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| Adult Christian Education/Formation Opportunities
| Sunday MorningsAs we begin the new Sunday morning schedule and program year, Christian Education is experiencing a transformation. First of all, you'll notice a name change. Adult offerings will be listed under Adult Christian Formation, indicating an understanding of the need to grow and deepen our knowledge and experience of Christian faith and practices. Just as we continue learning and developing knowledge in other areas of life, we are called to develop as people of God in our religious/spiritual life.
In order to make this possible, we will offer two tracks of classes during most of the year: Christian Education and Spiritual Formation. "Christian Education" offerings will be more content- or knowledge-based. Those described as "Spiritual Formation" will be more right-brained, experiential. All adult classes will, however, aim to speak to the whole person as a thinking, sensing, feeling being and will offer possibilities for discussing individual understandings and beliefs. The Bible Basics and Bible Workbench classes will meet this fall in the 8:45 a.m. time slot, beginning September 19, 2010.
Look for an introductory class on September 19 from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. and again from 11:15a.m. to 12:00 p.m. called Christian Formation: A New Approach for Adult Education. Peg Thompson and Priscilla Heim will share the "why" and "what" of the fall Christian Formation schedule.
In October, two new Adult Formation Classes will be offered at 11:15 a.m.:
- Bringing the Lessons Home: Further Reflections on the Day's Sermon and Lectionary Bible Passages (Christian Education track) is an eight-week class which will meet after the worship service to provide a time to reflect more deeply on the ideas, images, and thoughts sparked by both the sermon and the lectionary readings. We will focus on how these understandings might speak to our everyday lives in the coming week.
- New Beginnings: Introduction to Spiritual Practices (Spiritual Formation track), also an eight week course, will feature 4 two-week segments, each led by a different person focusing on a different kind of spiritual practice. The first session of each two-week segment will introduce a spiritual practice which participants will then practice for a week. The second session will feature further practice, feedback and discussion of experiences of the previous week.
We hope you will catch the excitement of beginning a new year of Adult Christian Formation in your life and in the life of First Plymouth!
Back to top Mondays, 6:30 p.m. - Jesus In The GospelsWho is Jesus? Ask that question of Christians today, and you're likely to get very different answers. The same was true of the first century--each of our four gospels offers a distinct take on Jesus, reflecting the beliefs, presuppositions, experiences, and hopes of the individual authors and communities. How do we make sense of them individually, and as a canon? This 24-week study (produced by the Disciple Bible Study program, a division of the United Methodist Publishing House) is a modern study of the four canonical gospels. Both the mind and the spirit will be challenged by the deep study of the gospels, and what they tell us about the Jesus of history and the Christ of faith.study continues the work of the long-term Bible Study completed at First Plymouth last year, which took on the entire bible, from Genesis to Revelation. Although we'll build on that work, there is no prior experience with that or any other Bible Study required. Come as you are, with your questions, fears, hopes, and understandings, whatever they may be. We'll meet each Monday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., beginning September 20 and finishing sometime in the spring (and taking off for holidays). Because this study builds on itself, to participate, you should make a good-faith effort to be present at least 75% of the time. The cost will be approximately $35, to cover the study manuals. You will also need a good, modern translation (preferably the New Revised Standard Version) in a study bible format (the Oxford, New Interpreter's, and Harper Collins are all great options). If you think you might like to participate or would simply like more information, contact Rev. Eric Smith at the church. Soulful Sundowns
"I don't really believe in the virgin birth."
"I don't like it when people talk about Jesus' blood."
"How can anyone believe in the resurrection in the 21st century?"
At First Plymouth, people say things like these all the time. Many of us are here because we have struggled with more "traditional" Christian theological positions, and First Plymouth is a place where questions are welcomed and each individual's conscience is respected. But sometimes, we're more sure about what we don't believe than what we do believe. Sound familiar? If so, this series is for you!
This summer course has been extended by popular demand. We will continue to gather each Wednesday night from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. to discuss theology. We'll meet in the courtyard (or indoors if it's raining), have some light refreshments, and talk about some of the big questions of the Christian faith. And if we're lucky, at the end, we'll know not only what we don't believe, but also what we do believe. We'll meet each Wednesday evening until December. Join us, and bring a friend! For questions or more details, contact Rev. Eric Smith at the church.
Young Adults
First Plymouth offers programming for young adults. Click here for more information.
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Fellowship Groups
First Plymouth offers a number of small fellowship group meeting opportunities which gather according to demographic, shared experiences, or common interests. Click here for more information.
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