REV. DR. BAKER-WISE TO PREACH

“Who do you say that I am?”  With this powerful question, Jesus has Peter and the other disciples wrestle with the meaning of Christian discipleship amidst all the Powers of the world.  And Jesus promises that upon their discipleship will he build his movement in the world, and nothing can stop them from doing and being Church in his name.  But just what is it “to do” and “to be” Church?  What do we mean when we name Jesus as “Christ”?  And what does this mean for the world itself?

As Rev. Michael is on vacation this weekend, we are delighted to welcome back to the Union Avenue pulpit the Rev. Dr. Dietra Wise-Baker as she helps us explore the significance of the story of “The Confession at Philippi” with her sermon, “And the Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail Against It” (Matt. 16:13-20). Morning worship begins at 11 a.m. in the Gretchen Brigham Gallery.

Rev. Dr. Dietra Wise Baker is the Assistant Professor of Community Engagement and Contextual Education, Director Contextual Education at Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis. Dr. Baker is a certified anti-racism trainer for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and a trainer of faith-based community organizing in the Gamaliel network. She teaches and often consults and collaborates around her sustained work in community organizing, youth justice, detention/prison/jail, and faith justice movements. Dr. Baker has a Bachelor of Science degree from Howard University in Washington, D.C.; a Master of Divinity degree from Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis; and her Doctorate of Ministry in Preaching degree from Aquinas Institute of Theology St. Louis.