In this devotion, Ramona Bouzard ’80 M.Div., ’13 D.Min., asks if, when we look in the mirror, we see God’s love and justice reflected. Read today’s God Pause.
Archives for November 17, 2025
Smithsonian Exhibit Thank You
Friday, November 14 marked the end of our hosting the Smithsonian exhibit on human origins. It was a good experience, and there are many people to thank. Sponsored by both the Smithsonian Institute and the American Library Association, the representatives from both organizations were impressed with the welcome and hospitality they received and was offered to visitors of the exhibit. They were deeply grateful for our work hosting the exhibit. Some fun facts:
– Over 800 guests walked through the exhibit
– 200 of those participated in the programs offered by the Smithsonian during Fall RFS week
– Ken Reynhout led over 120 students from the Blake School through the exhibit as part of a ninth-grade educational experience
– Several local churches took advantage of the exhibit and brought over senior groups.
One of the best comments we received from one of the participants was from a young girl who, upon learning that humans share 60% of their DNA with bananas, said: “My brother has a lot more than that in common with bananas!” Thanks to all who engaged the exhibit and volunteered. Special thank yous to:
– Exhibit Committee: Kenneth Reynhout, Jessi LeClear Vachta, Josh Mesner, Rachel Farris, Chris Jacobson, and Dale Dobias
– Jack Hendricks who stepped in at the last moment to be the docent coordinator. He skillfully organized and scheduled over 15 volunteers to host during the exhibit open hours.
– Dale Dobias for leading this project, especially with so many other changes taking place in the library.
—Terri Elton, Dean of Academic Affairs
Chapel Schedule for the Week: November 17-21
You are invited to join in community faith formation every weekday at 11:00 a.m. CT. We gather in a variety of ways and places. See the schedule below to see how you can join us in-person and online.
Monday, November 17, 11:00 a.m. CT
Text Study with the chapel staff on Zoom (link in email).
Tuesday, November 18, 11:00 a.m. CT
Contemplative Practice in the Meditation Chapel and on Zoom.
Wednesday, November 19, 11:00 a.m. CT
Service of Holy Communion — Chapel of the Incarnation and livestreamed.
Festival: Christ the King
Preacher: Alan Padgett, Professor of Systematic Theology
Thursday, November 20, 11:00 a.m. CT
Lunch Church in the OCC Dining Room
Topic: Why Jesus?
Speaker: Ken Reynhout, Acting Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Director of Institutional Research and Assessment