Spirituality Book Club
Wednesdays, 9:30-11:00 a.m. OR 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Facilitator: Kelly Lemens
Donation: Varies (See selection below)
This group provides encouragement and fellowship for anyone looking to delve deeper into different areas of Spirituality. Join other seekers in studying a faith topic using a variety of genres followed by reflection, discussion and prayer. For more information, contact Kelly Lemens: kelly.aplacetobesc@gmail.com.
Wednesdays, 9:30-11:00 a.m. OR 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Facilitator: Kelly Lemens
Donation: Varies (See selection below)
This group provides encouragement and fellowship for anyone looking to delve deeper into different areas of Spirituality. Join other seekers in studying a faith topic using a variety of genres followed by reflection, discussion and prayer. For more information, contact Kelly Lemens: kelly.aplacetobesc@gmail.com.
Barking to the Choir: The Power of Radical Kinship by Gregory Boyle
Begins August 24 (Two sessions available for spirituality book clubs; times listed above)
Donation: $20
In his first book, Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion, Gregory Boyle introduced us to Homeboy Industries, the largest gang-intervention program in the world. Critics hailed that book as an “astounding literary and spiritual feat” (Publishers Weekly) that is “destined to become a classic of both urban reportage and contemporary spirituality” (Los Angeles Times). Now, after the successful expansion of Homeboy Industries, Boyle returns with Barking to the Choir to reveal how compassion is transforming the lives of gang members.
In a nation deeply divided and plagued by poverty and violence, Barking to the Choir offers a snapshot into the challenges and joys of life on the margins. Sergio, arrested at nine, in a gang by twelve, and serving time shortly thereafter, now works with the substance-abuse team at Homeboy to help others find sobriety. Jamal, abandoned by his family when he tried to attend school at age seven, gradually finds forgiveness for his schizophrenic mother. New father Cuco, who never knew his own dad, thinks of a daily adventure on which to take his four-year-old son. These former gang members uplift the soul and reveal how bright life can be when filled with unconditional love and kindness.
This book is guaranteed to shake up our ideas about God and about people with a glimpse at a world defined by more compassion and fewer barriers. Gently and humorously, Barking to the Choir invites us to find kinship with one another and reconvinces us all of our own goodness.
Please register here.
Begins August 24 (Two sessions available for spirituality book clubs; times listed above)
Donation: $20
In his first book, Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion, Gregory Boyle introduced us to Homeboy Industries, the largest gang-intervention program in the world. Critics hailed that book as an “astounding literary and spiritual feat” (Publishers Weekly) that is “destined to become a classic of both urban reportage and contemporary spirituality” (Los Angeles Times). Now, after the successful expansion of Homeboy Industries, Boyle returns with Barking to the Choir to reveal how compassion is transforming the lives of gang members.
In a nation deeply divided and plagued by poverty and violence, Barking to the Choir offers a snapshot into the challenges and joys of life on the margins. Sergio, arrested at nine, in a gang by twelve, and serving time shortly thereafter, now works with the substance-abuse team at Homeboy to help others find sobriety. Jamal, abandoned by his family when he tried to attend school at age seven, gradually finds forgiveness for his schizophrenic mother. New father Cuco, who never knew his own dad, thinks of a daily adventure on which to take his four-year-old son. These former gang members uplift the soul and reveal how bright life can be when filled with unconditional love and kindness.
This book is guaranteed to shake up our ideas about God and about people with a glimpse at a world defined by more compassion and fewer barriers. Gently and humorously, Barking to the Choir invites us to find kinship with one another and reconvinces us all of our own goodness.
Please register here.
Do I stay Christian? by Brian McClaren
Begins October 5 (Two sessions available for spirituality book clubs, times listed above)
Donation: $35
In a culture of “nones” and “ex-(fill in any faith tradition)s”, where doubt, disappointment and delusion fill church pews, the word “Christian” has taken on a broad, secular meaning; so much so that we hardly know what it means anymore. Without clear meaning, what does “Christian” say about our religious identity? Author Brian McClaren tackles this question not as an invitation to leave one’s faith tradition but rather to help us make a responsible, honest, ethical decision about our religious identity and beliefs. He does this by shifting the question from “do I stay Christian” to “how we stay human.” Join us as we explore this provocative question and explore our own reflections to this question.
Please register here.
Begins October 5 (Two sessions available for spirituality book clubs, times listed above)
Donation: $35
In a culture of “nones” and “ex-(fill in any faith tradition)s”, where doubt, disappointment and delusion fill church pews, the word “Christian” has taken on a broad, secular meaning; so much so that we hardly know what it means anymore. Without clear meaning, what does “Christian” say about our religious identity? Author Brian McClaren tackles this question not as an invitation to leave one’s faith tradition but rather to help us make a responsible, honest, ethical decision about our religious identity and beliefs. He does this by shifting the question from “do I stay Christian” to “how we stay human.” Join us as we explore this provocative question and explore our own reflections to this question.
Please register here.
Social Justice Book Series (via Zoom)
Mondays, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Facilitator: Kelly Lemens
Donation: Varies (see selections below)
Join others in reading, learning and discussion spanning a variety of social justice topics.
Mondays, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Facilitator: Kelly Lemens
Donation: Varies (see selections below)
Join others in reading, learning and discussion spanning a variety of social justice topics.
Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah
Begins October 3 (Session time for social justice book series listed above)
Donation: $25
Trevor Noah’s unlikely path from apartheid South Africa to the desk of The Daily Show began with a criminal act: his birth. Trevor was born to a white Swiss father and a black Xhosa mother at a time when such a union was punishable by five years in prison. Living proof of his parents’ indiscretion, Trevor was kept mostly indoors for the earliest years of his life, bound by the extreme and often absurd measures his mother took to hide him from a government that could, at any moment, steal him away. Finally liberated by the end of South Africa’s tyrannical white rule, Trevor and his mother set forth on a grand adventure, living openly and freely and embracing the opportunities won by a centuries-long struggle.
Born a Crime is the story of a mischievous young boy who grows into a restless young man as he struggles to find himself in a world where he was never supposed to exist. It is also the story of that young man’s relationship with his fearless, rebellious, and fervently religious mother—his teammate, a woman determined to save her son from the cycle of poverty, violence, and abuse that would ultimately threaten her own life.
Trevor illuminates his curious world with an incisive wit and unflinching honesty. His stories weave together to form a moving and searingly funny portrait of a boy making his way through a damaged world in a dangerous time, armed only with a keen sense of humor and a mother’s unconventional, unconditional love.
Please register here.
Begins October 3 (Session time for social justice book series listed above)
Donation: $25
Trevor Noah’s unlikely path from apartheid South Africa to the desk of The Daily Show began with a criminal act: his birth. Trevor was born to a white Swiss father and a black Xhosa mother at a time when such a union was punishable by five years in prison. Living proof of his parents’ indiscretion, Trevor was kept mostly indoors for the earliest years of his life, bound by the extreme and often absurd measures his mother took to hide him from a government that could, at any moment, steal him away. Finally liberated by the end of South Africa’s tyrannical white rule, Trevor and his mother set forth on a grand adventure, living openly and freely and embracing the opportunities won by a centuries-long struggle.
Born a Crime is the story of a mischievous young boy who grows into a restless young man as he struggles to find himself in a world where he was never supposed to exist. It is also the story of that young man’s relationship with his fearless, rebellious, and fervently religious mother—his teammate, a woman determined to save her son from the cycle of poverty, violence, and abuse that would ultimately threaten her own life.
Trevor illuminates his curious world with an incisive wit and unflinching honesty. His stories weave together to form a moving and searingly funny portrait of a boy making his way through a damaged world in a dangerous time, armed only with a keen sense of humor and a mother’s unconventional, unconditional love.
Please register here.
Bible Basics
5 week course
Mondays, 6:30-8:00 p.m. beginning August 15 OR Tuesdays, 2:00-3:30 p.m. beginning August 23
Facilitator: Kelly Lemens
Donation: $25
Have you ever wondered how we got the Bible? Who were its authors? Why is it so hard to read? Is the Bible meant to be read literally or figuratively? The Bible Basics series answers these questions and many more. Learn the anatomy of the Bible, its organization, authors, and main themes. We wrap up the series with practical advice on how to read the Bible and develop good Scripture reading habits. Join us for a fun and enlightening pilgrimage through the Bible. Bibles may be purchased before class at an additional cost or participants may bring their own.
Please register here.
5 week course
Mondays, 6:30-8:00 p.m. beginning August 15 OR Tuesdays, 2:00-3:30 p.m. beginning August 23
Facilitator: Kelly Lemens
Donation: $25
Have you ever wondered how we got the Bible? Who were its authors? Why is it so hard to read? Is the Bible meant to be read literally or figuratively? The Bible Basics series answers these questions and many more. Learn the anatomy of the Bible, its organization, authors, and main themes. We wrap up the series with practical advice on how to read the Bible and develop good Scripture reading habits. Join us for a fun and enlightening pilgrimage through the Bible. Bibles may be purchased before class at an additional cost or participants may bring their own.
Please register here.
Bible Study: Paul’s Letters (via Zoom)
Paul’s Letter to Colossians
2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Beginning August 23 (Join anytime)
Facilitator: Kelly Lemens
Donation: $25
Paul’s letter is addressed to a congregation at Colossae, in Asia Minor; a community not founded by Paul himself but who is seeking Paul’s guidance on a number of problems that had emerged – namely, how to stay true to the faith amid outside pressures and false teachings. In addressing the issues, Paul describes Jesus with some of the loftiest language in all the New Testament, focusing on Christ’s preeminence and sufficiency in all things. Join us as we explore the problems in the community, reflect on Paul’s teachings and become encouraged in our own struggle to stay true to our faith amidst the pressures of a secular world.
Please register here.
Paul’s Letter to Colossians
2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Beginning August 23 (Join anytime)
Facilitator: Kelly Lemens
Donation: $25
Paul’s letter is addressed to a congregation at Colossae, in Asia Minor; a community not founded by Paul himself but who is seeking Paul’s guidance on a number of problems that had emerged – namely, how to stay true to the faith amid outside pressures and false teachings. In addressing the issues, Paul describes Jesus with some of the loftiest language in all the New Testament, focusing on Christ’s preeminence and sufficiency in all things. Join us as we explore the problems in the community, reflect on Paul’s teachings and become encouraged in our own struggle to stay true to our faith amidst the pressures of a secular world.
Please register here.
Journey Through the Bible II: From Christ to Christianity
10 week course beginning October 4
1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 2:00-3:30 p.m. OR 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Donation: $45
Jesus’ crucifixion left the disciples hiding: uncertain of what they had come to believe, lost and confused without their spiritual leader and afraid for their own lives. And yet great hope lies in the next chapter of the story. Join us as we study the weeks and years after Jesus’ resurrection. Learn how the early Christians were inspired by the Holy Spirit to bring Christ and the Good News to all corners of the known world in spite of internal strife, hostile crowds and secular forces. Explore the heresies challenged beliefs and how church doctrine was formed. Journey Through the Bible II: From Christ to Christianity follows the events of the church from the resurrection to the Crusades. Enter into this most dynamic period in the early church and be inspired by the courageous and hope-filled leaders of early Christianity.
Please register here.
10 week course beginning October 4
1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 2:00-3:30 p.m. OR 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Donation: $45
Jesus’ crucifixion left the disciples hiding: uncertain of what they had come to believe, lost and confused without their spiritual leader and afraid for their own lives. And yet great hope lies in the next chapter of the story. Join us as we study the weeks and years after Jesus’ resurrection. Learn how the early Christians were inspired by the Holy Spirit to bring Christ and the Good News to all corners of the known world in spite of internal strife, hostile crowds and secular forces. Explore the heresies challenged beliefs and how church doctrine was formed. Journey Through the Bible II: From Christ to Christianity follows the events of the church from the resurrection to the Crusades. Enter into this most dynamic period in the early church and be inspired by the courageous and hope-filled leaders of early Christianity.
Please register here.
Parables: Stories with Intent (via Zoom)
Saturdays, 9:00 – 10:00 am
Beginning August 6 (Register anytime.)
Facilitator: Kelly Lemens
Donation: $25, includes materials
Jesus understood the power of stories. He often used them to teach transformative lessons, convey deep spiritual truths, and confront and challenge his audience to open their hearts to the kingdom. These same stories are equally relevant today. Join us as we explore Jesus’ parables in their original context and discuss their meaning for us today.
Please register here.
Saturdays, 9:00 – 10:00 am
Beginning August 6 (Register anytime.)
Facilitator: Kelly Lemens
Donation: $25, includes materials
Jesus understood the power of stories. He often used them to teach transformative lessons, convey deep spiritual truths, and confront and challenge his audience to open their hearts to the kingdom. These same stories are equally relevant today. Join us as we explore Jesus’ parables in their original context and discuss their meaning for us today.
Please register here.