Previous Adult Classes - Fall 2003

Fall 2003 class offerings included the following:

C.S. Lewis, "Mere Christian", September 14 - November 2, Ron Szoke

C.S. Lewis (1898-1963) is often called the most brilliant and effective defender of Christian faith in the twentieth century. A professor of medieval and Renaissance literature at Oxford and Cambridge, he wrote widely read works of Christian apologetics and theology in addition to poetry and novels (including the popular Chronicles of Narnia series of fantasy novels for young people). Lewis argues for a non-denominational, minimalist form of Christian orthodoxy he calls "mere Christianity." We will view and discuss some brief, stimulating videotaped presentations on Lewis's life and writings by Professor Louis Markos (Ph.D., U of Michigan), now of Houston Baptist University.

Health & Wellness

The Health & Wellness Committee, along with Parish Nurse Linda Morgan will be offering a series of classes. The first topic will be a series of two classes on Alzheimer's. Future topics will include complimentary medicine and advocacy toward accessible, universal health care.

September 21 and October 12

Elizabeth Rogers will lead a class discussing Alzheimer's. The September class will focus on the condition itself and the broader topic of memory loss. The October class will address caregiver concerns.

Usher Training, September 28 & October 5, Diane Carothers & Curt Wilson

There will be usher training session during the adult education hour on September 28 and October 5. If you are currently an usher, or if you would like to serve as an usher next year, please plan to attend one of these two sessions to review the many details of this important service to our church. Bring your calendars to review the current usher schedule & make substitutions as necessary.

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Being the Campus Minister, November 9, Rev. Karen Bush

Come with questions for campus minister Karen Bush as she shares her insights and wisdom about campus ministry today. Karen has been our campus pastor for over 15 years and is the president-elect of the National Campus Ministry Association.

Beyond Belief - by Elaine Pagels, November 16, 23, & December 7, 14, Pastor Mike Mulberry

Mike Mulberry will lead this series on Elaine Pagels' new book "Beyond Belief". The book is available at the discounted price of $19.94 (including tax) at Pages for All Ages in Savoy. Ask for the book ordered for Community UCC.

For Dec 7, read chapter 4. Questions to begin discussion: What is spiritual truth and how may it be discerned? Do we have that discernment process in our church? What is the meaning of suffering? Do you like the image of Jesus as the divine waterfall? Why or why not? What are your beliefs about baptism? what are our church's beliefs about baptism? What about these as three questions for baptism: Who are you? where do you come from? Where are you going? What questions should we use for the baptizand/parents? From reading the chapter, how did John become the most authoritative gospel?

For Dec 14, read chapter 5. Why not leave Christianity behind? What is wrong with seeing Jesus as one of us? Was Jesus God? What relevance does that have? Would Jesus, as a Jew, proclaim himself as divine? if early Christianity was very egalitarian, why has it taken so long for us to proclaim that within the tradition? What was Irenaeus' contribution to the history and tradition of Christianity? Do you like or dislike the theology found in the secret Book of John? Why or why not? What was Constantine's contribution to the early Christian church? Was it positive or negative? was this book important for your understandings of Christian faith? Why or why not?

Candle Festival, December 7

All ages are invited to gather in the Fellowship Hall at 9:00 am to explore the Advent symbols of light and darkness.

Winter Solstice, December 21

All ages are invited to gather in the Fellowship Hall at 9:00 am to explore the symbols of the winter solstice through art and music. Light refreshments will be served.

No Adult classes December 28, 2003 and January 4, 2004