CHRISTIAN FORMATION FOR ADULTS*
Sunday 10 am Forums
Forums: Jan. 12 - Feb. 2:
Gender and Faith. (N. Adult Ed. Rm. - room change) Join us for a time of prayer, study, and dialogue to deepen our understanding and welcome as an Open and Affirming congregation to discuss and learn about issues of gender identity. As people deal with non-conforming gender identities it generates significant friction for them as individuals and as communities. How do we move from ONA affirmation to ONA advocacy? Most transgender Christians are searching for the same things that other believers want: a connection to their God within a loving community where worship and working for equality and justice are the focus of the Christian experience. Unfortunately, these searching transgender people are too often left without a place to call their “church home” because most congregations and religious institutions are not ready to welcome them as their Christian companions. The “transACTION" curricula is designed to help churches and institutions address this issue of understanding and welcome by providing step-by-step training about the needs, apprehensions and fears of transgender people – as well as the wealth of gifts and graces they bring – while responding to the concerns of the church or religious institution. “When persons aren’t free to be their authentic selves, we all lose. The full potential of those individuals is lost to society in general and our churches and institutions in particular. God’s creative freedom is stifled because of our fear and prejudice.” -- Rev. Rebecca Voelkel, Institute for Welcoming Resources and Faith Work Director The first three sessions are “How do we get to understanding?” “How do we get to acceptance?” and “How do we get to welcoming?” The fourth session will be a panel of from the CSU Visible Voices program. Feb. 9-23
What is the UCC, How did we get here, How does the church work? Join us for three weeks of Forums to look at the history and structure of our denomination and congregation, Feb. 9, 16, 23 in the North Adult Ed Room (note room move).
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Sunday 10 am Classes
The Enneagram and Relationships. The Enneagram can help us to realize who we are and what our greatest potentials might be, as well as to make sense of the sometimes confusing behavior of others. Led by Irene Wherritt Jan. 12 - Feb. 23 in the Forum Room (room change).
Understanding Israel and Palestine: Peace from the Pieces. For over 70 years, Jews and Arabs, Israelis and Palestinians, have grappled over the historic Holy Land. Amid the suffering of both peoples, hope for a peaceful future sometimes arises and is sometimes snuffed. We won’t solve the issue (that’s their job) but join Mark Lee and various guest speakers to understand the issues and ways we might help. Jan. 12 - Feb. 23 in the Fireside Room. |
Weekdays
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Adult Elective, January 16 - Feb. 20 (skipping 2/13) in the Conference Room. "Pathways of Wellness."
Interested in learning more about that new buzzword, "wellness?" This evening class will explore different themes of holistic wellness, particularly focusing on different avenues to reduce symptoms of stress and explore the causes. Start 2020 on the right foot and be encouraged to take the next step on your journey of Self awareness! Facilitated by Matt St. Germain, who is currently a student at Phillips Seminary. Wholeness Prayer
The Wholeness Prayer Group meets the 2nd and 4th Mondays, 10-11:30am in the Adult Ed room. You are welcome to join us as we share our concerns, pray for each other, the church, our country and the world. |
Celtic SpiritualityTuesday Mornings: The Celtic Spirituality II group meets in the Conference Room from 9-10:15am during the academic year. All are welcome. Questions? Les Fraley or 970.221.1624.
Wednesday Mornings: The Celtic Spirituality 1 group meets at 8am in the church conference room during the academic year. All welcome. Mary Freese for more info.
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*What is Christian Formation for Adults?
We offer adult study groups (details above) every week you can choose between two ongoing classes. These classes generally run six to eight weeks, which provides an opportunity to deeply explore a topic with a group of fellow-inquirers. Generally, one of the classes is broadly "spiritual" in nature –dealing with theology, Bible, prayer, or the spiritual life. The other class is broadly "social" –looking at issues of society, economics, environment, or politics in the light of faith.
The weekly 10 a.m. Forum (details above) provides an opportunity to hear a speaker address current issues. Often these speakers are from outside the church and let us know about community organizations people might want to work with, bring us a particular point of view on a current issue, or are part of a candidate forum ahead of an election. Speakers from within the congregation share their professional expertise, with an eye towards how their faith and church setting shapes the discussion. There is time for questions and answers, and we encourage people to follow up on topics that engage them.
Additionally, we bring in an outside Visiting Scholar on an annual basis. During this weekend, usually in the fall, we bring in a major scholar for a weekend of lectures and workshops. Previous years' visiting scholars include Marcus Borg, Dom Crosson, Andrea White, and John Bell from Iona.
The weekly 10 a.m. Forum (details above) provides an opportunity to hear a speaker address current issues. Often these speakers are from outside the church and let us know about community organizations people might want to work with, bring us a particular point of view on a current issue, or are part of a candidate forum ahead of an election. Speakers from within the congregation share their professional expertise, with an eye towards how their faith and church setting shapes the discussion. There is time for questions and answers, and we encourage people to follow up on topics that engage them.
Additionally, we bring in an outside Visiting Scholar on an annual basis. During this weekend, usually in the fall, we bring in a major scholar for a weekend of lectures and workshops. Previous years' visiting scholars include Marcus Borg, Dom Crosson, Andrea White, and John Bell from Iona.
