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.
NEW! Begins Sunday, February 21
Anti-racism Practice Circle with Lucy Waechter Webb
5-6 pm Sunday afternoons, February 21 - March 28 via Zoom
Lent calls us to turn. Turn toward God, and turn away from that which destroys us. This small group opportunity will support you to take the next step in your commitment to anti-racism practice. It will guide you to move from your head and into your body, because even when our brains understand that systemic racism exists, we must practice embodying active resistance to it. The course will weave Christian texts and personal stories with plenty of time for reflection and shared practice. This course is for anyone who affirms that racism is real and is committed to actively resisting it. No prior training required.
Optional book to purchase: Resipiscence 2020: A Lenten Devotional to Dismantle White Supremacy The course will provide other materials along the way. You can consider purchasing this Lenten devotional as a complement to our work together.
Buy the Paperback https://www.transformnetwork.org/store/pre-order-resipiscence-2020-paperback
Buy the EBook https://www.transformnetwork.org/store/resipiscence-2020-pdf-ebook-download
About the instructor: Rev. Lucy Waechter Webb (she/her) is a politicized faith leader who believes the work of engaging our spiritual life is not so very different from engaging in our shared public (political) life. Ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA), Lucy spent ten years in parish ministry, and her work is now focused on engaging other racialized white people in anti-racism practice, as she is always deepening her own. She resides on unceded Anishinaabek territory otherwise known as Leelanau County, MI. Her children are some of her best teachers, as are the trees and garden.
REGISTER NOW (once your registration is complete, you will receive the ZOOM MEETING link)
Central Moms
7:00 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.
EMAIL Amber Hassler to receive the ZOOM MEETING link
Coffee Hour with the Pastors
12:15 pm – 1 pm on Sundays online via Zoom
Weekly, beginning December 6
Leaders: Pastors Dale and Chris
Join the pastors for coffee and fellowship after the 11 am service on Sunday mornings. 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 each week 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 weekly.
Covenant Disciples
11 – 12 noon on Friday mornings via Zoom
September – December (resumes in January)
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
Twelve sessions: November 5, 12, 19; December 3, 10, 17; January 7, 14, 21, 28; February 4, 11
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
September 13 – December 20 (resumes in January)
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)
NEW FOR LENT! Begins Friday, February 19
Friday Book Study: Les Miserables
12 noon – 1:15 pm on Fridays online via Zoom
Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables is a truly epic story. Whether you’ve tackled the 1,400-page 19thcentury novel, witnessed the Broadway musical (and memorized its soundtrack), or seen the several screen adaptations of it, you already know the power of its story.
In the six-week study The Grace of Les Misérables, author and pastor Matt Rawle dives into six ideals found in the story—grace, justice, poverty, revolution, love, and hope—each represented by a character in Hugo’s story. As these imperfect and relatable characters interact, we can see how these ideals work together (perhaps even in spite of each other) out in the world.
Friday – February 19, Grace Well Received: The Story of Jean Valjean
Friday – February 26, When Grace and Justice Collide: The Story of Javert
Friday – March 5, The Poor Are Always with You: The Story of Fantine
Friday – March 12, The Gift of Love: The Story of Marius and Cosette
Friday – March 19, Building the Barricade: The Story of Les Amis
Friday – March 26, The Blessed Garden: A Hopeful Vision
The Grace of Les Misérables is available from Cokesbury and Amazon and can be ordered from Horizon Books. We also recommend that you watch the Les Mis movie (available on Netflix or from the Traverse Area District Library) or, read the Victor Hugo novel before class begins. If you prefer to read a summary, there are several available on Amazon, including Les Miserables SparkNotes Literature Guide (Volume 41).
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
September 2 – 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
5 – 6:30 pm on the 3rd Thursday of the month, via Zoom
January 21, February 18, March 18, 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.
January 21 – Introduction
February 18 – Chapters 1 & 2
March 18 – Chapters 3 & 4
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
September 13 – December 27 (resumes in January)
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
September 22 – October 27
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)
NEW! Wednesday Lenten Series for Families
6:30-7:30 pm on Wednesdays via Zoom
February 24 - March 31
Leaders: Erica Kozlowski & Donna Olendorf
Join us for “Reflections of the Heart: An Illustrated Lent for Families” which encourages faith formation at home during Lent. As we journey through this season together, families are invited to focus intentionally on the spiritual discipline of evaluating what the heart treasures. Materials for this class are included in Central’s Journey through Lent and Easter bags.
- Feb 24 – Week One: Storing Up Treasures
- March 3– Week Two: Sharing Our Hearts
- March 10– Week Three: Knowing the Good
- March 17– Week Four: Consider the Lilies
- March 24 – Week Five: Becoming Someone New
- March 31 – Week Six: Shifting Our Gaze
REGISTER NOW (once your registration is complete, you will receive the ZOOM MEETING link)
