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Are you interested in studying Scripture? Or discussing a practical approach to life, faith, and church matters? How about social justice issues? Wherever your interests lie, you will likely find a class in which to participate. (Click here to see samples of classes held earlier along with some of the handouts.) Adult Christian Education classes are offered on Sunday mornings or, depending on the topic and time requirements, during weekday evenings or on the weekend. Sunday morning classes begin at 11:00 AM and end at noon. Weekday evening or weekend classes are scheduled at a variety of times and typically last between 1½ and 2 hours. Most Sunday mornings, you may choose from two concurrent sessions, divided along three distinct tracks – Bible Study, Faith Matters, and Social Justice. Please see below for this term’s schedule. Our weekday evening and weekend classes are known as Gatherings for Growth. Gatherings for Growth provide more time for a variety of Christian experiences. A Gathering may be a single event or a series held over several weeks. Some series may include sharing a meal together; others may offer simple beverages and a light snack. Childcare is provided for both Sunday morning classes and Gatherings for Growth. Please read about our Options for Children to learn more about childcare. Our goal, as an Adult Christian Education committee, is to offer classes that not only educate but also inspire and motivate. We strive to keep in mind our congregation’s variety of backgrounds, viewpoints, and experiences when choosing classes, but we are always looking for ways to improve our offerings. Please be sure to share with us any ways in which you feel we may improve our programs!
Sunday Mornings 11AM"UNDERSTANDING OUR WORLD?"This series focuses on differing perspectives, attitudes, and circumstances surrounding the current “state” of the world. The playing field has changed and the rules are yet to be clearly defined for us. As Christians we are challenged to be informed, to inform, and to take action. Sometimes, though, we feel lost in a sea of contradictions, confusion, and misunderstanding. There is just so much to absorb. This series is designed to help shore up our understanding of our turbulent world to position us to move forward with faith and purpose. Each session will begin with a video and transition into active discussion.
Speaker from the Campaign for Better Health CareADULT EDUCATION on November 18 will feature a presentation and discussion on our nation's health care system. Much interest has been generated by the ending and defeat of the congressional Children's Health Insurance Plan, and Michael Moore's controversial film, "SICKO." To help us look at this issue from a perspective of faith and justice and trying to find an answer to our health care issues, the "Campaign for Better Health Care" will provide us with a speaker, to address these concerns. Jessica Palys has been working in Illinois and presented recently to Church Women United in Naperville, and will help us look seriously at what is happening and how we might respond. Please plan to stay after worship for this program of vital interest to us as Christians concerned for the millions of adults and children who lack adequate health coverage. Parent SpaceParents of adolescent youth are invited to this covenant group which meets in the Fire Side room. Led by Rev. Katie Morrison
Adults of all ages are encouraged to take part in Adult Education offerings. On Sunday mornings those adults who are parents of younger children may attend an offering while their children, from birth to 12 years of age, enjoy their own special time. Our youngest congregational members (from birth to 3 years of age) are supervised and cared for in our nursery. Those children 3 to 12 are encouraged to take part in our “Bible Adventure” offering led by Lisa Mitchell. Bible Adventure incorporates meaningful content into various engaging activities that include (but are not limited to) play-acting, charades, songs, Pictionary, Jeopardy, Bingo, and trivia games. Age appropriate activities are used to ensure that all children feel a part of the "team" of adventurers in the faith. In addition to the Sunday morning options for children, during Gatherings for Growth, childcare is provided as needed. So that we may know your childcare needs in advance, please call the church office at 630-355-1024 a few days prior to any scheduled Gatherings for Growth event.
Evening Programs - Gatherings for Growth“Beyond Christianity: Nietzsche, Whitehead and Process Theology.”The Moderators are Dr. Philip Hockberger, Professor, Northwestern University and Rev. Greg Schneck-Skiba. This Adult Education series will be held:
We will be using the textbook “Faithful to the Earth: Nietzsche and Whitehead on God and the Meaning of Human Life” by J. Thomas Howe, Professor of Theology, Georgetown University. The summary is as follows: We will discuss the ideas of two world-renowned philosophers who were outspoken critics of dogmatic theology. Friedrich Nietzsche argued that “God is dead” and that Christianity is a nihilistic religion that stifles the creative nature of mankind. Alfred North Whitehead opposed the concept of a supernatural God and, instead, developed a theology based upon the aesthetic experience of life. Both philosophers called for a new modern interpretation of the meaning of human life that is “faithful to the Earth.” Dances of Universal Peace:
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