The Spirituality & Public Life - Lecture Series is presented by Harmony Springs Christian Church, an inclusive and affirming community of people seeking to cultivate hope and love by living in the way of Jesus with grace and peace in our community and world.
Lectures are planned in-person and online Wednesdays May 18, 25 & June 1 all starting at 6 PM until 7:15 PM.
Join us as we welcome guest lecturers on topics that intersect spirituality in public life.
As the lectures are given we will post information, slides and resources here for reference. Lectures will be in-person at Harmony Springs Christian Church and live streamed via google meet.
For directions and information on Harmony Springs: harmonysprings.org
To join the lecture via google meet: harmonysprings.org/online
May 18 | 6 PM
Trans & LGBTQ+ Rights
Kathryn Poe, Public Policy & Communications Director for Equality Ohio
Join Kathryn Poe, Public Policy and Communications Director for Equality Ohio in a presentation on current issues affecting trans and lgbtq+ persons.
Kathryn’s family are members of Harmony Springs. Her brother Kevin is the youth and justice director at Harmony Springs. We are excited to welcome Kathryn!
Read Kathryn’s bio: https://equalityohio.org/people/kathryn-poe
Slides from Kathryn's Presentation
May 25 | 6 PM
Disciples of Christ History
Rev. Dr. Don Baird, Pastor & Regional Elder for the Christian Church in Ohio
We’re honored to welcome Rev. Dr. Don Baird to present on Disciples of Christ history.
Don currently serves as a Regional Elder in the Christian Church in Ohio. Don is a fifth generation Disciple whose roots go back to the very beginning of the church (1810-1820). Included in his history is a long line of pastors, missionaries, & lay leaders in the church, as well as 52 years in the ministry - 50 in Ohio.
Don has served churches in Nashville, TN, Youngstown, Dayton, Cuyahoga Falls, & North Canton. In retirement he’s served as the Interim in Niles and done pulpit supply throughout NE Ohio.
Don and wife Leslie and have four children, an ordained Disciple pastor, a physician, a business consultant who has served on the boards of Directors of The Disciples Division of Overseas Ministries & the Common Board of Global Ministries; and a school teacher who currently serves as the Director of Ribit Camp at Camp Christian. Two of his daughters-in-law are also ordained Disciple ministers!
June 1 | 6 PM
Similarities within Buddhism & Christianity
Professor Mark Graham, Associate Professor of Religious Studies; Department Chair of Chinese Studies; South Asian Studies; East Asian Studies; Liaison to the Museum & Archival Studies Pathway
We’re honored to welcome Professor Mark Graham, from the College of Wooster Religion Department. Graham is Associate Professor of Religious Studies; Department Chair of Chinese Studies; South Asian Studies; East Asian Studies; Liaison to the Museum & Archival Studies Pathway.
Graham holds degrees in:
B.A., Ohio University 1979 M.A., Ohio University 1988 Ph.D., Indiana University 2003
His current research focuses on religion and film, and on religion, religious studies, and public intellectuals in American society.