviews all of what she sees, hears, and reads at her author website, allscifiallthetime.com.----🖥️ Watch this recorded event on YouTube = https://youtu.be/UawCofJiBZ8

This talk was recorded live at our annual arts conference, Let the Art Speak. Craig Detweiler is a Los Angeles-based author, filmmaker, and cultural commentator. As a film producer and author, Craig writes about culture, theology, and technology, as well as creates screenplays. He received an MFA in cinema-tv production from the University of Southern California and a Master of Divinity and Ph.D. in theology and culture from Fuller Theological Seminary. Craig co-founded the annual Windrider Forum at Sundance in 2005. He was Variety’s 2016 mentor of the year. His just-released book — Honest Creativity — is described as “an essential guide for not only fostering genuine personal expression, but also the courage to share our most meaningful work with others—all without pretense or artifice.” ----🖥️ Watch this talk on our YouTube channel = https://youtu.be/V9V1l47bG7s

In this conversation, Marcia Bosscher (editor) and Tish Harrison Warren (writer) discuss the collaborative process of writing between writer and editor. This video was featured at our annual Let the Art Speak conference. Tish Harrison Warren is a priest in the Anglican Church in North America. Her most recent book is Prayer in the Night: For Those Who Work, or Watch, or Weep. As an author, her other writings include a weekly newsletter for The New York Times, columns for Christianity Today, and many articles and essays for other publications. For over a decade, Tish has worked in various ministry settings. She is a founding member of The Pelican Project and a Senior Fellow with the Trinity Forum. She lives with her husband and three children in Austin, Texas.Marcia Bosscher is the former editor of The Well, a website for women in the academy and professions, and is now an associate with InterVarsity's Faculty Ministry. Having been married to a professor and sharing life with grad students and faculty in a campus church, she has a deep interest in and care for those in the academy. She lives in Madison, Wisconsin, with her dog. Lilah, and a diverse array of lodgers and travelers.____Watch this conversation on YouTube = https://youtu.be/X0aHRXN4K9g____Connect with Upper House:Website: https://www.upperhouse.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upperhouseUW Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upperhouseuw/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/upper-house-uw

What does it mean to love someone?This is a recorded lecture by theologian and public intellectual Miroslav Volf. Drawing on biblical themes and stories of The Good Samaritan and The Widow’s Offering, Professor Volf will speak to love’s generous practicality, its incomparable power to confer value, nobility, and beauty on others, and its active refusal to respect boundaries born of prejudice. If you seek a fresh vision of love and its outworking in a society grappling with division and disenfranchisement, or if you desire a deeper understanding of what it means to love your neighbor as God’s Great Commandment exhorts, you will be in good company. ----About our Speaker:Miroslav Volf is the Henry B. Wright Professor of Systematic Theology and Founding Director of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture. His books include Allah: A Christian Response (2011); Free of Charge: Giving and Forgiving in a Culture Stripped of Grace (2006), which was the Archbishop of Canterbury Lenten book for 2006; Exclusion and Embrace: A Theological Exploration of Identity, Otherness, and Reconciliation (1996), a winner of the 2002 Grawemeyer Award; and After Our Likeness: The Church as the Image of the Trinity (1998), winner of the Christianity Today book award. A member of the Episcopal Church in the U.S.A. and the Evangelical Church in Croatia, Professor Volf has been involved in international ecumenical dialogues (for instance, with the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity) and interfaith dialogues (Common Word), and was an active participant in the Global Agenda Council on Values of the World Economic Forum. A native of Croatia, he regularly teaches and lectures in Central and Eastern Europe, Asia, and across North America. Professor Volf is a fellow of Berkeley College. His degrees include a B.A. from Evangelical-Theological Faculty (Zagreb, Croatia), an M.A. from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a Dr. of Theology from the University of Tubingen (Tubingen, Germany).----🎥 Watch this recorded event on YouTube - https://youtu.be/bu8PeKRVD9M

Why would we consider forgiving someone who has deeply harmed us? How do we even go about forgiving someone who doesn’t deserve it? And where might forgiveness eventually lead us—individually and even corporately—if we pursue it? Forgiveness is beyond challenging. Some injuries are so acute, the very idea of forgiveness seems out of bounds. And when atrocities are perpetrated against an entire people group, how is forgiveness even an option? Is real justice attainable? Or peace? No-one, after all, is entitled to a “get out of jail free” card. During this lunch conversation, theologian and public intellectual Miroslav Volf shared his own story of forgiving a crime against a family member. He also addressed the nuances and implications of forgiveness and justice for reconciliation at the national level, especially in reference to South Africa and its long history of apartheid. Facilitating our conversation was Christine Jeske, an Associate Professor of Anthropology at Wheaton College who has studied the human and economic impacts of systemic injustice in the global south and is currently researching how Christians envision and seek racial justice.About our Speaker:Miroslav Volf is the Henry B. Wright Professor of Systematic Theology and Founding Director of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture. His books include Allah: A Christian Response (2011); Free of Charge: Giving and Forgiving in a Culture Stripped of Grace (2006), which was the Archbishop of Canterbury Lenten book for 2006; Exclusion and Embrace: A Theological Exploration of Identity, Otherness, and Reconciliation (1996), a winner of the 2002 Grawemeyer Award; and After Our Likeness: The Church as the Image of the Trinity (1998), winner of the Christianity Today book award. A member of the Episcopal Church in the U.S.A. and the Evangelical Church in Croatia, Professor Volf has been involved in international ecumenical dialogues (for instance, with the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity) and interfaith dialogues (Common Word), and was an active participant in the Global Agenda Council on Values of the World Economic Forum. A native of Croatia, he regularly teaches and lectures in Central and Eastern Europe, Asia, and across North America. Professor Volf is a fellow of Berkeley College. His degrees include a B.A. from Evangelical-Theological Faculty (Zagreb, Croatia), an M.A. from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a Dr. of Theology from the University of Tubingen (Tubingen, Germany).About our Moderator:Christine Jeske pursues moral and cultural questions around economic development, and writes about what North Americans have to learn from the global South regarding finance and wellbeing. Her current research considers how Christians envision and seek racial justice; she has also studied how people imagine achieving a “good life,” especially when unemployed or working in low-wage jobs. Prior to joining the Wheaton faculty, Dr. Jeske worked in microfinance, refugee resettlement, community development, and teaching in Nicaragua, Northwest China, and South Africa. The author of three books and many articles for popular and academic audiences, Jeske’s most recent book, The Laziness Myth, considers what makes work desirable, how racism shapes work, and how people find hope in undesirable working conditions. She holds a B.A. in English and Piano from UW-Madison, an M.B.A. in Economic Development from Eastern University, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology from UW-Madison.🎥 Watch this event on YouTube - https://youtu.be/U6YiosVIDzs

Question: What is Christian Praying? The Hows, Whats, and Whys of This Mysterious ActivityAnswer: Amos Yong, Ph.D.Do you ever wonder what we are doing when we pray, particularly in light of Jesus’ and early Christians praying?The biblical accounts provide templates for praying on the one hand but also, if we are open to a fresh reconsideration, raise many questions about this fundamental human activity on the other. Come to revisit and dialogue about prayer — Jesus’, the early disciples’, and our own — whether you consider yourself a “prayer warrior” or someone who doesn’t pray.About our Speaker: Amos Yong is Professor of Theology and Mission at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. His graduate education includes degrees in theology, history, and religious studies from Western Evangelical Seminary (now Portland Seminary) and Portland State University, both in Portland, Oregon, and Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, and an undergraduate degree from Bethany University of the Assemblies of God. Licensed as a minister with the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, he has also authored or edited dozens of scholarly volumes. He and his wife, Alma, have three children and six grandchildren. Amos and Alma reside in Southern California.

We dive deep into discussions about faith, Christianity, and the historical context of the Bible. In this episode, we explore the fascinating topic of apostolic prayer in the Book of Acts with our guest, Amos Yong. Amos shares insightful observations about the patterns and themes of prayer in the apostolic narrative, shedding light on the various contexts, postures, practices, and contents of prayers performed by the apostles. We dissect the significance of prayer in advancing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, reflecting on its role in enabling disciples to bear witness to the teachings of Jesus. Join us as we delve into the nuances of apostolic prayer and uncover its profound implications for our understanding and practice of prayer today. Tune in as we navigate through intriguing discussion points and unravel the complexities of prayer in the apostolic era.Question: What is Christian Praying? The Hows, Whats, and Whys of This Mysterious ActivityAnswer: Amos Yong, Ph.D.Do you ever wonder what we are doing when we pray, particularly in light of Jesus’ and early Christians praying?The biblical accounts provide templates for praying on the one hand but also, if we are open to a fresh reconsideration, raise many questions about this fundamental human activity on the other. Come to revisit and dialogue about prayer — Jesus’, the early disciples’, and our own — whether you consider yourself a “prayer warrior” or someone who doesn’t pray.About our Speaker: Amos Yong is Professor of Theology and Mission at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. His graduate education includes degrees in theology, history, and religious studies from Western Evangelical Seminary (now Portland Seminary) and Portland State University, both in Portland, Oregon, and Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, and an undergraduate degree from Bethany University of the Assemblies of God. Licensed as a minister with the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, he has also authored or edited dozens of scholarly volumes. He and his wife, Alma, have three children and six grandchildren. Amos and Alma reside in Southern California.

In this electrifying session, Dr. Amos Yong illuminated Jesus' prayer life, planting seeds of wisdom on the importance of nurturing a habit of heartfelt prayer. He adeptly unpacked the beginnings of Jesus' ministry and transported us to those quiet places where Jesus sought solace and strength through prayer. Tony Bolos introduced the concept of immersive learning, revealing how a semester's worth of insight can be condensed into a single enriching evening. Together, they've challenged us to delve deep into the essence of the Lord's Prayer and the compelling portrayal of God as a father, sparking a profound conversation on the role of prayer in our personal lives and communities. Tune in, reflect, and join the Upper House as we explore the confluence of spirituality, ethics, and culture. Don't miss this transformative journey – a moment of discovery that promises to reshape your perspective.Question: What is Christian Praying? The Hows, Whats, and Whys of This Mysterious ActivityAnswer: Amos Yong, Ph.D.Do you ever wonder what we are doing when we pray, particularly in light of Jesus’ and early Christians praying?The biblical accounts provide templates for praying on the one hand but also, if we are open to a fresh reconsideration, raise many questions about this fundamental human activity on the other. Come to revisit and dialogue about prayer — Jesus’, the early disciples’, and our own — whether you consider yourself a “prayer warrior” or someone who doesn’t pray.About our Speaker: Amos Yong is Professor of Theology and Mission at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. His graduate education includes degrees in theology, history, and religious studies from Western Evangelical Seminary (now Portland Seminary) and Portland State University, both in Portland, Oregon, and Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, and an undergraduate degree from Bethany University of the Assemblies of God. Licensed as a minister with the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, he has also authored or edited dozens of scholarly volumes. He and his wife, Alma, have three children and six grandchildren. Amos and Alma reside in Southern California.

By 2030, as many as 100,000 church buildings and billions of dollars of church-owned property are expected to be sold or repurposed throughout the U.S. — representing the loss of gathering places and even social services in communities nationwide. According to Mark Elsdon, author and editor of Gone for Good: Negotiating the Coming Wave of Church Property Transition (Eerdmans, 2024), the transfer of church property is both a critical issue and an opportunity for church and community leaders seeking to serve the common good. How do we face the issues and opportunities head-on and mission-minded?This event was a book launch and conversation at Upper House with Mark Elsdon, Executive Director of Pres House and Co-Founder and Lead Builder of Rooted Good, who will address how church properties have been creatively redeployed to serve the common good. Also joining were other book contributors:Kurt Paulsen (appearing in person), professor of urban planning in the Department of Planning and Landscape Architecture at UW-MadisonJoseph Daniels, Jr. (live via Zoom), lead pastor of the Emory Fellowship in Washington D.C. Coté Soerens (live via Zoom), social innovator at the Center for Transformative Neighborhoods at Trinity Christian College You might be especially interested in this event if you are a Senior Pastor, Executive Pastor, Facilities Manager for a church, CFO/Treasurer, or city planning staff.----This event was recorded live at Upper House on January 17, 2024. ----View this recorded event on YouTube = https://youtu.be/Q7kv_JRRwK4

It would be salutary for the church and its leadership to remain silent for a season until it learns how to engage in politics and even talk about politics in ways that are non-Nietzschean. James Davison Hunter (quoted above) coined the term “culture wars.” A sociologist, he is an astute observer of culture and a writer of many books reflecting on the times we live in. What, precisely, is he driving at when he claims it would be beneficial for the church and its leaders to “remain silent for a season,” or learn to engage with politics in a non-Nietzschean manner? In brief, he’s inviting the church and its leaders to engage in ways that disarm resentment and hostility. Sadly, when the church or Christians at large talk politics, the posture all too often devolves to one of hostility or indignation; the effect is to undermine the church’s invitational role, its sacred call to introduce people to Jesus, son of the Living God.But, when so much seems at stake, is the church to remain silent on things political? If it is silent, is the church guilty of a type of complicity? These questions are also pressing.This timely discussion with Ron Sanders, a teacher, author, and researcher who has studied the intersection of religion and public policy—especially the relationship between the Christian tradition and the Democratic tradition in America. Together we will talk about the role of the church in democratic politics. We will consider the architecture for a political theology that isn’t confined to democracy. And we will talk about why democracy needs Christians to be faithful to Jesus in order for its citizens to flourish.Ron addressed the political issues of our day in relationship to the church from a non-partisan viewpoint. Upper House hosted this event in partnership with Badger Cru and Blackhawk CAM.----This event was recorded on October 24, 2023.----About our speaker:Ron Sanders is an Affiliate Assistant Professor of Christian Ethics at Fuller Theological Seminary. His field of research is the intersection of religion and public policy—especially the relationship between the Christian Tradition and the Democratic Tradition in America. He is the author of After the Election: Prophetic Politics in a Post-Secular Age and a chapter in Justice and the Way of Jesus. He has also served on the staff of Cru for 32 years. He is currently a religious advisor to the football team at Stanford University and the Coordinator for Moral and Spiritual Formation for Cru.Ron is married to Bonnie and has two adult children, Zac and Sarah. He graduated from Montana State University with a B.S. in Mathematics, Talbot School of Theology with an M.A. in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics, and Fuller Theological Seminary with a Ph.D. in Theology with an emphasis in Christian Ethics. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Ron and his family began to to play hacky-sack during quarantine, and when his family is all together in one place, they can be found trying to recruit people for their “circle.” He wants to be an amateur chef and plays competitive pickleball in his free time.

A fundamental difference between the secular and Christian imagination relates to how people view the world. For many, it is assumed that only those things we can physically see and touch are what exist. Scripture teaches, however, that there are two realities that exist alongside each other: one visible and one invisible. Moreover, Christians have long believed that these seen and unseen realities uniquely overlap, first and foremost in Jesus Christ, and consequently in His Church. We might call this way of viewing the world “the sacramental imagination.” It speaks to our profound thirst for the transcendent and is central to how the Bible invites us to see Jesus, the Church, and all creation. Come and explore with us, from a Roman Catholic and Anglican perspective, the biblical roots of these themes, their influence on popular culture, and how they practically shape our faith.PresentationsOur presenters, Father Scott Cunningham of Christ Church Madison (Anglican) and Bishop Donald J. Hying of the Catholic Diocese of Madison, each offered a presentation followed by a time of Q&A.A Portal To Eternity | Father Scott Cunningham, Christ Church MadisonOur modern world is obsessed with stories about portals to another world, from the wardrobe in Narnia to Platform 9¾ at Kings Cross. We are enthralled with the enduring idea that there are worlds that overlap, with openings between them. Where do these stories—and these longings—come from? More importantly, do these fantasies have any correlation to our reality? In addressing these questions, Fr. Scott will lead us to see that the story of Scripture is not only more audacious than modern fiction, but it is also a life-changing reality.The Word Made Flesh: Jesus Christ as the Source of a Sacramental Vision | Bishop Donald J. Hying, Catholic Diocese of MadisonBecause God embraced our humanity in Jesus Christ, stepping into time and space, the entire material world has taken on a new meaning and significance. All of created reality, including our own human identity, becomes an incarnation of the spiritual and invisible. Through this sacramental experience, God reveals Himself to us.----This event was recorded on December 3, 2023.----About our Speakers:Fr. Scott Cunningham hails from Tennessee and Texas, where he was raised in a family of faith and ministry. He moved to Chicago to study music, theology, and literature at Wheaton College and later earned an M.A. in Biblical Exegesis. Fr. Scott has served in the Anglican communion for almost two decades. For two years he trained for pastoral ministry in churches in Sheffield, England, before returning to serve in the Diocese of the Upper Midwest in the Anglican Church in North America. He was ordained as a Deacon in 2017 and as a priest in 2018. Now Fr. Scott pastors at Christ Church Madison, an Anglican church he and his wife Marissa helped plant in 2018. When Fr. Scott is not serving the Church, you can find him hanging out with his four sons, reading a good book, or playing in bars with his local folk band, the Continental Congress.Bishop Donald J. Hying was born in West Allis, Wisconsin. After earning his bachelor’s degree from Marquette University and his master’s degree from St. Francis Seminary, Bishop Hying was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. His priestly assignments include parishes in Menomonee Falls, the Dominican Republic, and Milwaukee; he also served as Dean of Formation and rector at Saint Francis de Sales Seminary. In 2011, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Fr. Donald Hying the Titular Bishop of Regiae and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. In 2014, His Holiness, Pope Francis, appointed Bishop Hying as the Fourth Bishop of Gary (Indiana); five years later, His Holiness, Pope...

This gathering was cohosted with the Awaken Dane project, a Lilly Endowment, Inc., funded initiative that helps participants from local churches listen deeply for and awaken to where the Spirit of God is at work in their local communities so they can join in that holy work. During our evening together, we will address pressing questions: How might the Church help the university advance the common good, or more effectively implement the Wisconsin Idea? What can the Church learn from the University to better serve its communities?A long-standing critique of colleges and universities is that they are elitist institutions detached from the interests of everyday citizens. In fact, the 19th-century term “ivory tower” disparages faculty who happily pursued their favorite subjects without giving any thought to the greater public, whose taxes fund public institutions. UW President Charles Van Hise directly addressed such public concerns by articulating the Wisconsin Idea (1904) — that university research should be applied to solve problems and improve health, quality of life, the environment, and agriculture for all citizens of the state of Wisconsin — thus drawing a clear connection between the work of the university and the common good.While still strongly associated with the Wisconsin Idea, many citizens perceive the UW as a detached, inaccessible institution whose programs are so specialized and obscure they bear little relation to most people’s felt needs and realities. In fact, universities across the country are grappling with loss of public trust in higher education and questions about their work having public relevance. These concerns are fueling a national and international movement to reimagine what it means for universities to meaningfully collaborate with communities to advance the common good. Potential collaborators in this movement? The Church and its leaders, who serve the spiritual, physical, and social needs of their communities. Through the platform of the Wisconsin Idea, the UW and the Church might find ways to converse and advance the common good in our community. Joining us to discuss the challenges and opportunities of these distinct institutions working together is David Weerts, who brings his scholarship on the Wisconsin Idea and insights from his work in the Office of Public Engagement at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, to our dinner.----This event was recorded on November 9, 2023.----About our speaker:David J. Weerts, Ph.D., is a professor of higher education and faculty director in the Office for Public Engagement at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Over the past 25 years, his scholarship and teaching have focused on how colleges and universities collaborate with external partners to serve the public good. He has received awards for his research from the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE), the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and the National Forum on Higher Education for the Public Good. Professor Weerts serves as vice chair of the board at Anselm House, a Christian Study Center that exists to help students and faculty at the University of Minnesota connect faith and knowledge with all of life. He holds a Ph.D. in educational administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Three nationally known preachers with a passion for training pastors and ministers will headline our second Midwest Gospel Preaching Summit, focusing on the theme Preaching that Changes Lives (Romans 10:9-17). Mt Zion Baptist Church and Upper House in Madison, Wisconsin, are cohosts of this transformative Summit for pastors and ministers committed to advancing the spiritual growth of their congregants and the church as a whole.Romans 10:9-17, the Scriptural foundation of this Summit, emphasizes the importance of hearing and responding to God’s Word, especially the crucial role the preacher plays in bringing people to faith through sharing the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. The Summit’s speakers will delve into this passage’s nuances and share ways their fellow pastors can convincingly communicate the gospel message and inspire their listeners to take action in response.Our speakers—the Rev. Dr. Danielle L. Brown, the Rev. Dr. Jerry M. Carter, Jr., and the Rev. Dr. William Curtis—have deep insight into how to preach the transformative Word of God and engage their listeners. These speakers will, through their own preaching and presentation at the Summit, equip attendees to preach with greater confidence, fearlessly and with conviction. We pray that everyone who attends will personally celebrate this statement, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:15b, NKJV)----This event was recorded on October 12, 2023. ----About our Speaker:Rev. Dr. Jerry M. Carter, Jr. is the 14th pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church of Morristown, NJ. Dr. Carter is a faithful theologian whose commitment to articulate the gospel in both written and oratory forms has transformed and shaped the lives of generations. He is a highly sought-after revivalist, keynote speaker, lecturer, mentor and teacher, who has been invited to share the gospel on numerous platforms throughout the country. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Denison University, in Granville, Ohio, a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate of Philosophy degree from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. He is president of the African-American Clergy Association of Morris County, founder and host of the How Shall They Hear Preaching conference, and distinguished visiting professor of the Transformational Preaching Doctorate of Ministry program at New Brunswick Theological Seminary in New Brunswick, NJ. Dr. Carter is also an author who has inspired through his published works in the New Interpreters Handbook of Preaching, Oxford Sermons Volume III, Evangelizing the Black Male in the 21st Century and the African American Pulpit. His latest work, “The Empowered Life: Living Well in the Spirit” was published in 2015. Dr. Carter is a native of Columbus, Ohio, and the proud father of three children, Jerry M. III, Zachary Daniel, and Camille. ----View this talk on YouTube: https://youtu.be/x_IW_RRWAgo

Three nationally known preachers with a passion for training pastors and ministers will headline our second Midwest Gospel Preaching Summit, focusing on the theme Preaching that Changes Lives (Romans 10:9-17). Mt Zion Baptist Church and Upper House in Madison, Wisconsin, are cohosts of this transformative Summit for pastors and ministers committed to advancing the spiritual growth of their congregants and the church as a whole.Romans 10:9-17, the Scriptural foundation of this Summit, emphasizes the importance of hearing and responding to God’s Word, especially the crucial role the preacher plays in bringing people to faith through sharing the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. The Summit’s speakers will delve into this passage’s nuances and share ways their fellow pastors can convincingly communicate the gospel message and inspire their listeners to take action in response.Our speakers—the Rev. Dr. Danielle L. Brown, the Rev. Dr. Jerry M. Carter, Jr., and the Rev. Dr. William Curtis—have deep insight into how to preach the transformative Word of God and engage their listeners. These speakers will, through their own preaching and presentation at the Summit, equip attendees to preach with greater confidence, fearlessly and with conviction. We pray that everyone who attends will personally celebrate this statement, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:15b, NKJV)----This event was recorded on October 12, 2023. ----About this Speaker:Rev. Dr. William H. Curtis accepted the call to ministry at 17. For seven years, he served as the Senior Pastor at Shiloh Baptist Church in York, Pennsylvania; since 1997, he has served as the Senior Pastor at Mount Ararat Baptist Church in Pittsburgh, PA, an urban ministry with more than 10,000 members. Dr. Curtis holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies and Philosophy from Morgan State University, a Master of Divinity degree from Howard University School of Divinity, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary, where Dr. Curtis has also been an instructor and graduated several groups of doctoral students at the institution. He is also Co-Owner of The Church Online, a successful technology and full-service marketing firm that provides top-of-the-line services to ministries all over the world. In addition to being a member of many community boards and fraternities, Dr. Curtis has received numerous honors and awards. In 2009, he was inducted into the Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers of Morehouse College. In the spring of 2010, Dr. Curtis moved from the speaking arena into the publishing arena with his first book, FAITH— Learning to Live Without Fear, currently in its fourth printing, followed by Dressed for Victory: Putting on the Full Armor of God.----Watch this talk on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/4VSzY2g3QOg