»Adult Christian Formation
 Formation
of a Christian life is serious stuff that won't work if we take ourselves
too seriously. For the most part, formation is about becoming - being
centered and grounded so that we can fly, or at least jump a little. It's
about being kind and gentle, aware and focused with ourselves and our
neighbors.
Formation balances the intellectual content of faith with the deeper
resources of our shared experience. It informs not only the mind but the
heart and all the rest of us.
Classes and study groups during the
9 a.m. Christian education hour on
Sunday mornings and during the week provide varied opportunities for
spiritual growth. Forums are planned for outstanding
speakers and community leaders to share their ideas on Sunday mornings. Child care for infants and toddlers,
and education for preschool and
kindergarten-aged children is available during the Christian education hour.
Class Descriptions -
Winter 2008
Adult Christian Formation at 9 a.m. on Sunday
Living the Questions: Your "Theology 101"
Course
in Progressive Christianity
(March 30 - April 20)
However you view
your position along the spectrum of theological knowledge, this class is for
you. In video format, a consortium of contemporary theologians and spiritual
leaders address vital questions of faith for today. Members of the Adult
Christian Formation team will facilitate discussion during each session.
Mar. 30 - Stories of creation
Apr.
6 - Lives of Jesus
Apr. 13 -
A passion for Christ: Paul
Apr. 20 -
Out into the World: Challenges facing progressive Christians
Global
Warming: Changing Co2urse
Feb. 10, 17, 24, Mar. 3 (Classes start 15 minutes
early at 8:45 a.m.)
Explore the topic of
climate change. How does our faith call us to respond to an issue that seems
to bring out fear, denial, despair, hope and creativity? We will meet in
small groups of 8 - 12. (Activities for children will be provided during the
15 minute interval before their regular classes start.)
Course goals: Explore
personal values and habits as they relate to climate change, understand the
history and science of global warming, empower individuals into action to
curb global warming, place our environmental commitment in a
theological/spiritual context.
Faith and
Citizenship in Turbulent Times,
or How to
be nice (or at least civil) and still talk about religion and politics
May 10, 17 and 24
Perhaps it is time for
some clearer thinking on one of the most problematic issues in our society -
faith and our role as citizens. A written journal that was the product of a
convocation at the Yale Center for Faith and Culture last spring will be the
basis for our study and discussion.
Presenter and Facilitator: Greg Turner (206) 525-8885
Ongoing Sunday Morning Adult Classes
Discovery Bible Group
(Every Sunday, Room 339, NW corner of the top floor)
The Bible Discovery group brings our varied points of view to a discussion
of the Biblical readings of the week from the
interdenominational National Council of Churches Uniform Series. Touching
each Biblical book over a six-year cycle, this class includes intensive
examination of each of the Gospels. The readings for this season are from
Chronicles.
Contact: Bruce Danielson (206) 282-7498
Caring Conversations
(Every Sunday, Harrington Chapel)
"Does God punish
people?" "Is the Bible true?" "Why do I have to go to Church?"
Caring Conversations provides an opportunity to discuss questions kids ask
about God. One or two questions is examined each week. Facilitators review a
variety of religious leaders' writings about the question; group members
share thoughts, ideas and concerns. No pre-reading required, very informal,
drop-ins welcome. Facilitated by parents.
Contact: Roberta Hollowell (206) 525-6455
Sunday Mornings After Worship
11:30 am in
Ostrander Hall
Need child care? Let us know you’re coming and we’ll provide it.
These after-worship gatherings are designed to integrate faith and action
and provide an opportunity to learn and discuss an issue of pressing
concern. Watch Church and Home newsletter and worship bulletins for
additional forums that may be added.
Early Spring
- Advocacy for the poor and hungry - check back for details.
April 6 -
How Does One Serve Others in Times of Need?
Rabuor Village
Project Forum
A discussion on how we can be engaged in service to people in need in Rabuor
Village, Kenya and around the world.
Facilitators:
Loyced Mbewa Ong'udi, Barbara Peterson, Marcia McCracken
April 13
- The Way of Companionship (9 and 11:30 am)
"Companionship
shares the journey with another toward healing and wholeness." How can we
practice companionship, especially with those who are suffering from
homelessness and/or mental illness.
Facilitator:
Rev. Craig Rennebohm, Director, Mental Health Chaplaincy, Seattle
Lenten Study Groups - Simple Spirituality
Feb. 10 - March 15, the Lenten Season
Small groups will form during this time to meet together on a weekly basis
to study and discuss one of the following books:
-
Jesus:
A Revolutionary Biography, by John Dominic Crossan
Learn more about the life of Jesus as this study and discussion follows
from the visit of John Dominic Crossan in February.
-
How
Much is Enough? Everything You Need to Know to Steer Clear of
Overindulgence, by Jean Illsley Clarke, et. al.
This is for parents and anyone looking to simplify their lives. This
study co-occurs with parent educator Jean Illsley Clarke's visit to
Seattle in March.
-
Listening for the Heartbeat of God: A Celtic Spirituality, by J.
Phillip Newell
This book and study group provides an excellent introduction to Celtic
Christianity.
-
Field
Notes from a Catastrophe: Man, Nature and Climate Change, by
Elizabeth Kolbert
This study offers a spiritual perspective on the book that the
Universithy of Washington has chosen this year for its year-long
freshman reading program.
E-mail Catherine Foote for
more information on Lenten Study Groups.
Other Classes Being Formed
Adult Education classes are continuing to be formed. Watch our church
newsletter, Church and Home, for information about these groups, or
keep an eye on the website.
Inquirer’s Classes - Explore Joining the
Church
Are you considering membership at UCUCC? Several times a year, classes are
held for those who want to explore a brief history of our church, discuss
its vision and ministry as a prelude to UCUCC membership. Attending this
class is an opportunity to meet other “inquirers,” current members, and
staff, and is an important step in deciding whether membership at University
Congregational United Church is right for you.
Sat., Mar. 8
- 9 am - 2 pm
Sun., Mar. 16
- Potluck at 11:30 following worship
Sun. Mar. 23 - opportunity to join the church
Sat., May 17
- 9 am - 2 pm
Sun., June 1
- Potluck at 11:30 following worship
Sun. June 8 - opportunity to join the church
Contact: Kathy Kripps (206) 522-7847 or
e-mail Kathy
Other Christian Formation Opportunities
Second
Sunday of each month, 7:02 pm in the Church Lounge
The Jesus Study Group
Join provocative
discussions on cutting-edge theological issues, as we seek to understand the
life, teachings and ministry of Jesus so that we may follow him more
faithfully. New members, initerested friends, believers, seekers and
doubters are always welcome.
March 9 -
New book discussion begins - God and Empire, by John Dominic Crossan
April 13
- Discuss God and Empire
May 18
(not Mother's Day) - Discuss God and Empire
June 8 -
Potluck, 6:01 pm - Discuss God and Empire
July
- no meeting
Aug. 10 -
special summer session
Contacts:
Tina Michalak (206) 789-3614, Bob Fitzgerald (206)784-4634.
Tuesday
Morning Bible Study, 10 - 11:45 am in the Church Lounge
This group meets
every week for Bible study and prayer. Explore scriptures in depth,
based on scholarship, discern how the Bible relates to our daily lives.
Contact:
Catherine Foote, Phone (206) 524-2322 or
E-mail Catherine.
The United
Church of Christ: Who are we and all that
Tuesday
Evenings, 7 pm in the Church Library
This is a
mini-version of the seminary course on UCC history, theology, polity and
ministry. A handful of students will be taking this course to meet their
requirements, but all are welcome to join in this exploration of our wider
church - its origins, beliefs, organization and practice.
Teacher: Greg Turner,
(206) 525-8885
The
Theological Book Group
First Wednesday of each month, 7:30 pm in the Church Lounge
This continuing
study and discussion fellowship invites you to read and share.
Contact: Laura Fleagle (425)398-1214
Parent
support groups
Times and locations vary depending on needs
In addition to
the small groups for moms and dads that are forming, one or more other small
groups can be set up to support parents in their vital roles. These grops
could include converfsations about faith, family and spirituality; they
could also include time to unwind and play with other UCUCC parents. If you
are a parent, you know what you most need. Let us know what kind of grup,,
and at what time, would be most helpful to yhou. We can help you set up the
group, or set it up for you.
Contacts: Tara
Mikosz (425)908-7637) or one of the pastors (206)534-2322
Suggested Readings
Books
(Available for $15 in the church office)
I Asked
for Wonder, by Abraham Heschel.
In the 35th year
following his death, Heschel remains both ancient guide and modern mentor
for an engaged faith. Some of his language is, well, pre-1972. Still, this
giant of spiritual truth is still relevant to every 21st Century pilgrim.
Listen
with the Heart: Sacred Moments in Everyday Life, by Sr. Joan
Chittister
A former
Benedictine prioress provides "ah-ha" moments along the way for a life of
engaged faith.
Periodicals
Weavings
Over the course
of its 21-year history, this journal of Christian spiritual life has
included articles by Henri Nouwen and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. It has won
almost two dozen awards, including the 1998 Associated Press first place
award.
Available on-line here.
Upper Room
This daily
devotional guide is a spirtual companioin to more than 2.5 million people
worldwide. It is available
online here.
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