Location: City of Refuge Church 3150 Yellowstone Blvd, Houston, TX 77054

Welcome and introduction

This event was congruently run alongside the national ASA Winter Symposium. Our local chapter met in person at City of Refuge Church. Prior to joining the virtual session of the symposium, we talked with those joining us for the first time. 

Presentations

The keynote speaker was Philip Yancey was gave a presentation titled "God, Science, and the Pandemic: With Lessons from John Donne." One overall theme of his talk was how we can learn from past Christians who have walked through trials akin to our own. We are not the first to experience a pandemic, and we certainly will not be the last. As we hope a future generation of Christians might be able to learn from our situation, let us humbly look to our faith heritage to see what we can learn from them. Philip Yancey's talk was followed with a panel composed of pastors, counselors, and more. They dug further into the ramifications that our faith, and thereby our call to compassion, have on us during great times of distress and dissension. 

Discussion

Our own member Micah Forshee helped facilitate discussion and questions among those present. We were able to relate to each others' personal experiences and difficulties in trying to balancing concern for scientific inclinations and care for those around us. Particularly, how has the church responded in times so full of strife. During our time together, we were also able to share lunch together. 

Upcoming

At the time of this event, we had yet to plan details for our next gathering.