The Emerging Christian Way:
Thoughts, Stories & Wisdom for a Faith of Transformation
by 14 current voices, from Copper House - Wood Lake, ed Michael Schwartzentruber
"These are exciting times for those who call mainline Christianity "home". It is also an exciting time for those who have "left home" - perhaps because of frustration, or boredom, or doubt - are wondering if they might yet find a reason to return." ... from the Conclusion.
Proposed Description (Purpose and Description)


Purpose: To provide a continuing opportunity of our Monday night studies; to engage
each other spiritually and theologically about what it means to be a
radically inclusive church in mission today.

Course Goals:
1. To become familiar with the key ideas that the fifteen contributors
present in their book (edited by Michael Schwartzentruber) - THE EMERGING CHRISTIAN WAY: Thoughts, Stories and Wisdom for a Faith of Transformation (Copperhouse, 2006)
2. To discuss, debate, learn together and support one another in a community that practices authentic humanity and hospitality, relational learning and holy manners.
3. To develop an understanding and appreciation for renewal in the mainline Christian communities of Canada and St. Davids United Church, Calgary, in particular.
4. To combine content sessions with group discussion (plenary and small groups, as desired by the participants).
5. To reflect on specific ways members and friends of our congregation can experience life as a faith journey in an ever-evolving, transformational way. To see this program as an activity of spiritual development and a-growth-in-faith quest as part of a life-long learning process.

Purpose of the Study Book
1. To come to a better understanding and awareness of a radically inclusive, emerging Christian way in the Canadian mainline church today.
2. To investigate the contextual background, current challenges and future implications of this Christian way.
3. To build bridges of understanding/mutuality within/beyond St. Davids as a result of this study.
4. How this program supports the mission of St. Davids and of Adult Spiritual Development Ministry:

Monday night studies affirm and attempt to fulfill the mission of ADSM:
1. We believe that adults are spiritual beings who come to St. David's with various understandings of Christ's teaching; and of how to learn and nurture one another in Christian faith. We desire to establish and affirm St. David's as a place of learning and spiritual development for adults. We will continue to create opportunities to strengthen our Christian faith and increase our knowledge and awareness of that faith within a supportive community.

Description of Target Audience (Age, gender, etc.): We seek to reach an inclusive range of participants, from young adults through seniors.

Program Format: a content session (up to one hour) a period reserved for socializing, and a concluding session of up to 45 minutes for discussion in small or large groups, depending on the desire to the participants.
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St. David's United Church.Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Sept
2006