Sunday morning learning
Deep roots in faith
On Sunday mornings, you’ll find a variety of presenters and topics for adult classes, 10:15-11 a.m. Meet up with God’s word, some riveting ideas, and interesting people. No need to register in advance. Grab your cup of coffee and settle in.
November 9
Katharina von Bora: A Crucial Reformation Voice
Maddy Tyler, resident pastor
The nun who became Martin Luther’s wife was far more than a happy companion and mother of his children. As a reformer in her own right, she led the group of nuns who fled Nimbschen Abbey, created with Martin a strong and courageous model of marriage for the evangelical church, managed the Luther estates, and operated a hospital during times of plague. June 13 was the 500th anniversary of her marriage with Martin, whose birthday is November 10.
November 16
Let’s Faith It!
Peter A. Pettit, teaching pastor
“Faith alone” is one of the slogans of the Lutheran Reformation Intentional Faith Formation is one of St. Paul’s five core values. What do we mean by faith? If holding it “alone” is crucial, what else should not be connected to it or substitute for it? How do we form it – intentionally or not? Explore this key element of the Christian – well (!) – faith and consider its place in our lives.
November 23
The Year of Matthew
Mark Niethammer, senior pastor
In the three-year cycle of readings for worship, this Advent season begins a focus on the Gospel of Matthew. Tracing the life of Jesus during the first six months and emphasizing the teachings of Jesus in the second half of the year, what will Matthew show us is important about the gospel that it preaches? How might we make a weekly encounter with this gospel into a year-long devotional experience that builds faith?
November 30
India: The Full(bright) Experience
Leigh Ann Schroeder, history teacher, Rivermont Collegiate
Leigh Ann has been part of the national Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms (TGC) program over the past year, with a focus on India and its educational policy. As a final step in the program, she immersed herself for 15 days in India’s culture and educational system, while developing a Global Education Guide. She presents her research findings and experiences from her travels to Delhi, Agra, Vadodara, and the Sabarmati Ashram.
December 7
Peshtigo: America Firestorm
Kelly and Tammy Rundle, Fourth Wall Films
More than 150 years ago, on the same day as the Great Chicago Fire, Peshtigo WI fell victim to a much larger fire that claimed four or five times as many lives. The story of the fire goes beyond devastation to the “narrative of rebirth, rising up from the ashes,” in the words of film director Kelly Rundle. That story is in production by Kelly and his wife, Tammy, at Fourth Wall Films and will be the inspiring focus of this forum.
December 14
Children’s Christmas Program
Regular adult learning takes a break this Sunday. The children’s Christmas program is open to all in Fellowship Hall.
December 21
Mary, the Mother of Jesus
Lisa Arnold-Powell, St. Ambrose University
The four Sundays in Advent have long been identified with different themes, and this 3rd Sunday focuses on Mary. She has become a devotional figure in her own right, as the mother of The Lord, and has been credited with a variety of gifts, miracles, blessings, and appearances down through the centuries. What can we learn from her heritage? What can we say about her today and how might we relate to her?
