Personal and Spiritual Growth
Adult Education & Enrichment
At First Congregational Church, we recognize that learning doesn't stop as we grow older, and we are committed to providing a variety of educational and faith development opportunities for adult learners. We offer a variety of enriching activities, including book groups, Sunday morning adult classes, Sunday morning forums, Sacred Practices and seasonal studies.
Sunday Mornings at 8:30
Our Sunday morning Adult Education classes focus on deepening our understanding of the Bible, our lives as people of faith, our Christian history and traditions and contemporary scholarship. Classes are generally led by one of our ministers or our ministry intern. Nursery care is available beginning at 8 a.m. Sunday morning classes are held in the Klar Adult Education wing on the upper level of Pilgrim Hall.
During the spring of 2008, we are viewing and discussing Genesis: A Living Conversation, a PBS series with Bill Moyers.
In the fall of 2008, we’ll read through and discuss the book Religious Literacy by Stephen Prothero.
Sunday Forums at 11:30
On many Sundays after our services we have a forum with speakers (either from within our church family or invited guests) on a wide range of social, political, spiritual and educational matters. The forums vary widely in their focus. For information on upcoming forums, please see The Pilgrim, our online newsletter, or check the calendar.
Theological Book Study
On the second Tuesday of the month, from September through May, the Theological Book Study Group meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. to discuss recent biblical and theological scholarship. Facilitated by the Rev. Jerry Stinson, Senior Minister, books this group has worked through include:
The Fifth Gospel: The Gospel of Thomas Comes of Age by Stephen Patterson, et al.
Beyond Belief: The Secret Gospel of Thomas by Elaine Pagels
Encountering God: A Spiritual Journey from Bozeman to Banaras by Diana L. Eck
The Heart of Christianity: Rediscovering a Life of Faith by Marcus Borg
Introducing Theologies of Religion by Paul Knitter
Reforming Christianity by Don Cupitt
The History of God and The Battle for God by Karen Armstrong
Excavating Jesus by John Dominic Crossan and Jonathan Reed
Christianity Without God by Lloyd Geering
The Jesus Seminar and Its Critics by Robert J. Miller
Ancient Israel by Hershel Shanks
Lenten Study Group
On 4 Wednesday nights during Lent (February 6 & 20, March 5 & 19, 2008 at 7 p.m.), we will explore the book A Clearing Season: Reflections for Lent by Sarah Parsons. Individuals will read through the book, and we’ll gather to share our insights and experiences. Please contact the Rev. Libby Tigner for more information at ltigner@firstchurchlb.org.
Sacred Practices
This group meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 7 p.m. in our Sacred Space to learn new spiritual disciplines and practice them together. Disciplines explored in the past include Kundalini Yoga and various meditation techniques and practices. There is a 30-minute meditation session just prior to these meetings at 6:30 p.m.
Sacred Practices is currently working through a study of Nonviolent Communication: A Communication of Life by Marshall Rosenberg, and the companion workbook by Lucy Leu.
Services of Spiritual Wholeness
Held the first Wednesday of the month, these candlelit services offer a time of quiet and contemplation and honor the ancient healing rituals of anointing with oil and communion. They provide an opportunity to step out of the busyness of daily living and re-center and re-order our lives. These services are at 7 p.m. in Sacred Space.
Women’s Spirituality Retreat
There is an annual retreat for women at Pilgrim Pines Camp and Conference Center. The 2008 retreat was March 7-9, the retreat for 2009 is being planned.
