First Presbyterian Church of Sylva is pleased to host Dr. John Swinton, Professor of Practical Theology & Pastoral Care at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. John will be with us on Saturday, Oct. 15 from 10am-2pm (and again on Sunday morning). He will give a presentation called “Finding Jesus in the Storm,” focusing on the intersection of mental health and Christian discipleship. All are welcome to attend from the church and larger community. A light lunch will be provided, and childcare will be available upon request. Please email the church office with any questions or to request childcare: office@sylvapres.org. The event is free of charge, although donations will be gratefully accepted.
About John Swinton
John Swinton is Professor and Chair in Divinity and Religious Studies at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. He focuses on theology, disability, mental health, and pastoral care. On the Aberdeen website, he writes,
The foundation for much of my research and teaching has emerged from my background in nursing, ministry and healthcare chaplaincy. I worked as a nurse for sixteen years initially within the field of mental health and latterly within the area of learning disabilities. I also worked for a number of years as a hospital chaplain, latterly as a community mental health chaplain. It was whilst working in these fields that I began to gain a passion for developing modes of care that are genuinely person centred and which take seriously the significance of theology, spirituality and religion within the processes of healing, healing and community building.
I am an ordained minister of the Church of Scotland with a strong commitment to supporting the work of the church. I am member of Aberdeen Presbytery and currently secretary of Christ's College, which is responsible for the welfare and education of candidates for the ministry of the Church of Scotland.
Books by John Swinton
