Christian faith is a journey. Our faith is richer, and our congregation is stronger, when we continue Christian education as adults.
First United’s Adult Education program offers insight, growth, and fellowship with classes, workshops, intimate discussions, and presentations and lectures by leading scholars. Topics range from church history to current events to race relations to international issues, and always include a biblical perspective. Sometimes a series of classes is scheduled on specific topics that lend themselves to in-depth study. Adult ed is a ministry that drives learning, deepens faith, and wrestles with the relationship between God’s world and the human world.
Classes meet at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays from September through late May. Bring your whole self, including your questions, your doubts, and a sense of humor. For more information on any adult education programs, contact Lydia Mulkey, Associate Pastor of Education (lmulkey@firstunitedoakpark.com), 708-386-5215 (ext. 103).
Sunday morning fall schedule
Sept. 16 and 23: Restorative Justice with Rev. Michelle Day.
Sept. 30: Clips and discussion about Steve James’ “America to Me” documentary based on Oak Park and River Forest High School.
Oct. 7, 14, and 21: Roots of Migration with the Chicago Religious Leadership Network on Latin America.
Oct. 28, Nov. 4, 11, and 18: Climate Change with the First United Environmental Team.
Small Group Bible Study: These Bible Study groups use the Covenant Bible Study Curriculum, among other study materials. The groups engage in study and conversation, connecting theology to members’ daily lives. The goal is to deepen our understanding of scripture while also helping us to respond in answering God’s call to a faithful life in Jesus. There are two different small groups. One meets from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays in the Conference Room (which often involves lunch) and the other meets from 6-7:30 p.m. Mondays in the Church Library.
Book groups: This fall and winter, small groups are meeting at different times during the week to talk about three different books.
So You Want To Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo. The group meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays in the Chapel from Sept. 19 to Oct. 24. Contact Katharine Thurman (katharine.thurman@comcast.net), 708-383-0299.
Blessed Are the Crazy: Breaking the Silence About Mental Illness, Family and Church by Sarah Griffith Lund. Time and place have not yet been scheduled, but the group will meet from the week of Sept. 16 to Oct. 21. Contact Liz Swan (easwan@gmail.com).
All I Really Want: Readings for a Modern Christmas by Quinn G. Caldwell. Two different groups will meet from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on select Wednesdays in December and January or from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. on select Sundays in December and January. Contact Lydia Mulkey, Associate Pastor of Education (lmulkey@firstunitedoakpark.com), 708-386-5215 (ext. 103).
Men’s Book and Discussion Group: A men’s group meets every other Sunday evening from September through May to discuss books and articles on a range of subjects, often touching on theology or just aspects of life. Members of the group choose their own material and alternate leading the discussion. Contact Dale Sorenson (mrdsoren@gmail.com), 708-386-9139.
