Each spring, Harvard Divinity School's Office of Ministry Studies organizes the Billings Preaching Prize Competition, an annual preaching competition open to second- and third-year MDiv students. The finalists delivered their sermons at the Wednesday Noon Service on April 15, 2009. Elissa Johnk and Nathan Willard, who both grew up at Congregational UCC, were finalists in the competition this year. Elissa Johnk won the prize for best reading of scripture. Nathan's sermon included a reference to the Reverends Russ Fate, Bruce Fisher and Bill Lovin, all familiar faces around here. You can watch the sermons here: http://www.hds.harvard.edu/news/events_online/billings_2009.html. Elissa begins her sermon about 53 minutes into the video. Nathan begins his sermon about 1 hour and 19 minutes into the video.

 

Both Elissa and Nathan are members of Congregational UCC and preparing for ordained ministry in the United Church of Christ. Elissa will graduate this spring. Nathan will graduate a year from now.