ADULT EDUCATION/SPIRITUAL GROWTH
Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, all classes and groups are currently meeting via ZOOM unless otherwise indicated. For more information on any of the opportunities listed, email Donna Olendorf, Adult Education Director.
Spring classes 2021
Wednesday Night Film Series
6:30 – 7:30 pm on Wednesday evenings in Zoom Room 301 and online via Zoom
Eight week NOOMA film series April 7 – May 26
Leaders: Donna Olendorf and guest moderators Tara de Groot, Joel Kurek, Scott Swanson, and Nancy Perry
In these short films, Rob Bell explores our world from a perspective of Jesus. NOOMA invites us to search, question, and join the discussion under the guidance of our guest moderators.
April 7 – Tara de Groot “Rain”
April 14 – Joel Kurek “Whirlwind”
April 21 – Tara de Groot “Kickball”
April 28 – Scott Swanson (tentative) “Trees”
May 5 – Tara de Groot “Bullhorn”
May 12 – Nancy Perry “Breathe”
May 19 – Tara de Groot “Name”
May 26 – TBD “Tomato”
REGISTER NOW (once your registration is complete, you will receive the ZOOM MEETING link)
Friday Book Group: A Generous Orthodoxy, by Brian D. McLaren
12 noon – 1:15 pm on Fridays in Zoom Room 301 and online via Zoom
Leaders: Chris Lane and Kathy Mead
Brian McLaren’s A Generous Orthodoxy is a sweeping exploration of belief that takes the reader across the landscape of faith, and rediscovers the compelling ways that Jesus can be embraced across the entire Christian landscape. Whether you find yourself inside, outside, or somewhere on the fringe of Christianity, A Generous Orthodoxy draws you toward a way of living that looks beyond the “us/them” paradigm to the blessed and ancient paradox of “we.”
April 16 – Chapters 5 & 6 (Why I am missional; Why I am evangelical) Kathy
April 23– Chapters 7, 8 & 9 (Why I am post/protestant;Why I am liberal/conservative; Why I am mystical/poetic) Chris
April 30– Chapters 10, 11 &12 (Why I am biblical; Why I am charismatic/contemplative; Why I am fundamentalist/calvinist) Kathy
May 7– Chapters 13, 14 & 15 (Why I am ana-baptist/Anglican; Why I am Methodist; Why I am Catholic) Chris
May 14– Chapters 16 & 17 (Why I am green; Why I am incarnational) Kathy
May 21– Chapters 18, 19 & 20 (Why I am depressed-yet-hopeful; Why I am emergent; Why I am unfinished) Chris
REGISTER NOW (once your registration is complete, you will receive the ZOOM MEETING link)
Sunday Dialogues on Race: Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent, by Isabel Wilkerson
5 - 6:15 pm on Sundays in Zoom Room 301 and online via Zoom
Leaders: Joan Post-Brown with Chris Lane
Having completed our anti-racism practice circle, we continue the theme of social justice with the study of Isabel Wilkerson’s groundbreaking bestseller Caste. Described by the New York Times as “an instant American classic and almost certainly the keynote nonfiction book of the American century thus far,” Caste examines the unspoken caste system that has shaped American and shows how our lives today are still defined by a hierarchy of human divisions. Book available online via Amazon or Abe Books.
April 11- Part One: “Toxins in the Permafrost” ( 3-35)
April 18- Part Two: “The Arbitrary Construction of Human Divisions” (39-96)
April 25- Part Three: “The Eight Pillars of Caste” (99-164)
May 2 - Part 4: “The Tentacles of Caste” (167-260)
May 9 - Part 5: “The Consequences of Caste” (263-308)
May 16 - Part 6: “Backlash” (311 – 360)
May 23 - Part 7: “Awakening” (361-375) Please note the extensive Bibliography in the back.
REGISTER NOW (once your registration is complete, you will receive the ZOOM MEETING link)
Central Moms
7:30 p.m. Thursdays via Zoom
Leaders: Alline Beutler and Amber Hassler
Are you looking for a way to connect with other moms this fall? During this time of challenging isolation due to the pandemic, join us over zoom to find meaningful fellowship and friendship. In each of our weekly meetings expect time for devotion, prayer, and conversation. This small group is a circle of the Central Church United Methodist Women.
ZOOM MEETING link available at: : facebook.com/groups/centralparent/
Coffee Hour with the Pastors
12:15 pm – 1 pm on Sundays online via Zoom
First Sunday of each month
Leaders: Pastors Dale and Chris
Join the pastors for coffee and fellowship after the 11 am service on the first Sunday of the month. You’ll have an opportunity to discuss what moved you in worship, talk with Chris and Dale to take the lesson deeper, or just say hello to your neighbors. At least one of the pastors will be present for this informal Zoom discussion. Bring your own coffee and cookies!
CLICK HERE to join the Zoom Meeting. Conversation will begin promptly at 12:15.
Covenant Disciples
11 – 12 noon on Friday mornings via Zoom
Ongoing through May
Contact: Kathy Mead
The principle of Covenant Disciples was started by John Wesley. At Central, the Covenant Disciples group listens without fixing, encourages without prescribing, and holds each other accountable without judging. The group meets Friday mornings in the Columbarium, sharing a short reading and quiet prayer. Visitors and new members are always welcome.
REGISTER NOW (once your registration is complete, you will receive the ZOOM MEETING link)
Thursday Bible Study: Parables from the Back Side by J. Ellsworth Kalas
5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. on Thursdays via Zoom
Leader: Darcy Dewling
Popular and beloved author J. Ellsworth Kalas presents new insight into some of the best known passages from the Bible--the parables of Jesus. Kalas approaches the parables through the "back side": through a unique starting point, a creative retelling, a new "lens," or the eyes of a minor character. Kalas's creative approach both clarifies basic teachings and introduces new possibilities of meaning, even for those who are most familiar with the parables. Enriched with contemporary illustrations and personal experiences, this volume will provide new perspectives on these stories from Jesus. Books are available from Amazon or Cokesbury.
REGISTER NOW (once your registration is complete, you will receive the ZOOM MEETING link)
FaithLink
10 -10:45 a.m. Sunday mornings in Zoom Room 301 and online via Zoom
Ongoing through May 23
Faithlink is led by several different people on a rotating basis
This group looks at current events in our world and applies Christianity, and more specifically United Methodist views, to connect life and faith. If you would like the weekly Faithlink article emailed to you, please ask Donna Olendorf to add you to the list ()
REGISTER NOW (once your registration is complete, you will receive the ZOOM MEETING link)
Knit One, Crochet Two
10:30 a.m. – Noon on Tuesdays via Zoom
Ongoing
Leaders: Jane Damschroder and Linda Wolgast
Our group meets every Tuesday 10:30 a.m. -12:00 noon. We have casual discussions, sharing of a knitting appropriate reading, and a “show & tell” of our knitting projects. Crocheting or knitting expertise is not a prerequisite. Fellowship is the foundation and joy of our members.
REGISTER NOW (once your registration is complete, you will receive the ZOOM MEETING link)
Men’s Breakfast
9 – 10:30 a.m. on the first Wednesday of the month via Zoom
Ongoing monthly through June 2
Leaders: BJ Harmon, and Zoom host Staton Lorenz
Come join a circle of men who are seeking God in their lives. The Men’s Breakfast is meeting virtually to share discussion and breakfast on the first Wednesday of each month. They are committed to asking big questions, sharing laughter & encouragement, and praying for the world. This fall they continue their study of Upper Room materials. New members are welcome.
REGISTER NOW (once your registration is complete, you will receive the ZOOM MEETING link)
Men’s Room: How Life Gets Better as We Age
7 – 8:30 pm on the 3rd Thursday of the month, via Zoom
April 15
Leaders: Pastor Chris Lane and Dick Wallace
Join Pastor Chris and a circle of men who are seeking God in their lives. The Men’s Room is a monthly gathering, committed to asking big questions, sharing laughter and encouragement, and praying for the world. This January begins with Will Willimon’s book called Aging: Growing Old in Church, described as “an incredibly touching, poignant, and compelling account of growing old, experiencing God in new ways, and finding hope in the life that Jesus offers.” Books are available via Cokesbury, Amazon or can be ordered at Horizon Books.
April 15 – Chapters 5, 6, & 7
REGISTER NOW (once your registration is complete, you will receive the ZOOM MEETING link)
Prayers for Peace and Justice
7:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays via Zoom
Leaders: Rev. Jim Perra and Pastor Chris Lane
We at Central Church share with Grace Episcopal Church a deep sense of mission and care for our community. You are invited to Join Reverend Jim Perra and Pastor Chris Lane with others for weekly prayers for social justice, plus praying for whatever other concerns you may bring.
CLICK HERE to join the Zoom Meeting. Conversation will begin promptly at 7 p.m. weekly.
Sunday Morning Pilgrimage
10 -10:45 a.m. on Sunday mornings via Zoom
Ongoing through May
Leader: Kathy Mead and Ali Thornton
Join this Sunday morning group to connect with a group of people that will welcome you in and encourage you as each of you follow a path to grow closer to God and to community. This fall, the group will be reading Leap Over a Wall, by Eugene Peterson that is accompanied by an optional study guide. The book costs $17 and the study guide is $6.50 and they are available through Cokesbury, Amazon, or directly from Kathy Mead.
REGISTER NOW (once your registration is complete, you will receive the ZOOM MEETING link)
Tuesday PM Bible Study
5:30 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesdays via Zoom
Ongoing through May
Leader: Eldon Horner
For the past several years, this weekly Bible study group has worked through the books of the Bible one by one. Even if you haven’t joined them in the past, there is room for you! Join this fall as they continue their study of Acts. Their book, Acts from the N.T. Wright for Everyone Bible Studies, is available online or from Cokesbury.
REGISTER NOW (once your registration is complete, you will receive the ZOOM MEETING link)
