Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Festival of Homiletics Day One

If you live in the Nashville area, that strange smell in the air is what happens when 1,700 preachers gather.

Preachers and manure - you know the rest.

Anyway, it's been an eventful gathering thus far.

I ran into so old seminary friends, and am eager to catch with them while here.

Last night we heard the chancel choir from First Baptist, Nashville, at least 80 voices strong.

Outstanding, in fact, they remind me of my own choir at Saint John's.

Tom Long gave the opening sermon. First time I've heard him in person, although I've heard of him for years. Very stirring and indicting on the nature of worship too easily co-opted by culture, and the preaching worship moment lost.

We also heard from Barbara Brown Taylor, who was fabulous - in speaking to us about preaching in parables. Having had her at Saint John's only a few months ago, it was good to see her again and share in a few minutes of conversation.

On tap today:
Long and Brown Taylor this morning
Anna Carter Florence and another Faith/Health Symposium alum, Walter Brueggemann.

Also, "on tap," today, some much needed table fellowship with old friends, if you know what I mean.

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