St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Welcomes Author Chad Bird for Special Weekend Event
Acclaimed Old Testament Theologian will be Keynote Speaker for dinner and Lead Saturday Morning Sessions in Columbia, PA
St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church is excited to announce a special two-day event featuring author and renowned Old Testament theologian Chad Bird. The event will kick off with a dinner on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 6:00 pm, held at the church located at 616 Locust St., Columbia, PA 17512. Pastor Richard A. Whitesel extends a warm invitation to the community to join this unique opportunity to explore the profound themes of Bird’s book, The Christ Key: Unlocking the Mystery of Jesus in the Old Testament.
Friday evening’s dinner will feature Chad Bird as the keynote speaker. He will guide attendees through an exploration of how Jesus is mysteriously present throughout the Old Testament—from the “angel of the Lord” to the lives of figures like Melchizedek and David, to the temple’s architecture as a precursor to Christ’s mission. “We might picture the Old Testament as a vast mansion with many rooms... The key to unlocking each of these and fully understanding what God is showing us in them is Jesus the Messiah,” said Bird, summarizing the event’s focus.
The event continues Saturday morning, October 25, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, with additional sessions at the church. Light breakfast food and drinks will be provided. The Saturday morning sessions are open to everyone, and no reservation is required. There is no cost to attend either portion of the event, but seating for the Friday dinner is limited. Those interested are encouraged to register in advance by contacting the church office at 717-684-2763.
During the event, guests will have the opportunity to purchase a selection of Chad Bird’s books, including The Christ Key, in the church Narthex. Attendees are also invited to learn more about Chad Bird’s work by visiting 1517.org, his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/writingsofchadbird, and his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@chadbird1517.
For more information or to reserve your spot for Friday’s dinner, please call 717-684-2763. Join St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church for an enriching weekend exploring the mysteries of the Old Testament and discovering how they point to Jesus the Messiah.