Paths of Faith

Paths of Faith offers opportunities to learn, grow as disciples of Christ,  understand our world and reach out in shared ministry.  It is where faith meets  understanding.  Each semester we try to offer a variety of courses.  Please feel free to sign up for several of the classes offered.  The cost per semester is $25.00 whether you take one or all four classes. Should you choose to participate in the Lectio Divina workshop  only, the cost will be $5.00.

Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality | January 10 – 17

This is a two week book study meeting January 10th  and 17th. This class will be led  by Alison Burtt. Donald Miller says, “I think Christian spirituality is like jazz music. I think loving Jesus is something you feel. I think it is something very difficult to get on paper.” Come with open hearts and minds to explore and feel your faith in discussion. Books are available in the resource room or main office; participants should read the text prior to the first session. The cost of the book is included in your tuition.

The Gospel about Jesus Christ vs the Gospel of  Jesus Christ | January 10 – 17

This is a two week Bible study with Rev. Jason Micheli, Associate Pastor at Aldersgate UMC in Alexandria, VA. This will be an in depth study of Luke 4. This will look at Jesus’ first sermon in Nazareth, and connected texts,- specifically how Jesus frames the Gospel in terms of the Old Testament commandment of Jubilee.

See-Saw Religion: Discovering God and Ourselves in Play | January 24 – Feburary 14

What we need to know for faithful living we learned on the playground. Come play with Dr. Michael Koppel, Howard Chandler Robbins Professor of Pastoral Theology and Congregational Care and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Wesley Theological Seminary. He will teach and guide sessions in which we explore together how a theology and practice of play heals, restores, and empowers us for vital living. A popular presenter in churches and at conferences, Michael is the author of Open-Hearted Ministry: Play as Key to Pastoral Leadershipand co-author with Denise Dombkowski Hopkins of Grounded in the Living Word: The Old Testament and Pastoral Care Practices.

Lectio Divina: Spiritual Reading | Febuary 21

Come before the start of Lent to center yourself for the journey. Lectio Divina is translated as “divine reading”.  It is a spiritual practice dating back to 220 A.D.  It is a time of reading (lectio) the Bible passage gently and slowly. Reflecting (meditatio) on the text of the passage and thinking of how it applies to one’s own life. Responding (oratio) to the passage by opening the heart to God. Finally, listening to God (oratio). This whole prayer practice is learning to open the mind, heart, and soul to the influence of God.