Adult Study sessions are held on Sunday mornings from September to May. Guest teachers and pastors provide a wide range of subject matter: Bible studies, topical presentations, social issues, magazine and book reviews, and video materials offer a basis for great dialogue. These studies are held in the Heritage Room at 9:30 am and 10:45 am. All are welcome to attend.
There are a variety of opportunities throughout each month for adults to engage in studies which shape faith and be equipped to live as a disciple of Jesus in our daily life. Click here to view the "Go Deeper" newsletter insert for Fall 2009 which describes several options.
Adult GOING Deeper Study
2009-2010 Sessions:
Dec. 6 and 13 - Where is God Waiting? Las Posadas — An Advent Conversation Professor Jeremy Rehwaldt-Alexander. Reflecting on diversity in cultures, mindful of the journey undertaken by Mary and Joseph looking for a place where Jesus could be born, enter into a conversation about immigrants seeking welcome based on our leader’s sabbatical research. How does this question touch your life? |
||
Dec. 20 - Remembering that Jesus was a Refugee Come join a friend of First Lutheran, Suleiman Bello and his family, as they tell Harold’s story of immigration at 16 from Nigeria. Harold Bello, Bellevue West High student, recently was adopted by his uncle following the death of his mother and brother in the midst of religious violence. |
||
Jan. 10 - Encounters with Religion around the World Fremont native Dean Jacobs will return for one session to the First Lutheran Going Deeper series! This time he will share faith perspectives gained from visits to three exotic places through stories from three different religions. What does a Christian share with people who have a very different set of beliefs and practices? Christians have some attacked or attempted to suppress popular culture as a negative influence on faith and morals, but have also sometimes applauded its values. How should religious people evaluate popular culture? John Lyden leads. Jan. 31 - Apocalyptic Themes from the Bible to Star Wars How have popular movies and books changed the way we think about “the end”? Has religion influenced popular film, or is the reverse the case? John Lyden leads again. (Though the topics are related, you are welcome to join for any session.) Feb. 7 - Christ and the Superheroes of Popular Film How is Jesus like and unlike the heroes of the movies? From what are we “saved” by the likes of Superman and Batman? And what about their use of violence? John Lyden continues. Feb. 14 - Violence, Nonviolence, Hope and Redemption in Religion and in Film To what extent is popular culture redemptive? How are we transformed by it, positively or negatively? Is its message similar to that of Christianity, or not? Final conversation with John Lyden. Feb. 21 & 28 - Memory, Forgiveness, Reconciliation Dr. Alcyone Scott returns to First Lutheran to lead us in a reflection on the function of memory in our personal and collective awareness. What does it mean when we say we can forgive but can never forget? For example, Germans have made memorials to remember the criminal past of the holocaust. Recently, Stolpersteine (“stumbling blocks” or “obstacles”) have been placed by artists near or on residential houses to commemorate people who once lived there but then were deported and killed by the Nazi regime. Contemplating our own memories of struggles as we hear again the call to forgiveness, repentance, and renewal will deepen our journey together during the season of Lent. How does facing our past change our future? |
||
Other Opportunities for Study
Nye Courte Study
At 10 a.m. on the 2nd Friday each month, Pastor Norm Freund takes a Bible Study into the Fremont community. Currently the focus is the gospel of John, one chapter each month. John introduces us to Jesus as the Son of God, and contains the familiar texts to many: 3:16, 14:1-7 (which is often read at funerals), and chapter 17 (Jesus’ prayer for the world and his disciples). 10 to 15 people from several denominations gather next to the Fireside Room at Nye Court, and they always welcome new participants!
Women’s Small Group Bible Studies
This fall you are welcome dig deeper into the writings of Paul with many Women of the ELCA. Our focus this year is To God’s Beloved: Paul’s Letter to the Romans. Each month in the publication Lutheran Women Today, or online at www.elca.org, materials have been prepared for small groups to consider the scriptures together. This year’s theme has been prepared by Dr. Sarah Henrich, Associate Professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary in St. Paul. Monthly themes include: The Obedience of Faith, Romans 4:16a; Hope Does Not Disappoint, Romans 6:11; Moved to a New Address, Romans 6:13b. Added to Dr. Henrich’s insights in this small group study are insights gleaned from the lives of the sisters in faith with whom you will gather. Please find a time to drop in and try out a Women’s Small Group Bible Study in the Heritage Room on either the 2nd Wednesday 9:30 a.m., the 2nd Thursday 9:00 a.m., or the 2nd Thursday 7:00 p.m.
Men’s Small Group Bible Study
Utilizing the theme Covenant Communities, these men will study texts from the books of Joshua, Judges, Ezra, Nehemiah, Mark, I Peter and II Peter this fall. You can drop in and join Pastor Charlie for this study whenever you can make it fit, on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday mornings at 8:15 a.m.
Friday Bible Study
This group is studying First and Second Peter. All are welcome. First Peter was highly esteemed by Martin Luther, who included it with the Fourth Gospel and the Epistle to the Romans as the foremost witnesses in the New Testament to the gospel which God had brought through Christ. Luther resonated with the triumphant conviction of faith which permeates it and challenges it readers to be in, but not of the world, and to endure unjust suffering in faith, hope, and love. In Second Peter, “the Day of the Lord” is heralded by the character of “the power and presence of Jesus Christ” (1:16). “You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” (1:19b). Come and explore these power packed 8 chapters of scripture in this study led by Janice Hansen.
