Jesus’ Prayer: A Reflection on John 17
We frequently read of Jesus in prayer throughout the gospels; however, John 17 is distinctive in that we are presented with Jesus’ longest prayer, and one that occurs shortly before His death and resurrection on the cross. The prayer is deeply personal, theologically meaningful, and instructive for our own prayer lives. This class will reverently explore our Savior’s prayer.
Speaker Bio: Dick Walstra and his wife Jennifer joined the First Pres family in 2023 after moving to Wheaton from Oak Park to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Dick is currently an accounting professor at North Central College. He has had a long-time commitment to, and involvement in, Christian education.
Good Soil: The Mary We Forgot
There is a lot of confusion surrounding Mary Magdalene in our churches and culture today. Who was she and what was her significance in Jesus’ ministry? By drawing from her new book, The Mary We Forgot: What the Apostle to the Apostles Teaches the Church Today, Rev. Dr. Jennifer Powell McNutt sorts through the muddle to highlight how Mary Magdalene serves as a faithful model of discipleship.
Speaker Bio: For the past 16 years, Jennifer Powell McNutt has served as Professor at Wheaton College in Illinois and teacher elder in the Presbyterian church. Jennifer is an award-winning author and teaching, and she will share with us material from her latest book, The Mary We Forgot (Brazos Press, 2024), about the discipleship of Mary Magdalene.
Messiah: Handel’s Sermon in Music
Messiah, a celebrated oratorio by George Frideric Handel, is considered one of the most well-known and often performed choral works in the English language. While Handel composed some of his most enduring and unforgettable music in Messiah, he also uses the musical styles of his day to deliver a convincing sermon in music. This four-part class will explore the music, symbolism, and historical context of this beloved masterpiece. (The first two parts of this class will be 10/27 & 11/3. Parts three and four will be 2/9 & 2/16.)
Speaker Bio: John Patrick Rakes is a versatile conductor whose dedication to artistic and educational excellence is evident in his performing and teaching. He is the Artistic Director of the Downers Grove Choral Society. Recent performances include the Carnegie Hall premiere of Zelenka’s Miserere in C minor. Dr. Rakes also teaches as an Adjunct Professor at both Wheaton College, North Central College, and Kishwaukee College while serving as Pastor of Music and Worship at Church of the Savior in Wheaton, Illinois.
Dr. Rakes earned a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting and Pedagogy (D.M.A.) from the University of Iowa. His doctoral thesis, “A critical edition of Missa Gratiarum in C by Antonio Caldara (ca. 1671-1736)”, was an international research and editorial project.
Dr. Rakes has earned a Master of Music (M.M.) from Northern Illinois University. He has also earned a Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.) from Wheaton College. www.johnrakes.com
Event Information
Jesus’ Prayer: A Reflection on John 17 | Sunday, October 13 | 10-10:45am
Good Soil: The Mary We Forgot | Sunday, October 20 | 10-10:45am
Messiah: Handel’s Sermon in Music | Sundays, October 27 & November 3 | 10-10:45am | Parlor
Parts three and four of this class will take place on February 9 & 16, 2025
