Save the Date!!

Save the date of February 23, 24 and 25, 2007 for our Theologian in Residence Weekend. Central Presbyterian Church is excited to announce that Dr. Purves will be our "theologian in residence" for the weekend of February 23rd -25th. A Friday evening plenary session, including worship in song, will be held at 7:30 pm (note change from 7:00 announced earlier) in the Sanctuary for all. A Saturday morning leadership retreat will take place between 8:00 am and 12:00 noon. This part of our weekend is for elected officers, small group leaders, ministry team leaders and anyone else seriously invested in advancing the mission and vision of Central Church. An additional session will be held from noon to 2:00 only for those who are assuming or continuing leadership as Elders, Deacons and Trustees. On Sunday morning, Dr. Purves will be preaching at all three worship services. Don't miss this inspiring educational opportunity!

A native of Edinburgh, Scotland, the Rev. Dr. Andrew Purves received degrees in philosophy and divinity from the University of Edinburgh, and a Th. M. Degree from Duke Divinity School. Purves completed his doctorate at the University of Edinburgh.

Licensed by the Church of Scotland, Purves came to the United States in 1978. He was ordained by the Presbytery of Philadelphia in 1979. He served as minister of the Hebron Presbyterian Church in Clinton, Pennsylvania until 1983 when he was called to the faculty of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Currently, he holds the Hugh Thomson Kerr Chair in Pastoral Theology.

Purves has a deep concern for the renewal of the church and speaks regularly around the country on matters of theological and spiritual renewal. Recent publications include Reconstructing Pastoral Theology: A Christological Foundation (WJK 2004), A Passion for the Gospel: Confessing Jesus Christ for the 21st Century (with Mark Achtemeier, Geneva 2000), and Encountering God: Christian Faith in Turbulent Times (with Charles Partee, WJK 2000).

Purves is married to the Rev. Catherine Purves. They have three children, Brendan, Gordon, and Laura. His interests include watching soccer, mystery novels, dinner parties with friends, and sitting on the beach.

See also NV: Theology Matters.