Learning
Education Hour
UCC affirms that learning and growing in faith is a
life long process. Therefore, we participate in an on-going program to encourage
knowing God, understanding the Bible and connecting faith with everyday life
experiences. Designed and implemented by members of this congregation, the
learning opportunities seek to offer wholeness, freedom and respect for
differing gifts.
The Individual
Some of us may be on a path of self-discovery, and on our quest find new ways that God plays a role in our lives, ways that deepen our connection and our faith. We learn that our relationship with God is ever changing—in times of hope, deepening, and in times of despair, perhaps retreating. Yet we yearn to be in relation to God at all times. Even so, God takes us in new and unexpected directions, whether or not we are paying attention. Anxious as our hearts and souls may be, we sense that the unexpected direction may yield the greatest discovery.
The Community
On some level, we yearn to be part of a community: to share in fellowship, to engage spiritually, and to learn from and give to others. We seek God in our faith community and may choose to seek God in our broader communities. Some of us find ourselves yearning to recognize God's presence in communities perceived as having "lost connection" to the Spirit. And at times we witness God's hand at work in ways we have not seen demonstrated before. Then our quest may become one of learning how we can share our spirituality with those who differ from us and in so doing discover a new, even larger community.
The Nation
In times like these we may find ourselves wondering how a nation of so many different faith traditions can unite in efforts to bring opportunity and justice to all citizens. Some of us may be on a quest to discover God in the midst of a country divided by conflicting political, economic and social values. And it may seem to many of us that society has moved away from God and the Spirit and has placed consumerism and material possessions above all else. Yet if we are open to God's Word, we will come to discover our own spiritual role within the life of our country.
The World
We yearn to better understand the world around us. How is God present in the very midst of wars and global suffering, as we understand God to be in efforts to end this suffering? Some of us find ourselves wondering how to maintain and strengthen our spirituality in response to world events. Yet as we struggle to comprehend the many paradoxes that surround us, we may find that the lessons we learn from our connection to smaller communities may be applied to our global challenges as well.
For questions or suggestions regarding the Adult Education program, please contact Ann at (206) 728-1721.
Life and Faith
Contact: DeEtte, (206) 523-5183
Location: Lower Lounge, fireplace side
Frequency: Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m.
Sometimes it's difficult to maintain a connection between our spiritual faith and the many challenges and issues we encounter in our daily lives. Life and Faith is a small discussion group open to anyone who is interested in exploring the Adult Education theme as it relates to their personal lives and experiences within their communities.
On occasion they host speakers who further enhance this group's lively discussions. You are invited to participate
in an informal sharing of personal experiences with a group that is very fluid, one that you can attend now and
again, and not feel out of step when you return.
Your Guide to Education Groups at University Christian Church
Our congregation consists of compassionate, talented people who
are committed to providing learning opportunities for those who wish to explore their faith and expand upon their spiritual journeys.
Each year, the Education planning group determines a specific theme to follow, and the learning groups pursue that theme in unique and varied ways that appeal to a broad range of interests.
Dialogue and exploration are key to further understanding and deepening your faith, and we invite you to visit
any or all of the following groups to see how they may meet your interests for continued learning.
Child care is provided in the nursery during all worship events. Some of the educational classes may have changed from last fall and updates will be done as soon as information is available.
Friday morning Bible study group
The Friday morning Bible study group follows the denomination's
curriculum and structures its own Bible study,
examining and reflecting on a different passage each week. The group explores
the meaning of the text as written and as it applies to the member's own lives.
After sharing experiences, the group makes intercessory prayers (prayers for
individuals, the church, and the world).
God at 2003/2004
God at 2005 offers participants a new opportunity to seek God's place
in their lives and in the life of today's world. The group plans to read three books
as starting points for their wide-ranging discussions and welcomes anyone
seeking fresh insights into God and a deepening of their own spirituality. The group's
first book is entitled "Meeting Jesus Again
for the First Time," by Marcus Borg.
Rainbow Group
For those interested in creative pursuits, including coloring, puzzles, storytelling, music and a range of other
activities in a casual setting, the Rainbow Group welcomes adults and children of all ages. This group includes
mentally and developmentally challenged individuals as well as others desiring a casual and creative outlet.
Sunday morning Bible study group
Through prayer, discussion, and thorough study of the scriptures and their historical context, this group
expands faith and affirms the hope that is found in Christ. At present, they are in the midst of discussing the teachings of
the prophet Isaiah. Please contact Janet for information about upcoming studies.
Faith and Fiction
Remember Oprah's book club? Well, Faith and Fiction is UCC's very own brand of book discussion group.
Members nominate books for the year and then take turns leading spirited, probing, and often emotional explorations of
each selection.
Among the many appealing aspects of Faith and Fiction is what participants bring to the reading table. In addition
to discussing the qualities of a given book, the group often finds itself sharing personal experiences and
spiritual reflections related to the text. Yet often as not, this sharing of experience and reflection arises from
conversations that depart from the text (for a bit) to explore related themes or subjects.
The group reads and discusses a variety of genres: fiction, nonfiction (history, philosophy, essays, and
memoirs), poetry, and science fiction. We invite you to participate in this group, where you are promised anything but a
"dry read."
Contact: Laura, (206) 285-5222
Location: Conference Room
Frequency: Weekly on Friday mornings from 10:00 a.m. to noon
Contact: Loren, (206) 363-0448 (rotating leadership of the group)
Location: Lounge
Frequency: 1st and 3rd Monday evenings from 7:00_9:00 p.m.
Contacts: Laura, (206) 285-5222 / Debbie, (206) 525-3908
Location: Conference Room
Frequency: Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m.
Contact: Janet, (206) 522-3074
Location: Room 225
Frequency: Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m.
Contact: Ann, (206) 728-1721
Location: Room 226
Frequency: Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m.
Updated December 7, 2005
