Past Events

Though it is in the news almost every day, America’s special relationship with Israel is clouded in misunderstanding, with the prominent place of evangelical Christians especially contentious. Christian Zionism—a set of theological arguments and political movement for supporting Israel—is not just a political issue. It also touches on some of the core questions of Christian identity: who are God’s chosen people? What is the relationship between Judaism and Christianity? How should Christians respond to the Holocaust? The modern Christian Zionist…

Why do we feel we're racing against time? How do we respond to a sense of loss, invisibility, limitation, and fears about the years ahead? We're all getting older, but "aging is not for the thin-boned or the faint of heart," Leslie writes; rather, how do we make the second half of our lives the best half? Leslie Fields, award-winning author of ten books, has compiled and edited the accounts of forty impressive women of faith spanning ages 40 to 85.…

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:…

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…

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…

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…

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…

“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…