Spiritual Direction with Rev. Kathryn Campbell
A one-on-one mentoring relationship focused around a person’s relationship with God. A spiritual director is a deeply-grounded individual, able to listen for the movement of the Spirit in another’s life, whom people seek out to be their spiritual guide or mentor. Although particularly helpful at times of transition and searching, a person may talk with a spiritual director about anything going on with them to see God's fingerprints in their life (that they are there is assumed). Spiritual direction is entirely confidential. You may meet one time or on a continuing basis. Contact Kathryn at kathryn@firstplymouth.org or call 488-3647.
United Church of Christ 101
Sunday, September 5-26, 8:00-9:00 AM
Led by Pastor Karen Clarke
Are you interested in exploring the history and development of the United Church of Christ (First-Plymouth’s denomination)? Do you have questions about our faith practices, worship or sacraments? What it means to lead a Christian life today? Whether you want to brush up your knowledge, are new to the church or are thinking about joining and want to know more, this class is for you.
Digging For Jesus. Biblical, Archaeological, and Other Ancient Sources
Sundays, September 12 - May 22, 9:00-9:50 AM
Led by Dr. David Peabody, Author and Professor of Religion, Nebraska Wesleyan University
Each month new topics from the Bible will be discussed.
Bible Stories Through New Eyes
Tuesdays, September 7 – May 24, 9:30-11:00 AM, Calvert Parlor
Wednesdays, September – March 9 (dates vary), 6:30-7:30 PM
Led Carolyn Zeisset
Five Ways to Read the Bible: Tuesday, September 7 – October 12. Also offered Wednesday, September 8 – October 13. Experience reading the Bible thematically, analytically, contemplatively, relationally and imaginatively. In the process explore stories for their context, meanings they have had through the years and applications for today.
Old Testament Precedents for New Testament Stories: Tuesday, October 19 – November 23. New Testament writers used the scriptures they knew (what we call the Old Testament) to tell stories for their own time. Compare two Magnificat songs, two births, two restorations of life to a widow’s son, and other New Testament versions of Old Testament stories.
Christmas Hymns: Where Did Those Words Come From? Tuesday, November 30 – December 21. Also offered Wednesday, December 1 - 15. “Healing in His wings,” “Dayspring,” Rose,” “Cherubim and Seraphim” – explore scriptural allusions used by writers of Christmas hymns.
Bargain Deal: Leviticus, Six Books in One: Tuesday, January 4 – February 8. Also offered Wednesday, January 5 – February 9. Trace six themes in Leviticus as a book of worship, grace and mercy, physician’s handbook, teaching model, economic policy, and spiritual identity.
Arrow Stories: What’s the Point? Tuesday, February 15 – March 8. Also offered Wednesday, February 16 – March 9. Follow the arrow format of writing that points to the main idea in the middle of a Bible story.
“I Am” Sayings of Jesus in the Gospel of John: Tuesday, March 15 – April 26. During Lent explore seven sayings: I Am the light, gate (door), shepherd, way, bread, vine, resurrection and life.
What Was Paul Thinking?: Tuesday, May 3 – 24. Placed in the context of Paul’s time, what were Paul’s attitudes toward women? Who were some of the women in the life of Paul? Leaders: Carolyn Zeisset and Kathryn Campbell.
The Bible and Theology
Wednesdays, September 8 – November 10, 6:30-7:30 PM
Registration deadline August 25th.
Led by Rev. Nancy Erickson, Associate Minister
Cost: $13.00
Over centuries the church has developed theological ideas in the form of doctrines which have been widely embraced with little variation. This study will explore two major doctrines: The Trinity (Who is God?) and The Christ (Who is Jesus?). Each of these will be looked at from the perspective of the Hebrew Scriptures, the New Testament and Church doctrine and how these have informed our beliefs. There will be homework.
The Book of Genesis
Wednesday, September 8 – October 20, 6:30-7:30 PM
Led by Dr. Dan Clanton, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Doane College.
The Book of Genesis tells some of the best known stories in the Bible: Adam & Eve; Abraham & Sarah; Isaac & Rebekah; Jacob, Rachel, and Leah; and Joseph, to name a few. Join us as we discuss what these, and other, stories may have meant to their first audiences, scriptural interpreters throughout the centuries, and to readers today.
Not Your Ordinary Bible Study
Thursdays, Year Round. Noon-1:00 PM, Calvert Parlor
Led by Rev. Jim Keck, Senior Minister
A spiritual adventure that lets Scripture speak directly to our lives, as well as catapulting us into far-ranging topics of real interest. No previous Bible knowledge is needed, just come and read, talk, laugh and reflect. Feel free to bring your own lunch.
Adult Confirmation: Christianity 101
Thursdays, September 9 – May 19, 10:30 AM-Noon
Led by Rev. Barb Smisek, Associate Minister
Cost: $20.00 for book. Limited class size
Whether you’ve been confirmed or not, this is a great class to learn or relearn the basics of Christianity. During this eight month class we will explore how the Bible came to be, delve into the history of the church, the United Church of Christ, and First-Plymouth. We’ll also study the Trinity, Baptism, Communion, worship, prayer, other world religions and more. Rev. Barb Smisek makes learning interesting and fun through lecture, film, music and art.
What Type of Church is First-Plymouth?
Monday, September 13, 7:00 PM
Monday, May 9, 7:00 PM
Led by Rev. Jim Keck, Senior Minister & Rev. Barb Smisek, Associate Minister
There are many different kinds of Christian churches in America. Where does First-Plymouth fit in this landscape? What is the history of our denomination? This class is ideal for those who have just joined First-Plymouth or those who are thinking about joining, or even those who have been long-time members who want to explore our unique identity in a fun way.
Sermon Talk Back with Jim Keck
Wednesday, November 3 – 17th and May 3-18, 6:30-7:30 PM
Led by Rev. Jim Keck, Senior Minister
Have you ever wanted to stop a preacher in the middle of a sermon and ask a question or make a comment? Or do you get home and think… “I wish the Minister would say more about this and less about that.” Well now’s your chance to talk with Jim Keck about his sermons…or just talk about religion, philosophy or current events. No registration required, walk-ins welcome.
Advent Spirituality
Wednesdays, December 1 - 15, 6:30-7:30 PM
Led by Rev. Nancy Erickson, Associate Minister
Each of these three sessions will use a different meditation based on scripture to help prepare our minds and hearts for the coming of the Christ.
Listening to Scripture: Strategies for Studying the Bible
Wednesdays, January 5 – February 23, 6:30-7:30 PM
Registration deadline is December 22.
Led by Rev. Nancy Erickson, Associate Minister
Cost: $18.00
This study eight session introduces six strategies that enable participants to begin to understand the meaning scripture might have had for its first readers and hearers. Learning what the text meant is the studies first objective. From there we will explore what the text means – the message it has for us today. There will be homework.
The Gospels
Sunday, January 9 - February 27, 10:30-11:30 AM
Led by Dr. Dan Clanton, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Doane College.
The four Gospels in the New Testament contain almost all the stories we have about Jesus, yet they each offer different perspectives and theological understandings of his life, teachings, and importance. Come and read these texts with us as we discuss their stories, their artistry, their relationship(s) to one another, and what they tell us about Jesus.
Important Moments in Jewish History
Wednesday, April 6 - 27, 6:30-7:30 PM
Led by Dr. Dan Clanton, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Doane College.
The history of the Jews is filled with innovation; resistance; accommodation; and survival. Join us and discover the amazing story of how the faith of a small group of desert nomads transformed itself into one of the most significant and influential religious, cultural, and philosophical traditions in the history of our world.
Embracing an Adult Faith: What it Means to be Christian
Wednesdays, April 13 – May 18, 6:30-7:30 PM
Led by Rev. Nancy Erickson, Associate Minister
Using a short lecture by Marcus Borg, each class session (5) will visit Christianity’s most fundamental questions like “Who is God?,” “What place does Jesus hold in contemporary Christian faith?” and “What is salvation?”
