Adult Christian Education Message From Rev. Deacon Lanman:
The Advent Season is upon us with all its sense of joy and anticipation! We will welcome this special time that begins a new year in our journeys of faith with Christ, with the study of the life and ministry of John the Baptist, written by the well-known author and pastor, Adam Hamilton. Entitled “Prepare the Way for the Lord,” his study explores the Advent themes of John’s life and ministry, how John calls followers of Jesus to prepare our hearts for his coming, and what it means for our lives. Val Holzman will teach one class during our Sunday School time, and Pastor Grace will lead a Wednesday morning discussion at 9:30am.
Class members and teachers have enjoyed a robust fall season of study, marked by spiritual and ethical discussions. We began with a thought-provoking study of our global climate crisis focused on the newly revised UMC Social Principle “Creation in Peril.” This more in-depth treatment explored the current dimensions of the ongoing destruction of our ecosystem, including overconsumption and the continued reliance on fossil fuels. Then it examined possible, more sustainable policies and practices from the different perspectives of stewardship. Class members explored current ramifications and thoughtful discussions of their effects, written by a variety of specialists in both fields of science and Christian social ethics. Class participants are following up on the five-week study with a monthly class discussion on the Second Sunday of the month, meeting after worship with brown-bag lunches. Our next meeting will be on January 9th. Tom Bolton has begun a lively and engaging journey for adults of all ages who have journeyed considerable time since their confirmation classes when members of their MYF (Methodist Youth Fellowship) classes in high school! He has details in his message, but all who have experienced being part of one of his classes know what an interesting and meaningful exploration this extended study, entitled ReConfirm, will be. His class began at the end of our Social Principle study on October 12th and will run through Spring, with breaks for other special seasonal studies during Advent and Lent. Val Holzman has continued her monthly book discussion, selecting from the list of UWF members for this year. The selections are both timely and stimulating, and they challenge us to think more seriously and purposefully about the intersection of faith and life during these turbulent, rapidly changing times in our culture, our nation, and the world.
In these times of confusion and chaos, of discouragement and feelings of being overwhelmed, do not forget how accompanied and held up we can feel as part of a welcoming and engaged community of faith, like we are so fortunate to enjoy here at First UMC-West Allis! Engaging in one of our study classes can extend and broaden this immeasurable support! Come join us and try it out!