Adult Education bridges our faith tradition with real life.
Adult Education for 2022-23
Owning Your Theology: How Our Thoughts about God and Faith Affect Our Lives and Relationships
Spring 2023: Ties That Bind
Join us at 9:15am on Sundays this spring as we explore how certain models and expectations about families influence the ways we think about church and God. American Christianity is sometimes criticized as being too preoccupied with matters of sex, coupling, and procreation. The language of church and congregational programs often promote and nurture family life, but they can do so in ways that elevate certain family models and gender roles over others. Why does our theology sometimes nourish some people while excluding others? How can we support families, relationships, and individuals without reinforcing narrow norms?
Specific topics we will discuss this spring include friendship and community, why churches speak about themselves as family, queer contributions to Christian community, the notion of Christian fatherhood, and mothering in the Christian tradition (featuring guest presenter Dr. Amy Marga).
This series will run from April 16 through May 21, with a break on April 23 for a special Earth Day presentation.
Join Adult Education from September 2022 – May 2023 on Sundays at 9:15am in person in the Recreation Room and through Livestream, and watch previous classes on the church’s YouTube channel.
For five weeks during Lent 2023, Church in the Round will provide space in a small group setting to contemplate the Lord’s Prayer as well as the role of prayer more generally. Weekly gatherings will include a short video featuring Adult Education staff the Rev. Dr. Matt Skinner and the Rev. Margaret Fox, followed by a brief reflection or poem, scripture, and discussion. Learn more.
The Bible Then and Now
This occasional multi-week class explores themes from the Bible that relate to how we live out our faith. By looking deeper into the ways the Bible first spoke in its original cultural settings, we are better prepared to think faithfully and creatively about what Christian belief should be now, in our culture. Read about past classes.
All-Church Book Read
Please join us to read and discuss a book together in January. The January 2023 All-Church Book Read is Horse by Geraldine Brooks. For three Sundays in January Adult Education will host two discussions and a guest speaker on January 8, 22, and 29. The books will be for sale on Sunday mornings beginning November 13, 2022, and copies will be available in the library.
The All-Church Book Read began 20 years ago with the intent of expanding the resources used in Adult Education. The book choice is usually a work of fiction with subject matter worthy of discussion. The committee reads broadly throughout the year and then meets in the summer to discuss their selections. Contact the Rev. Margaret Fox if you are interested in joining the group.
Small Groups
Small groups at Westminster foster deepening faith, offer new insights to our changing world, and provide opportunities for broader connection in our community. Many groups are open throughout the year to new members, and are listed below.
Third Age
A monthly small group exploring the joys and challenges of life’s third age will meet for six months to read and share together about their experiences. The group will rotate leadership. Contact the Rev. Margaret Fox to join or to learn more.
Sunday Sermon Discussion
A weekly small group discussion of the Sunday sermons, possibly over a shared meal. Discussion leadership could rotate among group members and a set of possible discussion questions will be provided. A 6-week initial commitment is encouraged.
Couples Small Group
A regular (weekly or bi-monthly) couples small group meeting to fellowship together and offer support and prayer for the many seasons of a long-term relationship. A 6-month initial commitment is encouraged.
LGBTQ
An LGBTQ small group continues to meet weekly and is open to new participants. This group is led by Terry McEowen.
Women’s Ministry Small Groups
Women’s Ministry is interested in initiating a couple of new small groups. Potential groups include one focusing on how grandparents can nurture the faith of their grandchildren, one that regularly gathers socially to welcome new women-identifying people in our community, and/or one that meets regularly to create together, including arts, crafts, and other making opportunities.
Men’s Ministry Small Groups
There is interest in expanding the number of small groups offered through men’s ministries. The existing men’s small groups have offered to walk alongside potential new groups to share their patterns and tips for success.
Moms Group
Join moms with children of all ages for guided conversation and fellowship. Led by Marie Kruskop, this group meets monthly on Friday evenings.
Family Matters
Family Matters is open to parents and caregivers with children of any age. This fall the group will look at Search Institute’s findings on building (and maintaining) strong parent-child relationships. This group meets on Sunday mornings and is led by Marie Kruskop.
Presbyterian Principles: It is our duty to exercise mutual forbearance toward each otherMay 14, 2023 - 3:17 pm
We Had HopedApril 23, 2023 - 1:35 pm
Macalester SundayApril 16, 2023 - 3:44 pm
Visit to Bethlehem: Our Hearts and Minds Were OpenedMay 26, 2023 - 1:55 pm
Second Set of Distributions from Mission ComponentMay 15, 2023 - 11:09 am
May Community Partner HighlightsMay 8, 2023 - 11:26 am
Enduring Hope Campaign Update: Chapel Re-DedicationMay 3, 2023 - 3:39 pm
Hate Has No Place HereMay 1, 2023 - 11:24 am