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Study Groups

Fall 2007 Study Group...

Rene Girard's Thoughts on Religion & Violence | Begining Tuesday, September 18 | 7:00 PM | Rev. Rita began facilitating this 5 session series. We are meet at a different participant's home every other Tuesday until the series is complete. All members and friends are welcome.

Session #1 - Reading

Dear all,

Here are some of the links I mentioned at the class last night.

Commentary on the Fall (Genesis 3): http://girardianlectionary.net/year_a/lent1a.htm

Commentary on the Beheading of John the Baptist (Mark 6): http://girardianlectionary.net/year_b/proper10b.htm

And the little booklet that is a good introduction to Girardian theology is, "God in a World of Violence," available for $3.95 here: http://www.centerforlearning.org/ViewProductDetails.aspx?id=877&pid=561&sid=73

Happy reading!

Rita

Sessions #1 - #4

Rita has prepared a handout for each session so far. As soon as possible, we plan to post these study guides discussions on this web page. Stay tuned!


Previous Study Groups...

Fall 2006 Study Group

"Created in God's Image," the UCC Course on Human Sexuality for Adults, began Tuesday, September 5 at 7:00 PM

This fall we iook on a really different, though highly recommended, course of study. Lasting 10 sessions, this curriculum entitled "Created in God's Image" starts off with a discussion of basic assumptions such as "Sexuality is a God-given Gift" and "The church ought to encourage and support advocacy with those who are sexually oppressed or the victims of sexual violence and abuse." Members and friends of Spirit of Peace will be able to purchase accompanying "text"books at the first session on September 5. We will meet, for the most part, every other Tuesday in the Lounge at John's and Cylia's apartment complex. For directions, please call John at 210.822.2324. For more information on the course, you can contact either Sarah G. (sgjerstad@sbcglobal.net) or Rob (robertflinn@sbcglobal.net.)

To view weekly guides and check out extra information on this course, please click on the following link:

The First Spirit of Peace SATURDAY MORNING Study Group...

On Saturday, June 20, 2006 at 8:30 AM, we began our first Saturday Morning Study Group. Discussions were centered around John Dominic Crossan's DVD-based course, Victory and Peace or Justice and Peace? (VPJP). We met at different homes where the host showed the DVD, distributed handouts of the written material for discussion and provided a light continental breakfast. The course continued every other Saturday morning through July 22.

Living the Questions (LTQ): A DVD-based Program Highlighting Progressive Christian Thought and Values

Beginning at 7:00 PM on Thursday, October 6, 2005, a small group of interested members and friends of Spirit of Peace Church began tackling "Living the Questions," a DVD-based program highlighting progressive Christian thought and values. Spirit of Peace co-hosted this series with the folks at Viva Bookstore, who graciously offered us a public meeting space in part of their complex of buildings located at 8407 Broadway (just inside Loop 410), for the group's meetings. Dates for subsequent gatherings were Oct 20, Nov 3, Nov 17, Dec 1, Dec 15, Jan 5, Jan 19, Feb 2, Feb 16, Mar 2, Mar 16. Those who attended regularly eagerly discussed the ideas presented by the featured liberal theologians and attempted to incorporate what they learned into an articulate summary of their own faith-based values and thoughts.

Special Report: First session of Living the Questions attracts fifteen...
Submitted by Rachel H.



On Thursday, October 6th, members and friends of Spirit of Peace Church attended the first session of Living the Questions, titled "An Invitation to Journey." The get-together was held at Viva Books off of Broadway, and those of us who arrived a little early had fun looking around the store. John K. was the facilitator, and he created an open atmosphere where people felt comfortable discussing aspects of the faith journey as reflected in the DVD. We all had a lot of fun and got to know each other a little better! We look forward to more joining the group at our next session on October 20th.


"Articulating Our Faith" Study Group


At our final session, several of us distilled our thoughts and conversations about the faith of Spirit of Peace into a 10-Word Articulation (see our values below). Reverend Rita will present these results in a lenten sermon series, while other participants, using the 10-Word Definition, will write various tracts concerning several "hot button" issues which are currently used by some to drive wedges between "progressive" and "fundamentalist" Christians.

Whether or not you attended these study group sessions, we welcome everyone's participation. If you would enjoy writing a tract, please contact Rita at sopucc@sbcglobal.net.

Based on the following principles and virtues, the members and friends of Spirit of Peace Church have articulated the values of our progressive faith:

  • Extravagant Welcome
  • Abundant Life
  • Eternal Love
  • Courageous Witness
  • Transforming Community


A *principle* is a fundamental truth that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or chain of reasoning.

A *virtue* is a quality considered morally good or desirable.

Progressive Christian Principles:

Open toward the future; always in process; reformed and reforming; "yet more light and truth"

Loyalty to Jesus; lordship of Christ

The household of God

Creation is continuous.

Servant leadership

God reveals the divine self in the incarnation.

The realm of God is among us.

You are the light of the world.

We are the body of Christ.

Primacy of love and compassion

God's mission of forgiveness and reconciliation is now our mission.

Progressive Christian Virtues:

mindfulness

confronting abuse

mutually supportive, protective, nurturing

fruits of the spirit (Gal. 5:22-23)

active mission/service in the world

a sense of ministry in daily life

a spirit of peace

obedience to God's will; Jesus as prime example

love one another, share each other's burdens and joys

continually transforming, renewing, growing, progressive

humility

accepting and sharing forgiveness

joy


Our "Articulating Our Faith" Study Group used resources from the recent conference in Houston sponsored by The Center for Progressive Christianity (See
progressivechristianity.html for more information) and ideas from George Lakoff's book Don't Think of An Elephant.


"Dietary Choices" Study Group

We spent the better part of a year (2004 & 2005), investigating the issues raised in a Dietary Choices Resolution which was presented and then referred to executive committee at the last UCC General Synod in Minneapolis in the Summer of 2003. Each member of the small group researched one section of the resolution, presented his or her findings to the others and then facilitated a discussion. From the ethics and theology to the economic and environmental results of eating animals, we enjoyed rousing conversations and collected some amazing information. We finished our small group meetings by inviting the entire church to a vegan/vegetarian potluck. Our discussions and the dinner were such smash hits that we decided to continue investigating dietary choices and to present to the public a workshop highlighting our findings followed by a vegetarian dinner on Saturday, April 30th.

To read more about the workshop entitled Vege-Gathering 2005, click on the following link: peaceandjusticeministries.html.


2005 Lenten Study Groups


For the season of Lent, Spirit of Peace Church and Bethany congregational Church (also a UCC church) hosted Wednesday evening "Sandwich, Soup, and Study" sessions at Bethany Congregational. Each week after a simple supper,we participated in one of two study groups:

Where's the Beef? Struggling to Find Meaning in Your Life
Led by Bethany Pastor, Rev. Peter Olson

Too many people make the mistake of judging life by its length rather than its depth, by its problems rather its promises. Life is a series of "peak" moments. Such cherished moments give meaning to our lives. Our study focused on five aspects of our struggle to find meaning in life, including relationships, health, generosity, forgiveness, and gratitude.

or

The Parables of Jesus
Led by Spirit of Peace Pastor, Rev. Rita Wilbur

The parables are the most memorable way that Jesus taught. But what exactly is a parable, and how did Jesus use them? This class explored what a parable is, and how they challenge our attitudes and open us to God's way of looking at the world.



Progressive Christianity in the UCC Study Group


Four Sunday afternoons this winter (2005), we explored the meaning of Progressive Christianity, as reflected in the UNITED CHURCH of Christ (UCC) and at Spirit of Peace Church and contrasted it with Fundamentalism. We explored and related our own experiences in an open dialogue among striving people who accept each other "where we are." This study group was facilitated by our new Associate Minister of Educational Outreach, Hugh McIntosh (MDiv Harvard), and was attended by several members of and visitors to Spirit of Peace Church. If you are interested in obtaining a copy of Hugh's syllabus, please contact him at hmcintosh@keystoneschool.org.


Christian Beliefs Study Group
What You Don’t Have to Believe to Be A Christian.
By George M. Ricker

During this series (2003), we explored traditional Christian doctrine through a modern lens, using the book, What You Don’t Have to Believe to Be A Christian, by retired Methodist minister George M. Ricker, published by Sunbelt Eakin Press. A summary of the book follows:

  1. 1. The Bible as the Word of God

    A Christian does not have to believe that the Bible contains the literal words of God.

    But Christians can believe that the Bible becomes the word of God as time and again it enters into dialogue with us, leading us to significant insights and/or profound changes in our lives.

    2. Adam and Eve

    A Christian does not have to believe that Adam and Eve were historically the first two humans and that creation occurred in six days or even 6000 years.

    But Christians can believe that Adam and Eve are symbolic figures, representing every man and woman, and that the creation story affirms that behind creation is design and plan.

    3. God Speaking

    A Christian does not have to believe that God at one time spoke audible words to Abraham, Moses, and the prophets.

    But Christians can believe that biblical conversations with God represent that inner dialogue between individuals and the divine will.

    4. The Miracles of Moses

    A Christian does not have to believe that at Moses’ decree the Nile turned to blood and various plagues afflicted Egypt, contravening the laws of nature.

    But Christians can believe that the Moses stories point to a remarkable figure in history and assert his powerful influence.

    5. Angels

    A Christian does not have to believe that angels were visible spiritual creatures, who spoke audible words to Mary and Joseph.

    But Christians can believe that angels are the messengers in life whose presence and supportive help radically change life situations.

    6. Virgin Birth

    A Christian does not have to believe that Jesus was conceived as a biological miracle without a human father.

    But Christians can believe that Jesus was unique and special, a one-of-a-kind representative of a higher dimension of life.

    7. The Miracles

    A Christian does not have to believe that the miracles told about Jesus’ life and death were historical happenings.

    But Christians can believe that the followers of Jesus experienced transformation, empowerment, and new life and used bodily health symbols to express the radical changes experienced, and that they fervently believed that his death had cosmic significance.

    8. The Blood of Jesus

    A Christian does not have to believe that the shedding of Jesus’ blood has some miraculous power in itself.

    But Christians can believe that blood is a symbol of life and that Jesus’ life has had a powerful influence upon the world.

    .

    9. Jesus’ Descent into Hell

    A Christian does not have to believe that after he died Jesus went to hell to preach to the lost of the past.

    But Christians can believe that those in the past are included in God’s seeking love, and God’s Christ activity is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

    10. The Resurrection and Ascension

    A Christian does not have to believe that Jesus’ physical body was resurrected from the dead and later levitated, moving from earth up to heaven.

    But Christians can believe that physical bodies are important; humans do not become disembodied spirits; Jesus’ physical body and ours have spiritual significance; and the life of Jesus has been raised up over all lives as the exemplar.

    11. The Coming Again

    A Christian does not have to believe that the physical, flesh-and-blood Jesus is coming back to earth again.

    But Christians can believe that further “comings” are not unrelated to the first, and that whatever comes will be in harmony with that humanity represented in the fleshly life of Jesus.

    12. Life and Death

    A Christian does not have to believe that life after death means a continued existence with consciousness of self and others.

    But Christians can believe that our state after death is in the hands of a loving God, that we have no need for fear or apprehension, that in the all-encompassing love of God we shall never not have been.

    13. The Trinity

    A Christian does not have to believe that the Trinity is an accurate portrayal of the nature of God.

    But Christians can believe that the Trinity has to do with the nature of how God has been experienced, instead of an attempt to describe the essence of God.

    14. Satan

    A Christian does not have to believe that Satan (the Devil) is an actual personal being causing the evil in the world.

    But Christians can believe that Satan is a symbol of the opposition to God’s purposes for human life.

    15. Essential Christian Convictions

    God is the object of faith, a transcendent dimension of life not amenable to our physical senses, and Jesus (called Christ) is the lens through which I see God.

    A source of love exists in this world that transcends all the changing circumstances of our lives.

    Faith (trust) in this source of love is justified in human experience.

    Creation is good; the physical is a channel of the spirit; human life has eternal meaning; and each individual has a role to play in the ongoing human enterprise.

    In spite of fading human memories and the physical inconsequence of any life, in the all-encompassing love of God, everyone is kept throughout eternity.

    Christianity is basically a social entity that unites individuals in a community of faith, which has symbols and stories that define the course of life and illuminate the meanings in the capricious nature of human existence.