Lancaster Region

Between the War for Independence and the Civil War, the young United States forged a distinct cultural profile. In that same period, the human body came increasingly under scrutiny: science, social practice, political contests, and theatrical representations all grappled with the body’s forms, meaning, and expressivity. This research investigates the intricate braiding of political, scientific, and danced representations of the body, focusing particularly on blackface minstrelsy and on ballet in antebellum Philadelphia, a city both representative of national trends and also distinct in its cultural, historic, and geographic position.

Humanity's challenge in the 21st century is global - to eradicate poverty and achieve prosperity for all within the means of the planet’s limited natural resources. Economist Kate Raworth presents a visual framework – shaped like a doughnut. This model brings planetary boundaries (such as healthy climate, biodiversity, limited land, and freshwater) together with social boundaries (such as necessary levels of food and water availability, adequate jobs and income, health, and education) to create a safe and just space in which humanity can thrive and the planet survive. To move into this space demands far greater fairness – within and between countries – in the use of natural resources, and far greater efficiency to transform those limited resources to meet human needs than at present.

A troubling gap has opened in the social and political fabric of the United States, and people of faith and spirituality now find themselves on one side or the other—often alienated from family, friends, and brothers and sisters in the community and the church. In this course, we'll try to understand what caused the great divide and think together about how we can communicate in love despite our differences. We'll focus our conversation around Arlie Russell Hochschild's 2016 book, Strangers In Their Own Land: Anger and Mourning on the American Right.

Sherwood Lingenfelter, a Ph.D. author and retired professor, will interview a different interesting individual each week. You will learn about lives and work of: 1) Peter Teague, President Emeritus, Lancaster Bible College (October 29) 2) John Maietta, Retired Army Officer, Pathways Institute Faculty Member (November 5) 3) Jack Crowley, President, Water Street Mission (November 12) 4) Connie Bender, CEO, Show Ease Inc., Ephrata, PA (November 19)

The holidays are a popular time for online shopping. Criminals know this and are primed and ready to take advantage of our generosity. They’ve honed and perfected their skills with ways to gather your personal information, steal your identity, and take your hard-earned money. This presentation will provide tips for protecting your personal information while shopping safely online.

Do you enjoy playing bingo? How about bingo with a twist? Come and play bingo with a message. It is fun and informative, as well, so join me for this entertaining session. All are welcome, and prizes will be provided.

A troubling gap has opened in the social and political fabric of the United States, and people of faith and spirituality now find themselves on one side or the other—often alienated from family, friends, and brothers and sisters in the community and the church. In this course, we'll try to understand what caused the great divide and think together about how we can communicate in love despite our differences. We'll focus our conversation around Arlie Russell Hochschild's 2016 book, Strangers In Their Own Land: Anger and Mourning on the American Right.

Sherwood Lingenfelter, a Ph.D. author and retired professor, will interview a different interesting individual each week. You will learn about lives and work of: 1) Peter Teague, President Emeritus, Lancaster Bible College (October 29) 2) John Maietta, Retired Army Officer, Pathways Institute Faculty Member (November 5) 3) Jack Crowley, President, Water Street Mission (November 12) 4) Connie Bender, CEO, Show Ease Inc., Ephrata, PA (November 19)

Pennsylvania was founded by William Penn as a place of religious freedom and toleration. Many different religious sects came to Pennsylvania to practice their religion, beliefs, and customs peacefully. One such small group from Europe settled in Lancaster County - they lived as a small communal society at Ephrata. They prospered over time, emigrated to other counties, but eventually declined.

Today, the person next door does not always look like us, talk like us, or believe the same things we do. Various cultures, religions, and worldviews are part of our everyday lives, and many come to our shores as refugees fleeing violence and persecution around the world. Christ calls his followers to serve them with love and compassion. Learn more about who refugees are, why they come to seek safety in the United States, and what we can do to make them feel welcome and part of our community.