Sundays, 9:40-10:40 am
May 6, & 13: For God So Loved the World
This class is guided by the belief that the natural world and spiritual experience are intimately related. The sessions will explore our history and connections to the natural world, express some spiritual reflections and suggest practical implications.
- May 6: Nature in Our American Culture – Josh Bochniak. Josh Bochniak has a Master’s Degree in Recreation with an emphasis on outdoor and environmental education. He has a strong interest in connecting people with the natural world and has studied the ways in which we both view and understand nature. This session will explore the ways in which our views of the natural world have shaped our collective willingness to care for it. The presentation will feature a brief review of the history and philosophy of the American wild.
- May 13: So, What to Do? – Avril Wiers. Avril Wiers is a passionate educator at Ottawa Area Careerline Tech. She has a Master’s Degree in Outdoor and Environmental Education. Avail has always been an outdoor person and learned respect and care for the planet at an early age. This session will examine those places in our personal lives where we can make a difference. The session will explore our daily routines and identify practical ways in which we can successfully reduce our ecological impact.
May 20: General Synod Preview – final adult education of program year
This session will survey major issues that are on the agenda of the General Synod, meeting on the campus of Calvin College in Grand Rapids, June 7-12. Once the workbook comes out, we will have a better idea of what all of these issues are, but they will include a variety of overtures, recommendations from various bodies, etc. Major issues will be at stake for the future of the RCA. The session will be led by Dr. Jim Brownson, General Synod Professor, the James and Jean Cook Professor of New Testament at Western Theological Seminary, and a longtime member of Hope Church.