Dr. Sharon Watkins has found a pulpit on both a national and local level. Just last month, she delivered the sermon at President Barack Obama’s National Prayer Service. This month, she brings her message of God’s transforming love to Birmingham.

Watkins, general minister and president of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), will lead worship on the opening night of First Christian Church’s Matters of the Heart workshops Feb. 20-21.

“In our fast–paced world we need to center in and be more still,” said FCC co–pastor Mary Pat Spencer. “We need to listen to what God has to say to us.”

Spencer said that is what the worship service and workshops on Saturday are all about. She said the workshops “offer variety … they are things that any church member could benefit from.”

Participants can choose to attend three of the seven workshops available. Those include Heart to Heart with the GMP, Centering Prayer, A Heart-y Stewardship, Every Congregation Needs a Little Conflict, A Light Shines in the Darkness: Transformation in the Isaiah Tradition, Dare- to- Care, and If Hearts Could Talk.

A Heart–y Stewardship focuses on churches wisely using financial resources and the talent resources of its members. Every Congregation Needs a Little Conflict aims to remind people that properly managing conflict can bring about creative solutions.

“These speakers offer really unique ideas, not just the same ol’ same ol’,” Spencer said.

If Hearts Could Talk will be led by a cardiac nurse in fact. She plans to discuss how to really take care of your heart and how it’s important to do so because God created the human body as a temple, Spencer said.

Finally, Dr. Rick Lowery, dean at Lexington Theological Seminary, in Lexington, Ky., will present a more biblically grounded discussion about the tradition of Isaiah.

Workshops will be held Saturday, Feb. 21 from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Registration cost is $20 per person or $200 per congregation, and will include morning coffee and lunch as well as workshop participation

First Christian Church is located off Valleydale Road in North Shelby, about a mile from U.S. Highway 280. For more information contact First Christian Church at 991-5000.