Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
August 20-November 19
Family Sanctuary: Spirituality in Relationships/Emison Room
Dr. Ron McDonald, Samaritan Counseling Centers
The parents and couples who participated in last winter and spring’s “Family Sanctuary” classes overwhelmingly requested that Dr. McDonald of the Samaritan Counseling Centers return on Wednesday nights this fall. Dr. McDonald’s presentations will cover topics related to the challenges faced by parents and families today. Discussions will respond to pressing needs participants bring to the sessions. The class is limited to 25 participants, so attending the initial sessions will assure interested persons a place at the table. Ron McDonald, D.Min, a licensed Clinical Pastoral Therapist and Diplomate in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors, has weekly office hours in the Samaritan Counseling Centers office at Calvary.
August 20-October 22
Experiencing Jesus/Matthew Room
The Rev. George Yandell, Associate Rector
Dr. Marcus Borg, a renowned Jesus Scholar has identified a need for adult theological re-education. Calvary has responded by offering “Experiencing Jesus,” a faith formation curriculum for adults. The 10-week series is based on Dr. Borg’s bestselling book Jesus: Uncovering the Life, Teachings, and Relevance of a Religious Revolutionary. “The study of Jesus is important,” says Borg, “because He ... is for Christians the decisive revelation of God: Jesus reveals what God is like, and what God cares most about.” Using art images, video clips of Dr. Borg, and a highly experiential model of learning, the study invites participants to an emerging way of seeing and experiencing Jesus. Copies of Dr. Borg’s text may be purchased at class sessions. Wednesday evening sessions will offer participants more time for dialogue in response to the presentations.
September 10-October 22
Growing in Faith/Great Hall
The Rev. Dr. Andrew MacBeth, Rector
Based on Calvary’s well-known JOURNEY course, “Growing in Faith” offers participants a chance to explore the fundamentals of Christian faith in a small group setting. Each Wednesday night, the Rector or another leader will offer a talk designed to highlight one spiritual issue. Afterwards, small groups will provide participants an opportunity to reflect on what they have heard. These small groups will meet together each week, so regular participation is essential. Please register in advance for this class so that class materials may be prepared for you.
Education for Ministry (EFM)/Montgomery Foyer
Education for Ministry is a four-year intensive learning experience for adults. In a seminar setting, up to eleven people study the Bible, church history, theology, and contemporary church issues. Learning to think theologically is also a core component of the program. EFM was created at the University of the South, and its curriculum is a distillation of that which is used in the Seminary at the University. Participants learn the theological disciplines as well as the application of this knowledge in their lives. Each year's group may include students from more than one year of the program. Students are asked to commit to one year at a time. Enrollment takes place during the summer, before the group begins its fall session. For more information about EFM, please contact Martin Jellinek.