Adult Education

ADULT EDUCATION is a forum devoted to spiritual investigations. These programs run on the school calendar. For information or suggestions, contact Dan Beaupre, An Duclos, or Diane Nancekivell. Our programs are open to the public. You are invited to come 15 miunutes early for refreshments and fellowship.

If zoom is offered: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87490029176 Passcode: AdultEd

Sunday, Feb 23, at 12:00 noon

“Four Hebrew Prophets”

by Shalom Goldman

in the Nave and in person only

come at 11:45 for coffee and goodies

This Sunday we’ll explore the prophet, Joel

Shalom Goldman, Professor of Religion at Middlebury College, will offer a 4 part series on the prophets Hosea, Joel, Amos, and Obadiah. We will investigate the ancient Israelite context of these prophets' lives and messages. We’ll also consider how their teachings can be applied to our lives and faith today. To prepare for these sessions, you might want to read some of each of these four books in the Bible, though it is not required.

Sunday, Feb 16: Hosea

Sunday, Feb 23: Joel

Sunday, March 16: Amos

Sunday, March 23: Obadiah

Sunday, March 2, 9:00 AM

"OUR WORDS OF FAITH"

with Henry Ralph Carse

In the Meeting Room ~ come early for coffee and goodies

Religious language – in scriptures, church liturgies and personal prayers – is an essential part of our faith. We will look closely at some words deemed holy, question their origins, wonder about their spiritual impact, and ask whether translations help or hinder. Through a midrashic interpretive method, with focus on intimate reading and personal response, we'll hear old words with new attentiveness.

Our first conversation – “Where Did ‘God’ Come From?” – focuses on “divine names.” What are their origins? What benefits and dangers are found in “naming God”? Should divine names change and adapt in our tradition, as our spiritual consciousness matures?

If you wish, you may read this introductory essay.

Sunday, March 9, 9:00 am

“Jesus in the Desert ~

Tempted by Satan”

offered by Jay Parini

In the Meeting Room,

Come early for coffee and goodies

What’s Ahead…

Wed, March 12, 7 pm, zoom only: “The Wisdom of Confession,” with Diane Nancekivell. There is wisdom in speaking outloud our faults and regrets. The rituals for confession, absolution and reconciliation are rooted in spiritual wisdom and have power to set us free.

Wed, March 19, 7 pm, zoom only: “The Shadow Self, Dancing with the Devil on Your Back,” by Tom Baskett. Tom, a psychotherapist, with a special interest in Carl Jung, will talk about the psychological side of confession drawing on Jung’s notion of the shadow self “dancing with the devil on your back.”

Wed, March 26, 7 pm, zoom only: “The Wisdom of Confession,” with Diane Nancekivell. A continuation of our explorations from March 12.

Sunday, April 6 and April 13, 9 am (in person): The Book of Longings, with Diane Nancekivell. Sue Monk Kidd wrote a beautiful and bold retelling of the New Testament through the eyes of a Galilean woman and scribe. Diane will facilitate discussions of this well researched historical fiction.

Sunday, April 27, 9 am: “Words of Faith,” by Henry R Carse. Continuation of the March 2 session.