Join us the weekend of November 4 and 5 as we welcome visiting scholar, Dr. Brent Strawn, the D. Moody Smith Distinguished Professor of Old Testament and Professor of Law at Duke University, as we discuss one of the most challenging and pressing issues of our day – Gun Violence.
Gun violence has impacted us here at home (with last year’s mass shooting at MSU) and around the nation. It has taken over national headlines in our discussions of safety, freedom, and personal rights as Americans. Rather than shy away from these conversations, the church should lead the way in having important conversations, especially as it pertains to living out our Christian faith in the world. For that reason, we are inviting Dr. Strawn to come speak and help us understand violence in light of our Judeo-Christian faith, and how we might respond as followers of Jesus.
Dr. Strawn specializes in ancient Near Eastern iconography, Israelite religion, legal traditions of the Old Testament, and Old Testament theology. He has appeared on CNN numerous times on topics ranging from the Bible in politics, Pope Francis, religious holidays, and gun violence. He is the author of many books, most recently Honest to God Preaching: Talking Sin, Suffering, and Violence (Fortress Press, 2021). He was also Pastor Jeff’s preceptor for his Old Testament survey class at Princeton Seminary and a longtime friend and colleague.
Saturday, November 4
Honest about Violence: From the Old Testament to Now and Back Again
A two-part lecture led by Dr. Strawn and Pastor Jeff Lincicome in the Sanctuary
Part 1: 10 – 11 am
Part 2: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Refreshments will be offered in Fellowship Hall during the break.
No reservation required. Free event.
Music at Memorial presents Requiem for Victims of Gun Violence
7:00 pm, Sanctuary
The Grosse Pointe community gathers to remember all whose lives have been forever altered by gun violence during the past year. The evening’s prayer for victims, families, and friends is focused by the transcendent “Requiem” by Gabriel Fauré, sung by the combined choirs of GPMC and Kirk in the Hills, with an orchestra of horns, strings, harp and organ.
No reservation required. Free admission.
Sunday, November 5
Dr. Strawn will be preaching at the morning services: 9 and 11 am.