Upcoming Classes
Advent Bible Study
November 29th | Sundays @ 9:00am
Join us to take a closer look at the Lectionary readings for the four Sundays of Advent. Each week we’ll read and discuss the “other lessons” for that Sunday's readings in the Old Testament and the Psalms — and how they relate to the Gospel reading for that week. This class begins at 9:00 on Sunday, Nov. 29 and will be facilitated by Craig & Susan Pynn with discussion both in-person (Friendship Hall) and via Zoom. Sign up by sending a note to Shawn Stauske (rmstauske@gmail.com).
Click Here to Join the Zoom Meeting
“Dickens” Christmas story – “The Chimes”
November 29th | Sundays @ 6:30pm
The Chimes: A Goblin Story of some bells that rang an Old Year out and a New Year in. In her book “The Gospel and Dickens,” Gina Dalfonso explains that: “Dickens can certainly entertain, but his legacy endures because of his power to stir consciences with the humanity of his characters and their predicaments. While he could be ruthless in his characterization of greed, injustice, and religious hypocrisy, again and again the hope of redemption shines through. In spite of – or perhaps because of – his own failings, Dickens never stopped exploring the themes of sin, guilt, repentance, redemption, and restoration found in the gospel. In some passages the Christian elements are explicit, in others implicit, but, as Dickens himself said, they all reflect his understanding of and reverence for the gospel.” These insights are certainly true for Dickens’ second “Christmas Book” and we hope that The Chimes may provide some equally timeless insights for us in the upcoming Christmas season!
The classes will run for four one-hour, consecutive Sunday evenings beginning November 29th at 6:30 pm via ZOOM. To register and/or for more information, email Maureen Oostdik at moostdik@charter.net
Lectio Divina
December 3rd | Thursdays @ 9:00am
In these days of unsettledness, many of us may be looking for new ways to be with God. Please consider joining a lectio divina group during the Advent season this year. lectio divina is an ancient prayer practice that is a fairly structured, quiet, reflective way of praying a brief portion of scripture, then listening for what God is saying to you. We will do lectio divina as a group, via Zoom. (Zoom access will be provided, so you do not need your own Zoom account.)
Click Here to Join the Zoom Meeting
Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption
Coming Soon
“Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption” is a book study led by Preston Rodriguez. The book was written by Bryan Stevenson, lawyer and founder of the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI). An unforgettable true story about the potential for mercy to redeem us, and a clarion call to end mass incarceration in America. This book study will have open and honest conversations about the events and themes of this book, as well as our role as a church to help fight injustice and inequality.
Please contact Preston at: rodriguezpd104@gmail.com for questions and to sign up.
Parenting for Social-Emotional Wellness
Coming Soon
Within the current state of the world, there is considerable stress experienced by all families. If you're a parent of Tweens & Teens, join us for discussions focused on key aspects for practicing and modeling strategies for well-being, including:
Emotion Coaching
Effective listening
Apologizing
Tolerating distress
Mindfulness
The mission of the Adult Faith Academy (AFA) is to foster lifelong learning about God, self, and all of creation, empowering Christians to effectively proclaim and serve Christ… locally and throughout the world. It is the vision of AFA to:
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Present information that will touch the head, heart and actions of a diverse community of adult learners, in ways relevant to life today.
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Inform, form and transform adults as they grow in their relationship with God and each other, living as examples of Jesus Christ.
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Develop a deeper understanding of the Bible as we explore intellectually and spiritually challenging faith issues.
More sessions are being planned for the Fall. Specific session details will be forthcoming.