Click here to view the past outstanding presentations in our lecture series!

	Being a Christian in the 21st Century, Dr. Marcus Borg Coming Oct. 29-31, 2010. Four lectures over two days. Each lecture is $15. All four lectures both days is $60 which includes lunch on Saturday. Marcus J. Borg is Canon Theologian at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Portland, OR. Internationally known in both academic and church circles as a Biblical and Jesus scholar, he was Hundere Chair of Religion and Culture in the Philosophy Department at Oregon State University until his retirement in 2007. He has appeared on NBC, ABC, PBS and National Geographic. He is a fellow of the Jesus Seminar and was the national chair of the Historical Jesus Section of the Society of Biblical Literature. He is the author of many books on Jesus and Christianity. Click for a complete bio on Dr. Borg. We graciously thank Thrivent Financial for Lutherans for support in presenting this educational program. Fri., 7:00-9:00 pm: The Heart of Christianity in a Time of Change. Sat. 9:00-10:30 am: Reading the Bible Again for the First Time. 11:00 am-12:30 pm: Jesus - the Life, Teachings and Relevance of a Religious Revolutionary. Lunch 12:30-1:30 pm. 1:30 pm-3:00 pm: Christian Life in a Post-modern World. Sunday worship at 9:30 am. Adult Forum 10:45 am: What Does it Mean to Be a 'Progressive' Christian?
	Enlivening the Word, by Dr. Richard F. Ward Coming February 25-27, 2011 Dr. Richard Ward occupies the Fred B. Craddock Chair in Preaching and Worship at Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa, OK. Dr. Ward holds a Ph.D. from Northwestern University, a M.F.A. from Trinity University (in conjunction with the Dallas Theater Center), and a M.A.R from Christian Theological Seminary. He was ordained in the United Church of Christ. He brings to the study of preaching a rich background in performance studies and practices. He is particularly interested in the arts of storytelling and oral interpretation of scripture as they inform and enrich the ministry of preaching.(Click for bio.) Fri., 7:00-9:00 pm: Enlivening the Word. Sat. 9:00-10:30 am: Why Storytelling? 11:00 am-12:30 pm: Speaking with the Text: Giving Voice to the Story. Lunch 12:30-1:30 pm. 1:30 pm-3:00 pm: Finding Stories Between the Lines. Sunday worship at 9:30 am. Adult Forum 10:45 am: Q and A
	Spiritual and Religious: The Shape of Congregations for a Vital Future, Dr. Diana Butler Bass Coming October 28-30, 2011 Dr. Diana Butler Bass is an author, speaker, and independent scholar specializing in American religion and culture. She holds a Ph.D. in religious studies from Duke University and is the author of seven books including: A People's History of Christianity: the Other Side of the Story (HarperOne, 2009). Her best-selling Christianity for the Rest of Us (2006) was named as one of the best religion books of the year by Publishers Weekly and Christian Century. Diana regularly consults with religious organizations, leads conferences for religious leaders, and teaches and preaches in a variety of venues. During the weekend, we will have some of Dr. Bass's books available for purchase. She will be happy to sign a book for you. (Click for bio.) Fri., 7:00-9:00 pm Sat. 9:00-10:30 am 11:00 am-12:30 pm Lunch 12:30-1:30 pm 1:30 pm-3:00 pm Sunday worship at 9:30 am. Adult Forum 10:45 am: Q and A