Adult Forum

Sunday mornings, Adult Forum takes place from 9:45-10:45 with a variety of programming.

From September 17, 2006 to June 10, 2007,  there were books discussed, videos watched and topics as varied as the late Henry Nouwen’s book, Can You Drink The Cup,  to the viewing and discussion of the film documentary, “An Inconvenient Truth,” narrated by former Vice-President Al Gore.

The first Sunday for several months, when the Church Service at 11:00 includes the celebration of the Last Supper, a “Time-out” was shared.  This included listening together to soft music,   Scripture reading and time for reflection.  The hour concluded in a short period of time for those who wished to share thoughts or concerns out of the silence.

Another book read and discussed was the challenging Middle Church by Robert Edgar, former U.S. Senator and President of the National Council of Churches.

With the theme: Where is Liberation Theology Now?,  Forum heard several speakers, viewed videos, reviewed the book, Pedagogy of the Oppressed by liberation theology forerunner, Paulo Freire, and enjoyed some inter-active sessions. Our Pastor, Rev. Todd Stavrakos, from his own study, lead the closing sessions.

Other year’s have included topics as diverse as sharing a popular book on parenting or watching a video for a string of Sundays on the “History of Christianity”.   The members enjoy discussing, not always of the same mind, but it is also for those who want to listen more than talk!

A happy added feature is that there is coffee and tea (regular or decaf) available.

Fall 2007

Our theme for the 2007-2008 church year is “What Does It Mean To Be A Christian in the 21^st Century?”  In looking at this topic we will consider what it means to be Christian as well as why be Christian.  Not only are we interested in the intellectual pursuit of seeking  to better understand our Christian faith but we also wish to consider action that involves practicing compassion and justice.  Therefore, periodically ACTION SUNDAYS will be part of our program----on those Sundays planned activities that can be immediately done or that will lead us to be more directly action-oriented, allowing us to act on our faith, seeking justice and compassion.  ACTION SUNDAYS move us in a direction of not just reflecting on the ideas about which we are reading and discussing but opportunities to act on those thoughts.

We start our new church year program of adult education by reading Ted Foote and P. Alex Thornburg’s (Two Presbyterian ministers) book Being Disciples of Jesus in a Dot.Com World:  A Theological Guide for Youth Adults, and Other Confused Christians.

COALESCE - ADULT EDUCATION Calendar for fall 2007

September 16, 23, 30 – Being Disciples of Jesus in a Dot.Com World

October 7–ACTION SUNDAY–Focus on Hunger

October 14, 21, 28, November 4-Acts of Faith: The Story of an American Muslim, and the Struggle for the Soul of a Generation by Eboo Patel

November 11–ACTION SUNDAY–Focus on Religious Pluralism-Other Faiths

November 18-Thanksgiving---A Way of Living

November 25, December 2, 9, 23 The First Christmas:  What the Gospel Really Teaches About Jesus’ Birth by Marcus Borg

DECEMBER 16-ACTION SUNDAY-True Christmas Giving and Sharing

December 30- NO ADULT EDUCATION

Please join us---the atmosphere is warm, welcoming and informal, one that allows for an exchange of a variety of viewpoints, as we grow in community.  We begin on September 16 at 9:45 AM…the coffee is on and a seat is waiting for you!