Expanding Learning Opportunities for Adults

One of the clear findings in the survey of our congregation earlier this year was a desire for more adult education. We learned that we need to offer a variety of opportunities at different times and with different topics. The kinds of adult ed offerings we have here are more likely to be aimed at many smaller groups of people rather than one kind of program seeking a large crowd.

The idea at center stage right now is to create a regular adult education time on Sunday mornings between our two worship services. The Council recently adopted a plan for Sunday mornings that you can read about here. Pastor Leah is working on plans for Wednesday evenings that could include some element of adult education. This may also include a meal, a worship service, a variety of activities people could choose from and would be aimed at people in the broader Fitchburg area as well as members and friends of Memorial. Stay tuned for more on these plans as well.

In addition, Pastor Phil is exploring ways to create adult education opportunities online for people whose schedules do not allow them to get out to other organized events.

Of course, we will maintain some of our successful adult ed offerings:

Scripture and Scones – Our Wednesday morning group meets from 8 to 9 in the library to look at the Bible texts that are coming up the next Sunday. It’s informal and you don’t need to be a scripture scholar to participate. It’s a chance for questions, comments and sharing about how these passages speak to each of us.

Companions in Christ – Last spring, a group worked through a series called “The Way of Blessing,” which is part of the Companions in Christ series. We will be looking at another series like that this fall.

A common book – Two years ago, several groups read Marcus Borg’s The Heart of Christianity. Last fall, people worked their way through The Faith Club. We will have another book to work on in multiple small groups this fall.

The Council is considering a proposal to create an adult education committee to help develop these and other ideas. We hope the year ahead will offer you a wide variety of possibilities.

Scripture and Scones - Wednesdays from 8 to 9 a.m.
Every week, a group of folks gather in our library to look at the Scripture texts that will be used the following Sunday. These are often very lively discussions -- and the baked goods and coffee aren't bad either. Anyone is welcome to join at any time.