| Topic |
From |
To |
Goal |
Resource |
What you can do to prepare |
| This I Believe |
9/18/2011 |
10/2/2011 |
Discuss/share values and give people opportunity to write their own belief statement. |
Web: "This I believe" sample essays from thisibelieve.org. Packet of sample essays. |
Visit the website thisibelieve.org and find ones you like. Try writing your own essay. |
| Mental Health Month |
10/9/2011 |
10/30/2011 |
Raise awareness to the effects of mental health on our families and community |
Resources to help raise community sensitivity and introduce the concept of providing "companionship" to those in need. |
Maggie will have handouts. Read items on reading list. |
| Gospel Parallels |
11/6/2011 |
11/27/2011 |
Explore similarities and differences between the synoptic gospels. |
Book: Gospel Parallels by Throckmorton |
Borrow a copy of the book. Read the scriptures. Work through the study questions. |
| 23rd Psalm |
12/4/2011 |
12/18/2011 |
Study imagery and symbolism of this Psalm from the unique perspective of a sheep herder. |
Book: A Shepherd Looks at the 23rd Psalm (Handouts will be provided.) |
Read the Psalm. Study the handouts (excerpts from the book). |
| NO CLASS |
12/25/2011 |
1/1/2012 |
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| The Great Emergence |
1/8/2012 |
1/29/2012 |
How Christianity is Changing and Why. An overview of Church History and current issues facing the church. |
Book: The Great Emergence by Phyllis Tickle |
Read the book. Think of good questions to ask. |
| Book of Ruth |
2/5/2012 |
3/4/2012 |
Intro to Bible Scholarship. How archeology, literary criticism, historical analysis and theology come together to bring us new meaning. |
Book: Ruth, a Commentary by Ted Campbell |
Read the scriptures. Study handouts provided. Borrow and read the book. Dig deep! |
| Forgiveness |
3/11/2012 |
4/1/2012 |
A Theology of Forgiveness. Learn about the Amish experience and discuss how forgiveness relates to our lives/Easter. |
Book: Amish Grace by Kraybill, Nolt and Weaver-Zercher and their study guide. Forgive for Good by Luskin |
Read the book. Go through the study guide. Read Luskin's book too. |
| EASTER-- NO CLASS |
4/8/2012 |
4/8/2012 |
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| Ecumenism |
4/15/2012 |
4/29/2012 |
Focus on issues around interfaith marriages and understanding other faith perspectives. |
Open discussion, include personal experiences of members. Some handouts. |
Come ready to discuss your questions and your experience. |
| Gospel of John |
5/6/2012 |
5/27/2012 |
Understand context and theological differences from synoptic gospels |
TBD |
Read the scriptures. |