By Donald R. Fitzkee
Prominent speaker, activist, and best-selling author Shane Claiborne is the keynote speaker for the March 26-27 “Seeking First the Kingdom” spiritual renewal event at Lancaster (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. The event focuses on the theme “Living Simply in a Complex World.”
Claiborne will deliver two keynote presentations during the Saturday portion of the event, which runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. His keynote themes are “What if Jesus Meant the Stuff He Said?” and “Maladjusted People.”
On Sunday morning, Claiborne will speak on “Economics of Rebirth” at 9 a.m. in an adult class in the Family Life Center and then will preach on “Another Way of Doing Life” during the 10:15 worship services (traditional and contemporary services are held concurrently).
Claiborne worked with Mother Teresa in Calcutta, founded The Simple Way in Philadelphia, and leads Red Letter Christians, a movement of people who are committed to living “as if Jesus meant the things he said.” Among his books are Jesus for President, The Irresistible Revolution, and his newest book, Beating Guns.
Other Saturday presenters and workshop topics are:
— Two sessions on “Simple Fairness and Simple Future” led by David Radcliff, director of the New Community Project
— Two Bible studies on “Who’s a Worrywart?” and “The Slippery Slope of Burnout” led by Pamela Reist, pastor at Elizabethtown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren
— “What the Plain Community Can Teach Us About Simple Living” led by Steven M. Nolt, senior scholar at the Young Center at Elizabethtown College
— “Simple Living Can Impact Climate Change” led by Barry D. Stoner, a clinical social worker
— Two Spanish language Bible studies, “La Singular Sencillez de Jesucristo en un Mundo Multi-Religioso y Materialista” (The Unique Simplicity of Jesus Christ in a Multi-religious and Materialistic World) and “La Singularidad de Jesucristo en un Mundo Multi-religioso y Materialista” (The Uniqueness of Jesus Christ in a Multi-religious and Materialistic World), led by Joel Peña, pastor at Alpha and Omega Church of the Brethren in Lancaster
A simple lunch is included. Participation is free, but an offering will be taken. Pre-registration no later than March 21 is requested for planning purposes, but same-day registrations will be accepted. The Atlantic Northeast District Ministry Commission is offering continuing education credit for Church of the Brethren ministers. For more information, including the event brochure and online registration, visit https://lancob.org/news.
— Don Fitzkee is on the pastoral team at Lancaster (Pa.) Church of the Brethren.
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