The Gibson Series  2010

August 2 – 6 

“The History of Evangelicalism”

 Dr. Randall Balmer, professor of American religious history at Barnard College, Columbia University, has been teaching at Columbia since earning the Ph. D. from Princeton University in 1985.  He has also taught in the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism as a visiting professor at Dartmouth College and at Yale, Princeton, Rutgers, Drew, Emory and Northwestern universities.  He is adjunct professor of church history at Union Theological Seminary, and from 2004 until 2008 he was visiting professor of American religious history at Yale University Divinity School.  He has lectured at such places as the Chautauqua Institution, the New York Historical Society and to audiences around the country.  Under the auspices of the State Department, he has lectured abroad in Lebanon and Austria.  He has also been a guest on National Public Radio, “Fresh Air with Terry Gross” and “Morning Edition.”

Dr. Balmer, an ordained Episcopal priest, will be the featured speaker for the Gibson Lecture Series at the Congregational Summer Assembly.  He will be addressing the topic:  “The History of Evangelicalism.” The lectures will be held Monday through Friday, noon till 1:00 p.m., at the Assembly Building on the CSA grounds.   Dates are: August 2 – 6.  You are welcome to bring a sack lunch.  Members of the Frankfort community and beyond are cordially invited to attend.  No fee will be charged or offering taken.

Other Opportunities for Spiritual Growth

Three-Week Book Study

What does it mean to be “spiritual” but not “religious?”  Can you have “faith” without “belief?”  Defying claims that “God is dead,” religion is gaining new importance around the world… for better and for worse… at the beginning of the 21^st century.  Join a discussion of the new and provocative book, “The Future of Faith,” by Harvard theologian, Harvey Cox, beginning Wednesday July 14, noon to one in the Assembly Lounge.  Additional meeting dates are Wednesday, July 21 and Thursday, July 29.  Books are available in Frankfort at The Bookstore and from Amazon.com.  Three books are also available for loan at the CSA office,  Contact the office for further information. 

Vesper Services on Crystal Knoll

Vesper services are deeply embedded in the history of the Congregational Summer Assembly.  In years past, they have been held on a knoll at the Frankfort Golf Course overlooking Crystal Lake.  They have also been held on the Lake Michigan bluff.  Although absent from the schedule for many years, two vesper services will be held this year; the first on July 11 at 7:30 p.m. and the second on August 8, also at 7:30 p.m.  The twenty-five minute services will be offered on Crystal Knoll located just up the hill from the Assembly Building.  All are invited to attend.

Four Session Book Study

“Is the concept of Sin outmoded?  Does it no longer have theological validity or appropriate bearing on our personal, social or corporate life?”  These questions are addressed in a meditative book, “Disordered Loves,” by William Stafford, Episcopal priest and professor of Church History at Virginia Theological Seminary.   Dates for the study are Tuesday and Thursday, August 3^rd and 5^th… and Tuesday and Thursday, August 17^th and 19^th.  Time:  8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the Assembly Lounge.  Unfortunately the books are not available at the Frankfort bookstore, but they are for sale at Amazon.com.  Four books are available for lending.  Contact the CSA office if you would like to borrow one.

Occasional Sunday Evening Programs

Occasional Sunday evening programs are offered at the Assembly Building.  The first one will be held on July 25 at 7:00 p.m.   Barbara Anderson and John Romani, using slides and verbal presentation, will speak on the topic:  “HIV, Poverty and Changes in Standard of Living in South Africa.”    

Sunday Morning Worship in the Meeting House

In addition to a marvelous choir and beautiful worship setting, the Word will be proclaimed each Sunday by these ordained clergy persons:

June 20                                                       Robert McQuilken

June 27                                                       Jonathan Knight

July 4                                                          Pam Pendexter

July 11                                                        Paul Hammer

July 18                                                        Betsy Anderson  (Celebration of Life)

July 25                                                        Kathy Dwyer

August 1                                                     Randall Balmer   (Citation Sunday)

August 8                                                     Fred Edmonds    (Communion)

August 15                                                   David Cartlidge

August 22                                                   Ned Edwards

CSA Ladies Bible Study

Thursday mornings at Pilgrim Place.  We will gather between 9 and 9:30 for a cup of coffee or tea and a chance to chat.  Then we’ll spend an hour studying.  Laura Rauschert Millar and Joan Boecker Hughes will guide our discussion of lessons from the study guide Sermon on the Mount by John Stott.  Child care can be provided during the study by calling Cindy Cox 352-9701 preferably at least a day in advance.

Adult Bible Class         Studies in Genesis   

Meeting Sunday Mornings from 9-9:50 in the Meeting House South Room.