Lipscomb's annual Summer Celebration offers four days of free, spiritual activities

Janel Shoun | 

Lipscomb University’s annual Summer Celebration will start with a bang this year as the kick-off day falls on the Fourth of July. The four-day lecture series will feature more than 130 inspiring and practical sessions on living as a Christian in today’s hectic, stressful and often cruel world.

Keynote speaker Randy Harris, from Abilene, Texas, a professional fireworks display, live entertainment and plenty of family fun and food will launch the annual festival of faith and fellowship held July 4-7. Activities start July 4 at 4:30 p.m., with worship at 6:30 p.m. and fireworks around 8 p.m.

In the following days, attendees will find classes from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., exploring many day-to-day struggles such as handling grief, marital challenges and money management. Class topics range from resolving church conflicts to reaching out to Nashville’s growing Hispanic population and aging issues.

And Summer Celebration isn’t just for adults. Fun children and teen activities such as devotionals, classes, games and service projects will keep the kids busy all day.

All sessions are free and open to the public, although dinners and special events may require admission fees. For those traveling to Nashville for Summer Celebration, Lipscomb is offering on-campus housing for a one-time $45 per room fee and several local hotels are offering discounted rates to participants.


Reaching out to Hispanics

More than ever before, Lipscomb will be reaching out this year to Nashville’s Hispanic Christians, a large, active group within Nashville’s rapidly growing immigrant population.

Dan Rodriguez, associate professor of religion and Hispanic studies at Pepperdine University, will bring his experience as a minister in Southern California and as a missionary in Mexico to his four-part series on how congregations can reach out to the Hispanic community. His classes will take place on July 5-7.

In addition, for the first time Lipscomb will offer a complete track of classes in Spanish in addition to Spanish interpretation for the keynote speeches.

To register for the Spanish track, discussing the book of Matthew, contact Roberto Santiago, minister at Iglesia de Christo en Grandview by email roberto_santiago@comcast.net or call 615.244.0608.



Facing conflict in today’s congregations

Today’s congregations are no strangers to conflict and controversy, and Summer Celebration will address that truth with a two-part seminar, July 5-6, led by Larry Bridgesmith, executive director of Lipscomb’s Institute for Conflict Management, and Steve Joiner, dean of religious studies and social sciences at Lubbock Christian University.

Corporations and organizations all over the nation are increasingly turning to conflict management methods rather than litigation, and churches should be no exception, as conflict management principles are all Biblically based, said Bridgesmith.

“If we used the approach Jesus suggested for reconciliation, we would be more successful at ministering to the world around us,” he said.



Spirituality in “gray” America

As life spans lengthen and the huge Baby Boomer population enters retirement, America’s seniors are dealing with spiritual issues quite different from those of previous generations.

Recognizing the tough challenges many seniors face, the first lady of Lipscomb University, Rhonda Lowry, and James Vandiver, director of the Resource Center on Aging at Harpeth Hills Church of Christ, will teach two classes focusing on senior's spiritual journey. Classes will be held July 5-6.

In the class, Lowry and Vandiver will address the theology of aging, asking questions such as why do we grow old and what could God be doing by allowing us to get old?
A bonanza of a cappella music

In another first, Summer Celebration will be paired this year with Acafest 2007, an international acappella singing festival featuring vocal groups from all parts of the globe, the 25th Anniversary Reunion Concert of Acappella, and a three-day slate of workshops exploring everything you need to know to start your own a cappella vocal group.