"That the whole church become more fluent in the first language of faith, the language of Scripture, in order that we might live into our calling
as a people renewed, enlivened, empowered and sent by the Word."
(ELCA Book of Faith Initiative Vision Statement)

2010-11 Book of Faith Lecture Series

Join with St. Matthew’s church as we grow in our fluency in the “first language of faith.” This language is practiced as we experience more fully the power of the Word as shared by the speakers in our 2010-2011 Book of Faith series.

Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010
Dr. Thomas Long
Sunday Worship: 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. / Adult Forum: 9:45 a.m.
Luncheon and Presentation: 12:00-3:00 p.m.
Encounters with Scripture

Videos and photos of Tom Long's presentations Sept. 26 [here]

The Rev. Tom Long has been named as one of the 12 most effective preachers in the English speaking world by Baylor University, along with Fred Craddock, Billy Graham, William Willimon. Ordained as a Presbyterian, he is the Bandy Professor of Preaching at Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta. He has written extensively and is in high demand as a preacher and presenter. We are, indeed, fortunate to have him with us for Sunday, September 26, at the 8:30 and 11:00 services and then for a session from 12:30-3:00 p.m., luncheon and topic: “Encounters With the Scriptures.”

We are using the afternoon session, 12:30-3:00 p.m., as a part of our Book of Faith Lectures Series, which will include four lectures between September and April. Tom Long is the first of these. For now, save the date to hear an engaging preacher and presenter; we are blessed to have Dr. Long with us.

The Rev. Thomas G. Long is Bandy Professor of Preaching at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, and is one of the most popular preachers in the United States today. “When Thomas G. Long preaches, the congregation is immediately engaged. Other preachers in the congregation start taking notes. Here is one of the best contemporary preachers and teachers of preaching...” (John Buchanan, editor and publisher, The Christian Century; pastor, Fourth Presbyterian Church, Chicago, Illinois)

Sunday, April 3, 2011
A Day With Dr. Ralph W. Klein
Worship: 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. / Adult Forum: 9:45 a.m.
12:00-3:00 p.m. – Luncheon and Presentation
The King James Version of the Bible at 400: 
What Bible Should We Read Today?

2011 marks the 400th anniversary of the publication of the King James Version of the Bible. Translation of the Bible into the language of everyday people really began with Martin Luther, and translation into English began with one of Luther’s students, William Tyndale, who was executed for his efforts. This program will rehearse the fascinating history of Bible translation, including the enormous influence of the King James Version on the English language and on church life. But it will also suggest ways of making the most of the great variety of English translations we have today.

Ralph W. Klein is a Christ Seminary-Seminex Professor of Old Testament emeritus at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and Curator of the seminary’s impressive rare books collection. He also is nearing completion of a commentary on 2 Chronicles for the Hermeneia Bible Commentary series. 

His website on the Old Testament and the Ancient Near East may be found at http://prophetess.lstc.edu/~rklein.

More information about the Sunday morning Adult Forum is online [here].

Videos and photos of Ralph Klein's presentations [here]

More information about the ELCA Book of Faith initiative is also available on the Book of Faith website [here].