"Jesus and the Nonviolent Revolution," a book by Andre Trocmé, will provide the starting point for the next Word and Life Program beginning Jan. 13 at Holy Cross Church, Santa Barbara.

The Thursday morning (10 a.m.-noon) presentation, running through March 17, invites participants to reflect on and discuss themes addressed in Trocmé's book (Orbis, 2004), said Alice MacDonald, program coordinator. Those themes include "Jesus and the Jew,," "Ethics of the Reviolution," "Seeds of Nonviolence" and "The Greatest Commandment of All."

MacDonald and Melinda Pitarre will present the first session in the series. Subsequent speakers include Daniel Smith-Christopher (Loyola Marymount University), Ched Meyers, Robert Carman, Franciscan Father Virgil Cordano, Rev. Anne Howard, Fathers Jack Stoeger and Jim Clarke (of St. John's Seminary in Camarillo) and author Gil Bailie ("Violence Unveiled").

Registration (available at the first session) is $45 or $80 per couple. Holy Cross Church is located at 1740 Cliff Dr., Santa Barbara. For information, call (805) 967-4013 or visit www.wordandlife.us.