On November 12 & 13, 2023, we will welcome Peter Enns (Ph.D.), Abram S. Clemens Professor of Biblical Studies at Eastern University and founder of The Bible for Normal People podcast, as guest speaker for the Edmunds Lecture Series of Second Presbyterian Church.
About the Speaker: Peter Enns (Ph.D.)
Dr. Peter Enns is Abram S. Clemens Professor of Biblical Studies at Eastern University and founder of The Bible for Normal People podcast. He has taught undergraduate, seminary, and doctoral courses at numerous other schools, including Princeton Theological Seminary, Harvard Divinity School, and Temple University.
Peter speaks and writes regularly to diverse audiences about the intersection of the ancient setting of the Bible and contemporary Christian faith; what it means to read the Bible with both eyes open to its problems and challenges, and to its promises and possibilities. He is a frequent contributor to journals and encyclopedias, and has written or edited over a dozen books, including The Bible Tells Me So, The Sin of Certainty, and How the Bible Actually Works.
Peter resides in suburban Philadelphia with his wife Susan.
About the Artist: Rosemary Ann St. Jacques Guzman
Our appreciation is extended to Rosemary Ann St. Jacques Guzman for her interpretation of the 2023 lecture series. Original art has been produced for every lecture series since 1999, when Dr. Bud Robertson was the speaker. Each piece depicts the theme of the lecture the year in which it was commissioned. All the works can be found somewhere in the church facilities, with several them hanging in the hallway between the Associate Pastors’ offices. The hope is that the art collection of the church will inspire both memories and theological reflection.
Rosemary Ann St. Jacques Guzman, studio artist, was born in Roanoke and is a member of Second Presbyterian Church. She graduated with a BFA in Fashion Design from Virginia Commonwealth University. Rosemary enjoys experimenting in incorporating paintings and fabric. Her studio is located at Gallery 202 in Roanoke Market Square.
A word from the artist . . . “[In preparing for this piece,] I listened to Dr. Enns’ podcast. And I heard the part about where he, as a pastor, before speaking to a bunch of people in San Francisco said, ‘What do I know?’. Being educated in divinity, one would think he would have the answers. As an artist, I concentrate on painting springs of water. Water that just comes up from the ground. I always drank tap water; I had never seen where water came from. Until I did. When I did, I thought, ‘What do I know?’ I thought in the Bible about where God said He will make springs in the desert. I thought of Moses standing on tall rocks, striking a rock, and what it must have looked like to see a river be born. The very essence of life, and color coming into a monotone landscape is what I hoped to capture in my painting. What do I know about where life keeps coming from? In my minds eye, I can see in the end there are more colors we can’t see yet. This is an exploration of the faith I know those colors are there.” – Rosemary Ann St. Jacques Guzman.
Rock of Horeb, Spring in the Desert
Original artwork by Rosemary Ann St. Jacques Guzman
Schedule of Events
2023 Edmunds Lecture Series: When Your Faith Takes Turns You Never Saw Coming
Sunday, November 12, 2023:
- 8:45 and 11:00 a.m.: Worship, Sanctuary
- Join us for our Sunday morning worship services to hear Dr. Peter Enns offer the morning’s sermon, “No One Has Ever Seen God,” and scripture reading from 1 John 4:7-12.
- 7:00 p.m.: Lecture, Sanctuary
- “Okay, Universe. You Have My Attention.”
- Reception to follow in Fellowship Hall.
Monday, November 13, 2023:
- 7:00 p.m.: Lecture, Sanctuary
- “Okay, Life. I Get It.”
- Reception to follow in Fellowship Hall.
Admission is free. These lectures are partially funded by an endowment in memory of Dr. Spencer Edmunds, a faithful minister of Second Presbyterian from 1923 to 1941 and the Kittye Susan Trent Fund. We have not yet reached a level that will fully sustain the biennial series, so if you would like to make a contribution, your gift will be greatly appreciated.