Celebrate the Calvin Jubilee
John Calvin is well known by Presbyterians, but he is not necessarily well understood. Historical caricatures of his harsh and somber reputation have threatened to overshadow his remarkable gifts to the church.
As we celebrate the 500th anniversary of Calvin’s birth in 2009, we Presbyterians have an opportunity to reintroduce ourselves to Calvin’s legacy — his monumental contributions to theology, church government, education, language, music, and politics as well as the more troubling aspects. Take the time to get to know John Calvin better and you may find that a deeper engagement with the man and his legacy will enhance your appreciation not only of Calvin, but of the entire Presbyterian tradition.
Observe the Calvin Jubilee by reading through John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion. Choose from either of these opportunities to read together with other Presbyterians:
Princeton Theological Seminary provides an online reading project — A Year with John Calvin. This interactive Web site offers the opportunity to read the Institutes and reflections papers, and to comment on both. Learn more.
The Foundation for Reformed Theology suggests reading the Institutes in 2009 and provides a downloadable plan for doing this at about six pages a day, five days a week (with holidays off) for 50 weeks. Download their reading plan. 
'John Calvin: His Life and Legacy'
In celebration of Calvin’s birthday, Witherspoon Press and the Theology Worship and Education ministry of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) present a DVD on the life and legacy of John Calvin.
$30.00 • Item #9781571532053
Watch this three-minute trailer.
Make your own Calvin mask
Download either the 11 x 17 version or the 8 1/2 x 11 version of the Calvin mask and follow the instructions. Then send us a picture of you with your mask. Don't forget to tell us your name. Your picture may be featured online.
Attend a conference
See the John Calvin conferences schedule for 2008 and 2009.
Where in the world is John Calvin?
Betsy Ensign-George, staff in Congregational Ministries
Publishing, and Mike Farrell (B.J. Hunnicut from TV's M*A*S*H) join John Calvin in the bookstore at the 218th General Assembly.
To attempt to spread the word of this Jubilee and to have a little fun, we invite you to share with us photos of you wearing the promotional Calvin mask available at General Assembly.
Who is that masked man?
Calvin Jubilee 2009 to celebrate Reformer's 500th birthday
SAN JOSE, June 27, 2008 — Commissioners and guests arriving at the PC(USA)'s 218th General Assembly in San Jose, Calif., encountered John Calvin — lots and lots of John Calvins. Keep reading.
For more information
For more information on the Calvin Jubilee contact Michael Purintun in Congregational Ministries Publishing at (888) 728-7228 x5192 or email Calvin.Jubilee@pcusa.org. |
