East Dundee church welcomes author Eric Metaxas as part of its 'Share Joy' initiative
On Tuesday, Sept. 25, Eric Metaxas, New York Times bestselling author of "Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy" and "Martin Luther" will speak at Immanuel Lutheran Church in East Dundee as part of the historic church's year-long "Share Joy" initiative. The public is invited to attend to the presentation from 7 to 8 p.m.
Metaxas wrote a biography on Martin Luther, which brings history alive in the story of an obscure monk who brought about the Protestant Reformation with his pen. The nearly 500-page tome explores the politics, the passions, and the portrait of a remarkable historical figure who changed the course of history.
Metaxas will speak on "Luther, Lutherans and Lutheranism," a topic of interest to not only Lutherans but also to anyone interested in history. "We are so excited to bring Mr. Metaxas to our community this fall. Obviously, the Reformation is key for Lutherans, but Metaxas' book was so popular with such a wide range of people because he is a compelling storyteller," explained Immanuel's Senior Pastor Bill Yonker. "The story of Martin Luther reads like a page-turner sometimes with political maneuvers, a kidnapping and even a bounty on Luther's head. This history has a wider audience than just Lutherans."
The Metaxas event is the first in a series of events sponsored by the congregation as part of its "Share Joy" campaign spanning 2018 into 2019. After a year of commemorating the Reformation's 500th anniversary throughout 2017, Rev. Yonker wanted a year-long theme to unite the congregation, the school, and the community and to continue the legacy and impact Luther had on the world, desiring that the 155-year-old Dundee congregation could increase its impact as well.
Associate Pastor Phillip Baerwolf created the "Share Joy" campaign in response to this challenge, wanting something simple enough that even the preschoolers at Immanuel's grade school could understand it and something broad enough that people could be creative in how they share their joy.
"Hosting an evening with Eric Metaxas is truly a 'Share Joy' event," Baerwolf explained. "This will be eye opening for many as he shares with us how the Reformation transformed the world of our day. Rather than only an event that took place 500 years ago, the Lutheran Reformation affected not just theology and religion but culture, society, politics and the family and in many ways ushered in modernity. What a great opportunity, and great joy to share, to hear about one of the most influential people in the history of the world."
The doors will open at 6 p.m. to the public, with Metaxas' many books on display and for purchase, including his acclaimed children's books. The talk will begin at 7 p.m. and last approximately 45 minutes. The audience will be invited to participate in a question-and-answer period until 8 p.m. After the presentation, Metaxas will be available for book signing.
"We are really excited to welcome Mr. Metaxas and to hear him speak. What an amazing opportunity for our community to host a best selling author. I welcome everyone to join us on Sept. 25 and for any of our other 'Share Joy' events. We hope this event and our year-long initiative will serve our community well and will inspire others to share joy. Luther is a prime example of how one person can change the world. Imagine the impact if we join together to share our joy," Rev. Yonker said.
For more information, contact Immanuel Lutheran at (847) 428-4477. Tickets are available at ericmetaxas-immanuel.eventbrite.com.
Immanuel Lutheran Church and School serves the greater Fox Valley area community with worship, fellowship opportunities and a day school.
Dating back over 155 years, Immanuel is a pillar in the Dundee community and currently draws members and students from 18 local communities. Its preparatory school serves students from pre-kindergarten to eighth-grade offering high quality academics, fine arts, competitive athletics, and active service opportunities. The 2018-19 "Share Joy" initiative will include local events like a first responders' reception, a national servant event to rebuild storm ravaged areas, and an international component as ILS collects materials and packs medical supply kits via Project C.U.R.E.
For more information about "Share Joy" events or about the church and school, visit Immanuel-ed.org.
Metaxas is the No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of "Martin Luther," "If You Can Keep It," "Bonhoeffer," "Amazing Grace," and "Miracles." His books have been translated into more than 25 languages. His writing has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and the New Yorker, and Metaxas has appeared as a cultural commentator on CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC. He is the host of "The Eric Metaxas Show," a nationally syndicated daily radio show. Metaxas is also the founder and host of "Socrates in the City," a series of conversations on "life, God, and other small topics," featuring Malcolm Gladwell, Dick Cavett, and Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, among many others. He is a senior fellow and lecturer at large at the King's College in New York City, where he lives with his wife and daughter.