Powery leads 2018 Perkins Lectures

Doctor Presents “Human Questions from the Divine Word”

First United Methodist Church of Wichita Falls invites you to their annual Perkins Lectures on March 4 and 5, 2018. This year’s speaker is Rev. Dr. Luke Powery, Dean of Duke University Chapel and Associate Professor of Homiletics at Duke Divinity School.

Dean Powery is recognized as a national leader in the study of the art of preaching, a sought-after keynote speaker and lecturer, and author of several books, including Spirit Speech: Lament and Celebration in Preaching; Dem Dry Bones: Preaching, Death, and Hope; and Rise Up, Shepherd! Advent Reflections on the Spirituals. In 2008, the African-American Pulpit named him one of 20 outstanding black ministers under the age of 40 who are helping shape the future direction of the church. More recently, in 2014, he was inducted into the Martin Luther King Jr. Collegium of Scholars at Morehouse College for his ethical and spiritual leadership in the academy, church, and broader society.

Join us on March 4 and 5 as Dean Powery presents “Human Questions from the Divine Word.”

Sunday, 10:30 a.m.: “On Disappointment and Hope: Why Did It Yield Wild Grapes?”
Sunday, 7 p.m.: “On Hurt and Healing: Is There No Balm in Gilead?”
Monday, 11 a.m.: “On Abandonment and Embrace: Why Have You Forsaken Me?”
Monday, 7 p.m.: “On Idleness and Mission: What Should We Do?”

Monday morning’s lecture will be followed by a luncheon for clergy.

The Perkins Lectures were founded in 1943 by Mr. and Mrs. J.J. (Lois) Perkins. The Lectureship’s purpose is stated in its original charter, drafted in 1943: “To bring consecrated, capable speakers of note to deliver in said First Methodist Church, talks or lectures pertaining to and in furtherance of the Christian Religion … for the benefit of the members of said Church, for the benefit of Methodism generally, and for the benefit of the public at large.”

Published: Friday, April 6, 2018