Mathewes-Green to give public talk
Author Frederica Mathewes-Green will lead a seminar, “Discovering the Ancient Church,” on June 4 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Little Rock. The free seminar is open to the public and will be held 1-4 p.m. The church is at 1100 Napa Valley Drive.
Mathewes-Green’s writings have appeared in a wide range of publications, including Christianity Today, Smithsonian and the Wall Street Journal. She has been a commentator on All Things Considered and Morning Edition on National Public Radio and has spoken at several universities, including Harvard and Yale. She has also written 10 books, including Welcome to the Orthodox Church and Facing East: A Pilgrim’s Journey into the Mysteries of Orthodoxy.
Information is available by calling (501) 221-5300.
— Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Parish to present dinner theater
The Family Life Players of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Little Rock will present a musical dinner theater, Cold Case in Hot Springs, next month. Show times are 7:30 p.m. June 10-11 and June 17-18. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. before each performance. The menu on June 10 will be pulled pork barbecue, and tickets are $15 for adults and $6 for children. The menu on the other three evenings will include bacon-wrapped pork medallions and sides. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for senior citizens and $8 for children.
The production, based in 1967, centers on an unsolved missing persons case from the 1930s and will feature music, tales of local folklore and humor.
The dinner theater will be held in the church’s gymnasium, 1321 S. Van Buren St. Tickets are available by calling (501) 661-1756.
— Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Play explores life of John Wesley
St. Paul United Methodist Church in Little Rock will present a one-man play, The Man From Aldersgate, at 4 p.m June 12. The performance will explore the life and times of John Wesley, who is known as the founder of Methodism. Wesley was also known for preaching outdoors and traveling long distances, often on horseback, to do so.
B.J. Johnston will play Wesley. The drama was written by Brad L. Smith.
The event is free and the public is welcome. Refreshments will be served at intermission. The church is at 2223 Durwood Road. Information is available by calling (501) 666-9429.
— Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Author-nun to lead a silent retreat
Sister Macrina Wiederkehr, author and Benedictine nun, will lead a five-day silent retreat July 17-23 at St. Scholastica Retreat Center, 1205 S. Albert Pike Ave., Fort Smith.
The program, “The Beautiful Struggle of Daily Life,” will be based on writings from Wiederkehr’s book Abide: Keeping Vigil With the Word of God, which focuses on the spiritual practice of lectio divina, also known as sacred reading of the Scriptures.
Each morning participants will gather for a session on the theme for the day, with afternoons spent in silent prayer and practicing lectio divina, as well as opportunities for rest and individual spiritual guidance. During the evenings, participants will have time for communal prayer.
Cost is $500 and includes lodging and meals. Registration deadline is July 3. Information and registration are available by calling (479) 783-1135 or online at stscho.org/retreat-registration.