Important Dates
February
8 Public Theology Lecture / Finding Rest in God: Therapeutic & Ministry Insights (Zoom), register here
17 Art Institute Field Trip (hosted by Dave Bjorlin & Alex Macias), register here
27 Dinner at the Widmans’ (hosted by Bret & Janine Widman), register here
Community Worship
Join us in Isaacson Chapel at 5 pm on Thursday for a Community Worship Service. This week in Community Worship Professor Michelle Dodson will be preaching. And be sure to stick around afterward as we gather for dinner together in Olsson Lounge!
Join us in Isaacson Chapel or online! To join chapel via zoom click here or use:
Meeting ID: 844 9924 3990
Passcode: 642453
Public Theology Event-Finding Rest in God: Therapeutic and Ministry Insights
Wednesday February 8th, 12:00 p.m.- 1:30 p.m. on Zoom
How can individuals and faith communities attend to their mental health and set healthy boundaries that contribute to a rich rhythm of rest? Our panelists Deborah Masten and Hillary Wildt will draw on their expertise in mental health and provide therapeutic and ministry insights for the church today.
This event is free but requires registration. To register click here!
Changes to Nyvall News
Starting next week Nyvall News will be emailed out using a different platform. The newsletter itself will look the same once you click the link, but it may look different in your inbox.
Crux Formation Coordinator Position Opening
North Park University’s Crux Discipleship Cohort is now hiring for the position of Formation Coordinator! Crux is a first year curricular and co-curricular community of discipleship for undergraduate students at NPU that focuses on fresh theology, civic engagement, and intercultural relationships both on campus and in the city of Chicago.
Applications are due March 31st at 11:59pm, after which they will be reviewed and an interview process will begin. Compensation is an 8K stipend across the year, with free housing included throughout the school year. The position can qualify for internship credit, and is open to all seminary students living on campus or willing to relocate to campus. See job description for more details, and please reach out to Matt Butin (mwbutin@northpark.edu) if you are interested!
To download the full job description click below!
Continuing Education Workshops
The School of Professional Studies at North Park University is offering three Continuing Education (CE) workshop opportunities throughout the spring 2023 semester for mental health professionals seeking to expand their skills. Continuing Education Units–required by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation — are available for Licensed Professional Counselors and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors.
NPTS’s Dr. Elizabeth Pierre will be teaching one of these workshops on Singleness and Mental Health.
Procrastinators Anonymous
It is that time of year again. Want to stay on top of your homework AND build community? Study with Procrastinators Anonymous! In these dynamic study sessions, we either discuss study skills (such as notetaking and following the rubric) or break into small groups to catch up on reading, discuss class content, or build community. This space will be what the group desires and needs for it to be. We meet in front of the writing center (inside the library) weekly. Meetings are held Wednesdays and Fridays from 11am-1pm.
Questions? Email Antonio Pizarro, Assistant Director of the Writing Center at apizarro@northpark.edu.
University Partner Fest at the Art Institute
On Saturday, February 25, the Art Institute of Chicago will host University Partner Fest, a daylong event at the museum where students from University Partner institutions are invited to explore the museum, meet their peers, and learn from faculty and museum professionals across institutions. The program will include:
- Art talks led by college and university students
- A museum career panel
- Gallery activations led by University Partner faculty
- An art-making activity
- An exclusive reception for all guests featuring museum staff and intern alumni
- Information about internships and job opportunities
This event is free and open to students, staff, and faculty at North Park. Simply show a valid ID at a registration table, located in either lobby on the day of the event, to receive a free ticket and event program. Contact gvazquez@northpark.edu with any questions.
Awakenings Gathering Conference
Disruption is a necessary element in all creative formation; it precedes renewal. Gather at the Awakenings Conference this April in Chicago, where you will be able to connect with other theological practitioners from across the country so you can find inspiration and leave empowered to do your very best work in your community. North Park Theological Seminary is a proud sponsor of the event, which will take place at Evanston Vineyard Church, and our own Dean Dennis Edwards is one of the speakers. You can find out more information and register for the event here.
Study Abroad on a CTU “Tour-Grimage”
This year, Catholic Theological Union will host two extraordinary international “tour-grimages” (part tour, part pilgrimage) for students. As members of ACTS, NPTS students are welcome to attend!
The first of these trips, the Biblical Study + Travel Program, will be led by Professor Kate Oxsen of CTU’s Biblical Literature and Languages department. From April 27- May 18, 2023 participants will travel around Israel and Palestine encountering the places where Jesus walked and where the earliest Christians established the beginnings of our beautiful tradition. Registrations for this program close on January 31, 2023.
The second of our trips, the Origins of Franciscan Spirituality trip through Italy from June 2-13, 2023, will be led by Professor Gilberto Cavazos-Gonzalez, OFM, the Duns Scotus Chair of Franciscan Spirituality at CTU. This trip will introduce participants to the worlds of St. Francis and St. Clare in Rome and Assisi. Registrations for this program close on March 12, 2023.
Both of these trips may be taken for audit or course credit. A prerequisite May term course must be completed to receive credit for the Franciscan Spirituality trip.
More information on the itineraries, prices, and applications for these trips can be found at ctu.edu/travel. Questions about these experiences can be directed to Leslie Hoppe, OFM at leslieh@ctu.edu.
Spring Semester Counseling Resources
Counseling Support Services is offering a variety of counseling support options for students this semester free of charge. If you are experiencing unmanageable anxiety, sadness, difficulty adjusting, problems in relationships, or if you are hurting due to the many challenges before us, Counseling can help. We also offer Mental Health First Aid Training so that you can learn how to help friends and family that might be experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis.
Individual Counseling Support – Free, confidential, short-term individual counseling support is available via telehealth and in-person. Request counseling via the counseling request form at northpark.edu/counseling, or by walking into our offices at 3317 W Foster, #24 on the campus map.
Group Counseling Support –
Practical Ways to Manage Anxiety
Mondays, 10:30–11:30 a.m., February 6–April 24
Do you have trouble letting go of anxious thoughts? Do you feel worried all the time? You are not alone. Come learn the skills to combat anxiety and to help you navigate life’s daily stressors.
Feeling Good About Me: Boosting Self-Esteem
Tuesdays, 4:30–6:00 p.m., February 7–April 18
How we feel about ourselves can dictate how we respond to stress, build relationships, and make decisions. This group offers skills, strategies, and artmaking to help students learn to develop a healthier self-esteem and feel more confident.
Effective Strategies for Managing Stress
Thursdays, 4:30–6:00 p.m., February 9–April 20
Feeling overwhelmed and stressed? Join us to learn strategies to better manage daily stressors, and to build confidence in managing overwhelming situations and feelings.
For registration and inquiries, email: counseling@northpark.edu
TAO – TAO is an anonymous, self-service digital mental health support tool that is available free 24/7 to all current North Park students, faculty, and staff. Information and registration link at TAO
Let’s Talk – In collaboration with campus partners, Let’s Talk is an informal, walk-in support service that offers confidential meetings with a North Park counselor free for all NPU students at various locations around campus. Students can drop in (no appointment necessary) to speak with a counselor.
All sessions are from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Mondays: Helwig Recreation Center, 207A
Tuesdays: Brandel Library, Helwig Conference Room on 1st floor
Wednesdays–Fridays: Health & Counseling Office, 3317 W. Foster Ave.
Additional information at Let’s Talk
Mental Health First Aid – Students, faculty, and staff are invited to register for this free training opportunity that is designed to teach you how to approach, assess, and assist a person who may be experiencing a mental health challenge
Upcoming training dates include February 15 & Wednesday, February 22, 2023, 2:00pm-4:30pm and Wednesday, April 12, 2023, 10:30am-4:00pm. Click here to register for training!
Seminary Shenanigans
Courtesy of our very own @nptscampus account. Be sure to like and follow on Instagram or TikTok!