Adult Faith Formation

Welcome to Adult Faith Formation in the Fireside Room.

May 3: Study of the Book of Revelation (Part 8) with Laurie Eaton

Our Journey through Revelation culminates in a tale of two cities, with a call to make a choice between them. Like a tour guide, John leads us on contrasting tours of rival cities.

First, we view the judgement of the evil city, Babylon, representing the Roman Empire and all unjust empires. John wants us to see with our own eyes the pathology of the drunker empire that has intoxicated the world. Even though Rome is still very much in power when John writes Revelation, he seeks to convince readers that Rome is doomed. He paints a vivid portrait of Rome’s rich elites and political leaders lamenting the loss of their great wealth, while the victims of Roman injustice finally can rejoice. In painting this portrait, he uses the technique of personification in a shocking way, scripting Rome as a woman, as a whore.

The second tour will take us to God’s holy city, New Jerusalem, a place of great beauty, personified as a bride. John sets the two cities in stark contrast to persuade readers to make an urgent choice. We must “come out” of the imperial system of Babylon before it is too late, so that we can participate as citizens in God’s New Jerusalem, the city of blessing and promise.

We will finish lesson 7 before moving on to lesson 8. We will review and finish this study in the fall. It is not necessary to have been to previous sessions to learn.

May 10: Every Meal with Kirsten Kessel

May 17: MLK’s Letter from the Birmingham Jail with Paul Mikelson

(Rescheduled from the March 15^th Snowstorm)

“Martin Luther King’s Letter from the Birmingham Jail” – this is perhaps the most compelling argument ever written about the need for non-violet protests to promote social action. Paul Mikelson will present the letter and its impact on civil rights activity, the 1964 Civil Rights Act as well as implications for today’s need for non-violent protest. Please attend and partipate in this important discussion!

May 24: Memorial Day- No Adult Faith Formation

Come join us at 9:00 am in the Fireside Room!

The coffee will be on!