Current Opportunities

This class is led by Shirley Warehime. "Understanding the New Testament" by Professor David Brakke explores the context in which the New Testament was written to help us understand the message. Please consider joining them on Wednesday or Thursday mornings at 9 am in the fireside room or by zoom! Everyone is welcome to attend. Please contact Keeley if you intend to join via Zoom.

 March 9. Sabbath and the Art of Rest with Judith Shulevitz and Ezra Klein.  Lent is a preparatory time of waiting where, traditionally, Christians “give up” something in an act of solidarity and commemoration of Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness and as preparation for Easter.  The Sabbath is the Jewish day of rest that commemorates God resting on the 7th day after creation.  In this listening, Jewish NY Times reporters Judith Shulevitz and Ezra Klein explore the meaning and implementation of Sabbath practice today, and how it can bring clarity, community, and connection.  So, for Lent, what if we gave up busyness and distraction?  What if we created Islands of Coherence for discerning our place and action in the world through just “stopping” during the week?  If that sounds of interest, you’ll enjoy this interview. 

March 16.  What Did the Crucifixion Do? With Jennifer Garcia Bashaw.  Dr. Bashaw is an associate professor of New Testament at Campbell University, and a minister, author, and “nerd-in-residence” at The Bible for Normal People.  This is an excellent, informative, and possibly challenging conversation around different atonement theories the church has developed over the centuries to try and explain Jesus’ death and the meaning in that for Christians.  For many Christians, the idea that Jesus died as atonement for our sins is foundational and comforting, and for others it’s highly problematic because of what that theory implies about the nature of God.  Turns out that Christian thinkers have grappled with this issue since the beginning.  If you’re convinced, curious, or confused around this topic then this listening will likely provide you with something to think about. 

 March 23. What’s the Cross About? with Marcus Borg.  In this sermon Marcus considers and contrasts two of the theological theories identified in the previous listening with Dr. Bashaw.  In particular, he contrasts Anslem’s 1098 CE satisfaction/substitutionary atonement theory with what seems like a contemporary implementation of Abelard’s 1120ish CE moral influence/exemplar theory, integrated with the political meaning of Jesus’ life and death.  In essence this sermon presents Borg’s view of the theological problems with satisfaction/substitutionary atonement compared to what he sees as a more historically accurate and transformative alternative.  All that presented in Borg’s signature slow, thoughtful, and reflective gnome-like voice.  Good stuff! And bonus, if you want a really, really deep dive, you can listen to the 2-hour 20-minute Resurrection Debate:  Did Jesus Christ Rise from the Dead?  John Dominic Crossan and Marcus Borg debate James White and Samual Renihan.  Here’s the link.

 March 30.  What is Resurrection? with Richard Rohr.  Ok, having done some research into the meaning of Jesus’ death and the Easter experience, now what?  In this short homily we’ll hear Father Rohr’s perspective on what resurrection actually is. 

 Come join us for movie night the 4th Wednesday of each month after WND in the choir room.  We will watch the film series, A Hidden Wholeness featuring Parker Palmer on practicing hospitality, grace, and hope in divided times.  

Our next film, on March 26th,  Habits of Hope, shares how cultivating habits of the heart fosters resilience and strengthens the fabric of community. 

Format is 5 minutes of silent centering prayer followed by a 10- to 15-minute film segment, 5 minutes of reflective contemplation, then small group discussion.  Total time is 1 hour.  Hope to see you!

We are thrilled that members of the Open Question group are leading a Wednesday night group for adults.  The format will include ~15 minutes of contemplative prayer/exercise followed by discussion of a chapter of Richard Rohr's book "Everything Belongs: The Gift of Contemplative Prayer." The book offers a profound exploration of spiritual growth and contemplative practices. Rohr explores the gift of contemplative prayer, highlighting the beauty of simply being and allowing room for dichotomies. The central theme of the book is that all aspects of our existence, including both joyful and painful experiences, belong in our spiritual journey.  The group will rotate facilitators each week and will meet in the practice room.

Facilitated and taught by Dale Waniata.  "Pioneer Doctor" tells the remarkable story of Dr. Mollie Babcock Atwater, one of Montana's first female physicians in the late 19th century. After leaving her husband and medical practice in Iowa, Mollie embarks on a new life in the Rocky Mountain West, accepting a position as a doctor to miners in Bannack, Montana. The book chronicles her adventures as a frontier doctor, her tireless efforts to improve public health, and her involvement in the women's suffrage movement. Written by her granddaughter, this biography offers a fascinating glimpse into the challenges faced by women in medicine during that era, as well as the broader social and political landscape of the American West. This group will meet in the library.