In addition to chapel once a week, Upper School students attend a Religion Seminar course as a part of their educational experience at Mount Vernon Upper School.
This year, Upper School Religion Seminar is built on the premise that anything that we do to cultivate the social or natural worlds is holy and sacred work. Throughout the Fall semester, five presenters will present five actions, or postures, that make up the work God means for people to do. During the Spring semester, a combination of teachers and student peer leaders will lead discussions that explore intersections of faith, ethics, and social media.
GIVE
Are you a giver or a taker? It is a simple question, yet the answer is surprisingly complex. In this seminar, students will explore the biblical roots of philanthropy and discover why giving back is about more than just doing the right thing. GIVE is presented by Lauren Koontz, Director of Development at MVPS.
RELATE
Some have defined vision as “what could and should be” in the world. What is God’s unique vision for each of us? And how might we discover His specific plans for our lives? RELATE is presented by Chip Houston, singer songwriter, former high school history teacher, and Director of Admissions at MVPS.
ACT
How do MVPS students take lessons they learn in chapel and turn them into action? Step one is a healthy dose of empathy. The ACT seminar will introduce students to some uncommon people that will inspire us to be Christians with intention. ACT is presented by T.J. Edwards, Upper School science teacher, former CEO, and MVPS alumnus.
REST
Just as Christ said “Come to me all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest,” we are called to understand the true meaning of finding rest in Him. Sometimes in life we experience obstacles or difficulties that remind us of our need to rest. The REST seminar examines how we can, in both peaceful and stressful times, learn to let go of what holds us back and find rest in Christ. REST is presented by Julia-Leigh Pelt, Middle School teacher at MVPS.
STEWARD
How does God want us to relate to plants, animals, and the like? In this seminar, students will explore the often overlooked relationship between people and the environment and discover perspective from a surprising place: the biblical story of the rainbow. STEWARD is presented by Tyler S. Thigpen, Head of Upper School and Director of 21stCentury Teaching and Learning at MVPS.
Religion Seminar dates and times for the Spring 2012 semester include:
1. (Introductory message) Wed, Feb 15, from 10:45am – 11:30am
2. Wed, March 14, from 2:42pm – 3:05pm
3. Wed, March 21, from 2:42pm – 3:05pm
4. Wed, March 28, from 2:42pm – 3:05pm
5. Wed, April 4, from 2:42pm – 3:05pm
6. Wed, April 18, from 2:42pm – 3:05pm
7. Wed, April 25, from 2:42pm – 3:05pm
Student groups will be announced in late February 2012.
