Chapel Speaker Series at McKendree Opens on Oct. 4

(LEBANON, Ill., September 10, 2019) — McKendree University announces its Chapel Speaker Series for 2019-2020, open to the public and scheduled as follows:

Sunday, Oct. 4, 10 a.m.: Rev. Don Wagner will be the keynote speaker for the homecoming service in Bothwell Chapel, also featuring the Concert and Alumni Choirs. Originally a dairy farmer, the 1984 McKendree graduate was called by God from the fields of Southern Illinois into the mission fields of the world. Rev. Wagner has been in ministry for more than 31 years, including 26 years at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Lebanon.

Wednesday, Oct. 16, 8 p.m.: At the Agape Latte gathering in the 1828 Café, Bryan O’Keefe, director of bowling, and Shannon O’Keefe, women’s bowling coach, will share their insights of faith and fortitude. The O’Keefes have enjoyed incredible success in college and professional bowling since they came to McKendree in 2014, bringing strong leadership and teaching skills. Bryan, a coach for more than 20 years at the intercollegiate level, has helped lead the Bearcats men’s and women’s teams to top tier finishes in recent years. Shannon helped develop the women’s bowling team into a national contender, as it won a national title in 2017 and finished second in 2018 and 2019. She is a five-time world champion on the professional women’s bowling tour.

Wednesday, Dec. 4, noon: Rev. Don Meeks, pastor at Pinckneyville First United Methodist Church, will speak at the holiday season’s annual Lessons and Carols Service in Bothwell Chapel. The 1985 McKendree graduate has served in a variety of leadership roles in the United Methodist Church.

Thursday, Jan. 24, 2020, 4 p.m.: Dr. Ernest Gibson III, an associate professor of English and program faculty in Africana studies, will speak at the Christian Unity and MLK Service at the Hettenhausen Center. He is the author of Salvific Manhood: James Baldwin’s Novelization of Male Intimacy; has published on James Baldwin, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Scandal; and is working currently on a second book.

Wednesday, April 1, 5:30 p.m.: A Jewish Seder meal, a ritual feast that marks the beginning of Passover, will be served in Bothwell Chapel’s Circuit Riders room. The Seder involves a retelling of the story of the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt.

Wednesday, April 29, noon: A retiring professor will share insights, significant moments and memories from his or her career during a Celebration Service in Bothwell Chapel. A reception will follow.

 

-McK-