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.
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 HighlightingProgressive 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
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.
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.
