Emmaus Institute plans ‘Redeeming Communication in a Hostile World’ June 5 and 12
(SNR) – The Emmaus Institute for Biblical Studies will present a morning seminar at St. Mary School in David City Saturday, June 5, and at St. Mary Church in Nebraska City Saturday, June 12, both on the theme “Redeeming Communication: Christian Speech in a Hostile World.”
The format will be similar on both occasions: weekday Mass at 8 a.m., refreshments at 8:30, presentations from 9 to noon, and lunch and a question-and-answer period from noon to 1 p.m.
The seminar will feature penetrating talks by the Emmaus teaching staff addressing the nature of Christian communication and how speech is meant to be shaped by the way God has shared himself with the world in his Word.
In a session entitled “Words That Hurt and Words That Heal,” Emmaus president Dr. Vern Steiner will survey the biblical Voice of Wisdom, especially as heard in Proverbs and Sirach, gleaning some of the Bible’s richest insights on the power of words and on how speech to one another and to the world can be for good and not for evil.
In a second talk “Sticks and Stones?” associate teacher Joshua Burks will focus on James 3 and the costly weight of words, and will explain how sins such as lying, gossip, and slander lie at the root of many modern problems in the Church and in the world.
The Nebraska City seminar will include a third session, “Gracious and Seasoned with Salt” (Col 4:6) by associate teacher Chad Steiner, who will explore practical ways to develop skills necessary for fruitful communication – including tips on how to argue without quarreling – as well as the virtues necessary to practice such skills wisely so that one’s speech is truly Christian.
The content is designed to be informing, inspiring, and accessible to people at all levels who wish to understand how God desires and instructs his people to speak to one another, and to a world that is fractured and fragmented by hostility.
Hour-long question-and-answer sessions will follow the presentations at noon, while seminar attendees will have a catered lunch provided by The Keeping Room in Nebraska City and Northside Café in David City.
For more information and to register, visit www.emmausinstitute.net or contact the Institute office at 402.327.1671 before the registration deadlines: June 3 for David City, and June 10 for Nebraska City.
The seminar cost of $30 includes a binder of handout materials; refreshments and lunch are provided by generous friends and sponsors.
All are welcome. As space is limited, interested attendees are encouraged to register early.
For more information about the Emmaus Institute, now in its second year of operation, please visit the Institute website (www.emmausinstitute.net).
