Adult Education Ministry

 
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Adult Sunday Education Opportunities

9:30am - 10:30am each Sunday

The Heart of Christianity: The Emerging Paradigm - Room 239

A new way of seeing Christianity and what it means to be Christian is emerging in the church in North America. It is a time of conflict in the church because this emerging way of seeing Christianity is quite different from the dominant way Christianity has been seen over the past few hundred years.

This course, using the book The Heart of Christianity by Marcus Borg seeks to explore the core of the Christian message and life as seen in both the earlier and the emerging paradigms and to propose the conviction that Christianity does truly make sense for today’s world as we come to see it through the lens of this emerging paradigm. (If you are new to Northaven UMC you will especially want to come because you will become acquainted with many of the perspectives that are at the heart of this congregation.)

If you want a fresh, emotionally and intellectually stimulating experience, join us beginning June 13. Ben Marshall is the facilitator. Copies of the book will be available (about $15) and although it is not required reading, you should not miss the opportunity. Please register for the class if at all possible on our web site or by calling the Church Office. If you are worried about being gone some, don’t, just come and enjoy what you can.

Cornerstone Series - Room 237

Cornerstone is designed for adults who do not necessarily want to "join" a Sunday School class but are drawn to the topics of discussion offered by Cornerstone. Many choose to attend the class regularly and others attend when the topic particularly interests them. Visiting lecturers, sometimes from the Perkins Theological Seminary faculty, or Northaven members present material, usually in a series over two to five weeks. A lecture-discussion format is used. Topics vary from discussion of an important contemporary book on a topic of theological significance, classic literature that informs contemporary faith, writings from other religious traditions, social issues that concern Christians, or topics related to the themes of the Christian seasons. The class is committed to honest intellectual discussion about matters vital to faith.

Spiritual Journey Class - Room 240

The Spiritual Journey Class explores topics focused on our personal spiritual journey and relationship with God. There is also an emphasis on understanding this common pursuit across all religious traditions. Members of the class, other Northaven members, and occasional visiting teachers guide the discussion, drawing on diverse writings that offer rich insights, personal testimony, and helpful guidance for spiritual development. There are opportunities for those who attend to discuss their personal spiritual journeys and to participate in group prayer and meditation.

Centering Prayer Class - Room 227

The purpose of this class is to provide a time for contemplative prayer during the Sunday School hour. The typical format is 1) a 20-minute individual silent prayer session that allows attendees to prayerfully examine their lives; 2) a brief scripture passage or inspirational reading; and 3) a 20-minute individual silent prayer time following the guidance of the Lectio Divina or Centering Prayer to still the mind and find a sense of God's presence.

Lectionary Study Class - Room 234

The Lectionary is a globally recognized cycle of Bible readings which sets the themes for the seasons and the Sundays of the church year. This class offers interesting Bible study structured by the Lectionary. Members of the class share leadership, facilitating discussion of the verses for the day in the light of their own backgrounds, experience, and knowledge. Leadership sharing is voluntary. New members can join the class at any time.