Expanding Horizons  
Meets Wednesday mornings from 9:30 to 11:00 in the sanctuary for those who would like to attend in person.  If you would prefer to join from the comfort of your own home, the link for the programs will remain the same throughout the semester

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88978012384?pwd=cGxJa0pJbExSM0FFWEtIMmtJYzNodz09

January 4, 11, 18, 25

February 1, 8

Christian Nationalism

 Leader:  Pastor Rob

Confronting Christian Nationalism: A State of the Art Training Program for Faith Communities, Leaders and Individuals:  • Develop an understanding of Christian Nationalism  • Explore research-based       characteristics of American Christian Nationalism    

• Incorporate responses to Christian Nationalism
• Learn ways to talk with those who adhere to

Christian Nationalism  • Consider some Scripture passages that remind us how to interact with others lovingly, even when we do not agree

Questions addressed include:

• Was America founded as a Christian nation?
• What does Christian Nationalism look like in the United States? • Is there a difference between

conservative Christianity and Christian                    Nationalism?  • Is Christian Nationalism embraced only by a fringe element in America?  • How should the Christian church think about Christian                Nationalism?  • How can   I talk with those who      embrace Christian Nationalism?

February 15 & 22

Feb. 15 An Introduction to Ash Wednesday

Feb. 22 An Introduction to Lent

Leader:  Pastor Rob

Join us as we prepare for Ash Wednesday and the Season of Lent.  In our sessions, we will view films with music and lyrics by The Brilliance, containing rich imagery of the paradox of life and death, beauty and fragmentation.  They are the outer world’s

symbology of what our inner world terrain often looks like.  While we acknowledge that this includes apparent brokenness and befallen-ness, we also want to say that all of this exists in the

encompassment of God’s wholeness.  We will use the practice of Visio Vivina to guide our discussion.  Visio Divina is translated as “divine seeing”.  It is related to the prayer form Lectio Divina (divine

reading), but instead of Scripture, this form of

prayer uses visual elements to help set your mind

on prayer.  It allows God to speak into your heart through the image.

March 1 & 8

Saving Us: A Climate Scientists’ Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World  by Katharine Hayhoe

Leader:  Peg Bradley

Climate Scientist and Evangelical

Christian, Katharine Hayhoe has been called “one of the nation’s most effective communicators on climate change” by the New York Times.  She believes the most important thing we can do to address climate change is talk about it.  Conversations fueled by respect and shared values can help save our planet and this book will give us confidence to begin the conversation.

March 15, 22, 29, April 5

Gospel according to John

Leader:  Brian Smith

John writes at the end of the first century when the educated classes in the Roman Empire are converting to Christianity and John uses Greek philosophical terms to frame Jesus’ ministry.  He is interested in giving a deeper spiritual meaning behind Jesus’ life and ministry rather than a chronological order of events.  In this study, we will note many differences between John’s gospel and the other three.

April 12, 19, 26, May 3, 10, 17

Mindfulness Series

Leader:  Karen Lindberg-Schuppe

Life consists of moments, nothing more than that.  So if you make the moments matter, it all matters.  – Ellen Langer

Session 1: Mindful Breathing and Listening

Session 2: Mindful Body

Session 3: Taking in the Good

Session 4: Self-Compassion

Session 5: Loving Kindness

Session 6: Mindful Eating

May 24

End of Year Brunch