Adult Education

This February, United Methodists from all over the world will gather in St. Louis, MO to vote on a structure and plan for the UMC moving forward in regards to the inclusion of the LGBTQ community. Want to learn more about what this means?

Pastor Anna will lead a four-week study beginning January 27 covering the UMC history of legislation and attitudes towards the LGBT community; the plans that will be presented at General Conference; and what our Book of Discipline says. Join us for one week or all four at 12:30 pm in Room 213!

In February of 2019, a special General Conference will be held to consider recommendations from the Commission on a Way Forward. This task force studied the Book of Discipline for text that relates to human sexuality and developed a plan to strengthen the unity of the church.

To help understand the direction of A Way Forward for UMC, the Adult Education Committee invites you to join Pastor Anna as she leads us through a six-week study scheduled to meet on Mondays beginning October 8 through November 12. We will meet from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. in Room 213. The book, Our Strangely Warmed Hearts: Coming Out Into God’s Call by Bishop Karen Oliveto, will provide the framework for this study. We encourage you to read the book, but it is not mandatory to participate in the study. Books will be available in the office and at the study sessions. Join us in this study and in prayer as we come closer to what could be a pivotal moment for our denomination.

Join us for learning and spiritual growth as Rev. Howard Milkman, retired pastor and trained counselor, leads a four-session study of A Crazy, Holy  Grace: The Healing Power of Pain and Memory by the American writer and theologian, Frederick Buechner. This book, which was published last year, is a collection of essays on how God is present with "a grace that wells up out of the lostness and pain of the world and of our own inner worlds." Of Buechner's writing, John Ortberg wrote, "“He isn’t trying to persuade – he’s trying to understand what he himself believes and thinks. And that honesty is more persuasive than the most polished argument.”

The series will be held on Sundays at 11 a.m in Room 213. The book and participation guide are available in the church office and available at the study session.

The Adult Education work area is offering a Chess Class to adults only on Saturday mornings. Taught by Boyd Walthers, the class is for beginners and competitors alike. Please bring a chess set. All adults are welcome.