Christian Education for Adults

Welcome to the Fall 2008 semester of Adult Christian Education at Grace St. Luke’s. The Adult Christian Education Committee has worked over the summer to prepare a variety of offerings that we hope will contribute to your spiritual growth. We have chosen the theme “Telling the Story” for our fall program because the courses all, in their way, illuminate how we and those we know and learn about live (and lived) their Christian journey. Please let us have your feedback on this fall’s courses and on your ideas for the future.
Faithfully, Jim Berg, Chair;
The Grace St. Luke’s Adult Christian Education Committee

August 17, 24, 31 and Sept. 7
LECTIO DIVINA,
A MEANS OF DEEPENING OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
Led by The Rev. Senter Crook

Many of us today are aware of a yearning for God – a kind of spiritual hunger that traditional forms of worship don’t quite seem to satisfy. For the last three Sundays in August, we will be looking at the Gospel passage for the day from the perspective of an ancient Christian way of prayer known as Lectio Divina. The regular practice of Lectio Divina can lead us into an ever deepening relationship of love with the One by whom and for whom we are created. Through Lectio Divina we are empowered to move into a contemplative way of life in which God’s love becomes experiential, and gradually in-forms our lives to become more and more a presence of God’s love in the world. That love, not confined to time and space, exerts a creative power which is the one true source of hope in a world tempted to hopelessness in the face of threatened extinction.

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September 14
A Special Event
To start off our season of “Telling the Story” and to help us remember the events of forty years ago, we are fortunate to be able to offer two scenes from our own John Baur’s opera “The Promise” which sets scenes from the the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to music. We will hear Coretta’s song and Martin’s “I have a dream” speech, both performed as operatic scores. In addition, we will have a chance to discuss “The Promise” with John Baur and the actors who portray Coretta and Martin. The performance will take place in McClure Hall.
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September 21 through November 16 Every Sunday
Course 1 Listening for God
Back by popular demand, Charlie and Janice Pazar will lead chapter by chapter discussions of Listening for God, Volume 2. These discussions developed a loyal following last year, and even spawned a “foyer group.” Listening for God, Volume 2 is a collection of short stories by contemporary writers that provide unique views of the presence of God in our lives. The book will be available to participants at the subsidized price of $5 and the discussions will include a DVD-based interview with each chapter’s author or reviewer. This course will meet in the Peete Room.

Course 2 Praying with Children
For parents, grandparents and anyone who loves children, this is a course you will appreciate. It will take place in two parts. First, on September 21 and 28, The Rev. Senter Crook will lead a discussion on praying with children. These sessions will be followed the remaining Sundays through November 16 with a discussion of “The Path to Purpose: Helping Our Children Find Their Calling In Life” by William Damon. The book will be available at a subsidized price and the course will meet in Lassandro Hall.

Course 3 How do we know The Story?
On each of these nine Sundays, The Rev. Ron DelBene will explore our fall theme of “Telling the Story” by exploring ways we approach, understand, teach and preach The Story we know as the Bible. No advance preparation is necessary. Just come with an open and discerning heart. These sessions will meet in McClure Hall.
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November 23 Annual Parish Meeting
November 30 Thanksgiving Weekend
No Adult Education classes will be held on these two Sundays
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December 7, 14 and 21
Advent Program
The Rev. Ron DelBene will lead participants in an Advent-themed program as we prepare for the coming of our Lord. These sessions will meet in McClure Hall.

Listening for God
The Listening for God series will continue during these Sundays if the participants so desire. The Peete Room will be available for their use.

To download a pdf version of these classes, click here.