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Adult Education 2010 Spring Christian Education brochure
This year in Adult Education we are pleased to offer a spectacular line-up of visiting lecturers, seminars, Bible studies, and small group discussion each Sunday morning at 9:30 in the Friendship Hall and Adult Education Room.
Opening Up to God ~ January 3 - 31 Adele Ahlberg Calhoun says, "If we cannot develop human relationships on the fly, we cannot expect to develop the divine friendship without intent and desire. Intentionally learning to notice when God shows up is a huge part of the spiritual journey." The Rev. BJ Woodworth, pastor of the Open Door, and recently featured speaker at the New Wilmington Missionary Conference, will lead the Adult Speaker Series in January through looking at practices that help us pay attention to our lives and God's activity in them - opening us to the truth about ourselves. John Calvin once said that we can only know God in as much as we know ourselves. Again in the words of Calhoun, "These practices will help us address how to make space in a crowded life, to notice the movements of the Spirit of God. When practiced they can take us to deep places of knowing how we are accepted, received and lovingly known by God."
Listen to BJ's presentations on the spiritual disciplines of: ~ Examen ~ Sabbath
Beginnings: What Genesis Says (and Doesn't) ~ February 7 -28 The Rev. Steven Tuell, Ph.D. will present "Beginnings: What Genesis Says (and Doesn't Say)". When critics and defenders of faith argue about beginnings, both sides generally assume that Genesis presents a straightforward account of how the world was made. One side defends this account, while the other attacks it. But, close reading of Genesis 1-2 reveals a serious flaw in this assumption. Genesis presents not one creation account, but two, which differ markedly from one another. This forces us to ask new questions. If Genesis 1-2 is not a factual description of the origin of the world, then what is it? What are these two stories about? What is the effect of their combination? What are the implications of Genesis 1-2 for the relationship between science and faith? We will engage these questions through a close, careful reading of the biblical text.
Fireproof Your Marriage Check-up ~ February 7 - 14 Participants of the Fireproof Bible Study will reconvene to discuss the "Love Dare" challenge and reconnect with each other for a time of sharing victories, struggles, and of course laughter! Pleas feel free to join the class even if you did not take part in the six-week Fireproof study.
Boundaries ~ February 21 - April 18 Join Jane Kinter and Brad Walters as they lead participants through John Townsend and Henry Cloud's popular text "Boundaries". Having clear boundaries is essential to a healthy, balanced lifestyle. A boundary is a personal property line that marks those things for which we are responsible. In other words, boundaries define who we are and who we are not. Boundaries impact all areas of our lives: physical boundaries help us determine who may touch us; mental boundaries give us the freedom to have our own thoughts; emotional boundaries help us to deal with our own emotions; and spiritual boundaries help us to distinguish God's will from our own.
Introducing Jesus ~ March 7 - April 18 Who is Jesus Christ? Is Yeshua (Hebrew for "Jesus") really the promised Messiah of Israel (Hebrew for "Christ") of the Old Testament? Is Jesus Christ truly the Son of God...literally God Himself, the Divine living within human flesh? Were Jesus Christ's claims that of a liar or lunatic...or is He really Lord of the universe? This study will investigate some of the major highlights of Jesus' life, what people were saying before Christ was born, Jesus' claims about himself, the muscle Jesus exercised and the miracles he performed. Knowledgeable people will agree that Jesus Christ has made quite an impact on the world. You may even come to learn that Yeshua is indeed the promised Messiah of the Old Testament. But after all is said and done, the key question for you is, "What does all this information about Jesus Christ have to do with my life?" Join Brad Walters as he leads this discussion-oriented study for seekers and believers alike.
The New Atheists ~ May 2 - 23 The Rev. Jim Davison, Ph.D., will lead us in a series of discussions focusing on "The New Atheists: What Are They Saying and Why Should We Listen?" You may have heard of the New Atheists. Led by Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris, they are popular on the lecture circuit, in media outlets, and on the internet. They attack religion relentlessly, claiming that faith is a serious danger to the modern world and that all religions should be relegated to the trash bin of history. In four sessions, we will ask questions like: "Why are they saying these things?", "Why should we pay attention?", and "How can we respond graciously to their sometimes uncivil criticisms?" - May 2 ~ What's So New about the "New Atheists?" - May 9 ~ Faith and Violence: Is Religion Bad for Our Health? - May 16 ~ Faith and Science: Is There Any Common Ground? - May 23 ~ Faith and Ethics: Can We Be Good Without God?
New Members Class with Steve Wilson If you're curious about joining OPC we invite you to attend one of our New Members classes in the fall or spring. Led by Senior Pastor Steve Wilson the class will examine essential Christian beliefs, what life in OPC has to offer, and let you get to know the folks you've been sharing a pew with.
Weekly Bible Studies Each week three Bible studies meet at OPC. New members are always welcome! - Food for the Journey meets Wednesdays at noon in the Adult Education Room. Beginning September 23 we'll begin a topical Bible Study on "Prayer". - Sleepers Awake meets Thursday mornings at 6:30 am in the Adult Education Room. Currently we are studying 1 & 2 Corinthians.
For more information about either of the above studies please contact Brad Walters (412.828.5770, bwalters@oakmontpresby.org).
- Women's Bible Study meets on Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm in the Marie Berg Room. Currently they are reading "Woman of God" from the LifeGuide Bible Study series. If you have questions about this group please contact Jessica Walters (412.401.3963, kipjess1@comcast.net) or Jane Kinter (412.828.5770, jkinter@oakmontpresby.org).
Christian Education Holidays - November 29th, 2009 ~ Thanksgiving Break - December 20th & 27th, 2009 ~ Christmas Break - April 4th, 2010 ~ Easter Break
Click on the links below for more information about:
For more information about education at OPC please contact our Education Coordinator, Bev Taylor. 412.828.5770
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