Christian Education
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God-what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Discipleship involves a lifelong process of growth in personal holiness and in our understanding of the Christian faith. We believe that as a part of that God calls each of us to exercise our mind.
Our goal at Messiah is to present learning opportunities for adults that are solidly based in Scripture and creed, and at the same time connect with the issues of daily life in ways that are practical and challenging.
Adult education is offered on Sunday mornings from 10:00 to 10:55, concurrently with the children's and youth programs. Unless otherwise announced, sessions take place in the former chapel.
September 13, 20 & 27: Matters of life and death
Dick Guiton, a retired physician, will address the issues of "advanced medical directives" and "assisted suicide" from a Christian perspective. John Newton will lead a session on some things to consider when planning for your funeral.
October 4, 11, 18 & 25: How to be the parent you want to be
Myra Arnold, leader of our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program, will offer a series of studies of a book by Adele Faber that provides a comprehensive guide to child care, including valuable advice on essential parenting skills and tips on coping with common problems children face.
November 1, 8 & 15: Martin Luther, knight of faith
Steve Erickson, a licensed therapist, will lead us in a consideration of the forces that shaped this man and his message. We will explore biography, psychobiography, his own theological writings, and films of his life. Do they accurately depict the man and the events of the reformation? What can we learn from Luther about how to deal with church teachings that deviate from God's word?
November 22: All Aboard for Advent
Advent is a week away, and we will look at some ways to engage meaningfully in this beautiful season of preparation for Christmas.
November 29, December 6, 13 & 20: Living faith: Connecting Sunday with everyday
Have you ever wished that your faith would make more of a difference in your everyday life? David Mowers, a graduate student at Bethel Seminary, will lead us in exploring the faithful examples of a number of personalities from church history, and how their lives might help us to be more radically faithful in our own contexts.
January 10, 17, 24 & 31: Muslims are from Mars - Christians are from Venus
Bob Brenneman, Professor of Intercultural Studies at North Central University, will lead a discussion of the barriers and the potential bridges between the world's two largest religions from historical, socio-cultural, political, and theological perspectives. There will be lots of time for conversation on controversial subjects, including terrorism, women's issues, and anti-Americanism.
February 7, 14, 21 & 28: Patron saints for postmoderns
Chris Armstrong, Associate Professor of Church History at Bethel Seminary, will introduce us to "Four for Olde Englande-and for America today": Gregory the Great (540-604), Margery Kempe (1377-after 1438), John Newton (1725-1807), and Dorothy L. Sayers (1893-1957), who worked to evangelize, challenge, revive and re-awaken both church and culture in their day.
March 7, 14 & 21: Is there good news in the gospel for women?
Why is Wicca one of the fastest growing religious alternatives to Christian faith in North America, especially for women? Mimi Haddad, president of Christians for Biblical Equality, will consider biblical and historical foundations for the shared service of men and women, and why the church has struggled to embrace women as equal partners with men in church, home and society.
April 11, 18 & 25, May 2: Exodus, John, and the end of the world
The Gospel of John has often been labeled a "Greek" gospel, but in fact it has embedded within it the two central Jewish stories: Creation and Exodus. Charlie Clauss, team leader for Inter-Varsity's Graduate and Faculty Ministries, will help us look at the Gospel of John, tease out the echoes of these two seminal stories, and ponder the implications of what we find for our lives.
Church Library
Our Church Library is located on the main level of the building, just off the Gathering Space. It offers a collection of more than 1000 books related to Christian faith and life, along with audio and video resources, available for borrowing. Most of them are catalogued at http://www.librarything.com/catalog/MessiahEpiscopal.
Questions?
Are there topics or issues you would like to see addressed in future adult education series? We are always interested in hearing from you.
Get in touch with Patwin Lawrence (patwinvlawrence@hotmail.com) or with Messiah's clergy.
