What you'll learn
Teaching Sessions with Eric Barreto and Martin Tel
Enjoy daily class time with Eric Barreto and Martin Tel exploring the Book of Acts in Easter Worship.
The Book of Acts is often associated with worship in the season of Easter, particularly in lectionary traditions. Barreto’s teaching sessions will consider how key passages from Acts can shape a series of worship services from Easter to Pentecost that touch on issues, such as immigration, racial justice, and the environment. Particular attention will be given to Latinx theology, perspectives, and bilingual worship resources. Participants will outline a sermon series based on Acts for the Easter season, including bilingual (Spanish/English) selections for congregational singing.
Pinnacle Presbyterian church
Congregation-based Theological Education
Travel to Pinnacle Presbyterian Church for a conversation about congregation-based theological education. At 25 years, Pinnacle Presbyterian has built ministry around doing traditional church programming in innovative ways. Five buildings on 20 acres, including a sanctuary designed to integrate themes indigenous to the Southwest, are a case in point. Their Fran Park Center for Faith and Life is another, developing a national model for congregation-based theological education. On Monday afternoon, January 6, we will explore these themes in a tour and conversation with Rev. Dr. Wes Avram, pastor of Pinnacle Presbyterian Church.
Mexican Baroque Organ Concert
Pinnacle Presbyterian Church (PPC) invites us to experience their internationally recognized Richards, Fowkes & Co. pipe organ. We ask, how can a pipe organ build bridges, bond cultures, and open a dialogue around the topic of cross-cultural relationships? PPC’s organist, Illona Kubiaczyk-Adler, will present a concert of Mexican composers from the Baroque to the present and offer a discussion in the evening on Monday, January 6.
Meeting the Challenges of Pastoral Ministry Today
Join with Seminary students as Dr. Wes Avram, pastor of Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, leads a conversation about the challenges of congregational ministry in our time, holding traditional visions with a nontraditional spirit. Monday evening, January 6.
Sing for Life
Learn about Sing for Life at Pinnacle Presbyterian Church. Sing for Life is a newly formed chorus for individuals suffering with early-stage Alzheimer’s or dementia. Singers are accompanied by a care partner for a two-hour gathering that includes fellowship and singing. Studies show that the results are life-changing for both parties as music is not forgotten for those with the disease. Students and attendees will observe the rehearsal and engage in fellowship with singers and their partners in the morning on Thursday, January 9.
Additional Offerings
Please note that the excursions listed below are opt-in. Participants will be expected to provide their own transportation and may be asked to sign a waiver in order to participate.
Conversation on Religion and Immigration in Arizona
Take part in an excursion to Arizona State University for a conversation about religion and immigration, led by Dr. Jason Bruner, associate professor of religious studies in the School of Historical, Philosophical, and Religious Studies at Arizona State University. Participants will have dinner on their own in Phoenix. The conversation is planned for Tuesday afternoon, January 7.
Reflection and Hike
Dr. Michael Hegeman, associate director of the Fran Park Center, will lead a group on a hike in the beautiful Phoenix mountains, tackling Piestewa Peak. This time will be spent reflecting on the historic place of Native Americans in this region, current immigration concerns, and our call as Christians to address these matters. Participants will hike at their own pace and cover the full hike or only a portion. Finding a shaded spot to read and rest is an option as well. The hike is set for Wednesday morning, January 8.
Concert: A Mighty Stream: Celebrating the Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. in Song
On Monday, January 16, at 7:00 pm in the Pinnacle Presbyterian Church sanctuary, the Princeton Seminary Touring Choir will join with the Pinnacle Presbyterian Chancel Choir to lead in a singing celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Streams are vibrant, deep and wide, sometimes overflowing. Streams merge and diverge. They resist straight lines. “But let justice roll down like water and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24) provides the basis of the musical exploration for how Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy influenced and “flooded” the world.
Conversation: Religion and Immigration in Arizona
On Tuesday, January 17, participants may take part in an excursion to Arizona State University for a conversation about religion and immigration, led by Jason Bruner, associate professor of religious studies in the School of Historical, Philosophical, and Religious Studies at ASU. Participants will have dinner on their own in Phoenix.
Excursion: Hike
On Wednesday, January 18, participants may take part in a hike in the beautiful Phoenix mountains, ascending Piestewa Peak. Michael Hegeman, associate director of the Fran Park Center, will lead this time, reflecting on the historic place of Native Americans in this region, current immigration concerns, and our call as Christians to address these matters. Participants will hike at their own pace and cover the full hike or only a portion. Please note that participants will hike at their own risk.
Event: Sing for Life
On Thursday morning, January 19, participants may take part in an open rehearsal for Sing for Life at Pinnacle Presbyterian Church with the Director of Ministries in Music and Arts, Ilona Kubiaczyck-Adler. Sing for Life is a newly formed chorus for individuals suffering with early-stage Alzheimer’s or dementia. Singers are accompanied by a care partner for a two-hour gathering that includes fellowship and singing. Students and attendees will observe the rehearsal and engage in fellowship with singers and their partners.
Locations:
Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center
7415 E Elbow Bend Rd.
Carefree, AZ
Pinnacle Presbyterian Church
25150 N Pima Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona State University
975 S. Myrtle Ave.
Tempe, AZ
