Being a Christian is hard work.

We understand that being a Christian can be hard work, and it is easier and more rewarding if it can be done in a group with laughter and open sharing.  If you participate, chances are that you will learn something you didn’t even know you wanted to learn.

Our adults actively engage in a number of Sunday School groups and other conversations to explore issues and ideas that impact our lives. Joining in these conversations and learning opportunities will allow you to ask questions in a safe place, meet new people, and build deeper relationships with folks you already know.

Do you have questions about Christian Education for adults? Contact our Board of Christian Education. If you’d like to read about classes that have been offered in the past, visit the adult Christian education section of our news and events page. You may also be interested in our Spiritual Direction program.

Summer 2013 – Sunday Morning Classes

Seasons of the Spirit: Lectionary Bible Study Class

Meets Sunday from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. in Room 6
Year-round

Lectionary-based class where we discuss a different Scripture and theme each week. Drop in any week for discussion, laughter, and serious contemplation of the Bible.

Summer 2013 – Weekday and Sunday Afternoon Classes

Tuesday Morning Pastor’s Study

Meets Tuesdays from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. in Room 6
Currently led by Rev. Dr. Jack Skiles

This group meets for 1.5 hours weekly and studies a wide array of biblical, theological, and social issues.  Last year, our focus was on Lost Christianities – those early Christian faith expressions/groups that were alive and well in the early centuries of Christianity that no longer exist. Some weeks, it is not uncommon for us to deal with issues that have arisen in our daily journeys and to discuss them from our group’s many varied faith perspectives.  This fall’s group will deal with issues ranging from the source of evil, the ongoing quest to know the historical Jesus, and a look at the biggest faith heroes and heroines from the perspective of a famous New Testament professor who happens to be Jewish.  Each week is complete in itself.  Participants may easily come and go as schedules permit.  Food, coffee, and tea are always served fresh and with a smile.

Feminist Women’s Book Club

Typically meets the second Sunday of the month at noon in Roger Williams
E-mail Cindy before attending to verify the date, because the group takes breaks for holidays.

In 2011, a feminist book club was created at First United. The group meets at noon following Sunday morning worship once a month in Roger Williams Hall.  The group consists of progressive feminist women from the church and the Bloomington community at large. Women of all ages are invited and can join at any time.

The group focuses primarily on contemporary women’s fiction and feminist writing over a wide range of topics.  The club members do read and faithfully discuss the book choice each month.  Recent selections have included The Color Purple, The Dovekeepers, Mists of Avalon, The Tiger’s Wife, Little Bee, Room, and State of Wonder.

If you’re interested, please attend and try the club out for a month or two.  The group typically meets the second Sunday each month at noon following Sunday morning worship.  However, occasional holidays or conflicts arise, and you should check with the church office or e-mail the group before attending the first time to verify the date and book selection.  Discussion is led by the club members, and the facilitator is Cindy Stone.

Creative Being

Meets the third Sunday of the month at 4:00 p.m.
October 21, 2012 – September 2013
Led by Dawna Petersen and Sam Troxal

Creative Being is a new small group opportunity coming in October.  Begin a hands-on journey to experience how creativity helps us rejoice in our calls to be co-creators with God.  Whether you’re looking for a followup to the Called to Create class ending in September or just beginning to think about creativity and faith, this monthly small group will  be a great place to explore the intersection of contemplative and creative practice and to discover the sacred art of living and serving.  Our text will be The Artist’s Rule: Nurturing Your Creative Soul with Monastic Wisdom by Christine Valters Paintner at the Abbey of the Arts.  Each of the twelve chapters includes suggestions for practicing lectio divina (or reading and interacting with sacred/holy texts), engaging in contemplative practices, and engaging in process-oriented arts exercises using mediums such as poetry, journal writing, and visual arts/crafts.  Christine says,”When I use the word ‘artist,’ I include poets, writers, cooks, gardeners, and people who use all manner of creative expression: we are all called to be artists of everyday life.”