Join SWCOS staff and faculty for a spring semester gathering. Dr. Wendy Shaia will guide us through a contemplative reading of Dr. Martin Luther King's Letter from the Birmingham Jail. Pizza will be provided! What is a contemplative reading? Deep, contemplative reading, also known as lectio divina, or divine reading, is part of ancient Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim and many other religious traditions. Contemplative reading allows the reader to explore the text slowly, through quiet reflection, mindful attentiveness, letting go of distracting thoughts and opinions, and to be fully in the moment with the text. Contemplative reading brings together both the literal meaning of the text and the meaning discovered through personal reflection. The heartfelt letter we will read together was written by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., while in a Birmingham jail, in response to eight white clergy members who opposed his nonviolent protests to racial segregation. Location: University of Maryland, School of Social Work Room 3E34B Date: Friday, January 25, 2019 12:15pm -1:45pm RSVP before 1/18/19 www.eventbrite.com/e/a-contemplative-reading-of-dr-kings-letter-from-the-birmingham-jail-tickets-53026756456