Congregational Education - 2012

Our Mission

The mission of the Congregational Education program is to “Meet people where they are and help them expand their theological horizons in ways that enhance their spiritual journey and personal growth.”

The focus of our educational classes is spiritual development. Rather than espousing any particular doctrine, or any one way of interpreting scripture, we seek to empower our congregation with the knowledge and spiritual tools to help each individual grow deeper in their personal faith.

This year the over-all theme for our Congregational Education offerings focuses on discipleship. Allow yourself to be challenged to integrate your faith more fully into your daily life.
 
Come as your are, believing as you do, and be transformed!
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Book Club
First Sundays, 12:30p to 2p, West Classroom
No registration, no commitment required.
 
The Book Club reads fun books that feed your spirit. We read one book per month. Current books are announced via email, in the eblast, and on the website. Just read the book and show up for the discussion.

Brown Bag Lunch Series: “Holy Conversations”
Fourth Sundays, 12p, Hospitality Area, Starting February 26
No registration, no commitment required.
 
"The MCC Theologies Team has created a resource called ‘Holy Conversations’ for our denomination that helps us, at local levels to discuss our various beliefs concerning the integration of sexuality and spirituality, the nature of Jesus, baptism, communion, LGBTQA people’s unique place on the margins of society, and the priesthood of all believers, among other things. The experience in MCC is that theological labels and characterizations can be hurtful and misleading. It is MCC’s hope to build bridges across our theological differences and empower all people to do theology at a local level." Using this material we will present a series of discussion groups after the 10:30a service on the fourth Sunday of the month. You are encouraged to bring a brown bag lunch and join us as often as you like.

Following Jesus: Discipleship 101
Wednesdays, 7p to 8:30p, Resource Room, January 25 through April 4
Register by January 22.
 
This two section curriculum developed by Life Journey MCC will focus on two major questions:
  • What does it really mean to be a follower of Jesus?
  • What does it look like to live in Christian community?

This is an action-oriented curriculum in which you will be encouraged to make concrete decisions about the next steps in your spiritual development but at your own pace, when it feels right. Each step of the way, you will be offered options for putting what you learn into practice, so that the patterns and rhythms of your life increasingly reflect the faith of your heart. The first section, subtitled “Discipleship 101” lasts ten weeks and will be presented on Wednesday evenings this Spring.
The second section is “Thriving in Christian Community,” lasts eight weeks, and will be presented in the Fall of 2012. There is a required workbook for each Section. Estimated cost is $13/Section.
 
Sci-Fi Film Series
Third Friday Evenings, 6p to 8:30p, Hospitality Area, Starting February 17
No registration required.
 
This watch and discuss film series will explore some of the spiritual implications and assumptions presented in select sci-fi movies. The film series will meet on the third Friday of the month from February through April. Movie starts at 6:30p.
  • Book of Eli — March 2
  • Source Code — March 16
  • Matrix — April 20
Bring a snack, bring a friend and join us for a fun and stimulating evening that will enrich your spirit and your mind.
 
Soul Food Wednesdays
Wednesdays, 6p to 8:30p, Hospitality Area
No registration, no commitment required.
 
MCCGSL presents a weekly opportunity for our church family to gather for a meal and table fellowship to be followed by optional Congregational Education offerings.
A $5 per person donation is suggested to cover the cost of the meal.
Educational offerings to include:
• Drum Circle
• Healing Share
• Discipleship 101
• Adventures in Prayer
• Contemporary Issues and more
 
Sunday Morning Conversation
Sundays, 9:15a, West Classroom
No registration required.
 
This is an ongoing discussion group which meets every Sunday and focuses on various topics. Its purpose is to allow participants to explore their own beliefs and exchange points of view with others. The discussions are often lively, but individual views are heard and respected.