Central Woodward Christian Church in Troy, Mich., will host its second annual Perry Gresham Bible Lectures on September 16 and 17, 2011. The lectures are named after the former president of Bethany College and second senior minister of Central Woodward Christian Church (1947-1953), then in Detroit. This year Dr. Bruce Epperly, the author of more than twenty books and a pastor, professor, retreat leader, and spiritual guide, will be the speaker/leader. Last year’s speaker was Dr. Ron Allen, Professor of New Testament and Preaching at Christian Theological Seminary.
This year Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) is co-sponsoring the event, allowing CWCC to add a Clergy Spiritual Formation Day to the lectures. The Clergy Day will occur on Friday September 16th (from 9-3) and carries the title: Tending to the Holy: Experiencing God in the Everyday Practices of Ministry. This seminar focuses on ways that pastors can be more attentive to God in the ordinary and everyday practices of ministry. Through meditative prayer, lectio divina, conversation, and theological discussions, participants will experience, first hand, ways that spiritual practices can deepen their ministries, prevent burnout, and support overall physical, spiritual, and relational well-being. Registration is $60 and includes lunch and a certificate from CTS for continuing education hours.
On Saturday, September 17th Bruce will lead a seminar for the broader community (clergy and laity) that is entitled: Living Acts: Where Mysticism and Mission Meet. In this seminar/lecture, Bruce will lead the participants in an exploration of Acts of the Apostles as a model for joining action and contemplation, and mysticism and mission. Acts of the Apostles can be seen as an invitation to share the gospel in a post-modern, pluralistic age, in which Christians share their good news in a wide-open spiritual environment. We will explore ways in which individuals and congregations can join theology, spiritual practice, evangelism, and social justice in changing their communities and the world. Participants will integrate theological reflection, quiet time, walking prayer, lectio divina, and mission visioning as a way of deepening their commitment to personal and global transformation. Participants will learn practices that will enable them to balance social concern and mission with overall wellbeing. (The sessions run from 9-3, with registration being $15 — includes lunch).
To register or to find more information on the Gresham Lectures check the website at http://centralwoodward.org or contact the church office at [email protected] or by calling 248-644-0512. You can also download the brochure as a PDF document.
Submitted to the Disciples News Service by Central Woodward Christian Church, Troy, Mich.
