Faith For Thought Video
FFT FAQ
What is Faith for Thought?
Faith for Thought is a one-day conference at the Pasquerilla Center at Penn State University Park where people can come together to explore how our Christian faith connects to our ordinary, everyday, going-to-class, showing-up-at work, sleeping, eating, walking-around lives. The conference will primarily address a student audience (undergrad and graduate), but it is open to any person who wants to who wants to connect real faith with real life.
What is this year's theme?
This year's theme is "In Practice." This year we want to talk about what are the practices or habits of a Christian who lives an integrated life. What does a Christian academic or Christian businessperson or Christian nurse do in their daily life to connect their faith with their occupation?
What happens at Faith for Thought?
There is a schedule available here. Briefly:
- We’ll share in a time of corporate musical worship together.
- We’ll be challenged by a provocative key-note session by Derek Melleby, co-author of The Outrageous Idea of Academic Faithfulness.
- We’ll attend selected breakout sessions on relevant topics (you will have the opportunity to attend two different sessions).
- We'll participate in a panel discussion called "Voices from the Journey," where panel members will answer specific questions by participants about how to live an integrated life.
- We’ll share meals together (breakfast and lunch).
- We’ll have the opportunity to buy books that explore the conference themes in greater depth.
- We’ll meet each other.
- And most importantly, we’ll meet with God; we pray we’ll connect more deeply to the living Christ and His purposes for us as we seek to live real, faithful lives.
Who is Derek Melleby? What's his keynote talk going to be about?
Derek Melleby is the director of the College Transition Initiative, a ministry of the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding and the Coalition for Christian Outreach. He is the author of Make College Count: A Faithful Guide to Life and Learning (forthcoming March 2011) and the coauthor of The Outrageous Idea of Academic Faithfulness. He lives in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania with his wife, Heidi, and two sons. Follow this link for more details about what Derek's keynote talk at Faith for Thought.
I really really really want to attend a certain breakout session. Is there any amount of pleading that will assure that I get into it?
Breakout session choices are granted on a first-come-first-served basis. The earlier you register, the better your chances of getting your choice of breakouts. Unfortunately, we have limited space, so once a breakout session is full, it's full! Don't fret, though, because you get to list your top 4 choices for traditional breakout sessions when you register. No matter when you register, there's a good chance that you'll get at least one of your choices.
I'm coming in from out of town and need a place to stay. Is that a problem?
Let us know if you definitely would like housing by Oct 1 by contacing Christy Reese and the coordinator will be in contact with you by Oct 10. We will do our best to help you find a place a stay if you indicate your need in advance. We will have a limited number of host families available for Friday (Oct 15) night. These spots will be given on a first-come-first-served basis.
The Pasquerilla Center, that's on campus, right?
Yup. Right by the Pattee/Paterno Library. Maps, parking info, and directions appear on the directions and schedule page.
What should I bring with me to the conference?
- A bible
- A journal or notebook for writing down your thoughts
- Questions for the panel
- Yourself
- If you are in Sam Van Eman's blogging session, your laptop - see below
What do I need to bring for Sam Van Eman's blogging session?
The blogging session is going to be a technological adventure. If you sign up for this session it is best if you can bring your own laptop or netbook to blog. Wi-fi will be available to all Penn State Students and non-students. For students, this is a free service. Faith for Thought will be covering the fee for visitor wireless. At registration, mention that you are a visitor taking Sam's session and will need access to the wireless. Penn State students, if you haven't already, please make sure you have the Penn State wireless connectivity software installed on your computer before you arrive. Click here for more information about using campus wireless.
Why does it cost $20?
Your registration fee covers breakfast and lunch and all conference materials. If you register before 11:59pm on October 6, you get a $5-off coupon for the Hearts and Minds Bookstore at the conference!
How do I sign up?
The registration form can be found here. In order for your registration to be processed you will need to pay your registration fee at the time of registration. Calvary's secure payment site takes all major credit cards and bank cards. If you are experiencing problems or cannot pay by credit card, contact us at faith4thought@gmail.com. The final registration deadline is 11:59pm October 14.
Can I volunteer to help setup, tear-down, or do other things to help out at the conference?
Of course! Email us at faith4thought@gmail.com for more information about volunteering at the conference.