Classes for Fall 2010
Considering Paul
As the human author of half of the New Testament, most of which predate the Gospels, Paul is a figure who cannot be overlooked by anyone who wants to understand Jesus Christ and Christianity. In this class we will consider Paul’s life and legacy by exploring questions like: ‘Did Paul distort the teaching of Jesus?,’ ‘How much of Jesus’ teaching and ministry did he know?,’ ‘What was his relationship with the other apostles of Jesus?’ and many more.
Led by Bill Nix; meets in the Middle House, 1st floor, back room
Celtic Christian Spirituality
“The Rediscovery of the Celtic world has been an extraordinary revelation for many Christians in recent years, an opening up of the depths and riches within our own tradition that many of us had not suspected.” Esther De Waal – The Celtic Way of Prayer. Join us to explore the prayers and poetry, the saints and beliefs of this tradition, in which Christ is at the very center of creation and life. Our text is by a contemporary Scottish pastor, Celtic scholar and poet, John Philip Newell.
Led by Dave & Diane Peterson; meets in the Middle House, 2nd floor, front room
Praying for Friends & Enemies
What is intercession? How do we pray for others, even our enemies? What happens when we pray for someone else? This class will study the theology of intercessory prayer and examine our assumptions about God. Questions, not answers are the heart of this book but in asking questions, we begin to understand that there is no such thing as prayer mastery–just the invitation to continue to practice what Christ has directed us to do.
Led by Rev. Terry Dielbold & Bruce Harvey; meets on the 1st floor of the Middle House.
Theology of Karl Barth
The class will take a look at one of the most influential theologians of the 20th century, the Swiss reformed theologian, Karl Barth. We will scratch the surface of his work, Church Dogmatics (10000+ pages) in concert with scripture. Come join us and discover for yourself how Barth’s ideas have shaped our tradition.
Taught by Rev. Patrick Dennis; meets in the Middle House, 2nd floor, back room.
The Thoughtful Christian
Bible study should be timely, stimulating our thoughts about Christian values and how they relate to today’s world. “The Thoughtful Christian” is a Web-based resource center, with lessons by stimulating Christian writers on a broad range of issues. Our congregation used and enjoyed these lessons previously with class participants sharing ideas and beliefs about applying their faith in everyday life.
Led by Don Newlin, Steve Spratt, Donna Hughes, Gene Bingham and Pam Eisensmith; meets in the Church House, 1st floor.
Christian Parenting
Parenting today is both exciting and challenging. It helps to share stories and ideas with other parents. Using lessons for parents from the web-based curriculum the Thoughtful Christian, this class will discuss a variety of topics – bullying, the exhausted parent, what’s happening to my child and more. Class leadership will be shared among participants.
Coordinated by Betsy Lewis & Ed Foresman; meets in the Church House, 2nd floor, front room.
Faith & Movie Class
Join in a discussion on popular movies and the message they present for Christians. The first 4 movies to be discussed are: A River Runs Through It, September 19; The Color Purple, September 26; The Firm, October 3; To Kill a Mockingbird, October 10. Movies can be rented through Netflix, Redbox, iTunes, libraries, etc. for viewing prior to class discussion.
Led by Betsy Mathias, Mike Fariss, Tom Edwards & Claudia Emerson; meets in the Church House, 2nd floor, front room.
Questions I Have About the Old Testament – But Am Afraid to Ask
If you’re intimidated or “turned off” by the Old Testament, this course will make you more comfortable in reading and understanding this part of God’s Word. Join us in an historical overview of the events and characters, and study the amazing truths and promises of God and God’s plan for our redemption in the Old Testament.
Led by Carrie Szlyk, Al & Ruth Moreau, and Skip Brandon; meets in the Undercroft
