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ADULT EDUCATION SCHEDULE: FALL, 2011
Please join us Sunday mornings at 9:15 for stimulating presentations and discussions of topics that matter to adult Christians. Coffee and child-care provided. Note: No classes on November 27, December 25, and January 1.
September 11: Justice for Honduras
Jill Van Beek works for the Association for a More Just Society (AJS). She travels to Honduras several times a year, promoting AJS’s work and God’s call for his people to do justice. Jill will have challenging things to tell us about standing up for justice in situations that are often hostile.
September 18: Love Wins Panel Discussion, Part 1
Rob Bell, pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids, has written a nationally acclaimed and controversial book entitled Love Wins: A Book about Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived. Among numerous other troubling questions, Bell asks: “Has God created billions of people …only to select a few to go to heaven and everyone else to suffer forever in hell?” What does the Bible teach about this? Panelists are Nate Visker, Kay Aardema, Jeanne’ Gembis and Jim Ponstine. Al Hoksbergen will be the moderator.
September 25: Love Wins Panel Discussion, Part 2
Today we continue our discussion of Rob Bell’s recent book, Love Wins. Our discussion will be led by panelists David Van Winkle, Fern Pruiksma, and Jo Kuiper. Al Hoksbergen will be the moderator.
October 2: An Invitation to Prayer
God invites us into conversation with him through prayer. Today we’ll talk about some of the common practices of prayer throughout church history. We’ll also explore some uncommon practices of prayer that you can implement in your own life. Consider this your personal invitation to explore various ways to broaden and deepen your relationship with God. Led by Patricia Zandstra, Foundation of Ministry Specialist.
October 9: Child Abuse/Neglect and the Courts
Tim Maat, assistant prosecuting attorney in Muskegon county, will focus on child abuse and neglect. He’ll present some of the common themes found in families with abused children, how the law handles this issue, and what’s needed for family intervention.
October 16: The Dead Sea Scrolls
The scrolls discovered at Qumran provide us with the oldest copies of the Old Testament Scriptures in the Hebrew language from the time of John the Baptist and Jesus (and earlier). Using dramatic photos and commentary, archaeologist Neal Bierling will take us into the caves where the scrolls lay hidden for almost 2000 years.
October 23: Bible Study: A Covenant within the Covenant
A consistent and strong biblical theme is that God relates to his world and his people by way of a covenant, making it possible for his people to know him, love him, and serve him. Today’s session looks at the very special covenant God established with David and his descendants (2 Samuel 7 and 8) and introduces covenantal themes that have many implications for our life as God’s people today. Led by Gerrit Koedoot, FCC member and retired missionary.
October 30: Bible Study: God’s Covenantal Ways with His People
Expanding on the covenant theme, this session focuses on the drama of salvation recorded for us throughout Scripture, giving us deeper insight into the ways of God as the faithful promise-keeper. How should we respond to God as covenant-keepers today? Led by Gerrit Koedoot, FCC member and retired missionary.
November 6: Immigration: Overview
Kris Van Engen, from the CRC Office of Social Justice, will take two sessions to discuss the current immigration system and its effect on society. Today’s session offers an overview of the issue and describes four doors people can go through to immigrate legally.
November 13: Immigration: A Christian Response
Kris Van Engen, from the CRC Office of Social Justice, returns to discuss the 2010 synodical report on immigration: what the report says, what the Bible says, and what the report asks the church to do. We will also be given a brief history of immigration and place ourselves on an immigration timeline.
November 20: Let’s Talk about the Weather
Terri DeBoer, a meteorologist for channel 8 news, will tell about her faith journey and describe her interesting job of keeping her TV audience up-to-date on the weather. She’ll also suggest what we can do as members of FCC, a church that’s designated as a shelter for our area if there is a weather-related disaster.
December 4: Good Books for Christmas
Giving and receiving good books is one of the joys of the season. FCC member Susan VanWinkle will review some of the latest books for your children, grandchildren, spouse, friend (or yourself!). You don’t have to be a big-time reader to enjoy this session.
December 11: Ministry Among Muslims, Part 1: Understanding Islam
Islam is the second largest religion in the world and is growing faster than any other religion. In today’s session, Bill Thornburg, missions resource consultant for CRC World Missions, will look at some basic beliefs and practices of Islam and discuss what our attitude toward Muslims should be.
December 18: Ministry Among Muslims, Part 2: God or Allah?
While Christians and Muslims have some similar beliefs and practices, they obviously differ in significant ways. Join a lively discussion on whether Christians and Muslims worship the same God and discover some tips for doing ministry among Muslims. Led by Bill Thornburg, missions resource consultant for CRC World Missions.
