Adult Education and Spiritual Growth

	(1) Marty Chan reading his play. (2) Ron Jackman's nice smile. (3) Camp Quinipet, Shelter Island.

Adult Education Sunday School Class
For Advent, we will not have our Sunday School class before church. Instead, we will have an adult spiritual growth opportunity, led by Christina Fleming, after church. Come to the Board Room at 1:00pm on Dec. 2, 9, and 16 for Lectio Divina .

Christina shares: You're invited on a spiritual retreat. It won't take a weekend. You don't need to take off a day of work. For about an hour after church on the first three Sundays of Advent, we will practice a form of contemplative prayer, Lectio Divina. It's rooted in ancient Judaism and was elevated in the church by Saint Benedict in the sixth century. Lectio Divina is a four part meditation: lectio, meditatio, oratio and contemplatio.
In lectio, you read a sacred text. You don't hear scripture like I often listen on Sunday morning (half listening, half day-dreaming about my own life). In lectio, the participants take turns reading verses aloud multiple times. So each person hears it in a new way. Those who've gathered allow the words to soak into their heart. The second part of this spiritual practice is silently reflecting on what words or images stood out. What phrase made you curious, uncomfortable or grateful?
Meditatio has been compared to chewing on the words. The third part of this mediation is a private conversation with God. This discussion is silent to the mortals around you. But as you talk with God, you need not be polite, only honest.
Oratio is your time to dialogue with Spirit and be real with her. And after both you and Spirit feel heard, you enter into contemplatio.
Contemplatio is a time of "being" with Spirit, a time of exhaling. This section is sometimes described or visualized as God like loving mother holding her child. You are invited to the silence and the mystery of God. If that scares you or sparks curiousity, I welcome you

Past studies include the Saving Jesus curriculum from "Living the Questions", Henri Nouwen's Out of Solitude: Three Meditations on the Christian Life , Regina Sara Ryan's book Praying Dengerously: Radical Reliance on God, and a study of the book of Psalms. Childcare can be provided if Emily Peck-McClain is notified by the Wednesday before, emilyspsa@aol.com.

Explorations in Scripture and Theology
Courses and seminars designed to enhance personal application of the Bible and other ancient and contemporary texts that help strengthen individual understandings of Christian scripture for daily living. They have included

• Disciples Study Group systematic, progressive reading of the Bible plus video presentations by theologians that is personally transforming for participants
• Advent Preparations for Christ Meditations based upon a recently published book by Jim Melchiorre, influenced by Handel's Messiah
• Exploring the Gnostic Gospels Reflecting on themes of good (spiritual) and evil (material) presented in the Gnostic Gospels that emphasize the importance of revealed spiritual knowledge (derived from the Greek word, gnosis) as necessary for salvation
• United Methodism at-Risk: A Wake-Up Call Based upon a recently published eye-opening book, researched by Charlene Floyd, that explores issues within the United Methodist Church and beyond, that put at risk the church's proclamation of justice
• Adult Spirituality Group reading and discussing books of a spiritual nature in a parishioner’s home
• Mary Magdalene a musical one woman theatrical piece, written by Ron xxxx and performed by Cary Miller. Discussion included Biblical reflections, Gnostic Gospels, and feminist theology

Living Our Faith Affinity Groups
These support groups are designed to provide sacred spaces for mutual support and sharing life experience and challenges. They have included Twenties to Forties Singles, Fifties Plus Singles, and Women's World.

Creative Expression Groups
These sessions are designed to help connect mind, body, and spirit. They have included Experiencing Meditation, a spectrum of methods such as walking, breathing, guided and chanting meditation, as well as Zen "present moment awareness;" and Sharing Our Play, an opportunity to work simultaneously on hobbies and sharing them with one another, in an afternoon of community and fun.