Open Table

Open Table students will embody the community modeled by Jesus in the Feeding of the Five Thousand (Mark 6: 34-44). As part of the weeklong experience, students will attend Friday prayers (Jummah) at the local Islamic Center and Sabbath (Shabbat) at the Jewish Temple. The week will be filled with worship experiences, small groups sessions, theology classes, field trips, fun, and fellowship! The capstone of Open Table is the Credo; students will give voice to their own theology and faith tradition. They will have the opportunity to provide practical answers to questions like: how do we emulate hospitality as a community of faith? Who is invited to our table? Who is left out? After a weeklong theological experience, students will take ownership of their faith and go back to their faith communities inspired to engage the world with new eyes and open hearts. Throughout the week you will engage the sacred texts within Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. You will immerse yourself in a weeklong discussion about your faith with other high school students and you will learn from faculty and religious leaders who will guide you through a fascinating exploration of hospitality in the Abrahamic texts. Open Table is located on the campus of the University of Evansville. You will spend a week on campus living in a residence hall, eating in the Ridgway University Center dining hall, praying in sacred space on campus, and learning more about college life. Open Table youth theology institute will host up to 30 high school students from around the country at the University of Evansville. We are looking for young men and women who are interested in learning more about the Christian tradition and its relation to Judaism and Islam, the Abrahamic traditions. Specific Criteria for Applicants: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors; Students who desire to learn more about leadership and excellence; Students whose faith is important to them and/or who want to know more about the Abrahamic traditions; Open Table is grounded from our United Methodist tradition, but is open to students of all denominations and faith traditions; Students who want a college experience where they will be challenged intellectually, theologically, and spiritually. Thanks to a generous grant of the Lilly Endowment, Inc., every student admitted to the 2018 Open Table youth theology institute will be given a full tuition scholarship valued at over $2,500. Students are responsible for any travel expenses they may incur to and from the University of Evansville. Application process includes online application, essay, and references.