In preparation for the event, the Iliff Institute for Religion, Politics and Culture is hosting a virtual book club. Join us reading Harjo's memoir, Crazy Brave.

There will be two discussion sessions, a June session on the first half of the book and a July session on the second half of the book. Register below to receive the zoom link for the sessions.

Register for the book club here.

First session: Thursday, June 30th at 6:00 pm via Zoom

Second session: Wednesday, July 27th, at 6:00 pm via Zoom

Alumni/ae, students, and community members are invited to participate in these unique immersive experiences, led by Iliff faculty.

Professor Miguel De La Torre will lead the immersion trip to Guatemala from November 26 through December 7, 2022. This trip will provide the opportunity to study the intersection of environment & immigration, along with indigenous spirituality.

For more information, please contact Dr. De La Torre at [email protected]

Professors Pam Eisenbaum and Mark George will lead the immersion trip to Israel/Palestine November 29 – December 9, 2022.

This trip offers the chance to see the Old City of Jerusalem, the Dead Sea and Masada, the Galilee, Bethlehem, Yad Vashem and so much more. Hear from a range of groups in Israel/Palestine, experience a Shabbat meal, and spend a night with a Palestinian family. An optional extension trip to Jordan immediately follows the Israel/Palestine trip.

For more information, please contact Dr. Pam Eisenbaum ([email protected]) or Dr. Mark George ([email protected]).

We invite you to support Iliff students through travel scholarship by clicking this link to make a donation.

Follow this link to register for any of our 2021-2022 Renewal Sessions.

Seeking Wholeness LLC was created in 2021 by Chaune Schafer in response to her Master in Theological Studies thesis: how do inclusive communities support individuals on their journeys toward integration of their sexuality and spirituality? The work stems from a desire to build spaces where folks can show up and be their full, authentic selves. Places where doubt and uncertainty are considered sacred and vulnerability and authenticity are honored. Based on Chaune’s research and lived experience, she deems living authentically in inclusive, affirming, and celebratory spaces with supportive community is an essential facet of whole living.

Chaune works to create spaces where individuals can explore the intersectionality of their identities and the multiple facets of their health - social, emotional, physical, mental, spiritual, and sexual - without shame or fear of rejection. She provides one-on-one peer support to folks who are looking to process struggles, receive encouragement and/or resources surrounding areas that they are seeking wholeness (relationships, sexuality, spirituality, mental health, career path, etc.). She also provides support to community leaders, allies, and parents looking to grow their understanding of inclusion and what it takes to create celebratory spaces for LGBTQIA2+ folks. Additionally, Chaune does Church inclusion consultations for affirming congregations looking to go beyond hospitality and towards a model of inclusion and celebration by examining beliefs, values, and practices regarding integration of spirituality and sexuality.

Seeking Wholeness fosters communities that are rooted in celebration, authenticity, abundance, and justice. Ultimately, the aim is to encourage self-reflection and self-compassionate growth; living authentically for ourselves, allows us to better show up, advocate, and fight for the rights of others as well. Our journeys are intertwined.

Need support along your journey? What to support the journey of others?

Contact Chaune at [email protected] and check out www.seeking-wholeness.com to find what you are seeking.

Follow Chaune on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about her and the Seeking Wholeness!

Rev. Eric Massanari (MDiv '99) was recently appointed to serve as the chairperson of the Spiritual Directors International (SDI) Coordinating Council. Eric is currently serving as chaplain of Kidron Bethel Village, a retirement community and long-term care center in North Newton, KS, and as a spiritual director in private practice. Eric has served on the SDI Coordinating Council for the last four years, and also serves on the steering committee for Mennonite Spiritual Directors Network.

If there is something going on in your world that you would like us to share with your colleagues, you are welcome to submit your news.

Rev. Dr. John P. Foreman (BDiv '65, DMin '79) passed away on June 3, 2022, in a hospice facility in Grand Junction, CO. Rev. Foreman completed two degrees at Iliff while serving as a weekend pastor for churches in Hanna and Medicine Bow, Wyoming. He served in the Navy as a chaplain at Philadelphia Naval Hospital before returning to the legacy Rocky Mountain Conference of the United Methodist Church, serving communities across Colorado and Wyoming. He retired to Grand Junction 2002. Rev. Foreman is survived by his wife, Jean H. Foreman, also an Iliff alum. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, June 18 at 11:00 a.m. and live-streamed for those who cannot attend at www.fumcgj.org. Read the full obituary here.

To visit PIFN, click here.

Connect with us using this online form if you have news you would like us to share in future issues of this alumni/ae newsletter.