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On this page you will find examples of Adult Education Classes held in the past. For some of these classes, you will also find handouts and/or presentations. If you facilitated a class and have notes you would like posted, please email them to webmaster@loveandjustice.org.
"Science vs. Religion: The Search for Truth" Dr. Philip Hockberger April/May 2007Is there any basis for common ground between science and religion? Is there something equivalent in science to the mysteries of religion? Has science ruled out “supernatural” phenomena? Is it still possible to conceive of God intervening in the Universe? In a new Spring Adult Education class, Dr. Philip Hockberger will discuss the possibility of a world view and belief system that combines the best of science and religion. Phil is Professor of Physiology and Neuroscience at Northwestern University Medical School, and has been active with his family in our church during the past year. If you have ever been awed by the splendor of God’s created universe, this class will inspire you, and may just expand your mind AND your faith!
Faith And The Metropolitan Challenge: Challenging Christians Toward Racial, Social And Economic Justice "We are caught in an inescapable web of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny...what affects one directly, affects all indirectly." -- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. from the Letter from the Birmingham Jail. The Reverend Jennifer Kottler, Deputy Director of Protestants for the Common Good (www.thecommongood.org), will present a plenary session on the interrelatedness of housing, education, criminal justice and urban planning and how the racial history of the Chicago region presents unique challenges and opportunities for the faith community to make a real difference in the lives of the next generation. Racial discrimination is not a thing of the past. Issues of urban equity don't affect only the city. Illinois ranks near the top of the list of states in wealth, and near the bottom in terms of equity in education funding. A lack of educational equity and opportunity is directly tied to incarceration rates. Whether or not one has been to prison significantly impacts one's ability to find a job and therefore support a family and provide opportunities different than the ones that person was afforded. The interrelatedness of all of these issues impacts whether or not the next generation will be able to flourish in the way that God intends. This is not just a matter of economics; this is a matter of faith. Rev. Jennifer H. Kottler is currently serving as the Deputy Director at Protestants for the Common Good in Chicago, Illinois. In her work at PCG, Jennifer has been preaching and teaching in congregations across Illinois and the Chicago region in many areas of justice advocacy including political, economic, environmental, racial, gender, and social justice. A registered lobbyist at the state level, she worked closely with the GLBTQ community on the passage of the Illinois Human Rights Act amendment that outlaws discrimination in housing, employment and credit on the basis of sexual orientation, and with the pro-consumer advocacy community on the passage of HB 1100 that reforms the payday lending industry. Most recently, Jennifer lead the efforts of the faith community to increase the minimum wage in Illinois, and nationally. At the Chicago city level, Jennifer was a leader in the fight in the religious community for the passage of the Big Box Living Wage Ordinance. A strong advocate for economic justice, Jennifer is particularly focused on the needs of poor children and families - particularly state and local fiscal reform targeted to improve education and human service funding. Prior to pursuing graduate theological studies which led her to work in social activism and organizing, Jennifer was a special education teacher in the Fairfax County (VA) Public Schools, and served as an advocate in the disability community. She holds a Master of Divinity degree from the University of Chicago (2003), an MA in Special Education from George Washington University in Washington, DC (1995) and is a summa cum laude graduate of Bethany College (WV), with a BA in Psychology. Raised in the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), Jennifer is ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and serves as a senior advisor on issues of domestic poverty and economic justice for the Disciples Center on Public Witness in Washington, DC.
February 4h through February 25th, 2007 CORNERSTONES OF CONGREGATIONALISM (Fireside Room): Join UIC history professor and First Congregational Church member Richard R. John for a four-week survey of the history of congregationalism from the sixteenth-century to the present. This series does not presuppose any knowledge about our denomination---indeed, it might better be titled "Everything You Wanted to Know about Congregationalism but Were Afraid to Ask"! It is especially intended for newcomers to FCC who might be curious about where we have come from. On February 4th, we will discuss "The Protestant Reformation"; on February 11th, "Puritans, Pilgrims, and Us"; on February 18th, "Antislavery, Women's Rights, and the Social Gospel", and; on February 25th, "The Making of the United Church of Christ." Handouts will be provided or you may click on the following links to download them. Facilitator: Richard John
February 4h through March 11th, 2007 ANOTHER WORLD IS POSSIBLE - OVERCOMING VIOLENCE IN OUR WORLD (Clark Room): We are half way thru the World Council of Churches' Decade to Overcome Violence (2001-2010) and also the UN International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-violence for the Children of the World (2001-2010). Led by Diane Herr, this six-week course will utilize the following resources "Discussion Guide: Christians and Non-violence" by Sojourners, articles by church leaders, video of Dr. Bernice Powell Jackson (WCC North America), "For the Peace of the World" discussion guide by the National Council of Churches, activist resources, "Gandhi & Beyond: Nonviolence for an Age of Terrorism" by David Cortright and approaches to prayers for peace. This course will prepare people to take action to make peace happen in our world as well as give hope for a better future. Facilitator: Diane Herr Click here to find the resources for this program
FIVE-WEEK LENTEN BOOK STUDY: Join Rev. Greg for this exploration of The Lord’s Prayer through Wayne Miller’s book, “Learning to Pray: Finding Heaven on Earth” beginning Wednesday, February 28. Light supper at 6:15 - 7:00 p.m.; Discussion 7:00 - 8:15 p.m. Books (not required) are available in the church office for $11.00. Babysitting is available. See Rev. Greg for more information.
FAITH AND POLITICS IN THE PUBLIC SQUARE: November 5th through December 3rd, 2006Join historian and First Congregational Church member Richard R. John for a five-week discussion of Christianity and public life. The class will be based on two engaging and provocative new books by practicing Christians who are active in public life: John Danforth’s Faith and Politics: How the ‘Moral Values’ Debate Divides America and How to Move Forward Together (2006) and Jan G. Linn’s Big Christianity: What’s Right with the Religious Left (2006). No preparation is necessary; handouts will be provided! Week 1 (Nov. 5): “Christian Love and Practical Politics” (Danforth pp. 1-77) Are Christians reconcilers or dividers? And what is “public religion,” anyway? Week 2 (Nov. 12): “Abortion, Stem Cell Research, Gay Marriage, and World Peace” (Danforth, pp. 78-128) How can we as Christians think about divisive public issues? What can we do to make our voices heard? Week 3 (Nov. 19): “Paul’s Primer for Politics” (Danforth, pp. 129-233). What does the book of Paul tell us about how to participate in public life? How can the Bible inform our own civic engagement? Week 4 (Nov. 26): “A Bigger Christianity” (Linn, pp. vi-94) How can we reconcile Christianity and pluralism? Why should we try? Week 5 (Dec. 3): “Bigger Christianity and Politics” (Linn, pp. 95-119)How can liberal Christians set the political agenda? What difference would it make if we did?
PRAYING IN THE MIDST OF LIFE (Video Presentation/Discussion): September 17th through October 15th, 2006 Facilitator: Lewie Mitchell. In this five-week video presentation and discussion course class participants will focus on how and when we pray. This series of video programs is designed to help strengthen your life of prayer. Each program is about 23 minutes in length. Through the process of conversation and reflection, the Reverend Ron DelBene guides viewers along a path which can lead to a richer understanding of prayer and a more satisfying prayer life. In each of the programs, Ron addresses a different aspect of prayer, while continually building on the idea that God is always present in our lives and prayer is our way of being attentive to God’s presence. An Episcopal priest, DelBene’s vocational calling has led him to serve in positions as a campus minister, a rector in the parish ministry, and an assistant professor of theology. He is the author of two pastoral care programs and five books. DelBene and his wife, Dr. Eleanor McKinzie DelBene, direct The Hermitage, a non-profit corporation devoted to providing spiritual growth and direction. A primary focus of Ron DelBene’s work is dialoguing with individuals about their relationship with God and the meaning of that relationship in their daily life. Week 1: Finding God – “Where is God?” is one of the greatest influences on how we pray and on our whole spiritual life. Week 2: Knowing God’s Will – The question Ron is asked most often is, “What is God’s will for me?” Week 3: Praying the Scripture - … the scriptures are stories of people just like you and me. Week 4: Learning the Breath Prayer – The breath prayer is a simple way for us to be continually aware of living in the breath of God. Week 5: Retreating at Anytime - …it’s
important for many of us to find – within our busy life – some Sabbath time …
FAITH & REASON: The Bill Moyers series Faith & Reason - September 17th through October 15th, 2006Facilitator: Bev George Course Objectives:
Class participants should come willing to share their impressions and reflections on the weekly broadcast and how the ideas expressed by the writers agree or disagree with their personal convictions and/or connect with the link(s) between faith and reason in their personal thinking.
You can download Bill Moyers’ interviews FREE from the iTunes Music Store (www.iTunes.com). Click on “Launch Music Store,” from the Music Store, look to the left-hand column under genre and click on podcasts, there is a search box Q for a particular event. Search “Bill Moyers Faith and Reason” and you will get the screen to subscribe to all seven interviews at no charge. Salman Rushdie is the opening Moyers interview for Adult Education discussion.
PARABLES – TIMELESS MEANING - APRIL 30, MAY 7 & 21 In these sessions, participants will delve into the New Testament parables seeking to determine what they may have meant for the people at the time they were spoken and how they bring meaning to our lives today. In addition to the Bible, class members will be reading excerpts from Miguel de la Torre’s Reading the Bible From the Margins to more fully understand the power that interpretations of Jesus’ parables continue to have on society today. Presenter: Haley Wilson Haley Wilson grew up in Naperville, IL and graduated from the University of the South in Sewanee, TN with a major in religion. She and her husband, Marc, joined First Congregational in 2004. Haley is a member of the Missions and Social Action Ministry, involved with Junior Achievement and employed as a Customer Service Administration Manager in the transportation industry.
NURTURING FAITH - APRIL 23, 2006 WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO "NURTURE" FAITH? HOW DOES ONE NURTURE THE FAITH OF CHILDREN, YOUTH AND ADULTS? WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? HOW CAN ACTIVE NURTURING CHANGE PEOPLE’S LIVES? Join our special guest presenter Elizabeth "Lib" Caldwell, author and Harold Blake Walker Professor of Pastoral Theology at McCormick Theological Seminary, for this moving and insightful session. Lib is the author of four books, among them:
Ms. Caldwell joined the faculty of McCormick Theological Seminary in 1984. In 1991, she was ordained by the Chicago Presbytery with a call to teaching at McCormick. She was named Professor of Educational Ministry in 1991 and the Harold Blake Walker Professor of Pastoral Theology in 1996. Lib was born in Memphis and received the Bachelor of Arts Degree from Rhodes College. She received a Master of Education from Vanderbilt University in 1984. The Doctor of Philosophy degree was awarded in 1990, by Northwestern University. In 1998, she was honored with the Doctor of Divinity degree from Rhodes College. Prior to her appointment at McCormick, Lib served as an educational consultant with three Presbyterian churches in northwest Alabama (1973-1984). From 1970-1983, she was the Director of Christian Education at Shady Grove Presbyterian Church in Memphis. In her work as educator, Lib worked as a member of the governing cabinet of the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators (APCE), serving as president from 1982-84. In 2004, the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators selected Elizabeth Caldwell as its Educator of the Year. For more information on Lib please use the following URL: http://www.mccormick.edu/facultyandstaff/faculty/bios/lcaldwell/ MAKING A HOME FOR
FAITH - APRIL 2, 9 & 30, MAY 7
THE RAPTURE AND ARMAGEDDON – IS CHRISTIANITY A RELIGION OF VIOLENCE? - MARCH 5, 12, 19, 26, APRIL 2 & 9, 2006 The "Left Behind" series of novels have proven to be effective in getting across to many people a particular perspective about the "End of Time." Many main stream Christians are left wondering where this teaching comes from. How does it fit into what the Bible says about the second coming of Jesus, not to mention the message he preached? What is the political agenda of those who hold these views? Is there an alternative which is truer to the whole biblical message? This course examines these issues, using videos from well-know theologians such as Gary Burge and Barbara Rossing to introduce each session. Presenters: Diane Herr has been a member of First Congregational Church for more than 20 years. She has participated on many boards, ministries and served as moderator. She designed and led adult education classes on Women in Church History, Women in the Bible, Mary the Feminine Face of the Church, The Marian Traditions, Meditations for Thoughtful Leaders and the Mary Magdalene Mysteries. Diane is currently a consultant to small businesses after surviving life as a corporate executive in Telecommunications. She has an MBA from Stanford and degrees in Computer Engineering. Gene Wollaston has been a member of First Congregational Church for 30 years. He has spent time washing dishes in the kitchen, cleaning up after church dinners, working on PADS cleanup, and doing landscaping work around the church. And he has also been Chair of Social Action and Missions; Chair of the search committee that brought Rev. Greg to our church; Moderator; Delegate; member of the Trustees; and a member of the committee that developed the resolution "Alternative Voice to Christian Zionism" that First Congregational sent to the Illinois Conference and the 24th General Synod of the UCC.
VOLUNTARY SIMPLICITY - FEBRUARY 5, 12, 19 &26, MARCH 5, 12, 19 & 26, 2006 To live more simply is to live more purposefully and with a minimum of needless distraction. ~ Duane Elgin What we so easily accept as the natural outcome of our economic system can be out of balance from a worldwide perspective. Accordingly it's time to pause, reflect, and difficult as it may be at first, change. This eight-week course will provide support by "...motivating individuals to examine and transform personal values and habits (and so prepare them) to accept responsibility for the earth and to act on that commitment." Class members will read on their own and then discuss together one chapter per week of Voluntary Simplicity, a discussion course published by the Northwest Earth Institute (cost of the text is $15.00). The chapter titles are as follows: 1. The Meaning of Simplicity. 2. Living More with Less. 3. Your Money or Your Life. 4. Do You Have the Time? 5. How Much Is Enough. 6. Swimming Against the Tide. 7. The Practice of Simplicity. 8. Celebration. Facilitators: The Missions and Social Action Ministry sponsor this class and the facilitators will be Marcia Bennett, Tim Burke, Marscha Chenoweth, Shelley Weakly and Haley Wilson. Click here for more information on the Northwest Earth Institute, Voluntary Simplicity, or other courses they offer.
LEADERSHIP ROLES OF WOMEN IN EARLY CHRISTIANITY - FEBRUARY 5, 12, 19 & 26, 2006 Jesus was very egalitarian with respect to women, going against the norms of Roman and Jewish societies of the day. It is no longer debatable that the traditional Christian church had women bishops, priests and deacons and the archaeological evidence of this is preserved for us to see today. Over the past twenty or so years, scholars have been poring over ancient manuscripts, tomb stones and catacomb artwork to determine the roles of women in early Christianity. Why? For one, the Catholic Church has explicitly denied women the right to be ordained as a minister in the church. For Protestant women, the idea is to find role models which support the involvement of women in churches today. For historians, learning more about the time period is fascinating. During this class we will be able to look at some of the archaeological finds, discuss the conflicting early times and examine how women became sidelined in the 4th and 5th centuries. Click here for the presentation including all sessions. (7M, .pdf) Presenter: Diane Herr has been a member of First Congregational Church for more than 20 years. She has participated on many boards, ministries and served as moderator. She designed and led adult education classes on Women in Church History, Women in the Bible, Mary the Feminine Face of the Church, The Marian Traditions, Meditations for Thoughtful Leaders and the Mary Magdalene Mysteries. Diane is currently a consultant to small businesses after surviving life as a corporate executive in Telecommunications. She has an MBA from Stanford and degrees in Computer Engineering.
Same Sex Marriage: An Open and Affirming Discussion - June 13, 21 and 28th 2004 The Missions and Social Action Ministry will be sponsoring an Adult Forum. We will explore the history of marriage, the religious aspects of marriage, civil marriage and unions, the legal history and UCC perspectives.
Same-Sex marriage is an important political issue today and this forum should a safe, open and affirming session to help you in thinking about this issue. The forum will be led by Diane Herr with help from other members. Click here for the presentation materials. |
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