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Sunday Morning Adult ClassesJoin a class this Sunday!Please sign up at the display table or on the Instant Sign-up form, or drop in on any class even if you have not been in it from the beginning. Classes are normally 9:45 a.m., between services.
9:45 a.m. Sundays, Jan. 6 to Feb. 12
Seeing and FindingDuring this class, through slides, stories, biblical passages and perhaps a few edible delicacies, Pastor Martha will share what she has seen and found during her sabbatical. Participants will have an opportunity to reflect on how these experiences touch their lives and faith. Topics will include an exploration of churches and holy sites in France and the Holy Land, the labyrinth, desert spirituality, Jerusalem’s sites and history, and the Israeli-Palestinian struggle.
Living the QuestionsThis discussion series uses a new edition of Living the Questions — a series of 20-minute videos featuring different panelists — followed by time for reflection and discussion. The series focuses not on providing answers so much as helping people think through current issues relating to the Bible and our faith and wrestle with different viewpoints. Scholars, theologians and pastors including Diana Butler Bass, Walter Brueggemann, Marcus Borg, Brian McLaren and others will provide provocative background for subjects including: Restoring Relationships; The Prophetic Jesus; Evil, Suffering and the God of Love; the Myth of Redemptive Violence, and Practicing Resurrection.
Led by Aileen Libengood and Steve Ranney
Conversations with Scripture: Gospel of MarkThis is a study of the Gospel of Mark that will be the major source for the Sunday Gospel readings in 2012. As a historical study we will look at more than just the background and setting. We will examine the interaction with the time and place in which it was written. As a metaphorical study, we will focus on the more-than-literal meaning of the narrative, which explores the deeper meanings and intent of the stories. Led by Pastor Jim
The class schedule:
Jan. 8: Introduction -- Authorship, Community and Historical Content
Jan. 15: Overture and Beginning – Chapters 1-3
Jan. 22: Parables and Miracles – Chapters 4-5
Jan. 29 Rejection, Miracles and Conflict -– Chapters 6-8:21
Feb. 5: From Galilee to Jerusalem – Chapters 8:22-10:52
Feb. 12: Jerusalem and Execution – Chapters 11-15
Feb. 19: Resurrection – Chapter 16
Sept. 18 to Oct. 30, 2011
Come and SeeFor newcomers to St. Andrew.
All those new to our church are invited to this class to learn and ask questions about Christianity, Lutheran beliefs and St. Andrew Lutheran Church. You will get to know other newcomers and share your joys and concerns. After these classes, you may want to continue in the Journey of Faith process to explore and deepen your faith life and to become a member of St. Andrew. Led by Diane Smith and the Journey of Faith Leadership Team.
Daily Bread, Holy Meal: Opening the Gifts of Holy CommunionEach Sunday we spend one-third of our worship time celebrating the means of grace called Holy Communion. This class will explore the roots, meaning and purpose of this meal in weekly worship. Led by Scott Norton.
Homelessness: Causes and HelpJoin us for a seven-week series of forums on homelessness in Clark County. Hear from local experts about root causes and the programs in place to help end homelessness in our community. Explore the difference between charity and justice and how to become an effective advocate for the elimination of poverty and hunger. Participate in the planning for our ninth season of the Winter Hospitality Overflow program at St. Andrew. Led by Beth Oliver.
The History of Grace: An Overview of the Old TestamentWhether you’ve studied the Bible your whole life or barely cracked it open, you’re guaranteed to learn something from this fresh study of the Old Testament. We will look at the narrative of grace in the Old Testament as a whole, allowing it to give us insight as we zoom in on specific stories. We will examine the purpose of the stories of origin in Genesis, God’s intended shalom for Israel and all people, the radical message of the prophets and connections to Jesus and the New Testament. No homework to do, and no materials to buy – just bring your Bible. If you don’t have a Bible, we’ll provide one. Led by Vicar Matt.
Winter 2011 Unbinding the GospelThis pilot project will evaluate a resource that might be used for the entire congregation later. The book by the same name helps participants focus on many aspects of faith-sharing emerging from three primary relationships: building a healthy relationship with God, healthy relationships within the congregation and with people outside the church whose lives are not centered in Christ. The recurring question to be examined is, “What difference does being a Christian make in your own life?” Led by Pastor
The Three-Day FeastDeepen your understanding and experience of worship through this class, which will explore the center of our life together: The Three Days, which consist of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter services. Through reading, discussion and video, you will learn more about worship, the church year and our faith as we plumb the riches of these worship services and perhaps help shape them for the coming year. Led by Pastor Martha and Scott Norton Class handouts (Word docs) January 16, 2011: Keeping a feast January 23, 2011: Keeping the Resurrection January 30, 2011: Maundy Thursday February 13, 2011: Easter Vigil February 20, 2011: Easter Sunday
Biblical Storytelling: Matthew‘I love to tell the story, because I know it’s true.’ You are invited to come and learn the stories of our faith through a brand new, yet ancient, practice. The art of oral storytelling makes a comeback as we take an extensive look at the gospel of Matthew through the eyes of storytellers. Have you ever thought of the scripture as a performance script? Come and learn how to read and tell the stories of Jesus through the direction of Matthew. We will work together to practice memorizing, sharing, and understanding Jesus’ life and ministry as our First Century brothers and sisters experienced the gospel. This will be a new experience for everyone involved. The only requirement is commitment and a desire to see what happens when you know the scripture by heart. Together we can bring the gospel of Matthew to new life. Led by Vicar Kristin Website: www.nbsint.org is the official website for the "Network of Biblical Storytellers", and a good introduction to what biblical storytelling is about, both as a spiritual practice and as a community of people. Seven Spiritual Gifts of WaitingWhen we are little, we wait expectantly for Christmas. As we get older, what we wait for changes. We will be looking at how waiting can enrich our lives and faith by studying Seven Spiritual Gifts of Waiting by Holly W. Whitcomb. Led by Karen Norton.
Voluntary SimplicityLearn how you can enrich your life and care for God's creation. Topics include the meaning of simplicity, living more with less, making a living, do you have the time? and living simply & sustainably. Led by Pr. Martha.
The First PaulThis class will examine Paul's early letters used both to inspire radical grace and endorse challenges to the systems of oppression still existent today. Led by Pr. Jim.
Living Outside These Walls The Outward-Focused, overflowing, generous lifeLed by Lloyd and Jan Allen, Chad Peterson, Denny Scott
How can we change our lives in simple ways to reach out and serve needs in our community? Jesus calls us to love one another as he loved us: selflessly, actively, sacrificially. Jesus said the world would know his disciples by “our love.” Love isn’t just a feeling. It’s an action. One of the best ways to demonstrate that love is through service.
We will explore:
Join us as we explore and experience new ways to live Outside These Walls. We will plan and carry out simple service projects in the community during the fall session.
The Secret Message of Jesus
Led by Pr. Think about all the articles you have read, documentaries you have watched and sermons you have listed to, hoping to get a deeper glimpse into Jesus and his message. Think about all the people who have had profound spiritual experiences that make it clear there’s more to life than sound bites and formulas. If your intuition says that both Jesus and his message are better than anything you have heard, understood or figured out so far – and you have a hunch that there’s a secret you don’t yet get – this class is for you. The Secret Message of Jesus explores a portrait of Jesus in the New Testament that doesn’t always fit with the images of Jesus in the church. Could the church have misunderstood or, in some cases, intentionally distorted Jesus’ core message? What if many of us have carried on a religion that somehow, somewhere missed the radical treasures hidden in Jesus’ central message? What if Jesus was right, but in ways different than we ever realized?
Living the QuestionsSummary (same as below) Word doc Led by Aileen Libengood and Steve Ranney Many of us have questions about the Bible, and need a safe place to ask them. This series focuses not on giving answers so much as helping people to think through current issues relating to the Bible and our faith and wrestle with different points of view. Scholars, theologians, and pastors including Diana Butler Bass, Walter Brueggemann, Marcus Borg, Brian McLaren and others will provide background for subjects such as Taking the Bible Seriously and Stories of Creation. The 20 minute episodes include brief presentations about spiritual practices and will be followed by discussion among class members.
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