Sycamore presbyterian Church
Speaker Series
Presents
The Genius of Genesis: Re-Discovering the Bible’s Fascinating Foundation.
Reverend Dr. Julie Faith Parker
October 2–3, 2026
Speaker Series
For our third consecutive year, Sycamore Presbyterian Church will be hosting the SPC Speaker Series. Our guest this year is Reverend Dr. Julie Faith Parker. Dr. Parker is an Old Testament scholar and an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church. She holds a Ph.D. in Old Testament/Hebrew Bible from Yale University and has taught at multiple colleges and seminaries. She is currently the Biblical Scholar in Residence at Marble Collegiate Church and a Visiting Scholar at Union Theological Seminary, both in New York City. Dr. Parker has published extensively and is writing her ninth book. Dr. Parker will be presenting a three-session seminar entitled The Genius of Genesis: Re-Discovering the Bible’s Fascinating Foundation.
Session #1: Friday evening, October 2: 7 - 8:30 pm - SPC Sanctuary
Adam and Eve: A Familiar Story Packed with Surprises
Session #2: Saturday morning, October 3: 9 - 10:15 am - Fellowship Hall
Israel’s Founding Father: The Legacy of Abraham and His Wives
Session #3: Saturday morning continued: 10:30 – 11:45 am - Fellowship Hall
Biblical Families are Like Ours—Messy!
On Sunday, September 6 you will have the opportunity to receive a gift of Dr. Parker’s book entitled Eve Isn’t Evil. Books will be handed out prior to and following both Worship services. If you are unable to attend Worship on September 6, click on the link below to reserve your own book. One will be set aside, provided to you when you return to SPC
Schedule
The Genius of Genesis: Re-Discovering the Bible’s Fascinating Foundation
Genesis sets the stage for the entire Bible, but most of us only have a vague understanding of its stories. This lecture series invites you to explore some of the Bible’s most intriguing texts through creative lectures and lively discussion. Combining academic insights with images, drama, film, artifacts, and more, we will discover the book of Genesis as you’ve never experienced it before.
Friday evening, October 2: 7 – 8:30 pm, Sycamore Presbyterian Church Sanctuary
Adam and Eve: A Familiar Story Packed with Surprises
One of the Bible’s most famous stories may be the least understood. We all know that Eve eats the apple in Eden, but what else happens in this fateful scene? This lecture will engage you with drama, poetry, art, and close attention to the original text. Come to discover how words from the Hebrew have been altered or omitted in English translation. You may never understand the story of Adam and Eve in the same way again.
Saturday morning: 9 - 10:15 am
Sycamore Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall
Israel’s Founding Father: The Legacy of Abraham and His Wives
The story of the Israelites is foundational to the Bible, and the founding father is Abraham. This lecture reviews his story—and the women in his life. What does Abraham give up to follow God’s call? And at whose expense? Incorporating film and ancient Near Eastern artifacts, this lecture shows what Abraham and Sarah can teach us about making our own way in the world and staying faithful.
Saturday morning continued: 10:30 – 11:45 am
Sycamore Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall
Biblical Families are Like Ours—Messy!
This lecture looks at Abraham and Sarah’s continued legacy with a focus on Joseph. Beyond an “amazing technicolor dreamcoat,” Joseph’s extensive story teaches us about family relationships. We also glimpse how God needs and uses people with special needs. Might Joseph be on the spectrum? How does God use his unique gifts and abilities? Come to find out.
“You show me someone with a perfect life, and I’ll show you someone you don’t know too well.”
Julia Faith Parker