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Adult Education and Special Events

Fall, 2008, classes include:

"Reynolds Rap!" - The Thoughtful Christian, "Rediscovering Paul: Understanding the Controversial Apostle" This class will be held on Sunday mornings from 9:00-10:00 AM on September 14-November 2. It will be facilitated by Rev. Sue Reynolds. The apostle Paul was probably the most influential leader and writer of the early Christian movement. Thirteen letters (epistles) in the New Testament have been traditionally attributed to Paul. Just who was Paul, and how should we think of him? Were some of his letters more important than others? Which churches did he found? How do we understand some of his apparently contradictory statements? Was he in favor or not of women's leadership in the early church? Join Rev. Sue Reynolds as the class takes another look at Paul during this fascinating 8 week study.

Pilgrimages - "Grace in a Tree Stump" This class begins on September 14 at 9:00 AM in Parish House Room 205 and is facilitated by Bob Lombard. The group will explore how grace has always been part of the character of God, and that the Old Testament demonstrates that fact in a variety of ways through the book, Grade in a Tree Stump: Old Testament Stories of God's Love. According to author J. Ellsworth Kalas, Christians are too quick to view the Old Testament as a strict book of laws and commandments and the New Testament as a witness to grace. The God of the Old Testament is misperceived as a God of wrath and judgment, while the God of the New Testament is viewed as a God of love and mercy. The character of God has ot changed, Says Kalas. Old Testament passages discussed include Genesis 1 ("Grade in the Morning"), Deuteronomy 5:6-7 ("Gracious Commandments"), Ruth 1:1-5 and 4:13-22 ("Grace and God's Love for the Future"), and Psalm 103 ("Better than We can Ever Deserve").

Book Study - "Christianity for the Rest of Us" - This class will be held from October 19-November 23 in the Parish House Library at 9:00 and will be facilitated by Rev. Brooks McDaniel. This is a study based on the Book, Christianity for the Rest of Us by Diana Butler Bass. Books are available through Karen. Pick yours up today!

Special Events: The Christian Education Committee holds many special events throughout the year: They include:

-Annual Advent Festival. This event held on the first Sunday of Advent to kick off the season. This event is filled with great food, music and crafts to get into the spirit.

-Retreats. Two adult retreats are offered during the year. One is held at the Stronghold Retreat Center, and the other is a women's retreat held at Shallowbrook Farm in Bradford, IL. These are wonderful getaways to rejuvenate ourselves and our faith. The 2008 women's retreat will be held from Friday, November 14-16th.

-Pageant. The children participate in an annual Christmas Pageant retelling the Christmas Story during our Christmas Eve service.

-Vacation Bible School. This event is held in the summer and is a wonderful week-long opportunity for children to learn and have fun.