The Mystic Heart: Exploring Interfaith Spirituality
Thursday evenings, Feb. 2-March 29
7:30-9 p.m., Bloom Education Center
Inter-spirituality is considered by some as the genuine and comprehensive spirituality that draws on the world's diverse great traditions. This is a monthly reading and discussion group for people who are interested in developing an Inter-spiritual Practice Covenant Group at Grace St. Paul's. The first four books will focus on Buddhism, Wicca, Islam, and Secuclar Humanism. The books may be purchased through the Rector's Bookshelf.
Facilitated by Ana Teresa Ortiz, a member of Grace St. Paul's and an ordained interfaith minister.
Confronting Moral Dilemmas: A Play Reading Experience
1st Fridays, Feb. 3, March 2, April 6 & May 4
6:30-8 p.m., Bloom Education Center
A continuation of the evenings without technology in the tradition of 20th century literary societies when neighbors gathered to read plays aloud. Plays to be read include "The Crucible," Lysistrato," "The Devil's Disciple" and "To Kill A Mockingbird." Everyone is invited to attend and participate in "cold" readings of each play. No theatre or public speaking experience is necessary; parts will be randomly assigned to anyone who shows up. Non-readers are welcome as well and can participate as an "audience". All the plays are appropriate for all ages.
Coordinated by Halsey Taylor and Nanalee Raphael. Both enjoy sharing all aspects of theatre with others.
Reconciliation - A Continuing Conversation
Sundays, Feb. 5 & 19
9-9:45 a.m., Bloom Education Center
Progressive Christians and conservative Christians are evolving in diverging directions. The language used for religious discussions and the underlying assumptions differ in ways that make communication
difficult. In the class, there will be a brief panel discussion lead by Grace St. Paul's member, both of whom have experience in each camp, focusing on communication with Conservative Christians. The second class will discuss dialectical thinking as an aid to reconciliation among Christians.
Facilitated by Chris Eastoe, Vestry Member ; and for the first class: Craig Garver and Eric Carr, former Evangelical Christians.
Episcopal 101 for Everyone
Six Sundays, Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26, March 4 & 11
11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m., Bloom Education Center
All inquirers and current members wanting a "refresher" are invited to learn more of the joy and highlights of the Episcopal path and sharing your journey in the 21st Century. In this six-session introduction to the Episcopal Church, we'll discuss basic Episcopal liturgical practice, the idea of liturgy, and the Book of Common Prayer; offer a history of the Episcopal Church, its roots and sense of tradition--including where things stand in the church's most recent controversy; and explain the structure and organization of the Episcopal Church; and what does it mean to be a member of Grace St. Paul's Church?. What do bishops do? What is Apostolic Succession? Why do we need priests? What direction does authority flow? Bring your questions to all the sessions! We'll use the book Jesus Was an Episcopalian: a Newcomers Guide to the Episcopal Church by Chris Yaw which will be available at the Rector's Bookshelf.
Facilitated by Fr. Steve Kiplinger, Rector of Grace St.Paul's.
Border Issues: "Lost In Detention"
Sunday, Feb. 12
9-9:45 a.m., Bloom Education Center
Come and discuss clips of the controversial social justice documentary that shows that while the goal has been to target criminals, thousands of non-criminal immigrants have also been deported. Once illegal immigrants are detained they are sent to detention centers, often far from their homes. In an interview with Hari Sreenivasan, FRONTLINE correspondent Maria Hinojosa said that their investigation uncovered many cases of sexual and physical assault by guards against detainees. Hinojosa said that the bigger issue is that detainees have little, if any, legal rights or recourse to confront abuse.
Coordinated by Reverend Nancy Meister, deacon at Grace St. Paul's
Film Festival & Fellowship
3rd Fridays, Feb. 17, March 16, April 20 & May 18
7-9 p.m., Bloom Education Center
You're invited to come enjoy a film viewing and discussion at Grace St. Paul's. The movie will be selected by the group attendees each prior month, with themes ranging from social justice to romance. Following the film, expect food and a lively discussion on the various elements of the film as it relates to one's life journey - from the humorous to the serious.
Coordinated by Kit Cordero and Eric Carr, facilitators and/or contributors of the successful film and fellowship series earlier this year.
Lenten Themes and Practices as Developed through Films
4th Friday during Lent: Feb. 24, March 23 & April 27
7-9 p.m., Bloom Education Center
Explore though film and discussion, pre- and post Lenten themes to enhance your spiritual practice during this time of preparation and waiting . Movies planned are "The Way," "Grand Canyon," and "Slum dog Millionaire." Be sure to check the Grace St. Paul's Sunday bulletin for the current details.
Facilitated by Steve Williams, an avid movie watcher on a spiritual journey.
Druids to Patrick: Roots of Celtic Christian Spirituality
Sunday, Feb. 26
9-9:45 a.m., Bloom Education Center
This class will take a look of the druids' influences on Christianity through the works of St. Patrick. When druids are portrayed in early Irish sagas and saints' lives set in the pre-Christian past of the island, they are usually accorded high social status. The evidence of the law-texts, which were first written down in the 7th and 8th centuries, suggests that with the coming of Christianity the role of the druid in Irish society was rapidly reduced to that of a sorcerer who could be consulted to cast spells or practice healing magic and that his standing declined accordingly (Wikipedia). www.whatsaithscripture.com indicates, "The apostle of Ireland (St. Patrick) presented the great controversy between Druidism and Christianity in presence of the king, the priests, the chieftains, and the sects of Ireland. Tradition has forgotten to carry down these arguments, though it has carefully treasured up and transmitted a load of prodigies and wonders which transform the preacher of truth who yields only the "Sword of the Spirit."
Facilitated by Ana Teresa Ortiz, a member of Grace St. Paul's and an ordained interfaith minister.
"And it was Good..."
Mondays, Feb. 27, March 5, 12, 19 & 26
7-8:30 p.m., Bloom Education Center
Through this Lenten Bible course, let's explore our understanding of and responsibility for creation. We will also reflect on how our understanding of creation during Lent can be deepened by the experiences of Anglican Christians throughout the world- from a progressive point of view. Bring your Bible and download (free of charge) this Bible study from www.aco.org/ministry/theological/bible/lent.
Facilitated by Chuck Dickson and Chris Ledyard who have a interest in the various perspectives that bible studies and the resultant discussions with other participants.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer: A Life of Christian Witness-A Lenten Practice
Sundays, March 4, 11 & 18
9-9:45 a.m., Bloom Education Center
The first session introduces Dietrich Bonhoeffer, prophet, theologian, and pastor executed for his role in the German resistance to Nazism. His martyrdom has an impact and influence on Christian activity in a secular world: the personal cost of discipleship and how it reflects on moral dilemmas in our own lives. The second session will ponder how to implement his advice on sustaining holy fellowship as in solitude and with others through prayer, worship, work, and Christian service, in life together as a Christian community. The last session will be a reflection on the Christian's call to spiritual care for one another as mutual ministry. We will consider the grace of disclosure, discovery, confession, and forgiveness that transpires between and among us, and that binds us together in supportive holy community. Although not necessary to read before the class, the following books by Dietrich Bonhoeffer will be available at Grace St. Paul's Rector's Bookshelf: Cost of Discipleship , Life Together , and Spiritual Care.
Facilitated by Heather Pentland, M.Div, who sees Bonhoeffer as an exemplary model of Christian witness in our time.
NLP: How We Filter Our Reality - A Continuing Series
Sundays, March 18 & 25
11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m., Bloom Education Center
Tuesday mornings, April 3, 10, & 17
10-11:30 a.m., Bloom Education Center
Pre-registration is required for Tuesday classes by February 20
We only attend to 10% of what is happening at any one time. This series of classes focuses on how we do this and the consequences, good and bad, for our life. You will appreciate how all people are doing the best they can, given what they are aware of at any given time. Once you are aware of your own filters, you can change them if you want to. New students of NLP are welcome. The Tuesday classes require a minimum of 5 students; you may register through the church office at 327-6857.
Patricia Williams is a certified Master NLP practitioner who studied NLP in California and Salt Lake City from 1994-2005. She has taught classes in NLP and has worked with many people using NLP processes to help makes changes.
Troublesome Border: A Brief History
Sunday, March 25
9 a.m., Bloom Education Center
Immigration is a complex social justice issue with historical and geographic considerations. Explore the turbulent history surrounding the development of the U.S.-Mexico border, and some of the myths and realities that have shaped its history. Conducted by Juan R. Garcia, Professor of History and Mexican American Studies. Areas of research focus on U.S. history, Mexican immigration, and board studies.
