Westminster John Knox Press announces the release of “Were You There?: Lenten Reflections on the Spirituals”

February 11, 2019

Were You There?

Explores Themes of Sorrow, Silence and Lament

from Westminster John Knox Press

LOUISVILLE — “Were You There?: Lenten Reflections on the Spirituals” by Luke A. Powery, was published this month by Westminster John Knox Press. Valuable not only for their sublime musical expression, African American spirituals provide profound insights into the human condition and Christian life. Many spirituals focus on the climax of the Christian drama, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the ways in which those events bring about the liberation of God’s people.

In these devotions for the season of Lent, Powery leads the reader through the spirituals as they confront the mystery of Christ’s atoning death and victory over the grave. Each selection includes the lyrics of the spiritual, a reflection by the author on the spiritual’s meaning, a Scripture verse related to that meaning, and a brief prayer.

“Open the pages of Luke Powery’s new devotional and discover in those poignant African American spirituals of times past a powerful, living faith in Jesus, reminding us that, despite all we face, we too shall overcome,” writes the Rev. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church.

By examining the themes of sorrow, silence, and lament through the spirituals, readers will be inspired for reflection during this season of Lent. “Were You There?” serves as the companion to Powery’s Advent devotional focused on the spirituals, “Rise Up, Shepherd,” and is now available through Westminster John Knox Press and other major retailers.

Luke A. Powery is Dean of Duke University Chapel and Associate Professor of Homiletics at Duke Divinity School. Prior to his appointment at Duke, he served as the Perry and Georgia Engle Assistant Professor of Homiletics at Princeton Theological Seminary . He is one of the General Editors of “ Connections ,” a lectionary worship resource series from Westminster John Knox Press.

Luke A. Powery is Dean of Duke University Chapel and Associate Professor of Homiletics at Duke Divinity School. This article was reprinted with permission from the Presbyterian Mission Agency news Service.

Meetings

All meetings are held at the Presbytery of Baltimore's office unless a different location is indicated.

Steering Cabinet meets 1pm on Wednesday, Feb. 27
Reconciliation Commission meets 6:30 pm on Wednesday, Feb 27

Praise & Prayer

Please pray for the Presbytery of Baltimore – El Centro Presbiterio partnership as members gather in Cuba this week for the 2019 Encuentro. Twenty individuals from 11 churches in our Presbytery will travel to Cuba to participate in the Ecuentro from Feb. 15 – 22. The theme for this year’s Encuentro is “Living Our Faith.” Please join us in praying for El Centro Presbytery of the Presbyterian Reformed Church of Cuba and our partnership during worship service at your church on Sunday, February 17 ^th.

Presbytery & Church-wide

Per Capita: $35.73

Presbytery.......................................$25.93

Synod/Mid-Atlantic.........................$ .85

General Assembly............................$ 8.95

2019 Standard Mileage Rates: 58 cents for business and ministry

Confirmed Dates for the Dismantling Racism Training in 2019

Monday, May 20, 2019 at Chestnut Grove PC

(3701 Sweet Air Road, Phoenix, MD 21131), 8:30am to 5pm.

Morning refreshments and Lunch are provided

Registration Fee is $20. Registration Opens in March

Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019. Location TBA.

Registration opens in August 2019.

Churches

Harundale Presbyterian Church seeks Interim Pastor

Click here to learn more

Interfaith Concert at

Second Presbyterian Church

Second Presbyterian Church is hosting an interfaith concert entitled Music & Words for All Gods People at 7pm on Thursday, Feb. 28. The event features the Todd Marcus Jazz Orchestra.

CIick here for details . . .