In partnership with First Presbyterian Church, St. James Episcopal Parish is pleased to announce our Spring Speaker: The Rev. Dr. Scott Black Johnston. On February 8, 2023, Dr. Johnston, author of Bread Enough for All and Questions Preachers Ask: Essays in Honor of Thomas G. Long, will be presenting from his most recent book, Elusive Grace: Loving Your Enemies While Striving for God’s Justice.

In Elusive Grace: Loving Your Enemies While Striving for God’s Justice, Dr. Johnston challenges us to consider how we as Christians face the increasing divide in our nation and in the world. As Johnston reminds us, we are called to participate in God’s ongoing struggle for justice from a perspective of love.

Dr. Johnston is a husband, a dad, a friend, a pastor, a comic book reader, and a fan of almost any sport that involves a ball. Dr. Johnston serves as the senior pastor of Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in Manhattan. He is always on the lookout for God and good conversation. This lends itself well to his writings. Dr. Johnston frequently writes about Reformed theology, preaching, psalms and prayers. His pieces focus on the challenges, absurdities and joys of an urban faith.

We invite the community to join us on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 for this special presentation. At 6:00 p.m. there will be a reception for Dr. Johnston in the Great Hall followed by his 7:00 p.m. presentation of "Elusive Grace: Loving Your Enemies While Striving for God’s Justice” in the St. James sanctuary. Livestreaming and replay opportunities will be available.