During Monday evenings, explore a theme from the Bible that relates 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. As we take a conversational approach to reading scripture, we discover that it is less about arriving at “the one right answer” and more about opening ourselves up to see where God can be encountered in our lives and as we consider what contributes to the well-being of our neighbors.
March and April 2022
Old Wisdom for New Life: Insights from the Book of James
Mondays, March 7-April 4
7-8:30 pm (CT)
Zoom only, until Covid conditions improve
To Register: Register online; participation is open to all.
Description: The Bible has a way of setting the stage for our lives together as the church. When we read it with others it reminds us of the issues that ought to concern us, and it gets us talking about what a life of faith should look like. Gathering around the Letter of James can help us consider the importance of living out Christian faith in our attitudes and actions. James expresses urgent concern about communities that embrace the wrong values and neglect people who are vulnerable. With its attention to friendship, hospitality, integrity, and openheartedness, James urges us to consider where we struggle with chasing after the wrong things. It’s a good book to read during Lent, as we take stock of our lives and commit ourselves to renewal.
April and May 2022
Abundant Life in the Gospel of John
Mondays, April 18-May 23
7-8:30 pm (CT)
Zoom and Garden Room
To Register: Register online; participation is open to all.
Description: During Eastertime, when the church considers new life and its implications for how we live now, gathering around the Gospel according to John can help us expand our imagination about what God desires for each of us and the human family. John, the most distinctive of the four Gospels, pulses with stories of abundance, surprise, and God’s intimate devotion to us. Its symbolism and storytelling provide a feast for the senses that has influenced many Christian hopes, promises, and rituals.
Format: Each session will begin with a presentation by the instructor, Rev. Dr. Matt Skinner, followed by him answering questions from the participants. The final half hour will consist of informal small-group conversations, for those who choose to participate. The conversations will focus on discussion questions designed to help us consider how the Bible can continue to inform our faith and common life, especially during these challenging times.
Where: This program will be on Zoom (a free, internet-based teleconferencing service) and in person in the Garden Room.
Rev. Dr. Matt Skinner is Professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary in Saint Paul and Scholar for Adult Education at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis. As a writer and teacher, he is known for his ability to make biblical texts come alive and to illuminate how the Bible continues to fuel our imaginations about God and our faith.
Rev. Dr. Matthew Skinner
Scholar for Adult Education
Highlighting Our Community Partner Grant Recipients – JulyJuly 1, 2022 - 12:01 pm
Finding Ways to Fight InjusticesJune 23, 2022 - 3:11 pm
29:11 Weeklong ResidencyJune 20, 2022 - 1:03 pmHighlighting Our Community Partner Grant Recipients – JuneJune 1, 2022 - 9:00 pm
Palestinian Pastor, Theologian, and Educational Leader Mitri Raheb to Return to Westminster on June 5May 31, 2022 - 1:22 pm
