The purpose of the event is to help our Laguna Woods Community explore the history of the Bible in new and deeper ways - raising practical questions and introducing insights they may not have considered before.
Who: Dr. Lee McDonald, respected biblical scholar and author, will lead the weekend.
Attendees will include members of Laguna Country UMC and guests from the surrounding community.
Registration is open to the community ($15.00 donation includes lunch - limited scholarships are available)
What: A weekend of learning and faith exploration, focused on how the Bible was formed, why certain texts were included or excluded, and how early Christian and Jewish traditions shaped what we read today. Saturday's format includes lecture-style presentations with time for questions.
Dr. McDonald will also speak at the Sunday service of worship at 9:30 a.m.
Where: Laguna Country United Methodist Church (Church Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall)
When: A Saturday - Sunday event on October 4 & 5, 2025
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Saturday 9:30 a.m. Sunday
Why: To offer a thoughtful opportunity to engage with Scripture in a deeper and more informed way —bridging the gap between personal faith and historical context. The series invites reflection on how the Bible came to be, how we interpret it today, and what this means for our shared life of faith.
How: Dr. McDonald will focused his engaging lectures around key questions about the history of the Bible. There will be Q & A sessions in the morning and afternoon programs. Dr. McDonald will be speaking in the Sunday morning sermon to conclude the weekend.
Dr. Lee Martin McDonald — Renowned New Testament scholar, author of over 30 books, and lecturer worldwide. Former president of the Institute for Biblical Research and dean at Acadia University, Dr. McDonald is a leading expert on early Christianity, the origins of the Bible, and the formation of the Old and New Testaments. He speaks internationally on topics including the Dead Sea Scrolls, Jesus in historical context, and the Bible’s enduring relevance.
Our Vision
We celebrate an inclusive, loving and welcoming environment where EVERYBODY can deepen their faith, find purpose and build meaningful relationships.
Mission
Our mission is to provide positive spiritual and social fellowship that elevates life and living, in God’s world.
Our Community
We embrace diversity. We offer a supportive, caring space to find friendship, encouragement and a sense of belonging.