Adult Education at Christ Church

Will you continue in the Apostles' teaching and fellowship?
 

I will, with God's help.

Episcopalians enjoy learning. They enjoy deepening their understanding of their personal faith, their Church and how their faith is lived in the world.

Sunday mornings provide a time dedicated to this learning. Between the worship services, people of all ages gather to enjoy each other’s company as well as to share ideas and questions about their faith journeys. Classes for all ages begin at 9:15 each Sunday morning. Childcare is available during this time.

Formation opportunities are also available during the week.

Jump to a Sunday Morning Series:

Our Ongoing Offerings:
 

Biblical Study: The Book of Hosea

September 7-22, 2008
Facilitator: Charles Crawley

"For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings."
(Hosea 6:6)

When Jesus told his critics to "Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice'," (Matthew 9:13), he was referring to Hosea. This study will help us learn what Hosea meant by studying his family crises (and possible sexism) and how his message differed from that of Amos, whom we studied last year. We will also look at Hosea's critiques of militarism in Israel and of the worship of Baal, the Middle Eastern fertility god. We will use the same booklet we did last fall in our study of Amos-Amos & Hosea: Boundaries, Tough Love, Amazing Grace, by George W. Ramsey. Join us for this four-Sunday study to learn more about the Bible and to engage in exciting discussions about the relevance of Hosea to the topics of today.

Issues of the Election

October 5, 12, 19, 26
Facilitator: Barbara Schlachter and Adult Formation Committee

Some issues will loom larger than others during the upcoming election. In order to help add clarity to them, we will have four sessions each highlighting a different issue from a perspective that includes Biblical tradition and if applicable, General Convention actions. There will be a brief presentation and then an opportunity for discussion among those present. Candidates will not be promoted; this is a chance to share what we as Episcopalians have in our tradition to provide enlightenment on the issues.

The four election issues that will be topics for dialogue include: Immigration: Welcoming the Stranger Peace and War, Security and Fear The Economy: poverty, health care, distribution of resources, etc. Stewardship of the Earth

Even if you feel you are not a “political animal”, you may be interested in hearing what others think about these issues.

The First Christmas: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus’s Birth

November 2, 9, 16, 23
Facilitator: Barbara Schlachter and Adult Formation Committee

Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan have a new book entitled The First Christmas: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus’s Birth. These two scholars have collaborated on several books, including The Last Week, one of our books during Lent two years ago. This new book explores the beginning of the life of Christ, peeling away the sentimentalism that has built up over the last two thousand years to reveal the truth of what the Gospels actually say. Borg and Crossan help us to see this well-known narrative afresh by answering the question, “What do these stories mean?” in the context of both the first century and the twenty-first century. They successfully show that the Christmas story, read in its original context, is far richer and more challenging than people imagine.

Books may be purchased at a group rate.

"With meticulous scholarship and accessible language, ‘The First Christmas…’ uncovers the genuine meaning of the Birth of Jesus." -The Progressive Christian

The Vicar of Dibley

Facilitators: Ellen Bruckner and Maridee Dugger
Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23

“The sleepy village of Dibley has a new vicar, but it’s not your standard-order bloke – its Dawn French…

Armed with a sharp wit, a double dose of double entrendre and a healthy supply of chocolate, she brings the town’s lovable – though rather eccentric – inhabitants a hysterical new outlook on life, love and the Church of England that will leave audiences in stitches.”

Join us for laugh-filled viewings and discussions of “The Vicar of Dibley”. We will watch one episode each Sunday morning. There is no need to worry about carry over from one Sunday to the next, so come to one or all of the sessions. A great way to start your day – with laughter!!

Elderly Issues

Twice Monthly (see dates below)
Facilitators: The Elderly Ministry Team

Christ Church has formed a Ministry Team focused on ministry development with our elderly members. The Team focuses on all aspects of life including the health, formation, service and worship of those who are over 55 years old. This team is offering a series of forums dealing with a variety of issues important to the elderly. One does not have to be over 55 to attend these sessions.

Elderly Issues will be held on two Sundays of each month. Please check your weekly newsletter for up to date topics. These are the planned topics:

In addition, the Ministry Team will be offering forums in the evenings during the year dealing with many other issues facing us as we mature.

Blood Pressure Screening on the First Sunday of each month following the 8 and 10:30 Services – in the Rector’s Office. Begins September 7.

Estate Planning Seminar expected near the end of October: watch for the date and time.

Announcing New This Season

St. Arbuck's Coffee House

“Enjoy heavenly coffee and earthy conversations”

We will be serving delicious coffee every Sunday morning in the parlor. There are tables for people to relax with their coffee and enjoy the morning, reading the paper or a book, or conversation with others.

In case you are wondering, here is a brief description of how St. Arbuck’s came to be.

The Story of St. Arbuck, a biography conceived in the Celtic tradition

Arbuck arrived from Wales, washed up on the flood plain of Cedar Rapids, in her coracle (a rudderless boat). In the coracle she had a keurig and two corgis. She hitched the corgis to the coracle and told them to take the keurig to wherever it was meant to be.

Those little dogs pulled all day and they pulled all night—and they collapsed on 40th St. and said, “Hey, babe, can you spare a cup of this java? We’re knackered.” So Arbuck got out of her coracle and set up her keurig and made a cuppa for the corgis.

They pronounced it the best coffee ever—and then they revealed they were the Queen’s corgis that had been sold into slavery. When the Queen received word that her dogs were well and in the care of Arbuck, she, who is the Head of the Church of England, made Arbuck a saint and declared that Exceptional Coffee should be served in this church parlor in perpetuity.

So come and get it at St. Arbuck’s where heavenly coffee is served with earthy conversation. Let the steam rise!

Back by popular demand, Christ Church opens the

Bethlehem Cave Coffee House at St. Arbuck's

December 7, 14, 21

Come share your story, song, poem or other offering at the Bethlehem Cave Coffee House. This is time to reflect on and prepare for God’s gift to us in Jesus. Our creativity in the form of one of the arts provides a way to thank God for the creativity God showed in the sending of the Christ. Check your calendar and sign up for one of these three Sundays to share your gift with others at the Cave.

Week Day Opportunities

These gatherings have an educational element, but are indeed fellowship opportunities. For more get-together options, please check out our Small Groups, Weekly Suppers, and other areas of our web site.

Monday Evening Men’s Group. Every Monday evening at 5:30 to 6:30 men are invited to a life application study of the scripture. Looking to the scripture and the lessons one learns from it provides a foundation for all that life gives us today. All men are welcome in this conversation group. Contact: Joe Antisavage, 378-8737 for more information.

The Bodacious Women’s Bible Study Group. Women in the Bible is the focus for this group that meet each Monday at 5:15 to 6:30. Using the books of the Bible, the group studies the women and their roles in that book. Contact: Barbara Schlachter, 363-2029

Wednesday Eucharist 10:30 a.m. A study of the weekly lectionary scripture text follows the worship service. Refresh yourself with this midweek Eucharist and lively discussion group. Contact: the office, 363-2029 for more information.

Friday Morning Men’s Breakfast. Are you an earlier riser? Join this group of men for breakfast and conversation based on the scripture and its relevance to today’s issues. Contact: Joe Antisavage, 378-8737 for more information.

Education for Ministry (EFM). EFM is a more formal study of the scripture, the Church, and ministry. Participants enroll for a year at a time in this four year program. The group meets weekly for reflection on the reading assignments and dialogue about various topics raised in the lessons. This program is offered through the University of the South in Sewanee, TN. Contact: Aileen Chang Matus, 362-0895.

 

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