Adult Education Offerings 2013

 Sunday Classes — 9:30 to 10:40 in the Library

January 27, February 3, 10, 17, 24 – “Speak Yet Again”: Five Lessons from King Lear
William Shakespeare’s tragedy, King Lear, may seem an unusual topic for a Sunday School class. But, as with all great works of art, it functions on many levels. This course will explore the play as a journey that parallels that of the Christian in the world, both as type and as specific individual. Lear shows us a broken world in which humanity believes itself in control, and then step-by-step shows us that we are not. It shows us a series of reactions to this broken world -- to the fallen human state -- and it challenges us to go on this journey with it, to decide where we stand. The play is filled with themes of forgiveness, compassion, reconciliation and redemption. And what themes could be more fitting for us as we approach Lent and Easter? We will use excerpts from a taped production of the play, together with appropriate scripture passages to lead us through the discussion.
Each session builds on the previous one, but each session is also designed to stand alone and will include a review of “what has gone before” at the start of each class. So you can drop in for one session or as many as you like. Although you would have the undying admiration of the instructor, you do not need to read the play in advance. The taped excerpts and connecting summaries will walk you through the play in class. Class will be led by Charlie Chadwick.

March 3-17 – Holy Week Events as Re-Imagined in Christian Art
Biblical events surrounding Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, his trial and crucifixion, and resurrection are labeled variously by Christian groups as Holy Week, The Passion, and the Stations of the Cross. Christian artists have re-imagined the many episodes in this scenario that is central to Christ’s atonement and fundamental to Christian faith. This three-week series will revisit Holy Week events as portrayed in Christian art through subsequent centuries, from medieval to contemporary. Utilizing comprehensive handouts that present the chronology of events with reference to gospel parallels, as well as extensive visuals, the presenter for all three weeks will be Arthur Kroll.

March 24 and 31 – No formal class, Palm Sunday, and Easter Sunday
Hot Cross Buns in Fellowship Hall on Palm Sunday and an Easter potluck brunch and Easter egg hunt on Easter Sunday!

April 7 – Understanding the United States Consular Service in Troubled Times
What do Consular Officers do? How do consulates differ from embassies? How are they staffed? How do we protect them? What is it like to live and work in a consulate, especially in a non-Christian or mixed population area? What does the Benghazi attack mean? What lessons does it teach for the future? Led by Carl Matthews

April 14, 21 – “The Line” – A Documentary (Sojourners, Linda Miggett)
In this class we will watch the “The Line” a Soujourners DVD written and produced by Linda Miggett. In the first session we will listen to stories of people living and struggling at or below the poverty line. In the second session we will discuss the film, with the hope that we will understand poverty better and what it looks like today. We will also look at what we can do to help lessen the pain that poverty causes, explore ways that we can intervene to stop injustice, and make ourselves better. The classes will be facilitated by Laura Vik.

April 28, May 5 - God Talk: What Language Shall We Use?
To be faithful Christians we need to engage in worship, pastoral care, fellowship, evangelism, and promote charity and justice in the broader world. These are not enough. Faithfulness also requires that we articulate what it is we believe, as a means of shaping our religious life, that is, we need a theology. In January 2012 we searched for new languages and images for theology. The images drawn from patriarchal-agrarian-feudal societies are ones that few contemporary people have encountered in their own lives. While we would not want to abandon or neglect traditional Biblical images, it is crucial that we supplement these with more contemporary images if the church is going to appeal to younger generations and help create a more just and peaceful world. Last time we talked about worship, sin, salvation, redemption, sanctification, and the church but didn't really talk about God. These two sessions will attempt to remedy that deficiency by focusing on “God talk” including notions of the Trinity, Incarnation, and Providence. Younger people are especially encouraged to participate. Our discussion will be led by Murray Milner.