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.

February 2.  A Contemplative Look at the Bible with Richard Rohr.  This listening incorporates a lot of the previous perspectives about how to read/approach the Bible.  Fr. Rohr presents a compelling and comprehensive perspective that really emphasizes the mystical and over-arching themes in the bible.  As with several of our listenings this winter, this conversation is hosted by The Bible for Normal People. 

February 9.  Who Wrote John? with Hugo Méndez.  Ok, we still haven’t listened to the Gospel of John, and because it’s pretty different than the gospels of Mark, Matthew, and Luke, we thought we might do a little background research prior to listening to the gospel itself.  One question has often been, who wrote this gospel?  Actually, that’s true for all the gospels but it’s often of particular interest for the Gospel of John.  So, let’s learn a bit about the different options here with Dr. Hugo Méndez, a Professor in Ancient Mediterranean Religions at UNC Chapel Hill.

 February 16.  The Gospel of John with N.T. Wright.  This listening is a type of sermon/lecture with N.T. Wright, one of the most respected New Testament scholars alive today.  He has a huge depth of knowledge and background that he brings to the topic, of particular interest to me is his conviction that the gospel message is not about how to get to heaven and “go up” to God, but rather, how to be part of God’s vision “down here” on earth.  Wright definitely spends time in the theological weeds but hang in there!  The detail makes for some pretty interesting and grounded insights.  If you want to know a bit more about N.T. Wright you can look here.

 February 23.  The Gospel of John.   And finally!  The Gospel of John itself.  Click here for the listening, and also pack a lunch, it’s about 1 hour and 45 minutes or so – you can of course read it as well.  The version here is the New International Version.

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 choir 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.