three students in conversation

The Scott Center sponsors and hosts numerous ongoing events throughout the year.  Join us for any and all that appeal to you, and be sure to check back often to see what’s new and coming up!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Every Thursday, starting Feb. 13

Weekly Community Gathering  

Middlebury Chapel

poster with red background and photo of meditation floor cushions in chapel

We carry so much in these precarious times.

Come any Thursday at 3:45 for these 30-minute Weekly Community Gatherings in the chapel. Led by Dean of Spiritual & Religious Life, Mark Orten, quiet time for ourselves and one another is held with deep care and gratitude. All are welcome to these lightly guided circles and no experience is necessary.

Every weekday when classes are in session

Weekday Morning Sitting Meditation  

McCullough Crest Room

text against bright green grass with sunrise in the background

Join us for 15 minutes of silent meditation every weekday morning, led by various staff, faculty, and students.

Every Wednesday when classes are in session

The SlowDown  

McCullough Crest Room

multi colored watercolor of words Slow Down

Come enjoy homemade chai and homemade cookies with members of The Scott Center staff as we slow down our pace for a bit of socializing and crafting.  Watercolors, polymer clay, collaging, grown-up coloring books, puzzles and beading materials provided!

Every Saturday night, beginning Sept. 14

GATHER: Radically Inclusive Christian Community  

46 South Street

soup and bread on brown wooden table

For the Christian, Christian-curious, Christian-conflicted and anyone interested in exploring the deep places in loving community. 

Share a homemade meal of soup and bread over lightly-guided scripture readings, discussion and prayers.

Interested but can’t attend? Email Prof. Mary Jane Simpson, msimpson@middlebury.edu

Every second Sunday: Oct. 13, Nov. 10, Dec. 8, Jan. 12

Shape-Note Singing  

McCullough Mitchell Green Lounge

young people and elders singing from songbooks

Please note that the Dec. 8 gathering will happen off-campus.  Contact rosenber@middlebury.edu for details on location.

Described as spiritual, joyful, powerful, and raucous, Shape Note (or Sacred Harp) singing is a traditional American style of four-part, a capella, community singing popular in the United States before the Civil War. This style still thrives across the US and in the UK, with strongholds in the American South and New England. It is called Shape-Note because the notes of the scale are indicated by distinctive shapes and names: Fa – triangle, Sol – circle, La – square, and Mi – diamond.

Facilitated by Prof. Emeritus David Rosenberg every second Sunday.

Spring 2025

Conflict Transformation: On-The-Ground Case Study in Northern Ireland  

photo of city wall with the word PEACE and images of conflict
Section of Belfast Peace Wall

click here for a full description of our Spring 2025 course and trip (INTD 0160), offered in conjunction with the Davis Collaborative in Conflict Transformation.

RECENT EVENTS

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Ash Wednesday Service  

Middlebury Chapel

blue poster with sign of the cross drawn in ashes

Dean of Spiritual and Religious Life Mark Orten will lead an ecumenical Christian service and imposition of ashes.  Prof. Mary Jane Simpson, guest preacher.

Monday, Jan. 20, 2025

Flights to Freedom: Lift MLK's Legacy through Speech, Song and Art  

College Park (opposite Shiretown Market)

blue poster with origami peace cranes

Gather with College and town community members for a special event honoring the life and message of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Be inspired by readings from two of his speeches performed by Oratory Now students, raise up your voice in song with a pop-up choir, and witness our community-wide Paper Cranes Project take flight!   Hot beverages provided.  All are welcome.

Notice of location change by 9:00 am Jan. 20 at go/middlebury.edu/cce/

Hosted by The Scott Center for Spiritual & Religious Life, the Anderson Freeman Resource Center, and the Center for Community Engagement at Middlebury College.

Friday, January 10, 2025

American Muslim Civic Engagement and Activism  

Hillcrest 103

smiling Muslim woman in headscarf and business attire against a burgundy background

Join the Muslim Student Association in a conversation with community organizer, activist, and Middlebury Posse alumna Rana Abdelhamid.  Abdelhamid started a non-profit organization, (Malikah, based in New York) that has trained thousands of women around the world in self-defense, anti-hate crime advocacy, and emotional healing work. She has also run for Congress. Dinner will be catered from Taste of India.

Sunday, December 8, 2024

A Candlelight Service of Lessons & Carols for Advent and Christmas  

Middlebury Chapel

Holy Family as modern refugees against a dark blue sky

An annual celebration of traditional Christmas music and biblical texts of the season. Led by Dean of Spiritual and Religious Life Mark R. Orten, and Middlebury College Choir Musical Director Jeffrey Buettner.

Two services, at 4:00 and 7:00 pm. Donations will be accepted for local charities.   

Large print programs available. American Sign Language interpretation at the 4:00 service only.

Every Thursday during Fall Term

Goodness, Grief and Gratitude Circle  

Middlebury Chapel

candles set in smooth round stones on a bed of sand

A lightly-guided weekly ritual to share care and support in response to campus and world events.

Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024

Post-Election All-Day SlowDown  

Crest Room, McCullough

dark blue watercolor image of mountains and night sky with text "Inhale, Exhale, It is Well"

Counter your election anxiety with snacks, crafts and good company at an all-day drop-in SlowDown with Scott Center chaplains and staff.

Oct. 2-12, 2024

High Holidays 2024/5785  

colorful artwork wreath with apples and pomegranates

See our full High Holidays schedule here.

Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024

Scott Center Welcome Back Dinner!  

46 South Street

We’ll provide a catered all-vegetarian dinner to celebrate the beginning of the year.  All are welcome!

August 28-September 8

Scott Center Orientation Activities  

Comic book-style boom! welcome sign

Take a look at all the ways you can connect with The Scott Center at this fall’s Orientation events!