Release date: Sept. 24, 2003
Contact: Elaine Justice, Associate Director, University Media Relations,
at 404-727-0643 or ejustic@emory.edu

Reformation Day At Emory Features Methodist, Lutheran Traditions

The Rev. ST Kimbrough, one of the country's foremost authorities on Charles Wesley, will give a lecture and dramatic presentation on Methodism's premier songwriter and theologian during the 16th annual Reformation Day celebration at Emory University's Candler School of Theology Tuesday, Oct. 21.

The day-long event will celebrate the ongoing conversations between Methodists and Lutherans by highlighting the music and theology of both traditions. Lectures and performances will focus on Charles Wesley (brother of Methodism's founder John Wesley) as a Methodist theologian and Johan Sebastian Bach as a Lutheran theologian.

Timothy Albrecht, Emory University organist and professor of music, will present a morning recital on "Bach's Musical Theology," followed by a morning chapel service with sermon by Bishop Ronald B. Warren of the Southeastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Kimbrough, a well-known lecturer and performer, will give a lunchtime lecture on Charles Wesley's theology and a dramatic presentation later that afternoon titled, "Sweet Singer." Kimbrough is founding president of the Charles Wesley Society, author of "Charles Wesley: Poet and Theologian," and editor of three volumes of "The Unpublished Poetry of Charles Wesley." He also serves as associate general secretary for mission evangelism with the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church.

Capping Reformation Day is the annual Kessler Reformation Concert, which will take up Luther's chorale, "Savior of the Nations, Come," published in a 1536 hymnal that is held by Candler's Kessler Reformation Collection in Pitts Theology Library.

Albrecht will offer commentary and perform three organ settings of Bach based on Luther's hymn. The Emory University Concert Choir, directed by Eric Nelson, associate professor of music, will perform Bach's Cantata BWV 61, "Nun komm der Heiden Heiland."

All Reformation Day events are free and open to the public. CEU credit is available. Reservations are required for lunch since seating is limited. Call 404-727-4430.

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