December 9, 2005                                                                       

A Symposium on Faith and Medicine

Fifth in a Series Planned at Spartanburg Methodist College

SPARTANBURG, S.C. –  A symposium planned for March 2 at Spartanburg Methodist College will explore the often-complex relationship between faith and medicine.

Symposium participants will include doctors and other medical professionals, such as nurses, professors, theologians and scholars of religion.  They will offer insight into how a renewed interest in spirituality by physicians and other healthcare professionals is impacting both health and end-of-life issues and how the Church is currently addressing health care issues among the faithful. In general, the symposium will explore the role of spirituality in the healing process.

Through a series of seminars and discussions with, the symposium will provide an opportunity to learn about the relationship between faith and medicine from a theoretical and practical perspective. The following is a schedule for the symposium:

11:00 - 12:00 pm Check-in - Burgess Student Center, Fireplace Room

12:00 - 12:05 pm Welcome - Dr. Charles P. Teague, President, Spartanburg Methodist

College - Fireplace Room

Invocation - Reverend Candice Sloan, Spartanburg Methodist College Chaplain

& Director of Church Relations - Fireplace Room

12:05 - 12:35 pm Luncheon

12:35 - 12:40 pm Introduction to the Symposium and to the Opening Speaker -

Dr. Mark Gibbs, Professor of Religion, Spartanburg Methodist College -

Fireplace Room

12:40 - 1:40 pm Opening Address: "Ensuring Your Values, Beliefs, and Wishes in a Medical Crisis:” Wes Collins, M.A., Advance Care Planning Coordinator, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, Fireplace Room

1:40 - 1:50 pm Break

1:50 - 2:35 pm Breakout Sessions: Rotation I

Session 1: “Healing Stories in the Bible” - Candice Sloan, M. Div., Administrative Board Room (use back entrance of the SMC Library)

Session 2: “Health Ministry: Promoting Health Within Faith Communities” - Georgia Lanford, RN,

Manager, Congregational Nursing Program, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, Davis Mission Chapel

Session 3: “Spirituality and Healing: The Current Evidence and Discussion” - John Simmons, MD, Montgomery 104

Session 4: “What You Need to Know & Do In Advance of a Life-
Threatening Illness/Injury” – Wes Collins, M.A., 3rd floor Library

2:35 - 2:45 pm Break

2:45 - 3:30 pm Breakout Sessions - Rotation II
(selections listed above)

3:30 - 3:40 pm Break

3:40 - 4:25 pm Breakout Sessions - Rotation III
(selections listed above)

4:25 - 5:00 pm Reception - Buchheit Administration Building Lobby

5:00 - 5:05 pm Introduction to the Keynote Speaker-
Dr. Mark Gibbs, Davis Mission Chapel

5:05 - 6:05 pm Keynote Address - “Theology and Health in a Therapeutic Culture”

Keith G. Meador, M.D., Th.M., M.P.H., Professor of the Practice of Pastoral Theology and Medicine, Duke Divinity School, Davis Mission Chapel

6:05 - 6:30 pm Q & A