2010 Winter / Lent Adult Education & Spiritual Formation Classes
Introduction to the Bible:
This eight week class will look at the basic plot of the Biblical story. In broad strokes, we will look at the major periods of our Jewish / Christian history, the biblical books that arose out of them, and specific stories that illuminate each era. The goal, however, will not be just a detached historical look, but to explore how our lives take on meaning through our identification with the Biblical drama. Taught by Rev. Herb Miller, pastor of PSUMC.
Dates and Times: Beginning date is Feb. 8
Duration: 8 sessions
Leader: Herb Miller
Location: Downstairs Small Classroom
To Register: PSUMCAdultEd@gmail.com
Turn Toward Promise:
A six-week Spiritual Formation series based on the book by John Indermark. The book moves through the six weeks using texts from Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, Hebrew Scripture prophets in hard times. The book does include a Lenten focus as well. There are short readings for each day in Lent, a daily Spiritual Exercise, and some "light" but daily journaling. Weekly sessions include: Casting Off Illusions, Speaking Truth to Power, and Speaking Hope to Vulnerability, among others. Led by Judy Fram.
Dates and Times: Beginning date is Feb. 23;
Duration: 6 sessions
Leader: Judy Fram
Location: Downstairs Small Classroom
To Register:
PSUMCAdultEd@gmail.com
Lenten Arts Workshop:
Performing and visual artists (and those interested in artistic expression) will create a Good Friday procession in Park Slope as the 12:00 noontime family service. This group will work together during Lent conceiving, writing, creating images and composing music reflective of the many questions and issues regarding the crucifixion. Led by Georga Accola, meeting times will be determined as the ensemble forms.
Dates and Times: TBA, during Lent
Leader: Georga Accola
To Register:
PSUMCAdultEd@gmail.com
Good Friday Passion Play:
Explore the biblical narrative of the Jesus’ last days and his death on the cross. This exploration culminates in the reading and subtle performance of the Passion in the Tenebrae format of extinguishing candles as the biblical text of Jesus’ crucifixion is read. The Tenebrae Passion Play is a part of the evening 8:00 Good Friday worship service. This group will meet during Lent to explore and reflect upon the Passion narrative and rehearse. No performance experience necessary and all are encouraged to participate in the study and/or Good Friday performance.
Dates and Times: dates & times are determined by ensemble availability
Leader: Kathryn Dickinson
To Register:
PSUMCAdultEd@gmail.com
Good Food:
Join your fellow PSUMC-ers to prepare and share food that's good for your body, good for the earth, and just plain good. Whether you're an experienced cook or new to the kitchen, come to have fun, share ideas, and learn a few things. Led by Meredith Kadet, this group will hold two Saturday sessions (February 27 and March 20) at 5:00 p.m. in the church kitchen, with some gathering earlier at 2:00.pm to purchase food at the green market. Young Adults are especially encouraged to enjoy this time of communing and cooking together.
Dates and Times: Feb. 27 & March 20
Leader: Judy Fram
Location: Church Kitchen
To Register:
PSUMCAdultEd@gmail.com
Faithbooking:
Have you ever wanted to share your life’s journey in a creative way so that your story is told from generation to generation? Faithbooking is an opportunity to create a testimony in words and pictures of your own personal spiritual journey. Amazing things happen when you take the time to ask yourself questions such as “When have you felt the presence of God?” and “With whom have you shared these moments?” Think about the large and small miracles you have witnessed, the hard times and hard decisions you've faced, the people who have helped you along the way.
This is a hands-on class and each month you will create pages about your faith journey. At the end of the course, you will complete the course with a finished scrapbook album that you can cherish for a lifetime. Absolutely no experience or creativity needed. The dates & times will be determined and announced as interested participants gather in the next few weeks. A one-time $40 materials fee will include an 8 x 8 album and pages in color of choice, photo-safe pen, and tape runner (refillable) adhesive.
Dates and Times: Saturdays During Lent, TBA
Leader: Stacey Sarnicola
Location: Downstairs Main Hall
To Register: PSUMCAdultEd@gmail.com
Questions of Faith Series:
Join us as we explore basic questions of faith and meaning. We will watch a video in which a variety of contemporary thinkers share their answers and then take time to discus our own responses.
What's Being Good Good For? We will explore questions such as: What is a good person? Does religion have anything to do with being good? I'm good, so can I expect rewards? Are there any absolutes for behavior? Feb. 28 at 1:00 after worship service.
Who Needs Organized Religion? We will explore questions such as: What good is organized religion? How do you deal with religious differences? March 14 at 1:00 after worship service.
Workshop in Lectio Divina: Praying with Scripture:
Are you interested in enriching your prayer life? In its truest sense, prayer is not only an action that we perform but is a conversation with God as an active partner. Lectio Divina (divine reading), a form of prayer taught and practiced in monastic communities, promotes intimate dialogue with God. It provides a time to read, ponder, listen and finally converse and contemplate. This workshop will teach the method and give time for practice and group discussion.
Dates and Time: Feb. 28, 5:00 PM
Leader: Rev. Herb Miller
Location: Downstairs Small Classroom
To Register: PSUMCAdultEd@gmail.com