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. |