Follow our blogs on Medium and here.

An announcement will go out soon regarding end of year celebrations. Please stay tuned for deatils.
laptop with coffee and pencils
A few tips to stay focused and healthy while working and studying at home:
  1. Avoid news overload. Decide when you will tune into the headlines.
  2. It is easy to suddenly find yourself following each hyperlink in a story. Give yourself a time-limit on news.
  3. Schedule in non-screen time. Taking your lunch break? Close the laptop or put in sleep mode.
  4. Continue spiritual, exercise, non-work reading practices.
  5. Remember, physical distance not social-emotional distance, stay in contact family, friends, faith communities.
Building/Facilities
The building remains closed and no one is permitted inside the building. Cameras have been installed at main entrances, and card readers readers will not grant access to building.
Writing Center
Michael L. Muñoz Sekuras
Online office hours:
Tuesday: 11am-2pm
Wed-Thur: 11am-2:30pm
Zoom link
VU Libraries
In keeping with the Metro Public Health Department’s Safer at Home Order, all Vanderbilt Libraries are now closed. All Library Services and Resources, including Live Chat with a Librarian, are available online.
VUIT
As of March 23, and in accordance with national and local guidance, VUIT is working 100% remotely and onsite visit requests are being thoroughly vetted by VUIT leadership for technical needs and impact. Onsite visits are only being allowed for significantly urgent needs.
VUIT is still available to help with your IT needs remotely. 
View their most updated schedule, here. If you need help, you may reach them:
Online: help.it.vanderbilt.edu
Phone: 615-343-9999
Email: divinity-helpdesk@vanderbilt.edu 
>> Beware of new phishing scam
>> Cyber safety best practicers while working remotely
University Counseling Center
The University Counseling Center is currently supporting Vanderbilt students through telemental health until further notice. Make sure to check their website for updates! 
University Updates
Track University updates here (including a special note to graduating students). 

VDS Community Announcements

Connect online throughout the week!


MONDAY: From Noon to 12:15pm, members of the community will lead us in scripture reading, poetry, simple ritual for Meditations. Join the recurring zoom meeting on Zoom.
WEDNESDAY: There is no worship this week (4/15). Coffee hour is still on! 
Meeting ID: 199 113 995
Password: 043879
THURSDAY: Tea Time begins at 4pm. Drop in with your favorite beverage or snack and catch up wtih members of the VDS community.
Meeting ID: 956 611 851
Password: 076109

Spiritual Formation Resource: Mining Spiritual Resources for Social Justice
A reminder that the “Mining Spiritual Resources for Social Justice Leadership” handbook is still available for personal or group reflection. At the conclusion of each entry are discussion questions that invite deeper reflection and engagement with some idea related to spiritual practices. You may download the entire handbook, here.

What's keeping you engaged?


We're collecting stories of what life has been like over the last few weeks. Did you pick up a new hobby? Find a practice or discipline you'll continue after this time of social distancing?
Funny, inspirational, contemplative, challenging. We'd love to hear it.
If you have something to share, you can begin by visiting this form. No stories will be shared without your consent.

VDS Food Pantry Update


The pantry is closed while the building is being disinfected.
If you are in need of supplies, please reach out to any of our VDS staff or our deans, and we will help connect you with resources.

Resources + Readings


Mind + Body + Spirit
VDS alum Aleksei Weaver (they/them) has a personal training practice that is social justice focused, and welcomes ALL bodies and people. They will be sharing some workouts through this facebook group for free. Join if you are interested!
Coronavirus Sanity Guide from Ten Percent Happier
Free wellness apps compiled by NBC Los Angeles. 
PopSugar's list of free online workouts.
Coloring pages from Illustrated Ministry--a faith formation resource for all ages and stages! They've released free resources to support congregations and families, and you can download coloring pages here.
Marketplace (American Public Media) has compiled a list of things to read and listen to.
Watch + Listen + Tour
Club Quarantine Dance Party with DJ D-Nice
Visit museums around the world!
List Of Live Virtual Concerts (NPR)
Livestreams and virtual concerts from Billboard
Amazon Prime is making a selection of family-friendly and programming for kids available for free streaming on Prime Video, no membership required. 
Services + Resources
TN Department of Human Services: SNAP benefits.
Neighbors helping neighbors: a list of coronavirus mutual aid efforts in the South
Autoimmune-Compromised and Disabled Rural Queer Mutual Aid by Queer Appalachia
National Database with localized resources
Tips on building community on Zoom
Readings
A Virus Doesn't Care Where You're From (NYT)
Capitalism Has Its Limits (Verso)

Jobs, Internships, Events


  • The Writing Studio is currently accepting applications for graduate writing consultants. Application review is ongoing. Learn more >>
  • Learn about Transition into Ministry Residency Program at Plymouth Congregational UCC in Des Moines, Iowa. Monday, April 20th, 3:00 CST. Register here >>
  • For the next VU Parenting Group meeting, the Women’s Center will be hosting Dr. Kathleen Seabolt, the Executive Director of the Vanderbilt Child and Family Center. Register here >>
  • 2020 Tennessee Faith & Justice Summit. April 21, 2020. Register here >>
  • McCormick Theological Seminary Trauma Symposium (shared by GDR alum, Lis Valle-Ruiz). Thursdays in April, 12-1:30pm CST. Register here >>
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