November 2019
Living an Artful Life
We are created to create, but many of us do not consider ourselves especially “creative.” Award-wining author, editor, teacher, and international speaker, Leslie Leyland Fields has mentored women and men from all walks of life to engage the creative process. Together we will consider what it would look like for each of us—artist or not—to embrace life as a creative journey. Dessert, coffee, and tea will be provided. Leslie Leyland Fields is the author of twelve books, including The Wonder Years:…
Find out more »Tell a Better Story: Discovering, Writing, and Sharing Your Life Story
What is the story God is writing through your life? In this one-day writer’s workshop, Leslie Leyland Fields, award-wining author, editor, teacher, and international speaker, will lead participants through creative writing exercises that seek to discover and trace God’s hands through the messiness and complexities of our lives. With that goal in mind, Leslie will present the dynamic writing process she has used as a writer and a teacher of writing that is both practical and inspiring, from accessing memory and…
Find out more »Making All Things New: God’s Dream for Global Justice
There are many injustices in the world: human trafficking, young girls trapped in brothels, child soldiers forced to become killers, unchecked plagues and diseases, economic disparities, and the oppression of the poor. We might feel helpless to do anything about it, but God has a dream to bring healing and justice to the world. How is God making all things new? How can we partner with God as he brings his dream to reality? York Moore will join us at Upper…
Find out more »Do Something Beautiful: The Story of Everything & Finding Your Place in It
Do you find yourself chasing "something more"? We seem to be people seized by longings we can't satisfy. This longing is built into our very nature. We were created with an innate desire to be part of a story bigger than our own. Sadly, most of us spend our lives blind to the fact that this story is right in front of us, beckoning us to come and play our part. Still, we continue to pursue everything else and remain…
Find out more »Hold Fast: Theology, Art, and the Book of Revelation
Through all its prophetic imagery, what is happening in the Book of Revelation, and what does it mean for us today? How do you artistically represent the Book of Revelation? In this conversation, InterVarsity Urbana Program Director, Úna Lucey-Lee, and Urbana Artist in Residence, Leslie Iwai, will discuss the theology behind and within Hold Fast, an art installation originally commissioned for InterVarsity’s Urbana 2018 Conference, and how it uniquely communicates the story of the seven churches from the Book of Revelation. This event is designed to…
Find out more »Hold Fast: An Art Experience
“But hold fast what you have till I come." The Book of Revelation opens with a compelling vision of holiness, light and intimacy. The author John describes his vision of Jesus Christ standing amidst seven golden lampstands, which represent the seven churches in Asia Minor to whom the book is written. From his place among the lampstands, Jesus admonished, commended, and made promises to each of the seven churches. Leslie's art installation of seven woolen garments, entitled Hold Fast, reflects each of the…
Find out more »The Church in “Post-Christian” Dane County: New Survey Data
Madison was recently ranked by the Barna Group as the eleventh most “post-Christian city in America,” a designation that presents opportunities as well as challenges to the Church. Based on research exploring the 300+ churches in Dane County, covering everything from demographics and worship styles to correlations between location, theology, and political alignment, Christopher James will present his new findings on the state of Christianity in and around the Madison area. Moving past nostalgic reminisces and laments of decline, James’ research…
Find out more »December 2019
Hope is Alive Christmas Concert with Ellie Holcomb
Join us for an intimate concert with singer-songwriter Ellie Holcomb, a Nashville native, who began her musical career touring the country with her husband, Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors. After the birth of their daughter, Emmylou, Ellie left heavy touring. Then came her debut solo album, As Sure As The Sun, which charted at #1 on the iTunes Christian chart and earned her “Best New Artist” honors at the 2014 Dove Awards. After the highly-reviewed Red Sea Road album was released in 2017,…
Find out more »Fortify for Finals (Study+)
Finals can be stressful. Finding study space shouldn’t be. In our humble opinion, there is no better place to study for finals than Upper House. What will you find? One of the best study environments on campus, with comfy seating, natural light, and beautiful views. Extended study hours December 12-19 (times below). Warm hospitality, with abundant food to fuel you and fun activities just when you need a break. Our partners, campus ministries, and churches, are all on deck this week to…
Find out more »January 2020
Science For The Church: Finding Common Ground
Upper House is partnering with Science for the Church, a new national initiative that is building a movement of Christian communities using science to invigorate the church. Can engaging science in your ministry be beneficial? Can bringing science to your church bring renewal? Too often, science is perceived to be a barrier to faith, but in fact, scientists and churches have much to learn from each other. Join us for a half-day workshop to help Madison-area ministry professionals, church leaders,…
Find out more »