Lakeside welcomes Rev. Dr. Michael Adam Beck, Director of Fresh Expressions House of Studies at United Theological Seminary, and Co-Pastor of Compassion and St. Mark’s United Methodist Churches in Ocala, Florida, as Preacher of Lutheran Chautauqua Week, June 21-25. This week’s preacher is generously supported by Bill & Linda Smith.
On Sunday, June 21, Beck will lead the 10:30 a.m. Hoover Worship Service. His sermon is titled "The Reckless Sower." He will also lead Vespers by the Lake at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Steele Memorial Bandstand and Faith for Living Hour at 9 a.m. Monday-Friday in Hoover Auditorium. Michael Shirtz and the Chautauqua Choir will provide musical leadership during Sunday’s service. The liturgy will be led by Rev. Kimberly Orr, Lakeside’s Director of Religion. Worship music is supported by James E. Beardsley & Doris F. Beardsley.
Following the opening prayer, children ages 5–11 will proceed together to Bradley Temple for Children’s Church with Chip Richter, where they’ll enjoy a kid-friendly message, songs, crafts, lemonade and cookies. Preschoolers are welcome when accompanied by an adult.
Beck is a pastor, professor and author. He’s a practitioner and scholar and actively engaged in frontline ministry while also researching and teaching at multiple academic institutions. Beck and his wife, Jill, have led a series of revitalizations and unconventional church plants with “the ones no one else wants or sees.”
They’re currently co-pastors of Compassion and St. Mark’s United Methodist Churches, where they oversee a holistic recovery housing program called Open Arms Village and lead a network of fresh expressions gathering in tattoo parlors, dog parks, burrito joints, EV charging stations, digital spaces and a substance abuse rehab.
Beck currently teaches undergraduate sociology at the University of Florida and is an adjunct professor at several seminaries, including Emory and Duke.
He’s the author of 15 books and widely considered the primary practitioner and thought leader of the Fresh Expressions Movement in the U.S.
Guests are welcome to attend Hoover Worship Services free of charge by requesting a complimentary Church Pass between 7:30-10:30 a.m. Sunday; valid until 1 p.m. The pass includes admittance for guests and auto and must be presented to the gate attendant upon departure. If allotted hours are exceeded, the guest(s) will be required to purchase a Daily Chautauqua Pass. The pass does not include access to the Grindley Aquatic & Wellness Campus pool or wellness center. Complimentary passes are available for all worship services and Faith for Living Hour.
