What a week! Whether you are crushed or elated by the results of the presidential election, we’ve all been taken on a roller-coaster of emotions these past few months. Author Miranda Zapor Cruz writes to remind us about our truest identity, grounding us in our primary citizenship in God’s Kingdom and calling us to live that out. This reminder is one that you can pass along to anyone across the political spectrum, and we hope it will encourage you and your communities to be salt and light in the world. And for those who might like to explore this topic a bit more, join us for an interview with Miranda Zapor Cruz on Monday, November 11 at 9:00 pm (eastern) in the finale event of our Fall 2024 book club. You’re welcome to join in even if you haven’t read Faithful Politics or been part of the book club!

“The results of the election might change our circumstances, but they don’t change our identity or our mission. Our citizenship is in heaven, and we can live out that citizenship in ways that are consistent with love of God and neighbor.”

Between the news cycle and the stacks of papers and books that surround you, words have a way of taking over. Words can be beautiful and life-giving, but there are moments when we might benefit from engaging in something that connects with all of our senses. We’re reminded of this article by Cindy Bunch on the practices of observation and noticing. No matter what is happening in our world, let’s remember our corporeal nature and be sure to take care of minds, bodies, and hearts. God’s love for us all invites us into that space of deep care — be welcomed!

“Nature is our teacher. It can lead us to gratitude for ordinary gifts in a time of extraordinary difficulty. It can open us to God’s nearness. If we notice.”

You’re Invited!

Pray with us. You’re invited to our online, 30-minute guided prayer meetings on Fridays at 8 am, 9 am, and 12 pm (Eastern). Can’t come? Send your prayer requests anyway by emailing us at wsap@intervarsity.org. Ready to pray? Join the Zoom meeting here for those Friday meetings.

Chat with the author of this season’s book club selection! Join Women Scholars and Professionals on Monday, November 11 at 9 pm (eastern) for an interview with Miranda Zapor Cruz, author of Faithful Politics: Ten Approaches to Christian Citizenship and Why It Matters. We hope you register today!

Are you in the Dallas, Texas? Women Scholars and Professions is hosting a gathering in the Dallas area on November 14, 2024. Will you join us? Come enjoy some appetizers, meet other women faculty and staff from the Dallas area, and participate in conversation as we consider what it looks like to be God’s people in the places he has called us. Please RSVP — and we hope you invite your colleagues!

IVP Faculty exam copies. Professors can request a free exam or desk copy for InterVarsity Press titles adopted for classroom use up to three times a year. Your free exam or desk copy will be sent to you within four weeks. Register for a professional account to access this benefit!

Are you an InterVarsity alum? Use promo code IVCFALUMNI to get a 25% discount at ivpress.com.

Downloadable Pocket Prayer Card from Graduate Healthcare Ministries. Medical students at Brown asked for a small resource that would prompt them to pray throughout the day. Colleague Renee Nicholas created this card with psalms and short prayers to support them — and you’re invited to use it too! Thanks, Renee!

Exploring the Microcosmos: Advent Meets the Microscope — Science Communicators of Faith. The Science Communicators of faith group has its next event scheduled for November 19 at 2:00 pm (central). There will be a special demonstration of the foldscope microscope by an official Foldscope Instruments, Inc. representative, and some advent devotions led by theologian/pastor John van Sloten and Soil Scientist Beth Madison. All are welcome. If you register by the end of this week, you will be entered into a raffle to win a free foldscope microscope! Register here.

Calling All Scientists! The American Scientific Affiliation is hosting their Winter Symposium on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 1:00 pm ET/10:00 am PT. The topic is "AI & Christianity" and features speakers Joanna Ng and Rosalind Picard. Register for this online event here.

Save the Date: February 21-22, 2025 for Believers in Business. As the largest Christian MBA gathering in the country, the 2025 Believers in Business Conference is a key intersection of the Christian MBA and Christian professional communities. Mark your calendars to join them in New York this February!

Are you a new graduate student? We invite you to subscribe to a unique newsletter from InterVarsity’s Graduate and Faculty Ministries designed to support and encourage first-year grad students as they embark on the next step of their academic journey. If you’re a first-year graduate student, click here to subscribe.

Four More Things We Loved This Week

1. How Keepers at Smithsonian’s National Zoo Help Giant Pandas Feel at Home

2. Go Slow and Repair Things. Tish Harrison Warren offers her thoughts on how to be the church in this cultural moment. (Christianity Today, unlocked)

3. Laura Vanderkam has practical thoughts on how to manage sick days with small children.

4. 4 Signs You Need Rest—And How To Heal For A Stronger Mind And Body