Explore 'Christ in the Psalms' in Wheaton

An exploration of Psalms, the book of the Bible's Old Testament, will be offered from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 11, at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheaton by noted theologian Father Patrick Henry Reardon.

"He's kind of a rock star in the Christian world," said Jeni Miller, deaconess intern at St. John's, a Missouri Synod Lutheran Church. Reardon, pastor of All Saints Orthodox Church in Chicago, is an author and senior editor of Touchstone magazine.

"He's a good presenter, but he's not fluffy. He really speaks truth. It's not watered down. That's why a lot of intellectuals are drawn to him," said Miller. "He doesn't sugarcoat things."

Miller said Reardon will give a three-part seminar, each 45 minutes long, each followed by a 15-minute break. The program will begin with a session titled "The Christology of the Psalms." Though the Psalms were written before Christ's birth, Miller said Reardon will speak about connections between the poetic prayers and Jesus Christ.

"We think of it as Christ actually speaking through the Psalms," she said. "Christians believe Jesus to be God, so it's entirely possible he is speaking through the Psalms."

The second session is titled "The Poetry of the Psalter," and the final session is "The Psalms and Daily Prayers."

"We meditate on them, we pray them," said Miller. "We sing the psalms, we pray them. The best way to pray is to speak God's words back to him."

The program is open to the public and refreshments will be served. An intern deaconess at St. John's since early August, Miller said the congregation numbers about 2,000 people. Seminars such as this is one of several the church presents throughout the year.

Admission is $10 at the door. For details, visit stjohnwheaton.org or call (630) 668-0701, ext. 425.

If you go

What: "Christ in the Psalms" is a three part seminar to be presented by Father Patrick Henry Reardon.

When: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 11

Where: St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 125 E. Seminary Ave., Wheaton

Cost: $10 at the door

Call: (630) 668-0701, ext. 425 or visit stjohnwheaton.org