ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES Fall 2018

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1 ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES Fall 2018 We are a multigenerational, social justice oriented community of joyful, imperfect people who welcome absolutely everybody with hospitality, openness and acceptance. Montclair Presbyterian Church 5701 Thornhill Drive, Oakland, CA (510) mpc-family@mpcfamily.org

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3 Fall 2018 Classes Essential Spirituality: Seven Central Practices to Awaken Heart and Mind Paula Moseley & Melinda Maxwell-Smith The class covers exercises, meditation, prayers, myths and practical advice from world religions to weave into a rewarding way of life in which kindness, love, joy, peace, vision, wisdom and generosity may become an ever-growing part of everything you do. It s based on the book with the same name as the class by Roger Walsh, M.D., and Ph.D. Melinda Maxwell-Smith has been a teacher of yoga since 1991 and of meditation since She has been happily immersed in MPC s community for three years. Paula Moseley, meditator and spiritual growth advocate, is a long time member of MPC. Dates: Wednesday, 10/3, 10/10, 10/24, 11/7 Time: 7:00 8:30 p.m. Location: Thornhill Room Size: Convener: Linda Benson Fee: Donations Welcome Exodus from Hunger: Can Christians Make a Difference? Rev. Dr. James L. McDonald Is ending hunger a Christian responsibility? Hunger is often considered an unsolvable problem, like world peace, making efforts to address it a kind of quixotic impossible dream. But there has been dramatic progress against hunger in the last 50 years and now there are many who believe that ending mass, chronic hunger is possible in the near future. This class will explore the factors that contribute to hunger and its eradication in this country and around the world. It will ground the Christian response to hunger in scripture and theology. 3

4 October 28 The Scourge of Hunger: Why are People Hungry in the World and Why Does it Matter? November 4 Seeds of Hope: How Hunger Has Been Reduced in the World Since the 1960s November 11 Hidden in Plain Sight: Hunger in the United States November 18 Christians and the Politics of Hunger: Making a Difference Dates: Sundays, 10/28, 11/4, 11/11, 11/18 Time: 8:30 9:45 a.m. Location: Room 10 Class Size: Convener: Minda Lucero Fee: Donations Welcome Kindness and Civility, Possibility or Myth. But Wait There is More Francie Chan Last spring we took a very speedy look at kindness and civility -- too speedy! The plot thickens when stirring in compassion, customs, disappointments and that human tendency to wonder what about me? As fall approaches, polarizations appear more entrenched, some might wonder if it s a good idea to invite the WHOLE family to the Thanksgiving table. Do not worry if you did or did not attend the spring sessions. There is much to discuss. Let the adventures begin! Francie Chan is a member of MPC. Dates: Sundays, 10/14, 10/21 Time: 8:30 9:45 a.m. Location: Room 10 Class Size: Conveners: Minda Lucero Fee: Donations Welcome 4

5 Ongoing Classes The Many Faces of God Sharon Noteboom We read books to expand our understanding of our own faith tradition, as well as explore other religions and important contemporary issues. We meet most months on the first Saturday of the month from 10-11:30 a.m. in the Thornhill Room. The book chosen for each month is generally published in Contact. Occasionally the group makes a change to the book choice or even the date, so if you have questions please contact convener Jean Gregory at Following are the books planned for the next few months: 9/1: God: A Human History by Reza Aslan 10/13: God: A Human History Part 2 11/3: The Cosmic Ocean: New Answers to Big Questions by Paul K. Chappell 12/1: How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence by Michael Pollan Sharon Noteboom is a teacher, student and longtime member of our church. Dates: Saturdays, 9/1, 10/13, 11/3, 12/1 Time: 10:00 11:30 a.m. Location: Thornhill Room Class Size: 8-12 Convener: Jean Gregory Fee: None Pastor s Bible Study Ben Daniel If ever you have wanted to learn more about the Bible not just as a document used to excuse bad behavior, but as an ancient, many-layered, sometimes beautiful, sometimes-awful text made holy by centuries of the faithful who have found comfort, hope and inspiration in its pages then the Pastor s Bible Study is for you. Everyone is welcome! Date: Wednesdays Time: 12:00-1:30 p.m. Location: Thornhill Room Class Size: 8-12 Convener: N/A Fee: None 5

6 Fall 2018 MPC Adult Education Class Information How do I join a class? For additional information about the offerings, please come to sign-up tables during registration at Family Hour on Sundays, September 2, 9, and 16, or contact the convener. The church will provide childcare during classes if requested. Contact one of the Adult Education co-chairs, Rick Heller at rickheller10@gmail.com or David Siegenthaler at dsgnthlr@earthlink.net, or at either one s phone number from the MPC phone directory. Adult Education classes are open to all adults. Signing up implies a commitment to attendance, any assigned preparation, and notification to the convener when an absence will be unavoidable. What About Cost? Our classes are open to everyone. Donations benefit our work, but are not required. Outside teachers (e.g., from the seminaries) are paid for their time, and we do have a suggested donation amount to help with these costs. However, it is a suggestion and should never keep anyone from attending. How else can I be involved with Adult Education? You can contact one of the Adult Education co-chairs, Rick Heller or David Siegenthaler at the contact information above, for the following: If you would like to become a convener. If you d like to join the Adult Education committee. If you would like to lead a class, or have an idea for a class you d like to see. 6

7 Surprised by Diversity Rev. Kathy Ray and Rev. Janie Spahr are collaborating on an exciting three Sunday, mid-winter seminar. Come and learn more about gender/ transgender/ non-binary, gender fluid expressions with transgender people of faith. Please save these dates January 13, 20, and 27, 2019 after church and Family Hour. Registration for this class will happen in early December. The MPC Adult Education, More Light, and Small Groups committees are presenting this event. If you have questions, please contact Linda Benson (Adult Ed), Jim Allardice (More Light), or Gretchen Garlinghouse (Small Groups). 7

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