11th Annual Silent Nights:
A Meditation on Grief During the Holidays
Thursday, December 12, 2024 | 6:30 PM - 7:45 PM
In-person at the Jung Center
5200 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX 77006
For many, the winter holiday season is a time to come together in joy and celebration, yet it is also a time when grief and loss are felt most deeply. Co-presented by the Institute for Spirituality and Health and Rothko Chapel, this annual event offers a safe space to hear and share stories of grief and know that you are not alone. Let us become more mindful of the mental, physical, and spiritual strain we and others face during the holidays so that we may manage those stresses and take spiritual refreshment from this festive and sacred season as we move into the new year.
SPEAKERS:
Cynthia A. Johnson MACE, MS, BCC
Cynthia, a Houston native, was married for thirty-six years. A business owner, she pursued ministry and earned a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. For ten years, she has served as a chaplain at Houston Methodist Hospital, starting as an intern and advancing to Sr. Staff Chaplain, where she works with seriously ill patients, including those at the end of life, in the medical ICU. Cynthia loves her ministry and impactful role in palliative care.
Steve Thorney
Steve is a retired Presbyterian Church (USA) minister and Board-Certified Chaplain. Steve and his wife, Chris, live in Missouri City, enjoying visits with their nearby son, Tony, and daughter-in-law, Michelle, while doting on grandchildren Michael (9), Harrison (7), and Madelyn (5). He served many years as a staff chaplain at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and for nine years as an Associate Pastor at Southminster Presbyterian Church in Missouri City, Texas. He enjoys camping, hiking, singing, and playing guitar.
Don Payne
Don Payne is an accomplished communicator with over thirty years of experience in media and telecommunications. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunications from Indiana University and has won multiple awards for his work as a television producer, director, and writer. His expertise extends to public relations, having served as Press Secretary for various political campaigns and as Director of Communications for the Mayor of Houston. Currently, he is involved with a major telecommunications company, focusing on the rollout of 5G networks nationwide. Aside from his professional successes, Don is committed to his Christian faith, contributing to various ministries and emphasizing unity, civil discourse, and solutions to societal divisions as core tenets of his mission.