April 14 - 15, 2023

Charlottesville, VA

Living a life of faith, one inextricably bound to Jesus, requires the hope that only comes through the death and resurrection of Jesus and the fellowship of other believers who encourage us along the way.

Living in the Light is a two-day, in-person event full of fellowship, learning, and fun at 128 Chancellor Street and around the Charlottesville area. Living in the Light provides an opportunity for parents, alumni, and friends to experience the faith and fellowship offered through our ministry.

As we expand our building, we are excited to expand our offerings to you as well. (Hard hat tours of the ongoing construction will be offered!)

Friday, April 14

Welcome Reception

Quirk Hotel Charlottesville
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Join us for a Welcome Reception at the Quirk Hotel on Friday evening with UVA Faculty, Grounds ministers, and friends of the Study Center as we kick off our weekend of fun and fellowship together! Drinks and heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served.

Saturday, April 15

The Center for Christian Study
9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Conference

Scripture Study

Executive Director Bill Wilder will lead us in a time of scripture reflection and prayer as we consider what it means to “live in the light.”

Breakout Sessions

We’re delighted to welcome UVA Faculty and Grounds ministers for two breakout sessions on practicing faithfulness in a secular university.

Faculty Breakout Session Speakers

John Owen (UVA Professor of Politics)
Barbara Armacost (UVA Law Professor)
Angel Parham (UVA Professor of Sociology)

Grounds Ministry Breakout Session Speakers

Pete Bullette (Chi Alpha)
Emily Isler Francis (InterVarsity)
Fantashia Cooper (Fellowship of Christian Athletes)

Enjoy lunch (included in the cost of your registration) and fellowship after our morning sessions conclude.

Lunch and Fellowship

Afternoon Activities

2:00 p.m.

Race and Place in Charlottesville Walking Tour with Louis Nelson
Learn about the racial legacy of the University of Virginia with your guides, Louis Nelson, Architectural History professor, former Study Center board member, and creator of the Study Center Race & Place podcast, and DeTeasa Gathers, a leader of the University Descendants Community. In addition to a historical walking tour of the University, you will visit the exhibition in Pavillion X on the Lawn, and end at the newly installed Memorial to Enslaved Laborers near the Corner. 

Guests are welcome to gather afterwards at The Ridley on Main Street, a new restaurant celebrating upscale soul food. 

Estimated Time Commitment: 2 hours



Geology and Theology Hike with Bill Wilder
Enjoy great views of the valley—and the distant past. Standing on rocks that were once sand on an ancient seashore, the group will discuss Virginia’s tumultuous geological past, how long it took to happen, and how we should understand that story in light of biblical and scientific evidence.

Plan for about a 1 hour drive to the RipRap Trail off Skyline Drive, a two hour hike of moderately difficult terrain, and a one hour return. Guests are invited to join Bill for dinner at the Blue Mountain Brewery in Afton, VA afterwards. 

Estimated Time Commitment: 4 hours


Film Viewing and Discussion with Drew Trotter
For years, former Study Center Executive Director Drew Trotter offered his frequent analysis of popular films and their cultural implications. In this session, Drew will revive his role as our interpreter of contemporary film. A current film will be viewed and together we will unpack what the film tells us about ourselves, our relationships, our world, and how we can engage with those in our sphere of influence.

Guests are welcome to gather afterwards at The Ridley on Main Street, a new restaurant celebrating upscale soul food. 

Estimated Time Commitment: 3 hours

Select one of three trademark Study Center activities for Saturday afternoon - it will be tough to choose! Please register for these events separately from your conference registration.

Announcing our Lunch Keynote Speaker: Jim Holmberg

Jim, a longtime Study Center friend, will offer a reflection on the biblical meaning of success and how this perspective has challenged his own professional and personal choices. Jim has served for 20+ years as an executive at Goldman Sachs.

Meet our speakers

  • KEYNOTE SPEAKER

    Jim is a UVA ‘Double Hoo’ (Econ ‘96, Darden ‘02), former Darden Christian Fellowship President, Army Ranger, 20+ year Goldman Sachs executive, husband and father

  • STUDY CENTER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Bill Wilder has been the Executive Director at the Center for Christian Study since 2009. He completed his Ph.D in biblical studies at Union Theological Seminary. Bill and his family spent two years overseas as missionaries in Nigeria.

  • PROFESSOR OF POLITICS

    John Owen holds an A.B. from Duke University, an M.P.A from Princeton University, and a Ph.D from Harvard University. His expertise is in war, regime change, religion, and international security. He formerly served on the Study Center Board.

  • PROFESSOR OF LAW

    Barbara Armacost became a lawyer after several years in nursing. She holds a degree in theological studies from Regent College in Vancouver as well as a law degree from UVA. Barbara formerly served on the Study Center board.

  • PROFESSOR OF SOCIOLOGY

    Angel Adams Parham holds a B.A. in sociology at Yale University and a M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research is in the historical and comparative-historical sociology of race.

UVA Faculty Guest Speakers

UVA Grounds Minister Guest Speakers

  • CHI ALPHA

    Pete and his wife Amy have served at Chi Alpha at UVA for over 20 years. Chi Alpha hosts large group gatherings, retreats, discipleship opportunities, and more.

  • INTERVARSITY

    After graduating from UVA in 2017, Emily has gone on to serve InterVarsity at UVA and Tidewater Community College. She is currently the Assistant Regional Director of Virginia at InterVarsity USA.

  • FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES

    Fantashia is a former athlete, track coach, and minister. Her work with FCA at UVA has led her to minister to coaches and athletes across Grounds. She holds a degree from Southern University in Baton Rogue.

Lodging and Parking

We have a discounted rate at the Quirk Hotel (where the Friday reception is held), Courtyard Marriott on Main Street and the Marriott Residence Inn Main Street through March 13.

Other nearby locations include The Graduate, The Draftsman, Hampton Inn Main Street, The Quirk Hotel, and the Boar's Head Inn.

Lodging

Please visit our webpage for parking information. Contact danielle@studycenter.net if you have any questions.

Parking