Circles of Faith

Bible Stories for Grown Ups: Reading Scripture with New Eyes by Josh Scott

Facilitator: Renee Hoke

Wednesdays, September 13 – October 18 | 6:30-7:30 pm

Room: 203

Maximum: 12

Many of our Bible stories that we learned as children are confusing, at best, for young minds. For example, the story of Abraham and Isaac—definitely not a children’s story. Why would God ask Abraham to sacrifice his own son? The author reimagines these stories and opens new visions for adult readers to better understand well-known pieces of scripture and how it is relevant to us today.

Courage: Jesus and the Call to Brave Faith by Tom Berlin

Facilitator: Sandi Kennedy

Sundays, September 10-24, October 22-November 5 |  5:30-6:30 pm

Room: 150

Maximum: 12

UCC Vision Statement: Transforming the world by living out Christ’s courageous love. What does that require of us? The author states: Courage is an essential part of living well and it is an absolute requirement if one is going to follow Jesus in any meaningful sort of way, especially in times of hardship. Plenty of hard times are upon us. The struggle is real.

Craft, Connect, and Contemplate

Facilitator: Theda Anderson and Roxanne Penix

Tuesdays, October 10-November 14 | 1:30-2:45 pm

Room: 203

Creativity and crafting is a spiritual practice. Think of a joyful God creating the universe. And crafting is a joyful experience—spending time with others working together. Supplies are furnished. New crafts each week. Come join the fun. No prior experience needed!

Creation Care

Book: Rooted and Rising: Voices of Courage in a Time of Climate Crisis by Leah D. Schafer (Editor) and Margaret Bullitt-Jonas (Editor)

Facilitator: Tina Caliga and Maria Sanders

Mondays, September 11-October 2 | 7:00-8:00 pm, ZOOM

Maximum: 12

Find yourself seeking spiritual practices and perspectives regarding climate change? Come join us as we dive into wise testimonies from different spiritual backgrounds that allow us to acknowledge our feelings evoked by the climate crisis. The extraordinary power of human beings to take action is lifted up. We are shown how to claim our relationship with all of life as the foundation of spirituality. Questions and spiritual practices invite us on a personal journey to feel connected, honor our pain, work up our hope and extend our capacity for joyful action.

Do I Stay Christian? by Brian McLaren

Facilitator: Judy Stempel

Mondays, October 2-November 13 |  1:30-2:45 pm

Room: 206

Maximum: 25

Thoughtful and progressive theologian and prolific author, Brian McLaren, begins this series with 10 chapters about why we should answer “No.” Then progresses to 10 chapters about why we should say “Yes.” The final chapters discuss “How.” We will discuss the book, as well as view video clips of McLaren being interviewed about the book.

The Enneagram Journey for Exploration, Growth, and Transformation by Suzanne Stabile

Facilitators: Phyllis Allen and Zena McAdams

Wednesdays, September 6-November 29 (skipping Thanksgiving Week), 5:30-7:30 pm

Room: 206

Maximum: 15

Many participants, in our Enneagram Workshop last February, requested “more, please!” This small group represents the in-depth study of the Enneagram. These sessions are for people at any stage of their Enneagram journey. The journey provides us the opportunity to intuit our number and, regardless of how many times you have been exposed to the Enneagram, this curriculum is always informative.

Living the Questions: An Introduction to Progressive Christianity, Part 1by David M. Felton and Jeff Procter-Murphy

Facilitator: Judy Stempel

Mondays, October 2-November 13 |  4:00-5:15 pm

Room: 206

Maximum: 20

The group will explore and discuss this video series featuring leading voices in progressive Christian thought. It is an open-minded alternative to studies that attempt to give participants all the answers and creates an environment where we interact with one another in raising our own questions of faith. The book (listed in title) accompanies the study and is recommended for participants.

Seven Ways Church Members Should Prepare for Sunday’s Sermon

Facilitator: Eldon Irving

Thursdays, September 14-October 19 |  2:00- 3:15 pm. ZOOM

Maximum: 12

Prepare for Sunday’s worship with Eldon each week studying the scripture for the following Sunday’s worship service—praying, engaging the text, and reflecting on how the text is relevant in our lives.

Satisfied: A 90-Day Spiritual Journey toward Food Freedom by Dr. Rhonda Epstein, PSY.D

Facilitator: Zena McAdams

Tuesdays, September 5-November 28 (skipping Thanksgiving week), 6:00-7:15 pm

Room: 150

Maximum: 15

The Apostle Paul says (paraphrased): I do what I know I shouldn’t but I do it anyway. I do not understand my own actions. Romans 7:15. Eating disorders and weight problems are significant challenges for many Americans. As of 2023, approximately 41.9% of the population 18 and over are considered to be either overweight or obese. Jesus calls us to love God, love our neighbor as we love ourselves—to be whole and healthy. This group will focus on how we can love ourselves better. It is not a diet book or a quick fix. It is a spiritual adaptation of the 12 step program to transform our body, mind, and spirit. Join with me as we journey toward wholeness.

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman

Facilitator: Judy Roper

Sundays, September 24 – October 29 | 11-12:00 pm

Room: 206

Maximum: 12

This interactive, discussion-oriented topic is based on the book “The 5 Love Languages” by Dr. Gary Chapman. We’ll use examples from adult relationships and parent-child/teen relationships. And of course, we’ll get to know each other better. Premise: People may have more than one way that they preferentially receive love from others, but they tend to have a primary love language. To better encourage our spouse, partner, child, or friend, we must know them well enough to show them love in their preferred love language(s).

The Gospel of Mark: A Beginners Guide to the Good News by Amy Jill-Levine

Facilitator: Ellen Lewis

Thursdays, September 21 – October 26 | 10:00-11:30 am

Room: 203

Maximum: 12

Books by Amy Jill-Levine books have become a staple in our COF offerings. Everybody loves her work as a Jewish scholar, who just happens to be a professor who teaches the New Testament. She does not disappoint. The Good News of the gospel message comes alive in this book as readers see Jesus as divine and human, powerful and weak, approachable yet mysterious.

Uppity Women of the Bible—Song of Songs (Song of Solomon) by Dr. Lisa Wolfe

Facilitators: Zena McAdams and Karen Parker

Mondays, September 18-October 23 |  6:30-7:30 pm

Room: 206

Maximum: 12

The Song of Songs is a puzzling and intricate book. As always, Dr. Lisa Wolfe is an enthusiastic scholar who combines deep scholarship with her humorous teaching style. In this session, we will explore who wrote the book, who are these mystical characters, and what it is based on— history or mythology or a combination of the two. We will enter the world of two lovers— imagining and reimagining the meaning of this beautiful, but slightly R-rated poetry/literature.

Adults Relating to Kids

Facilitators: Kalen Ruiz and Drew Ruiz

Sundays, September 17-October 8, October 22-November 12 |  11am

Room: 204

A Harvard research study shows that the unconditional love and support of just one adult can completely change the trajectory of a child’s life. Parents of young children are invited to join in this class as we explore tough parenting topics including fighting siblings, managing our anger, how to nurture your child’s brain, and dealing with an attention-seeking child; all through the lens of faith and scripture. Facilitators of the class will include parents with college age and adult children who have “been there, done that” and can provide additional insight and perspective to the challenges of parenting.