Ministries: Adult Ministry

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Travel as a Political Act - Book Study

Each year, St. Andrew sponsors a BIG READ in preparation for a major guest speaker. This year, that speaker will be Rick Steves, travel writer and host of many PBS specials on travel. Rick will be with our congregation on Friday, November 15, 2010, as we kick off our 50th anniversary celebration. We encourage everyone in our congregation to participate in this St. Andrew “read in.” Over 30 people read this book together this past summer and learned about how travel connects people in new and unique ways. Please check the Pathways desk or online to see various dates and times of classes.

Tuesdays, September 14 - October 10, 2010 7:00 - 8:30am. Led by Harvey Martz, Senior Pastor

Travel As A Political Act addresses how persons can travel more thoughtfully, finding opportunities to immerse themselves in the culture they are visiting and thus come home with a deeper understanding of that culture and the interconnectedness of today’s world. Rick calls this experience a “trip’s most treasured souvenir.” Full of spirituality, grace, travel expertise and humor, this book discusses what it’s like in former Yugoslavia, the European Union, El Salvador, Denmark, Turkey, Morocco, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Iran.

Pathways Information Fair

Sundays, August 29 & September 5.

Please plan to stop by the West Gathering Space and take a look at the many opportunities for spiritual growth available to you. You may sign-up for classes and events, view and purchase class materials and books, plus meet some of the Pathways class leaders and Ministry Team staff.

Sunday Morning @ St. Andrew

Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes

  • Sundays, September 12 – October 2, 9:15am – 12:15am and October 28 – December 2, 2010, 9:00am – 10:00am
  • Text: Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes by Kenneth Bailey

How was Jesus viewed by his contemporaries and how do these views differ from today’s Western society?  Special attention will be given to the Lord’s Prayer, the Beatitudes, Jesus’ relationship to women and Jesus parables.  Led by Bob Eilert, St. Andrew Disciple Leader and Christian Educator.

Experiencing God’s Goodness When We’re Hurting

  • Sundays, September 19 – October 10, 2010, 9:15am – 10:15am

Help bring God’s comfort and mercy to our fellow Christians who are hurting and struggling.  As Christians we are commanded by Christ to bear one another’s burdens. Class participants are invited to share their faith journey and how your journey has been affected by the trials and struggles of life.  Sharing our faith journeys will help serve as gifts of hope for those who are hurting. Led by Dr. Marianne Neifert, St. Andrew member, pediatrician, professional speaker and author.

Say Yes to No (SYTN)

  • Sundays, September 19 – October 17, 2010, 9:15am – 10:15am
  • Text: Say Yes to No by David Walsh

St. Andrew is proud to be one of the first to offer this new parent education program in our community.  This class will help parents avoid power struggles, recognize the importance of self-discipline to a child’s development, use praise constructively and help prevent or reverse Discipline Deficit Disorder.  Led by Vickie Sulmeisters, Family Leadership Training Initiative, Parent Information Network and Community Asset Project. 

Archeology of the Exile:

  • Sundays, September 26, 2010; 10:40 – 11:40am

Biblical and other materials will be used to provide a look into the life and times preceding the exiles of Israel and Judah.  Artifacts will provide depictions of the exiles, battles and daily life in the days and years before going into exile.  Led by Dr. Mark George, Associate Professor of Hebrew Bible at Iliff School of Theology.

Pathways Catalog

The Pathways Catalog has information about all of the educational opportunities offered and special events sponsored by St Andrew in 2010-2011.

*2010-2011 Pathways Catalogs that have not been picked up will be mailed the week of August 23, 2010*

View for the Pathways Adult Ministries Program Guide online!

Follow this link to register online.

 

 

 

 

Ongoing Classes

Spiritual Seekers: Exploring the Tao and Opening the Door:

  • Tuesdays, September 14, 2010 – June 2011; 10:00 – 11:30am Room 249
  • 81 Verses of the Tao Te Ching
  • Text: Open the Door-A Journey to the True Self by Joyce Rupp

Gather on Tuesday mornings to discuss both a woman’s and man’s interpretation of the Tao Te Ching.  Discover how this ancient wisdom is applicable to today’s spiritual journey.  After completing the Tao books the group will embark on a book study of Joyce Rupp’s Open the Door-A Journey to the True Self.  Led by Christine A. Dozal and Mary Webster, volunteer Pathways leaders.

CORD (Young Adult Ministry) Sundays, 9:00 - 10:00am (B241) Led by Rev. Jerry Herships, who wouldn’t tell us the topics! Come and find out! The CORD is the young adult ministry at St Andrew designed for singles and couples in their 20s and 30s, some with children, some without. Our name reflects the three–fold strength of a cord and the strength in numbers noted in Ecclesiastes 4:12. We have strength in our group and through the three things we do together: study, fellowship (a fancy church word for getting together and hanging out), and acts of service (because it’s not always all about us). In our reading and discussions we strive to deepen our spirituality and examine contemporary issues that matter to people in their 20s and 30s, like jobs, promotions, family, diversity and meaning. We attempt to answer some big questions: Why am I here? Is this all there is? Is it OK with God if I watch “Deal or No Deal?”

Sisters: A Bible Study for Women  Wednesdays, meets Sept. 8 through May 8, 2011 9:30 - 11:15am (B250-252) A gathering for women of all ages brings together different perspectives of life and how we can joyfully grow in our faith. Short-term studies allow new members to join throughout the year and to participate according to interest or availability. The first book is Twelve Extraordinary Women: How God Shaped Women of the Bible and What He Wants to Do with You by John Macarthur. Led by Lynn McDougal, St. Andrew member, and Christy Boyle, Director of Children’s Ministries.

Women's Spiritual Growth Group An Invitation for Women - We gather again every Wednesday beginning Sept. 8, 9:30–11:30am (B243) and welcome all women who would like to join us in growing in our relationship with God and one another. Books are available on the Literature Rack in the Foyer.

Other Opportunities

Disciple Bible Study - An in-depth, 9-month program beginning in September to help persons develop a biblically informed faith. Through individual study and weekly group discussion and reflection, Disciple is about transforming lives and equipping persons to faithfully live as disciples of Jesus Christ. We offer Disciple I, II, III & IV and Jesus in the Gospels.  Class groups enjoy stong bonds developed during this extended time of study in community.

PATHWAYS CLASS SIGN UP ONLINE  Classes are listed by date on the website registration page so click on class registrations, scroll down to find your class, click register and then 1) if you are a member, your user name is your email address and your password is the number assigned to you. If you have forgotten that password number, click on forgotten password and it will be sent to you via email. 2) If you do not receive snail mail from St. Andrew please sign in as a new user. You will be added to the database for future registrations. 

Quantum Faith  (Meets in B245 Sundays, 7:00-9:00pm) St. Andrew’s Quantum Faith group explores the intersection between science and spirituality through book studies and weekly discussion. If you enjoy the connection between your heart and your head as part of your Christian journey, you will find a group of fellow seekers in Quantum Faith. Leaders:  All who attend, facilitated by Bob Tipton.

Monday Noon Book Group, ongoing group beginning Sep 13, noon-1pm. Room 243. Weekly opportunity to be challenged and inspired in a welcoming, well-read community! You will find the discussions lively, insightful and spirit-filled. Some of the books we will be reading are Half the Sky by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, Sing Them Home by Stephanie Kallos, The Outside Boy by Jeanine Cummins, and Tender at the Bone by Ruth Reichl.

Financial Peace University Preview class Tuesday, Sept 7, 6:30–8pm in Room 249. The 13 week course begins Sept. 21-Dec. 7. Get control of your money; stop struggling to make ends meet; tell your money what to do; change your family’s future.  Bev French and Christine O'Neal will facilitate this preview class using Dave Ramsey’s DVDs and course materials. It is never too late to face debt and restore financial well-being.

Beginnings

Learn more about this congregation, the Christian faith, the Methodist tradition, the Bible, and how or where you might connect with others. The following courses are designed to be foundational in your education/spiritual formation experience.

St. Andrew Orientation

You will learn what makes St. Andrew special and become acquainted with staff and fellow explorers. You can then determine you level of commitment and decide if you wish to become a member of St. Andrew. See Calendar page for scheduled times.

The Bible for Beginners

This class will show how the entire Bible fits together, gain an overview of the chronology and history, and have a better understanding of the basics of "our book."

Tuesdays, January 11 – February 22, 2011 7:00 – 8:45pm

Led by Harvey Martz, Senior Pastor

Travel and Retreats with St. Andrew

PILGRIMAGE TO SCOTLAND, Sept. 19-29, 2010. Veteran pilgrimage guides, Rev. Cindy Bates and Rev. Carolyn Waters, will lead this group to study Celtic spirituality and to visit sacred sites, Isles of Iona, Mull and Staffa, and legendary St. Andrews Golf Course. For more information contact Kathy Meyers (303) 468-6857

NEW MEXICO PILGRAMAGE, May 17-21, 2011. Sacred tours will include El Santuararo Chapel in Chimayo and the Loretto Chapel (which houses The Miraculous Staircase). Experience the Native American site of the Puye Cliffs - the home of the Pueblo Indians for more than three centuries. Tour the Georgia O'Keefe Museum and the New Mexico History Museum. Art galleries, artisan shops, tour of historic Sante Fe and plenty of free time to tour, shop, and eat! For more information contact Susan McCann (303) 794-2683 ext. 156

AN EXPERIENCE OF METHODISM AND THE ESSENCE OF ENGLAND, Sept. 5-14, 2011. Join Harvey Martz, Judy Martz, and Tam Curfman on a spiritual pilgrimage to England. Tour the beginnings of the Methodist movement and experience the essence of England. Samples of the visits/tours include Oxford University, Wesley's Chapel (City Road Chapel), Methodism museum, Trafalgar Square, and Westminster Abbey. There will also be a free day for touring, shopping, and eating! For more information please contact Kathy Meyers (303) 468-6857

On Our Literature Rack

Check the Literature Rack in the Foyer. You’ll find Bibles, books Harvey has recommended, texts for classes, devotional material (free), books on spiritual topics, on grieving support, on social justice, on parenting and many other topics. Come and browse.

New on the Literature Rack:

 

Making Sense of Normandy by E. Carver McGriff

Carver McGriff was 19 years old when he left Indiana for the battlefields of World War II.  Making Sense of Normandy is a rare veteran first-hand account of the author’s struggle for physical, emotional and spiritual survival during combat.

The Will of God by James C. Howell

Pastor and theologian James C. Howell reflects on how are we to know “the will of God?”  As Christians how do we recognize God’s will and how do we respond?  Where can we turn when bad things happen and when we feel God has turned away from us? The Will of God will help us to “believe even more deeply in God, even as we grieve losses, resist evil and muster hope.”

Catch by Paul Francis and John Francis

Catch is the story of a father, Paul Francis, and his dedication to have a close relationship with his son, John Francis, after divorcing John’s mother.  Paul has made a life long connection with his son John through their shared love of baseball.  Share in their life journey as they play “catch.”  Going back and forth with one another through the good times, the heartache and their continuing nine innings of growth and love.

Putting Away Childish Things by Marcus J. Borg

Marcus Borg’s first fictional novel Putting Away Childish Things is set in a small town liberal arts college.  Kate, a popular religion professor, must face the decisions of her past, a crisis of her faith, question the believes she has held on to so strongly and an uprising of student’s parents who campaign for Kate’s resignation from the college.  Borg engages the reader to learn more about the issues that are dividing the Christian community today. 

In a Heartbeat – Sharing the Power of Cheerful Giving by Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy

The couple featured in the movie The Blind Side takes us on an incredible journey of faith, inspiration and love.  By opening their home and hearts to a homeless and destitute African American boy they teach the world how “walk the talk” of Christianity.  And share their remarkable story of the power of cheerful giving.

And What Shall We Say of the St. Andrew Library?

Watch for our new and improved Library coming soon!

If you have any questions about using your Library, please contact Diane Smith in the church office.

Watch this space for additional suggestions of new books, DVDs and Magazines. You’ll also see reviews here.

Need a new perspective ? Check out these, and other new DVDs in the St. Andrew Library:

  1. From Jesus to Christ: The First Christians - PBS /Frontline explore the life of Jesus and the movement he started, challenging familiar assumptions and conventional notions about the origins of Christianity.
  2. Eclipsing Empire: Paul, Rome and the Kingdom of God from Living the Questions. Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan, in Turkey, Greece and Italy, trace Paul’s footsteps and explore fresh insights into Paul’s message of the Kingdom of God, its challenge to Roman imperial theology and the apostle’s radical relevance for today.
  3. The Crusades: Crescent and the Cross by the History Channel, “the epic battle between Middle Age superpowers … which decided the fate of the Holy Land …”

New in Our Library

Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North (DVD) is now in the Library for anyone to check out. In this movie, Producer/Director Katrina Browne tells the story of her forefathers, the largest slave-trading family in US history. Viewers will be surprised to learn that Browne’s ancestors were Northerners. The film follows Browne and nine fellow family members on a remarkable journey which brings them face-to-face with the history and legacy of New England’s hidden enterprise.

Pathways Ministry Roles and Responsibilities

Ministry Team/Standing Committee:  Pathways at St. Andrew: A Center for Spiritual Growth

Mission/Purpose Statement:

The mission of the Pathways team is to provide St. Andrew and community members and affiliates with meaningful opportunities to grow in their Christian faith through adult education and spiritual formation classes and events.

Primary Responsibilities/Activities:

1. Learning: We seek to provide programming and events that are diverse in content and yet grounded in our faith tradition, equipping persons to understand and articulate what it means to be a thinking Christian with a heart that longs to follow Jesus.

2. Offering Diverse Opportunities:  We are all at different points in our faith journey, and differ in what we need in our quest to know God and experience the sacred.  Our team continually looks for new ways to provide opportunities for intellectual growth, inner reflection and spiritual growth, understanding of other faiths, and exploration of spirituality through creativity and the arts.

3.  Challenge:  Classes and events provide opportunities to incorporate new insights and ideas into our lives. We encourage individuals to face the challenge and be open to the transformation that can happen when we learn and grow.

4. Community Building:  In this large, growing congregation, Pathways classes, retreats, forums and special events are often the channel for individuals to feel known and begin building a sense of community.  Many people have also cited Pathways classes and events as the catalyst for becoming active in service, both within and outside the church.

5. Invitation:  We are an educational and spiritual resource for our community at large as well as our congregation.  We provide opportunities for persons who may not be affiliated with a community of faith, intentionally reflecting St. Andrew’s spirit of openness in mind, heart and doors.  From the diversity of offerings in the Pathways catalog to the types of books available on the Pathways bookshelves, we witness to a way of being Christian that welcomes questions and exploration on the faith journey.

Members on Ministry Team or Standing Committee:

Gwen Balk, Helen Burnside, Tam Curfman, Bill Fowles, Lauren Grenz, Linda Harmon, Schawn Kellogg, Jeff Klaus, Suzie Malik, Susan W. McCann, Diane Miller and Diane Smith. 

August 2007

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