“The Gospel of Mark and 21st Century Ministry” is the theme of a continuing education event sponsored by the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center and held on the campus of Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa.. The event is planned for Monday, Nov. 9, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the college’s Von Liebig Center.
Keynote speaker for the event is Dan Ulrich, professor of New Testament at Bethany Theological Seminary. Alongside his address, the event also features a panel of speakers including Belita Mitchell, pastor of Harrisburg (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren and a former Annual Conference moderator; Eric Brubaker, pastor of Middle Creek Church of the Brethren; David Witkovsky, chaplain of Juniata College; Steven Schweitzer, academic dean at Bethany Seminary; and Jeff Carter, president of the seminary.
“How can followers of Jesus bear faithful witness to God’s reign in the 21st-century?” asks a promotional flier for the event. “Whereas churches in the United States were once part of the dominant culture, cultural marginality seems more likely now and in the future. Dan Ulrich will describe how the Gospel of Mark challenged its original audience to be faithful in spite of (or even because of) their marginality, sufferings, and misunderstandings. While interpreting the anointing of Jesus (Mark 14:1-11) and other key passages, Dan will explore how Mark can help us envision life-giving ministries for our times and places.”
The panel will bring responses from several distinct Brethren ministry settings, sharing how insights from Mark may be understood and lived out in their own ministry contexts.
Cost is $60 and includes light breakfast, lunch, and .6 continuing education units. More information and registration are available online at www.etown.edu/programs/svmc/index.aspx . Register by Oct. 19. For questions contact 717-361-1450 or svmc@etown.edu .