Forums start at 9:15AM in the Parish Hall
Forums start at 9:15AM in the Parish Hall
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July 2008 |
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Pulpit Postscript II Rev. John Buenz Rev. John Buenz discusses the day`s sermon in the way that only he can. Whether you`ve just heard the sermon at the 8:00 service or are about to hear it at the 10:30 service, the discussion is likely to leave you thinking somewhat differently--or more deeply--about the sermon. |
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Pulpit Postscript I Rev. John Buenz Rev. John Buenz discusses the day`s sermon in the way that only he can. Whether you`ve just heard the sermon at the 8:00 service or are about to hear it at the 10:30 service, the discussion is likely to leave you thinking somewhat differently--or more deeply--about the sermon. |
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June 2008 |
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St. Jude`s Site Master Plan Jennifer Stern, Site Plan Committee Come see our vision for a transformed spiritual oasis on our 3-acre campus! Our architect will deliver our proposed site master plan in early June and we will show the plan, describe our vision for implementation, update you on our process, and answer questions. This plan was submitted to the Vestry for approval at their June 17 meeting. We will post the plan in the Narthex and the Parish Hall ahead of this important Forum so that you can see how we are hoping to move forward. |
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Understanding Autism and Aspergers Noreen Miller, MA, MFT & Steve Ludeke, MA, Ed. Spec. Noreen Miller, MA, MFT and Steve Ludeke, MA, Ed.Spec., two active educators and therapists share information, experiences and a wealth of knowledge about this most interesting of diagnoses. |
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The Ethics of Healthcare Decisions Dr. Margaret McLean, Markula Center, Santa Clara University What are the ethical issues around selling organs or cutting off certain treatments due to age? For example, the UK`s National Health Service denies dialysis to people over 60. As individuals and a society, how do we approach decisions like these. Like with all ethical questions, the actual answers depend on the ethical system used, so there is no ``right`` answer.
Dr. McLeans brings a background in ethics and theology, making her an ideal speaker to help us understand this topic. |
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May 2008 |
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Transpersonal Psychology and Spiritual Development Bob Walters, Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Supervisor for the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology The vital connection between psychological and spiritual development has frequently been obscured by turf battles between psychologists and priests. In attempting to make sense of human experience, clerics have often promoted a point of view that suggests that human well being is achieved first and foremost as a function of a persons relationship with God. Psychologists, on the other hand, have focused primarily on human relationships as the hallmark of well being. When these positions become polarized they tend to veil the more complex and subtle fabric of human experience which may be more like an unending dialectical process in which the psychological and spiritual plains of experience give shape and substance to each other. |
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Momfulness - Part 2: Mothering with Mindfulness, Compassion, and Grace Denise Roy, Author, marriage & family therapist, spiritual director, and mother of five Author Denise Roy returns to continue her discussion of Momfulness. Roy combines her experience as a marriage and family therapist, a spiritual director, and a mother of five in the her delightful books, Momfulness and My Monastery Is a Minivan. Roy defines momfulness as `the spiritual practice of cultivating a mindful, compassionate, mothering presence,` and outlines six spiritual lessons: developing true presence, practicing embodiment, paying attention, cultivating deep compassion, recognizing the sacred in all things and understanding the value of community. |
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April 2008 |
Healing Through Creative Expression Dr. Sharon Bray, Author of When Words Heal and A Healing Journey: Writing Together Through Breast Cancer Writing about our deepest emotions and experiences can have extraordinary power and beauty. Dr. Sharon Bray, author of When Words Heal, guides in learning how writing alone or together helps us realize that, even in the midst of illness, our creativity and artistic self-expression cannot be quelled. Writing helps us get through illnesses, trauma, or suffering, and even to get beyond them. Writing harnesses our imagination and liberates our creativity. Through it, we embark on a powerful and joyous journey of healing. |
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St. Jude`s Solar Update Don Disney The solar photovoltaic system on the roof of our church has been operational for eight months and is featured in this month`s Episcopal Life! Don Disney provides a review of the system design and installation, along with an update on its actual performance. Don also talks about possible expansions of solar PV at St. Jude`s and the economics of home PV systems. |
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Growing in Liberia Robin Denney, Episcopal Young Adult Service Corps Robin Denney, a member of the Episcopal Young Adult Service Corps, speaks about her year of mission service in Liberia, West Africa. She discusses the reality of life in a country recovering from a brutal civil war, her experiences meeting people in villages, orphanages, and leprosy colonies, her own spiritually transforming experience, and challenges in development work. |
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The Meaning of Dreams: A Jungian Approach to Wholeness Dr. Thomas Kirsch, C.J. Jung Institute Some believe dreams to be mostly nonsense, while others blame indigestion, or worry. Dr. Thomas Kirsch discussses an approach to dream intrepretation based on the theories of Carl Jung. Dreams and dream interpretation identify our out of balance parts. Dreams bring wholeness and healing that might also change our direction or give us new insight into a situation. |
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March 2008 |
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Randy Pausch`s Last Lecture Prof. Randy Pausch, via video Prof. Randy Pausch has deeply touched a lot of people as a result of his now-famous `last lecture` at CMU. Come watch a video of a 10 minute version he did for Oprah and hear and discuss how it touches your fellow congregants. |
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Lenten Series - Source of Formation / Transformation: Worshiping God through Common Prayer Pastor Karen Siegfriedt To worship, is to put God at the center of our lives. The goal of worship is not actually to enjoy oursleves or enjoy the service. The goal is the enjoy God through prayer. In this session, we explore how common prayer actually forms us into the people God wills us to be. |
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Getting Personally Involved with the Millennium Development Goals Curt Beckmann, Appropedia Foundation Curt Beckmann, neophyte humanitarian, reviews the Millennium Development Goals and give a brief picture of the progress on the issues. He discusses his personal experiences relating to Goals to highlight the opportunities that are readily available to us as individuals for engaging directly with problem-solving related to the Goals. You don`t need to be an expert to get involved, as Beckmann explains different ways to get plugged in. |
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Lenten Series - Source of Joy, Love and Wholeness: Prayer as honesty and compassion for others Pastor Karen Siegfriedt There is no real distinction, then between prayer and action. Prayer is action because God`s energy is released into a situation. Prayer leads to action because we cannot with integritypray for something which we are not also prepared to do something about. In this session we examine ACTS (prayers of adoration, contrition, thanksgiving, supplication). It concludes with prayers of supplication for the 8 Millennium Development Goals. |
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The Lord`s Prayer Pastor Dawn Teuthorn Pastor Dawn Teuthorn guides us through an inspirational rather than academic approach to The Lord`s Prayer. |
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February 2008 |
Lenten Series - Source of Life and Light: Prayer as relationship and listening Pastor Karen Siegfriedt Prayer is about exploring a relationship with God, not about perfecting an esoteric technique. In this session, we examine the promises (as well as myths) of prayer, focusing on different prayer disciplines that open our hearts and minds to the presence of God. |
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The Lucifer Effect Rev. John Buenz, Retired Dean of the Cathedral, Diocese of Spokane Rev. John Buenz discusses social psychologist Philip Zimbardo`s recent book, The Lucifer Effect about how good people turn bad. Zimbardo is best known for the Stanford Prison Experiment, which used a simulated prison populated with student volunteers to illustrate the extent to which identity is situated within a social setting; student volunteers randomly chosen to play guards became cruel and authoritarian, while those playing inmates became rebellious and depressed. |
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The Spirituality of Addiction Ed Momrow, Th.D, Ph.D The topic of spirituality is becoming increasingly interesting to clinicians, psychiatrists, and researchers seeking more ways for people to deal with the temptations of addiction. When a person’s inner self becomes damaged or distorted, their spirituality can become damaged or distorted, resulting in addictive and self-destructive behavior. |
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Forgiveness for Couples Frederic Luskin, Ph.D Author and always popular speaker Dr. Fred Luksin discusses his forthcoming book about Forgiveness for Couples.
This is a great chance to invite friends, neighbors or co-workers to St. Jude`s as Dr. Luskin`s presentation is sure to be enlightening and memorable. Other churches charge to hear Dr. Luskin speak. |
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Curriculum for the Shrinking World Don Mueller Our world is getting warmer, smaller and moving faster. What do 6 billion people need to do to keep it viable? |
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January 2008 |
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Women in the Church Betty Harrah Betty Harrah explores the role of lay women in the Episcopal Church, expecially their roles in what was once known as the Shadow Church or the Parallel Church. If there is time, she will recount come of the history of women at St. Jude`s. |
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Discerning God`s Will for our Campus Jennifer Stern, Senior Warden How can we continue to transform the St. Jude`s campus into a Spiritual Oasis where Lives are Transformed? You will have a chance to vote for your preference at the Annual Meeting on January 27. |
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Sabbatical 2008: Becoming A Blessed Leader Pastor Karen Siegfriedt Pastor Karen will give us an overview of her up and coming sabbatical. Learn about what a sabbatical is, where she will spend it, and how St. Jude’s will share the ministries while she is gone. |
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December 2007 |
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Ask The Rector Pastor Karen Siegfriedt This your annual chance to ask Pastor Karen any questions you may have about St. Jude`s, the Episcopal Church, or theology. Interesting for all ages. |
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The First and Second Coming Rev. John Buenz A new look at Advent with attention to the first and second comings of Christ. Based on an article written by Rev. John Buenz for a theological publication. |
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A Slice of Heaven: A Katrina Reconstruction Trip Libby & Dan Varty In February 2006 Dan and Libby Varty and 40+ folks from their Arnold church went to Mississippi to help get families back into their devastated homes. They will share their remarkable experience, including a DVD show. A group of 60+ will be heading to Kansas in May of 2008 on a similar mission. |
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November 2007 |
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Creating Tolerance for Congregational Diversity Rev. John Buenz We talk a lot about ethnic diversity at St. Jude`s, but what about other forms of diversity and tolerance? How open are we to differences of opinion and belief from our fellow congregants? What does it really mean for tolerance to be a two-way street, and what is at risk? |
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In or Out: What is the current status between the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion? The Rev. Nayan McNeill , Assisting Priest, St. Luke`s, Los Gatos Is the Episcopal Church USA going to be invited to the Lambeth Conference with all the other Anglican bishops from around the world? How have our bishops responded to the pressure to change? The Rev. Nayan McNeil, Ph.D. of St. Luke’s in Los Gatos will lead us in a discussion of the `hot button issues` that are causing so much angst among conservative members of our worldwide Communion. |
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Communication and the Creation of Better Social Worlds Professor Barnett Pearce, Fielding Graduate University & Kim Pearce, Speech Communications, De Anza College Since the Enlightenment, communication has been viewed as an odorless, colorless, tasteless vehicle for exchanging ideas and information. Only recently has a new paradigm of communication emerged; this new perspective views our social worlds as made in patterns of communication. Barnett and Kim Pearce will discuss this new paradigm of communication and describe its implications in creating better social worlds. |
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October 2007 |
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Momfulness: Mothering with Mindfulness, Compassion, and Grace Denise Roy & Author Denise Roy combines her experience as a marriage and family therapist, a spiritual director, and a mother of five in the her latest book Momfulness, a delightful sequel to My Monastery Is a Minivan. Roy defines momfulness as `the spiritual practice of cultivating a mindful, compassionate, mothering presence,` and outlines six spiritual lessons: developing true presence, practicing embodiment, paying attention, cultivating deep compassion, recognizing the sacred in all things and understanding the value of community. |
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Site Vision Team Update ... We`re Growing! Jennifer Stern, Senior Warden Our vision is to continue to grow our St. Jude`s spiritual oasis in three main areas: making our campus more inviting, creating more spiritual spaces, and developing areas for intergenerational fellowship! Please take a look at the bulletin board outside of the sanctuary and add your response to this vision: how is the Holy Spirit calling us to grow our campus in these three areas? |
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Gravity and Aging Dr. Joan Vernikos Did you know that astronauts returning from a mission in the near gravity of space show startling changes normally linked to being old? After only weeks in space, their coordination and balance are disturbed; muscles and bones weaken; like diabetics, they become resistant to insulin; they do not absorb nutrients as well; have less stamina; and have problems getting a good night’s Dr. Vernikos challenges the widely held belief that most changes associated with aging are unavoidable. She discusses how gravity is not the enemy that drags us down. Increased gravity awareness and making gravity our friend can lead to renewed health and vigor. |
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September 2007 |
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Meet the Rector Pastor Karen Siegfriedt An introduction to St. Jude`s community and the Episcopal Church, especially for newcomers. Meet in the Fireside Room. |
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Jesus, Homosexuality and the Bible Pastor Karen Siegfriedt A recent study found that 38 percent of Americans polled were certain the Old Testament was written a few years after Jesus` death. Ten percent believed Joan of Arc was Noah`s wife. Many even thought the epistles were the wives of the apostles. This same kind of biblical ignorance is present around the topic of homosexuality. Often people who love and trust God`s Word have never given careful and prayerful attention to what the Bible does or doesn`t say about homosexuality. |
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God`s Unfinished Future - Why it Matters Now Jürgen Moltmann , Emeritus professor of theology at Tübingen University in Tübingen, Germany In America today there is a battle over Christianity’s vision of God’s future. Popular apocalyptic works such as the Left Behind series pit the forces of good and evil in an imminent showdown where God will defeat the forces of evil, the earth will be annihilated, and the saved lifted up. Professor Moltmann believes this vision is a massive and dangerous distortion of the biblical picture of God’s purpose. This apocalypticism, in our tradition and others, supports a politics of polarization, violence, and extremism. |
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August 2007 |
Parents (and others): Are You Ready for the Adolescent Years? Steve Saso, Author, Speaker, Teacher & Parent International speaker Steve Saso - co-author with his wife Patt of the award-winning book 10 Best Gifts for Your Teen and the newly released Parenting Your Teens with T.L.C. - educate over twenty-five thousand parents yearly, providing them with the tools they need to help raise respectful and responsible children. |
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Evolution and Intelligent Design: An Unnecessary Confrontation David Morrison, Senior Scientist, NASA Astrobiology Institute Almost every scientist understands that everything evolves -- stars, planets, life -- and that the concept of natural selection, first proposed by Charles Darwin, provides a powerful and elegant way to understand the process of biological evolution. Indeed, it has aptly been said that without evolution and natural selection, nothing would make sense in the biological sciences. This should all have been settled early in the 20th century, and it was for the scientific community. Yet the concept of evolution, and even the reality of `deep time` that allows us to date the formation of the Earth (4.6 billion years) and the beginning of the big bang (14 billion years) are being constantly challenged by Christian and Islamic fundamentalists. This noisy confrontation degrades American education and distracts all of us from much more important issues. David Morrison, Senior Scientist at the Astrobiology Institute at NASA-Ames, discusses some of the ways the the meaning of evolution has been distorted to create the appearance of a scientific debate where there is none.
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July 2007 |
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Caring for the Mental Health of Those in Jail Carolyn Bowker & Evelyn Vigil, Chaplain, Main Jail Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow captives. (Hebrews 13:3) |
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Common Ideas between Christianity and Hinduism Mona Vijaykar, India In Classrooms An increasing number of our neighbors practice the Hindu faith. Since most of us grew up without ever meeting a Hindu, there are a lot of common misconceptions that persist. Mona Vijaykar and the India in Classrooms initiative seek to establish a better understanding between Hindus and other groups. Ms. Vijaykar is a highly regarded speaker who has developed a series of programs for schools, churches and other organizations. She speaks to us about some common ideas between Christianity and Hindus. |
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June 2007 |
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Breast Cancer Awareness Daya Fisch In 2007, about 40,910 people will die from breast cancer in the United States. While the vast majority of these will be women, about 1% will be men so they are are also at risk. The number of breast cancer cases relative to the population has been increasing in the last 20 years mainly due to increased use of mammography. With early detection and proper treatment, breast cancer is treatable and survival rates are high. |
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Electing a Bishop for the 21st Century Jerry Witherspoon & Bruce La Fetra On June 16, the Diocese of El Camino Real will elect a new bishop. Who are these people, one of whom will be our next bishop? What would you ask them if you had the chance? |
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May 2007 |
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What is Your Vision for our Spiritual Oasis? Jennifer Stern, Senior Warden St. Jude`s is a Spiritual Oasis Where Lives are Transformed! What options do we have for making our campus more of a spiritual oasis? How do we optimize our campus layout to provide a foundation for incremental changes that support our strategic goals and vision? What are the improvements that could or should be made, and what are the options for how we implement them? The Site Vision Committee will share their work looking at options for our St. Jude`s campus, identify key decisions that will define any possible designs, and encourage your feedback and ideas. Come and share your vision for our future! |
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Martin Luther: Protesting Monk Changed by Grace through Scripture Still Reforming the Church Today Pastor Dawn Teuthorn Pastor Dawn Teuthorn is often asked what it`s like to serve as an ELCA pastor in an Episcopal congregation. She looks at the history of Lutheranism through the figure of Martin Luther and how we can today share in a Common Call to Mission as Lutherans and Episcopalians. |
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April 2007 |
The Afterlife Professor Carl Jech How do various religions view the Afterlife? Different religions teach different things about the afterlife.
Some religions believe in reincarnation. Others believe you go to another place after you die, such as heaven or hell. Still others believe that some people change into spirits called ghosts. Christian afterlife beliefs have never been precisely formulated. Doctrines accepted at various times and by different denominations allow wide variation in imagery and content. Author and teacher Carl Jech returns to St. Jude`s to lead us in discovery about the Afterlife.
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Success, Stress & Forgiveness Dr. Frederic Luskin, Stanford University, School of Medicine Popular author and speaker Dr. Fred Luskin makes his annual visit to the Adult Forum. This year he will speak on Success, Stress and Foregiveness. Dr. Luskin brings clinically validated research and a great sense of humor that always makes him our biggest draw of the year. Other churches and groups often charge to hear Dr. Luskin, so this forum always draws well from the community. Come early to get parking! |
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Wanted: Dead or Alive! The Rev. Robert Seifert What happens to the body after a person dies? Is there a consciousness that remains in tact? What does the Christian tradition say about all this? The Rev. Robert Seifert returns to talk about the `resurrected body` as it pertains to the afterlife and to the post-East Jesus. |
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Easter Sunday
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End of Life Conversations Dr. Dale Larson Whether you are making decisions about your own care or need to know the wishes of a family member, straight talk is vital. Dale Larson is a professor in the department of counseling psychology at Santa Clara University and is the author of The Helper`s Journey: Working With People Facing Grief, Loss, and Life-Threatening Illness. If you, or someone you love, will someday die--that`s all of us--you need to think about questions such as:
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March 2007 |
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Bible Study - Habakkuk: Why Is a Just God Silent in the Face of Wickedness? Pastor Karen Siegfriedt Adult Lenten Program on the Minor Prophets |
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The Lord Will Make You a House Bruce La Fetra In this session we meet a historical Abbess (the equivalent of a bishop) and a 20th century bishop whose ministries required that they make historically significant choices, and practice the discipline of making leadership choices within the context of their own particular time and place. |
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Bible Study - Joel: A Response to a National Tragedy Pastor Karen Siegfreidt Adult Lenten Series on the Minor Prophets |
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We Are Like Those Who Dream Stephanie Sherman The closest many of us ever get to true prophetic excitement is the world of dreams. Dreams take us to worlds we have never visited, allowing us to achieve things that our cognitive analysis alone cannot. Stephanie Sherman helps us to understand two great dreamers: Gregory the Great, Bishop of Rome (604) and William White, Bishop of Pennsylvania (1836). |
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Bible Study - Hosea: A Word About Faithfulness Pastor Karen Siegfriedt Adult Lenten Program on the Minor Prophets |
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The Prophet Prepares the Way Jerry Witherspoon Prophets in the Bible were believed to be inspired by the Word of God. They appeared to help the people navigate the often unknown paths to change. In this session, Jerry Witherspoon helps us explore the call to Christian leadership and the implications for the vocation of a bishop in our community of faith. |
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Bible Study - Jonah: Preaching Mercy to the Unforgiveable Pastor Karen Siegfreidt Adult Lenten Series on the Minor Prophets |
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When God Makes All Things New, Will We Be Ready? Lindsay Jacobson When things are chaning all around us, the natural response is the wish to be saved. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan (397) and Phillips Brooks, Bishop of Massachusetts (1893) were each known for taking strong stands on orthodoxy, and yet maintained broad-based leadership. Lindsay Jacobson presents. |
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February 2007 |
Bible Study - Introduction to the Minor Prophets Pastor Karen Siegfriedt Adult Lenten Series on the Minor Prophets |
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Finding Your Vocation Elizabeth Thompson, Santa Clara University In our society, vocational discernment is no longer just for students or young adults. If you are a kid, know a kid, or are a kid at heart, you`ll leave with some things to think about. |
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Our Bodies as Temples: Stewardship of the Body Richard Gringeri, DC Stewardship is more than pledges to St. Jude`s and taking care of the Earth. Stewardship also means taking care of the body God has given us. Richard Gringeri, DC is an advocate for multi-disciplinary, alternative health care and is a frequent speaker to businesses, schools and other groups to help make health education readily available locally. |
