Drs. Natalie Carnes and Brewer Eberly discuss how beauty has been among the Christian names for God and why beauty, like suffering, is so central to the Christian story. What do these two parts of our existence—beauty and suffering—have to do with one another? And how can their togetherness help us love and attend in the strange world of medicine?

Fr. Levi UC Nkwocha is a priest-theologian, pan‑Africanist, and scholar originally from Nigeria. His work focuses on interfaith dialogue, African/Black Theology, Catholicism, and global Christianity. This seminar is an opportunity to learn about a thoughtful framework for interfaith coexistence and the scholarship behind it.

This presentation explores two distinct—and often opposing—approaches within public health: Population Health Management (PHM) and Health Through Community (HTC). Dr. Karl Johnson will highlight key characteristics that differentiate these models and illustrate the contrast through practical examples. Drawing on the core values of public health and the unique challenges of our current historical moment, the presentation will make a case for shifting from PHM toward HTC.

The Convocation on the Rural Church is an annual opportunity for pastors from the North Carolina and Western North Carolina Conferences of the United Methodist Church to discuss issues that are important in transforming rural churches and communities and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.