Dr. Don Saliers, an accomplished musician, theologian, scholar of liturgics and a United Methodist pastor, will visit First-Centenary United Methodist Church, 419 McCallie Ave., this weekend.
At 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, he will lead an exploration of the Psalms and their use in public worship and private devotion in a program titled "Does the Church Have Language To Offer the World?"
"In this session, we will explore the need for lament in a lamentable world and the need for honest praise and doxology in a God-incarnate world," says Dr. Jan McNair, First-Centenary's director of worship and music ministries. "Along the way we will sing a variety of musical settings."
On Sunday, Aug. 28, Saliers will address the meaning and power of Holy Communion during the 9:30 a.m. Sunday School. He will preach in the 10:45 sanctuary service and lead the congregation in a service of Holy Communion.
Saliers was the William R. Cannon Distinguished Professor of Theology and Worship at Emory University in Atlanta until his retirement in 2007. In 2015, he returned to Candler as theologian-in-residence. He is the author of numerous books on the relationship between theology and worship practices. He co-authored "A Song To Sing, A Life To Live" with his daughter Emily Saliers, a member of the Indigo Girls. Saliers serves nationally as chaplain to the American Guild of Organists.
His visit is part of (re)Creation, a four-week festival of faith at the church. Also included is an art exhibition in which 38 local artists took their inspiration from the hymn "For the Beauty of the Earth."
Their works represent a range of media, from painting and photography to quilting and gourds. Pieces are on view throughout the church through Wednesday, Sept. 14. The exhibition may be viewed during business hours, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays, and Sunday mornings.
For more information, call 423-756-2021 or visit www.firstcentenary.com.