Lester Ruth, professor of Christian worship at Asbury Theological Seminary, will deliver Southwestern College’s Parkhurst Lecture on Tuesday, Feb. 23, at 7 p.m. in Messenger Recital Hall inside the Darbeth Fine Arts Center.  There is no admission charge.
           
The Parkhurst Lecture coincides with the fourth annual Builders In Ministry (BIM) week, Feb. 23-25, at Southwestern College. 
           
Ruth is the Lily May Jarvis professor of Christian worship at Asbury Theological Seminary and a member of the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.  Prior to teaching at Asbury Seminary, Ruth was assistant professor of liturgical studies at Yale University Divinity School and Institute of Sacred Music.
           
Ruth’s book, “A Little Heaven Below: Worship at Early Methodist Quarterly Meetings,” was awarded the Jesse Lee Prize by the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History.  He has also received three teaching awards at Asbury Seminary, two for use of media and one for extended learning.  He was on the advisory board for the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship liturgical renewal grants program from 1999 to 2004.

BIM is dedicated to providing educational opportunities that nurture and enrich Christian leaders—lay and clergy—for effective living and ministry.  The event is a three-day conference for Moundbuilder alumni, current students, and friends of Southwestern who are involved in ministry or are anticipating going into the ministry, and will include elements of spiritual renewal/refreshment, community/fellowship, and continuing education.
           
For more information about the Parkhurst Lecture or BIM, contact Julie Headrick, director of camps and conferences, at (620) 229-6141.