First Congregational United Church of Christ Appleton, Wisconsin Adult Education

ADULT EDUCATION OFFERINGS

(For adult members of the congregation, including senior high students)

THEOLOGY FOR THE THEOLOGICALLY CHALLENGED
Facilitators: Reverend Jane Anderson (733-7393)
Dr. Douglas Nelson (731-4693)

This group will meet most Wednesday evenings during the year to read and discuss books by various contemporary theologians. This group is interested in examining and challenging new ways of seeing God and jesus and how that can impact our daily lives in ways that can increase meaning and fulfillment. We welcome all seekers!

                                                                                  Wednesday evenings
                                                                                      6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
                                                                                Beginning September 8

THEOLOGY DISCUSSION GROUP
Facilitators: Steve Hirby (731-2056)
Steve Ware (830-4055)

Do you have faith questions? Do you desire a place to talk more about your spiritual questions with other adults in a supportive way? Then, this may be the group for you. We meet regularly to discuss questions, ponder readings, and explore our faith together while fellowshipping over lunch.  Come join us. Please call the facilitators for more information. (Click here for a list of what we've read.)

                                                                     First and Third Thursdays of the month
                                                                                     12:00 to 1:30 p.m.
                                                                   Atlas Mill (425 W. Water Street, Appleton)

DISCOVERING THE PSALMS: Passion, Promise and Praise
BOOK/BIBLE STUDY
Facilitator: Reverend Dr. Stephen Savides

Church Reformer John Calvin wrote that the Psalms provide "an anatomy of the human soul." Our Fall Bible Study will focus on the Psalms with the help of Donald L. Griggs' Kerygma Bible Study, Discovering the Psalms: Passion, Promise and Praise. Our time together will combine an in-depth scholarly consideration of the rich variety of types and sources of the Psalms with a deep, meditative reading of the Psalms as prayerful approach to God. The class will span seven sessions and will meet in the Lounge. you can attend either the Monday evening or Wednesday morning sessions (or even more between the two!).

                                                                     MONDAY EVENINGS from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
                                                            WEDNESDAY MORNINGS from 10:30 to 12:00 noon
                                                                           September 27/29 to November 8/10

ILLEGAL
BOOK/BIBLE STUDY
Facilitators: Gretchen Revie, Nancy Bourassa and Michele Rupp

This is a two-session discussion on immigration. Using the book Illegal, we will read of real life experiences and delve into U.S. politics and trade policies that have played a major role in producing today's immigration crisis. The author, Peter Geniesse, will join us on October 6th. Members of our ESTHER partnership will share legislation and initiatives. This class will meet in the Chapel.

                                                                   WEDNESDAY EVENINGS from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
                                                                                 September 29 and October 6

FAITH PRACTICES
Leaders:    Reverend Dr. Stephen Savides and Reverend Jane Anderson

Our faith grows only as engage in worship and study, and seek to put into practice the spiritual lessons we learn as we follow in Christ's footsteps. As we practice loving compassionately and justly, we live more deeply in God's grace and peace and offer the world hope. This early morning course encourages you in thought, word and deed to engage in faith practices. We will look at the following practices:
                                                           *Prayer for Oneself and Others
                                                           *Fasting
                                                           *Discerning God's Voice
                                                           *Spiritual Journaling
                                                           *Keeping Sabbath
                                                           *Forgiveness
                                                           *Sharing Widely: Hospitality in Word and Deed

                                                               THURSDAY MORNINGS at 7:00 p.m.
                                                        October 7, 14, 21, 28, November 4, 11 and 18

FALL WOMEN'S RETREAT
Leader: Reverend Jane Anderson

OCTOBER 29-31, 2010 (Friday evening until Sunday mid-afternoon)
Moon Beach Camp in St. Germain, Wisconsin

THEME: Practicing Sabbath in Our Lives

COST: $110.00 (Includes 2 nights lodging and five meals)

Our culture is consumer driven, 24 hours a day/7 days a week. In every aspect of our lives, we are faced with needing to be available to others at work, to our families at home, with friends, and present to the daily demands of our schedules. When do we avail ourselves of God's presence and allow ourselves to be present to God? When do we rest in God's spirit and allow ourselves to listen to God? When and how do we honor Sabbath rest? Jesus said, "God made Sabbath for humanity, not humanity for the Sabbath." How do you honor Sabbath in your life? This retreat will explore Sabbath and creatively encourage you to honor and practice Sabbath in your life.

CREATIVE ARTS AND SPIRITUALITY SMALL GROUP
Leader: Megan Grade

Creativity is often a window into the Divine. This group is open to all who may be interested in exploring and experiencing how the visual arts can inform and inspire their faith journey. All are welcome -- have no fear, no experience in art is necessary. Materials fee: $10.00

Megan Burdick-Grade is a Family Therapist at Samaritan Counseling Center and a nationally certified Art Therapist. She is a member of First Congregational UCC.

MONDAY EVENINGS from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
January 10, 17, 24 and 31

RETREAT FOR CHURCH MEMBERS AND FRIENDS
Leaders: Reverend Jane Anderson and First Congo Lay Leaders

JANUARY 28-30, 2011 (Friday evening until Sunday mid-afternoon)
Pilgrim Center in Green Lake, Wisconsin

THEME: Unwrapping Our Gifts

COST: $110.00 (Includes 2 nights lodging and five meals)

This retreat may be unlike any you've participated in before. We will help you explore how you join your faith and spiritual gifts for service to the real world. We will explore the Biblical vision that all Christians (not just the ordained) are called to be ministers and to serve. Through imaginative Bible study, case studies, journaling exercises and supportive group discussion, we will discover our gifts and strengthen our personal ways of ministering at work, at home, in volunteer settings in the church and in the wider community. This retreat is open to all. Bring a sense of adventure, a desire to learn and live more deeply, and a desire to share your gifts more widely.

Meet Denver, a man raised under plantation-style slavery in Louisiana in the 1960s; a man who escaped, hopping a train to wonder, homeless for 18 years on the streets of Dallas, Texas. No longer a slave, Denver's life still seemed hopeless. Meet Ron Hall, an international art dealer at home in a world of Armani-suited millionaires. How could these two men possibly have anything in common? This is an emotional true story: a telling of pain and laughter, doubt and tears, of friendship and relationships. This story provides the reader with an insightfulness of our "sameness" as it relates to our need for friendship and love and what it can provide to our soul.

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
December 2 and 9

ACTS: Interpretation Bible Study

BIBLE/BOOK STUDY

Facilitator: Reverend Dr. Stephen Savides

In Acts, Gospel writer Luke tells the incredible story of the workings of the Holy Spirit in and through the lives of the apostles and the early

church. Though titled "The Acts of the Apostles," the book is just as much about the acts of the Holy Spirit. We'll have a chance to learn

more about the Spirit and the Church in a ten session Bible Study on Acts led by Charles C. Williamson's "Acts" commentary. Please join

in this lively study and discussion group as we learn not just about the Spirit's activity in the past, but reflect on the Spirit's presence and

intentions for us and our church. The class will meet in the Lounge. You can attend either the Monday evening or Wednesday morning

sessions (or even move between the two!).

MONDAY EVENINGS from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY MORNINGS from 10:30 to 12:00 noon
February 7/9 to April 10/13

WINTER WOMEN'S RETREAT

Leaders: Reverend Jane Anderson and Reverend Holly Whitcomb

FEBRUARY 25-27, 2011

Pilgrim Center in Green Lake, Wisconsin

THEME: Practicing Saying Yes and Saying No

COST: $110.00 (includes two nights lodging and five meals)

In our demanding world it is often difficult to discern where God is leading us to invest our life's energy and talents. Where, to whom, or what

activities are we called to say "Yes"? Where, to whom, or what activities are we called to say "No"? What motivates us to act or not act?

What sabotages our energies and efforts to pay attention, lead and follow where God leads? This retreat is about discernment, strength and

support to enable you to engage more effectively in this faith practice in your spiritual journey.

UCC IDENTITY AND OUR CHURCH'S WIDER MISSION

Who we are/What we do as the United Church of Christ nationally and globally

This trip will help put a face and better understanding to places/leaders/missions of the United Church of Christ, engage participants in

dialogue, and allow the spirit to lead us in ways that are not yet known.

The itinerary takes us to a multitude of places and covers a wide spectrum of our denomination. Possible stops as we will travel by coach

bus include our Wisconsin Conference office in DeForest; Elmhurst College; Trinity UCC in Chicago; UCC national offices in Cleveland, Ohio;

Church World Service distribution center in Maryland; Old North and Old South Church in Boston. The destinations will be confirmed in fall

and a complete itinerary available then.

Each participant will be responsible for the cost of lodging (single or double room), meals, tip for the driver and miscellaneous expenses. A

fee yet to be determined of approximately $150 is due upon registration and will cover administration expenses and the driver's lodging. Cost

of the coach bus and driver is being covered by other donations. Contact Deb Burich to register or for more information.

MARCH 26 to APRIL 2, 2011

MEMBERSHIP ORIENTATION CLASSES

Leaders: Reverend Dr. Stephen Savides, Reverend Jane Anderson and Deb Burich

Membership exploration classes are designed for persons who are considering membership with First Congregational United Church of

Christ. This one evening/day class, led by our staff, and accompanied by contributions from the lay leadership of the church, will explore the

history and polity of the UCC, the history and program of First Congregational UCC, the faith and theology of the church, discernment of

spiritual gifts for serving God, and the meaning of church membership and opportunities to serve the church. Classes will be held on the

following dates:
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 -- 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. (Light supper included)

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5 -- 9:00 to 1:00 p.m. (Lunch included)

SATURDAY, APRIL 9 -- 9:00 to 1:00 p.m. (Lunch included)

RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS WILL BE HELD ON THE FOLLOWING DATES

                                                                      at both the 8:45 and 10:30 a.m. services:
                                                                                 OCTOBER 10, 2010
                                                                                FEBRUARY 13, 2011
                                                                                     APRIL 17, 2011

PILGRIMAGE TO IRELAND

Landscape and Lore, Music and Myth Irish Byways Tour

GUIDES: Reverend Jane Anderson and Dave Hogan

COST: $2,500 plus cost of airfare

This extraordinary tour throughout Connemara (northwest of Galway City) has been described as "a sensory extravaganza" by previous

enthusiastic travelers. Based in part in charming Clifden city, on the Atlantic coast, travelers enjoy day trips to sites throughout Counties

Clare, Galway, and Mayo. This is a spectacularly wild and mostly still untamed region with stone fenced patchwork fields, bogs, mountains,

valleys, lakes and streams.

Our tour guide is Dave Hogan, an academic ecologist and wildlife biologist. He is without question one of Ireland's most

knowledgeable guides with keen interest in the early history of Ireland and mythology. He is fluent in the Irish language and a

musician who has contributed to several CDs.

Dave will guide us through ancient sacred and historical sites seldom seen and introduce us to a variety of landscape features: the bog and

burren regions, holy wells, Bronze Age stone circles, and ring forts. Travels include two boat trips to remote islands with ancient monastic

sites, leisurely time in the city of Galway, Claddagh Village, Kylemore Abbey and Gardens, Maamturk Mountains, Connemara National

Park, 13th Century Cong Abbey, Monk's Fishing House, Cliffs of Moher, Brigit's Garden and more!

Tour cost includes:

*Pre-trip and in-country contact with experienced tour managers who will be present with you throughout the tour

*Brilliant guides providing interpretation following itinerary

*Professional bus transportation which begins on arrival morning at Shannon Airport through departure morning to Shannon Airport

*Boat trip(s) to a significant island(s) off the coast of Ireland

*Any and all entrance fees following our itinerary

*Meetings with local artists, musicians, authors, historian/storytellers

*Accommodations at exceptional B&Bs and Guest Houses known for Irish hospitality rather than five star hotels

Meals covered by tour cost: Traditional Irish Breakfast each morning, one welcoming lunch at Brigit Gardens, three freshly packed lunches,

and two festive evening meals.

Guides reserve the right to make changes to our itinerary in the event of extreme weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.

Arrangements can be made (at additional traveler's expense) for self-chosen local activities such as horseback riding or for additional self-

chosen taxi service.