Search Our Writing:
A Lenten Prayer
Feb 27, 2021 | By Jadan Anderson MC ‘22
Dear God,
I am always delighted to see a cross in ashes on the head of a person I know in passing. There are few signs more perfectly suited as a public declaration of faith in you: the ashes are quiet, yet bold, and its symbolic power is multiplied the more and more it is seen by others. Out of seemingly nowhere, people with this symbol populate the streets, workplaces, and schools.
Wilderness
Feb 24, 2021 | By Taylor Plett ‘21+1
What does it mean to be in the wilderness?
I spent a good hunk of 2020 moving between ranches in the Great Plains states—a near-nomadic stint of life in literal wilderness. It was an accidental metaphor for the world at large during a global pandemic. I can draw some parallels.
A Great Confusion
Feb 22, 2021 | By Sharla Moody BK ‘22
Lord, ask me not to walk atop the seas,
and give me not knowledge of all languages.
Do not speak to me with dew or marvelous wines,
and I plead that you not invite me to a banquet
Ash Wednesday: Confrontation with Mortality
Feb 17, 2021 | By Will Willimon, Professor of the Practice of Christian Ministry at Duke Divinity.
“The truth about life is that we shall die,” said writer Philip Roth, just before he died. Death is as out of control as life can get. In my years of pastoral work, I have served as psychopompos helping some five hundred souls to the grave, privileged to say a few words on God's behalf at their end.
Depart with Dignity
Feb. 5th, 2021 | By Ashley Talton BR ‘23
Many of the people in the Zen Hospice end-of-life care facility, such as Mrs. M, are unable to eat. And yet, the most popular room in the house is the kitchen, where the aroma of freshly-baked cookies can be found, while people are chatting around the table. Even though the people there can’t enjoy the taste of the cookies…
Consider Fruit
Feb 5th, 2021 | By Bradley Yam SY ‘21
In an effort to restore a sense of optimism in these trying times, I offer a meditation on fruit. Yes––apples, pears, plums, bananas and berries aplenty. Fruits have not only fed, nourished, and pleased humankind with infinite color and variety since the beginning of history, but they have also offered wisdom that has largely been forgotten in the modern industrial food system.
Upcoming Events:
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Writing Voice Workshop
THURSDAY, JAN 22ND, 6:15-7:50 PM,
Elm Institute
This week, we will hone our writing voice in different styles.
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Editing for Writing with Voice Workshop
THURSDAY, JAN 29TH, 6:15-7:15 PM, Location TBD
Based on the previous week’s workshop, we will edit our pieces to hone our writing voice.
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Veritas Weekend
FEB 6-8TH, Boston
Save the date for Veritas Weekend in Boston! More information below!
Signup Date Passed
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Theme Introduction Meeting
THURSDAY, FEB 12ND, 6:15-7:15 PM,
Location TBD
Our theme this semester is… mirrors! We will be exploring the literary tradition and potential topics for mirrors.
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Theme Introduction at Elm
THURSDAY, FEB 19ND, 6:15-7:50 PM,
Elm Institute
We will be continuing our exploration of the theme of mirrors at the Elm Institute, with a session led by Peter Wicks.
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Writing Retreat
SATURDAY, MARCH 28TH
We will be adjourning to the countryside to spend a day dedicated to making progress on our drafts.