Adult Education
Live as if you were going to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were going to live forever.
. . . Mahatma Gandhi
Adults choose from several varied and lively classes. Adult classes break during the Lenten Small Group Study, which runs from the Sunday before Ash Wednesday through Easter. Classes are offered on Sunday mornings, Wednesday evenings and Tuesday afternoons. New sessions start in the fall and after the beginning of the new year; however, new participants are welcomed at any time.
Current Classes
To enrich your faith journey, we hope you will consider joining us on Sunday at 10:00 am, Tuesday at 1:00 pm, or Wednesday at 6:30 pm for adult education classes. Learning is a life-long process. We need to nurture our spiritual journey by studying together to increase our understanding of the Bible and its meaning for us. We encourage you to sign up at the tables outside the library.
Sundays, 10-11 a.m.
The Trinitarian Controversy: Why It is So Hard to Make 1+1+1=1 Room 8
Led by Mike Mullen.
Mike Mullin was born in the humble town of Fort Wayne, Indiana where he remained for two whole weeks. Fast forwarding past the wonder years, he went to college earning degrees in Christian Education and Music; but more importantly, he met a wonderful gal named Nadia Buzzelli (who many of you may have the pleasure of knowing as Nadia Mullin). As they began their life together, Nadia finished jumping through the hoops to become ordained, and now Mike has the honor of teaching a class at the church where she is a pastor. As a student, Mike loves discussion based classes where everyone may chime in with their opinions and interpretations. This being the case, Mike is excited to be teaching on the Trinity, a topic which he seems to find offers many more questions than answers.
A Preview of the Lectionary— Room 14
Dr. Kirk Ryckman and Rev. Nadia Mullin will be co-teaching the Sunday Lectionary Class. Each week they will explore the 3 passages of Scripture that are suggested for the coming week‟s sermon preparation. This includes an Old Testament passage, an Epistle from the New Testament and a Gospel lesson. The class offers both an opportunity to learn about the texts and books of the Bible, and an opportunity to talk about the issues the texts suggest. It is a class that is easy to visit regularly, or to drop in on occasionally.
The Study of Ezekiel —Room 15
Mary Kern has been studying and teaching God's Word for many years at PCOC. She loves to sit at the computer with Bible, commentaries, study guides, Bible dictionaries, and any source she can find. Then she uses this information to try to figure out what the writer was trying to tell the people to whom he wrote, and also what it means to us in today's world. Why the book of Ezekiel to study you may ask? She often asks the class to suggest a book they would like to study. This year, someone mentioned Ezekiel. She says, “What do I know about Ezekiel? I know a Gospel song: Ezekiel saw a wheel … way up in the middle of the air. Okay, I guess that's about it. Better dig out some research books, and start studying! What have we gotten into?” Join Mary on Sunday in Room 15, (new location) and find out. It may be a surprise to all of you!
The Study of Jeremiah and Lamentations —Library
Rev. Chester Mason is an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. and a member of the
Missouri River Valley Presbytery. He has been an ordained minister for thirty-four years. He grew up in Omaha and graduated from North High in 1970. He graduated from Hastings College in 1974 with a degree in History and also graduated from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary in 1977 with a M. Divinity degree. He has been married to his wife Carol for 33 years and they have a son, Christian. Rev. Chester Mason served mostly small churches as a pastor in the Midwest. The reason he chose Jeremiah as a topic for his class is that he found him to be very relevant to our society today, and Jeremiah has always been Chester's favorite of all the prophets.
Misquoting Jesus, The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why
and
Why Christianity Must Change or Die—Room 13
Bob Binhammer has been a member of the church for many years and loves to teach. Never one to avoid difficult topics, Bob has a gift for leading groups in the exploration of challenging ideas.
Monday night, 7-9 p.m.
Crosse Posse is for people 20 to 30-something. It meets on the first and third Monday evenings from 7 to 9, with an additional activity night. The class will explore how faith impacts young lives. Please contact Angela Holdren at 699-5236.
Tuesday Study Bunch 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
The Study of Acts, The Study of Romans, Room 14
Since 2006, Nancy Bunjer has assumed the responsibility of facilitating the Tuesday Study Bunch Bible Study. Since September 2010, the group has focused on book of Acts. Nancy has researched multiple commentaries for greater detail, views and insights into the Acts. The result has been fascinating and motivating with discussions ranging from the culture of the Roman Empire to the personal trials, faith, courage and strength of Christ's disciples and apostles. The book of Acts has become a more personal journey as the group has explored the work of the Holy Spirit through the men and women of the early church.
The Tuesday Study Bunch will conclude their study of Acts in September and will move forward to Romans using the same approach of research to enhance the discussions and understanding. Nancy will also facilitate a Cornerstone class on Acts. She would like to share this study with those who wish to explore the world of the early church through the power and work of the Holy Spirit within the lives of Peter and Paul.
Tuesday night MOPS group 2nd and fourth Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
This group of Mothers of Preschoolers provides support and education to all moms of children from infancy through kindergarten. All moms, stay-at-home and working moms, teen, single and married moms, are welcome! For more information and registration please contact the Sheri Sessions, 333-7466 .
Wednesday night, 6:30 – 7:30 pm, adult education
Introverts in the Church—Room 13
Rev. Nadia Mullin enjoys the process of learning, researching, asking difficult questions, and gaining a new perspective on an issue. She is excited to be teaching Adam McHugh's book, Introverts in the Church, because of the unique perspective it presents on the effect of personality on one's participation in the life of the church.
Classes run concurrently with the Cornerstone schedule.
The Study of Acts and Romans
Nancy Bunjer will facilitate a Cornerstone class on Acts and Romans. She would like to share this study with those who wish to explore the world of the early church through the power and work of the Holy Spirit within the lives of Peter and Paul. This class runs concurrently with the Cornerstone schedule.