Adult Christian Education

Our congregation believes that learning to be disciples is an essential part of answering our call to be ministers to the world. Courses appealing to individuals wherever they may be on their faith journeys (focusing on biblical studies, Christian theology and history, and religion, reflection and discipleship) are developed and facilitated by both staff and members of the congregation. While most classes are held on Sundays immediately preceding worship, concurrent with Church School Programs; some are held on weekdays or evenings. All are welcome from any community.

EDUCATIONAL OFFERINGS FOR ADULTS: 
 

Wednesday morning Bible study group which meets during our Program Year will resume September 11, 2019, 9:30 to 11:00am upstairs in the library. 

Thursday afternoon at Linden Ponds in Hingham (on-going), 4:00-5:00pm in the Oakleaf Clubhouse Music Room.

Following are examples of prior classes:

Summer 2019 Book Study:  The Universal Christ by Richard Rohr,  (concludes August 28).

Be the Church: Reject Racism - This series explores how our own personal backgrounds have shaped our experiences around race.  We will discuss how racism operates in our public institutions and economy to diminish opportunity for people of color.   We will consider some case studies to think more intentionally about how we as Christians can practice everyday anti­racism, and look to inspiration from leaders and organizations affirmatively rejecting racism.

Learn about "Equal Exchange" and "Fair Trade" programs.  Our church uses Equal Exchange coffee and tea.  We hope you will attend this educational offering to learn the importance of these programs.

From There to Here -- This time of sharing provides a venue for hearing some of the varied journeys folks have taken to arrive where they are in their life of faith today. 

Weekday evening book study:  Morning Sun on a White Piano:  Simple Pleasures and the Sacramental Life by Dr. Robin R. Meyers.    

Parenting in the Pew and De-mystifying Church School -- Cathy Benedict and Matt Hawk, facilitators

Illuminated Manuscripts - Peggy O'Neil Files, facilitator
Read the weekly Alpha to Omega: Jesus Edition ("A2O") devotional scripture, choose a verse, and “illuminate it” with an illustration.

Lenten Music - Karen Harvey, facilitator

Reflecting at Half Time - At various times in our lives, unexpected events, a friend’s remark, a book, or a challenging question compels us to step back and ponder the choices we’ve made and the direction in which we’re headed. We can treat it like “half-time” in a sporting event where we actually step back, reflect on the first “half” of our life, explore what we need to learn from it, and decide: “What do I want to do with the rest of my life, where do I feel I am being led, and what might constitute a new direction that would energize me and more effectively use my gifts and my talents?”

On That Day, Everybody Ate: A Journey of Faith and Action in Haiti 

Short Fiction on Faith - Dig deeply into a wide range of short stories, exploring faith-related themes through close reading and discussion of the texts. Where's the Grace? Short Stories of Flannery O'Connor challenged readers to find moments of grace in the seemingly hard stories of a Southern Renaissance fiction writer, facilitated by a congregation member with who wrote her master's thesis on O'Connor. 

Faithful Financial Fasting - You are invited to participate in a financial fast for Lent. To participate, you will be encouraged to put away your credit cards and only purchase necessities (food, medicines, etc.) during Lent. The group will explore the importance of structuring a financial plan that meets your needs as well as reflects your values. In addition, the group will discuss the pressure to over-consume and the value of staying within your means and setting goals.

The Congregational Way - Read and discuss The Congregational Way, which illuminates the religious and democratic principles that make us distinctive among faith traditions, helped pioneer Massachusetts, and helped transform America.

 Hymns for Everyone - A music appreciation course created and facilitated by members of the Music ministry team.