Adult Education This Winter and Spring

With Classes Following Each Sunday Service

We meet in the Lounge. Each class is offered twice: first at 9:15am-10:15am, and again at noon-1pm.

Drop in at whichever time is most convenient for you.

January 7, 14, 21, 28, February 11
“The Power of Parable”
Led by Bill Gazeley

Using John Dominic Crossan’s book of the same name, see how Mark, Matthew, Luke/Acts, and John function as “book parables,” and how they differ and modify each other.

February 18
“Hymn and Hymn Singing as Prayer”
Led by Zachary Duell, our Director of Music

Explore the importance of hymns as prayer in our tradition.

March 3, 10
“The Four Vision Quests of Jesus”
Led by Dr. Melissa Bird

Based on the book by Episcopal Bishop Stephen Charleston, examine four gospel stories as “vision quests,” a universal spiritual phenomenon, but one of particular importance within North American Indigenous communities.

March 17
“A Survey of Translations”
Led by the Adult Education Committee

A review of the vast number of Bible translations available in English, their history, some differences, and a review of some Bible study tools.

March 24, April 7
“St. Augustine”
Led by Stephen Blevans

St. Augustine said, “Our hearts are restless until we find ourselves in you, O Lord, our strength and our redeemer.” Join us as we follow St. Augustine’s spiritual journey from his head to his heart, from his native land of the dissolving Roman Empire of the late fourth century to his Eternal Home. Quotations from the text will be from the translation of Maria Boulding O.S.B. (1997), available in paperback and on Kindle.

April 14, 21, 28
“A Folklorist’s Guide to Stories”
Led by Elisabeth McCumber, Folklorist

What’s the difference between history and myth? What did Joseph Campbell get wrong? And what’s the deal with oral tradition? These are some of the questions that folklorists are trained to answer, and the journey is sure to surprise. Let’s dive into the fun and interesting world of narrative genre to learn more about your own relationship to stories, and to enrich your reading of Scripture.

May 5
“Contemplative Prayer”
Led by Michelle Cornwell, Chaplain to Samaritan Village

Understand contemplative prayer as seen through the eyes of Jean-Pierre de Caussade, Brother Lawrence, Thomas Merton, Martin Laird, and others. After a brief introduction, we will spend 5-10 minutes in silence to practice what we are learning together.

May 12
“Where in the World Did the Idea of the Rapture Come From?”
Led by Craig Massie

It might surprise you to know it was 19th century England. Learn more about this idea that grips the imagination of many.