Local author, columnist andretired history teacher Darrell Huckaby and Conyers First United Methodist Church are teaming up to offer real and spiritual sustenance in the second installment of this year’s Lunch and Learn series. 

The installment, titled, “A Southern Man looks at the Gospel of Luke,” will be held April 3,  at noon,  at 921 N. Main St.

Gourmet boxed lunches will be offered by the church’s mission committee in the fellowship hall followed by Huckaby’s signature inspirational comedic spin. 

Though he retired from Heritage High School last year, grass hasn’t stood a chance under the feet of this self-proclaimed “linthead.” In addition to his columns and radio show, he’s been designing and leading tours to Boston, New York, Washington,  New Orleans, and most recently, Israel. 

Last Sunday, he shared his Holy Land experience behind the pulpit at First Baptist Church of Conyers. Huckaby was especially gratified during the second service when nearly 100 former students sat front and center during his sermon.

His recent journey will particularly influenced this week’s Lunch and Learn topic – the Sermon on the Mount, the Beatitudes and the beginnings of Christ’s ministry. 

“It will be a lot more meaningful to me when I tell those stories from now on,” Huckaby said. “We stood right on the Mount of Beatitudes and looked down on the Sea of Galilee where Jesus probably stood and delivered that sermon. A storm came up, and we saw the big waves they experienced when Jesus called Peter to follow him and where Jesus cooked breakfast for the disciples after His resurrection.”

Huckaby said he’s always enjoyed Luke’s gospel and perspective, especially his poetry. 

“Luke was a great storyteller, and I’m a storyteller,” he said. “I tell the stories Luke presented in my Southern vernacular from my unique perspective of them.” 

The series will continue on May 15 and June 12.

For lunch, reserve by 1 p.m., March 31 at 770-483-4236 or dgolden@fumcconyers.org. Lunch is $6, but is not required for admission.