Hope Amidst the Odyssey of These Days

2025 Winter Institute

At various times throughout the Old Testament, God abandoned the Israelites as a result of their sinfulness and idolatry. In their suffering and despair, their only hope was to cry out to God for salvation, and He, in His mercy, would rescue them.

In a penetrating analysis of these days, Jacques Ellul concludes that our culture is in such a period of abandonment characterized by widespread suffering and despair. While God still works in the hearts of His faithful, the culture at large struggles with false hope or no hope at all.

The Winter Institute will explore these questions through several readings, discussions, lectures, and the art exhibit “Odyssey of These Days.” We will examine the biblical perspective on the hopes of the world and hope in God—how we as Christians can navigate our own odyssey in seemingly hopeless times.

Speakers

Charley Dewberry

Charley Dewberry

Learn More
Wes Hurd

Wes Hurd

Learn More
Chris Swanson

Chris Swanson

Learn More

The Odyssey of These Days

The Odyssey of These Days is an exhibit of nine paintings by Wes Hurd that will be displayed in Gutenberg’s Puccinelli Gallery during the Winter Institute. Wes will offer an interpretation of his work after the evening banquet.

Learn More

Institute Details

When

Saturday, January 25

Where

Gutenberg College
1883 University Street
Eugene, OR 97403

Cost*

(Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner):
$50 (Individual); $75 (Family); $40 (Student)

An audio recording of all of the talks will be available to all participants. If you cannot make it to the conference but would still like to hear the talks, you can purchase an Audio Recording package for $20 on the registration page.

* Volunteer opportunities: We can also offer reduced costs for volunteers. If you would like to volunteer, please contact the office.

Conference Schedule

Saturday, January 25

8:00-8:50 Continental Breakfast & Registration
8:50-9:00 Welcome
9:00-9:45 Lecture: Chris Swanson
9:45–11:15 Discussion: Reading from Ecclesiastes
11:15-11:30 Break
11:30-12:15 Lecture: Wes Hurd
12:15-1:30 Lunch
1:30-3:00 Discussion: Reading from Isaiah
3:00-3:15 Break
3:15-4:00 Lecture: Charley Dewberry
4:00-4:30 Q&A
4:30-6:00 Break
6:00-8:00 Banquet & presentation of Odyssey of These Days