Dr. Mary Louise "Mel" Bringle, professor of philosophy and religion, and chair of the Humanities Division at Brevard College, is presenting a two-day lecture series at Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church in Southern Pines Feb. 15-16.

She is the latest guest speaker in the noteworthy Bill Jones Series. Established by the estate of a late member of the church, as a generous endowment to support special events, the series enables Brownson to draw outstanding lecturers and preachers each year.

A graduate of Guilford College, Bringle received her doctorate from Emory University, with particular interests in practical and pastoral theology. She taught at St. Andrews College in Laurinburg for 17 years before joining the faculty at Brevard College.

Bringle's schedule of activities at Brownson includes her preaching at both the 8:45 and 11:10 a.m. services, as well as making a presentation at the church school hour between the services at 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 15.

She will also speak on Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m. and at a Monday noon luncheon. Her theme for the series is based on her extensive background as a hymn text writer and her present position as president of the Hymn Society of the United States and Canada.

Topics of her presentations deal with questions such as "How Can We Keep From Singing?" and "Why Does the Church Need New Hymns and a New Hymnal?" Other subjects that she will speak about concern "Singing for a Change: Hymnwriting and Singing as Subversive Activities" and "Gained in Translation."

The final one, given on Monday, looks at some of the methods involved in making a hymn from another language accessible for singing in our language and culture, as well as the benefits gained from inclusion of global hymnody in worship.

Recognized in 2002 as "an emerging hymn text writer," Bringle has won numerous international competitions for her hymn texts, and is the author of two books containing collections of her text writing. Her hymns are included in hymnals and supplements for various denominations (Mennonite, Episcopal, Roman Catholic, Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, United Church of Canada and the Church of Scotland). She is also chair of a committee to create a new denominational hymnal for the Presbyterian Church (USA).

"Words from hymns stay in our hearts and thoughts throughout our entire lives," says Dr. Grady Perryman, pastor of the church. "We are extremely fortunate to hear one of the most talented hymn writers of our time, Mel Bringle, talk about the power of hymns to enrich our minds and to uplift our souls."

The Sunday afternoon lecture by Bringle will be followed by a reception in the Atrium and is open to the public, as are all the presentations of the Bill Jones Series. On Monday, Bringle will speak at the Presbyterian Women's luncheon at 11:45 a.m. The cost for the luncheon is $5 and reservations are necessary. They may be made by calling the church office at 692-6252 or by e-mailing office@brownson church.org.

Contact Pinehurst freelance writer Mary Elle Hunter at mhunter104@yahoo.com.