We are very blessed to have Howard Macy teach our Institute course, Biblical Studies I: Old Testament, beginning August 4, in which we will look with fresh vision at the eternal truths of God/Christ revealed in the Holy Scriptures. The more fully we understand the Scriptures, the deeper our knowledge of God. Paul explained eloquently, "All Scripture is inspired by God" (2 Timothy 3:16 NRSV). George Fox wrote in his Journal, "The Holy Scriptures were given forth by the Spirit of God." May we come to a greater appreciation of God's written word, while opening ourselves to the guidance of the Living Word, Jesus Christ, as Howard Macy enlightens us in his teaching.
Howard Macy is Professor Emeritus of Religion and Biblical Studies at George Fox University; earlier he was Professor of Old Testament Studies at Friends University. When living in Wichita he attended both Northridge Friends Church and University Friends Meeting. Howard received the Ph.D. in Old Testament Studies at Harvard University. He is author of several books, including: Laughing Pilgrims, Stepping in the Light, and Rhythms of the Inner Life (which focuses on the Psalms). Both Laughing Pilgrims and Rhythms of the Inner Life are available as e-books. Howard also wrote the Introduction and Commentary on the Psalms in the Renovare Bible. Howard is active in the Quaker Theological Discussion Group and is editor of the periodical, Quaker Religious Thought. Howard is married to Margi, and they are the loving parents of two lovely, talented grown children, Nate and Hannah. They have three beautiful grandchildren. Some may know Howard as the son of Mahlon Macy, former Superintendent of Iowa Yearly Meeting. Howard and Margi enjoy bird watching for recreation.
Our desire is that the Institute classes be available to as many Friends as possible, so we offer several meeting sites: Fowler Friends Church, Friends Ministry Center (Wichita), Friends Community Church (Angleton), Barclay College (Jackson Hall), Faith Friends Church, Northwest Friends Church (at the home of Tom and Bonnie Bousman), Arkansas City Friends Church (at the home of Bud Lawrence), North Newton at the home of Merl Kinser, Booker Friends Church, Chandler Friends Church, Hesper Friends Church, Sudanese Community Church (Omaha), Iglesia Amigos (San Antonio). You may view video recorded sessions at Pratt Friends Church, and they are available for viewing at Miami Friends Church.
The Scriptures have been central to Christian Faith and Practice through the centuries, and I invite us to deepen still further our faith in God, as we journey with Howard Macy through the rich beauty of the Old Testament. The class begins at 7:00 p.m. (Central Time), 6:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) on Monday, August 4, 2014.
