Adult Educational Opportunities   Adult Education Brochure

Harnessing the Energies of Love
Plan now to attend a wonderful 7 week class starting on Tuesday, August 19, 2008. This educational program was developed by Rev. Willard Lund to help congregations build stronger communities and learn how to respond to personal difficulties. Through the use of prayer, faith, guest speakers, and trained professionals, the class will explore how to respond to grief and loss, persons with disabilities, and cancer & life threatening illness. Lay ministry members and those wishing to be lay ministers are encouraged to attend, but the class is open to all of our community. The class will be facilitated by Marcia Lund, Mary Jane Campo, and Eldonna Hazen.
Contact: Eldonna Hazen
Phone: 233-9751

Women's Book Study, June 14, 28, July 12 and 26 from 8-9:30am
Women! Mark your calendars now to attend a morning of coffee (or juice), treats, and conversation after reading Grace (Eventually) by Anne Lamott. Grace (Eventually) is the third in Anne Lamott's Thoughts on Faith series. She's a recovered addict who has found faith and Jesus, the single mother of a teenage boy, daughter of a mother suffering from Alzheimer's, and progressive Democrat who is often angered by what she sees as the president's “idiocy”. This collection has 23 essays, most of which have been previously published, and continues with her exploration of her own life. Aware of many of her own faults and limitations, she ruminates on the challenges and experiences of her daily life, and the everpresent faith that guides her actions The class will meet on Saturday mornings June 14, 28, July 12, and 26 from 8:00-9:30 am in the Student Lounge and will be facilitated by Eldonna Hazen. Books are available in the office for $12.
Contact: Eldonna Hazen
Phone: 233-9751

Bible Conversations
Bring a bag lunch and join us for a casual hour of Bible Conversations on Tuesdays from 12:00-1:00 pm. Texts are discussed from the upcoming Sunday’s lectionary. Text and questions are available one week prior in the church office or on the church’s website. Discussion will be facilitated by Curt Anderson, Eldonna Hazen, or Jerry Hancock.
Contact: Curt Anderson
Phone: 233-9751

Beyond Sunday School: An Adult Understanding of Christianity
Quarterly classes whose purpose is to provide an understanding of the basic tenets of the Church, background for understanding sermons, and discussions of Christianity.
Evening sessions with child care and refreshments.
Contact: Church Office
Phone: 233-9751

Fall and Spring Gatherings
Open to all members of the congregation. Child care is provided.
Classes in theology, Bible study, church history, drama, etc. for adults. Topics have included selected readings from Paul Tillich, Karl Barth, and feminist/womanist theologians; rehearsals of plays that are presented during worship services; playful creativity: sessions on meditation, Tai Chi, yoga, journaling, etc.
Gatherings are held on Wednesdays in September-October and March-April. They begin with a soup and salad meal at 5:30 PM, followed by classes from 6:30 to 7:30 PM
Contact: Church Office
Phone: 233-9751

Unwrapping Our Gifts -- I and II
A program to help participants understand their own gifts for ministry and how to use them with their families, community, and church.
Held in the spring and in the fall.
Contact: Church Office
Phone: 233-9751

Forums
Presentations or discussions on a wide variety of topics, including energy conservation, gay-lesbian activism, and other topics of interest to members of the congregation.
Held in the chapel after Sunday morning worship services from 11:15 to noon.
Contact: Curt Anderson or Terese Bovre, Chair, Board of Christian Education
Phone: 233-9751, 838-4931

Other Adult Opportunities

New member classes
A series of three classes about Christianity, the United Church of Christ, and First Congregational followed by a social evening.
Held from 9:00-9:45 AM Sunday morning several times per year, usually once in the fall, spring, and summer.
Current Class is meeting May 11 and 18 and June 1 at 9 a.m. in the Student Lounge.
Contact: Curt Anderson or Eldonna Hazen
Phone: 233-9751

Pew Warmers Softball Team
The third season for First Congregational's co-ed softball team, the Pew Warmers, started in May. Our remaining schedule for May will be: Friday, May 30 at 8 p.m. at Goodman 2 The season continues until mid-July. We've got new tshirts this year, and are excited to improve from our 0- 10 record last year! Regardless of our record, we always have fun. Come cheer us on! Contact: Kristin Davis
Phone: 236-4637

May Sustainable Travel To Worship Month
We are encouraged to practice sustainable travel to worship during May. On Sundays think about coming to church by carpooling, bicycling, walking, skating, riding the bus, and sharing a taxi with others. It’s good for the environment and with gas over $3.50 a gallon, it’s also good for our pocketbooks. Please note your participation in this activity by signing the appropriate list on the board by the refreshment table.
Contact: Church Office or Sue Jones
Phone: 233-9751

Book discussion groups
Books discussed have included The Red Tent by Anita Diamant; How the Irish Saved Civilization by Thomas Cahill, Every Day Sacred and Plain and Simple by Sue Bender.
Meet periodically throughout the year.
Contact: Eldonna Hazen
Phone: 233-9751

Prayer Wrap Ministry: Knitting with Prayers and Love
Prayer wraps are knit or crocheted from the softest of yarns. Those doing the knitting or crocheting pray for church members who will eventually receive the prayer wrap. The prayer wraps are to be given to persons who need to be reminded of God's love and the love of First Congregational. As several wraps are completed they will be dedicated during a worship service, so that the whole church prays for those who might receive the wraps. Members meet intermittently in the Fellowship room.
Contact: Church Office or Eldonna Hazen
Phone: 233-9751