Religion briefs for Jan. 12

The Most Rev. Paul S. Coakley, archbishop of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, will be keynote speaker for the institute's fifth anniversary. The public is invited to attend.

The institute offers Spanish language and cultural studies classes for members of the community from 7 to 9:30 p.m. each Tuesday. Enrollment for the spring classes will continue through Jan. 22. Cost is $25.

For more information or to register, call 321-8080 or go to http://hculturalinstitute.blogspot.com.

‘Night of Praise' set

SHAWNEE — Internationally known singer-songwriter Dennis Jernigan will lead a “Night of Praise” at 7 p.m. Tuesday in Raley Chapel at Oklahoma Baptist University. The community is invited to join in this event set for students returning to the Shawnee campus.

Through Shepherd's Heart Music, Jernigan has written and released hundreds of songs, including well-known praise and worship songs.

Since 1993, he has sold more than 1 million recordings and he has witnessed the body of Christ sing several of his songs around the world, one of his most popular being, “You Are My All in All.”

Jernigan is a 1981 OBU alumnus and married to Melinda Hewitt, a 1981 alumna. They have nine children.

For more information about the Night of Praise, call the OBU Spiritual Life offices at 585-5700.

Speaker series continues

NORMAN — The Rev. Barbara Boyd will be guest speaker as part of United Church of Norman UCC's 2012-13 Speakers Series.

Boyd, director of outreach for the religious studies program at the University of Oklahoma, will present “The Progessive Sermon I Always Wanted to Preach” at 7 p.m. Thursday at the United Ministry Center, 1017 Elm Ave.