Adult Christian Education
Sunday school classes Sunday mornings: 9:30am
One path of Christian discipleship is through the classes that meet every Sunday at 9:30a.m. Here are descriptions of what they’re doing. Each of them welcomes your presence
Bereshith class
The Bereshith class is a conversational Bible study and fellowship, enjoying occasional Sunday lunches. Typically, the class discusses the lectionary text that will be used in the sermon. Charlie Fuller is currently the teacher. Room 204
College class
The College Class, taught by Tom Hanks, discusses the questions its members think would be worth discussing (or sometimes, questions that Tom thinks are interesting). Topics range from Bible study to issues of faith and doubt and sometimes to current events. Recently, the class has discussed Kate Bowler’s book, Everything Happens for a Reason and Other Lies I’ve Loved. Room 203.
Koinonia class
The Koinonia class is a place of friendship, support, spiritual seeking (and humor). Discussions often center around books by a wide variety of authors from different religious and philosophical backgrounds and traditions. A few of the books that have been discussed: Gilead by Marilynne Robinson; The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lamai and Desmond Tutu; On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century by Timothy Snyder; and Unbelievable by John Shelby Spong. Facilitators and discussion leaders include Buddy Powell and Celia Dupree. Room 202
Metanoia class
The Metanoia class is a contemplative group that explores spirituality and faith. The class is discussion-oriented and based on books from varied religious and philosophical traditions. The group has read works by Marcus Borg, Cynthia Bourgeault, Pema Chodon, Richard Rohr, and Barbara Brown Taylor. Coordinator: Claudia Beal. Room 207
Philia class
The Philia class uses Smyth & Helwys curriculum as a basis for in-depth analysis of scripture. The class, characterized by its name “Philia” (“love” in Greek), has a time of sharing and supportive fellowship before the Bible study. Teacher: Beverly Hill. Currently, the class meets at The Delaney Retirement Center to accommodate those who are unable to attend class in the church building.
Seminars
Wednesday night seminars and “check in” sessions are usually held at 5:30pm in person now, but are sometimes held on Zoom. See the church newsletters for weekly information.
Adult seminars are our version of continuing education on topics ranging from global affairs to community relations to current religious questions, all led by expert speakers in their fields. Here’s a sample of topics:
“A Report from Israel” — a presentation by Dr. Lynn Tatum
“Our Trip to Utah” — a discussion with Jessica MacFarlan and our Youth Group.
“A Report from Micronesia” — a presentation by Joanne Held Cummings
“A Way Other Than Our Own” — Lenten devotions, based on the work of Walter Bruggemann
“The Future of Mission Waco” — with its Executive Director, John Calaway
“Thinking about Matters that Matter” — a brief tour of the history of Western Philosophy and its impact on Christian Theology
“Hope and Naz Tell Their Story — One Couple’s Journey Toward Immigration Reform”
“Hearts Turned Toward China: Returning to a Beloved Place to Work with Chinese Christians”
“Mental Health and Mental Illness”
“America’s Original Sin: Racism, White Privilege, and the Bridge to a New America”
“The Kari Family’s Trip to Cameroon”
“Jerusalem: Holy Journeys, Holy Destinations”
“Review of Marcus Borg’s Convictions: How I Learned What Matters Most”
“Child Safety and Protection”
“Hunger in Texas/Hunger in Waco: Food Deserts”
“The Crisis in the Middle East”
“Empowering Faith Communities with Sound Health Care Concepts”
“Bread for the World”
“Who is Richard Rohr and why is everybody talking about him?”
“Compassionate Conversations about LGBTQ Lives”
“The Witness of Oscar Romero”
“The Syrian Refugee Crisis: Causes and Conflicts”
“Nothing but Love in God’s Water: Black Sacred Music from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement.”
Meditation group
“Being the Light of the World: A Practice of Meditation and Compassion”
Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30pm at the church