View recordings of Adult Education classes (Program Year Sundays at 9:40 AM in Commons) here! Watch LIVE by clicking here.
2024
April 14: Easing the Dis-ease of Dementia, Part 3 – Cultivating Creative Courage. What might care look like if we cultivated the courage to get creative in our pursuits for connection? Presented by Stephanie M. Pangborn. Part 2 not available due to copyright.
March 24: Easing the Dis-ease of Dementia, Part 1 – presented by Stephanie M. Pangborn, Associate Professor of Communication at Hope College. The dis-ease of dementia is a social condition that induces emotional suffering and isolation for individuals whose diagnosis shapes others’ perceptions of them as different.
March 17: Civil Rights Road Trip. Barbara Van Horssen from the Momentum Center will facilitate a panel presentation about the cultural immersion experience of the Civil Rights Road Trip. Patty Brink, Vicki Rumpsa, and Betsy Snider, along with Larry & Jane Schuyler, will participate in the panel regarding their experiences. The road trip included visits to Birmingham, Selma, and Montgomery, Alabama, as well as Memphis, Tennessee. The next road trip is scheduled for April 22-25, 2024.
March 10: Momentum Center with Barbara Van Horssen. The Momentum Center, located in Grand Haven and Holland, provides a positive space for social and recreational activities related to mental health, wellbeing, and disability. Van Horssen will share about the Momentum Center’s mission and vision.
March 3: “Who Is My Neighbor?” Presented by Kristen Gray, Amy Quincey, and several Hope students and alumni. Christ calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Who are our neighbors in this increasingly shrinking world wrought with violence, fear, and destruction? What does it mean to engage someone from another faith tradition that has been vilified and dehumanized in our media and society? In both 2019 and 2023, Hope College students traveled to Muscat, Oman to study at the Al Amana Centre. The course, a senior seminar, allowed students to engage in scriptural reasoning, photovoice, visit mosques and Christian churches, and intentionally reflect on the question “who is my neighbor?” We are excited to share our experiences and insights with Hope Church.
February 25: Let There Be Light: A Reflection on the Theological and the Theatrical, presented by Eric Van Tassell, Hope College assistant professor of dance and theatre. The first words spoken by God in the Bible are “Let there be light.” What happens when an artist’s primary form of expression is directly related to that command? Through an examination of his own faith and artistic path Eric will explore theology and theatre; light and shadow; calling and career.
February 18: Is AI a Threat to Religion? First, we will look at the superficial and deeper implications of generative AI. Then we’ll ask, will AI change what it means to be a person?
February 11: How Does ChatGPT Fit into AI? After taking a look at how ChatGPT actually works, we will examine its capabilities, limitations, and ethical issues.
February 4: AI and Religion: Challenges and Opportunities. Presented by Tom Ludwig, this 3-session series introduces new developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and the implications for religion, spirituality, and ethics. What Is Artificial Intelligence (AI)? This session will introduce AI (definition, brief history, examples) and present recent developments in generative AI (art, music, videos; language).
January 28: Partners in Reconciliation – Part 4: Shakespeare Behind Bars. The mission of Shakespeare Behind Bars is to offer theatrical encounters with personal and social issues to incarcerated, post-incarcerated, marginalized, and at-risk communities, allowing them to develop and expand life skills that will support their reintegration into society. Founded in 1995, SBB is the oldest, continuously operating program of its kind in North America. Join us for an inspirational discussion on the power of the arts as a catalyst of human transformation with Curt L. Tofteland, founder; Michelle Bombe, costume designer; and Kevin Papuga, alumni and returned citizen. Click here to view the interview video Curt shared during his presentation. The video presents clarity of content and simplicity of format around the core of an in-depth interview with Curt L. Tofteland, Founder of Shakespeare Behind Bars, offering insights into the pillars of Shakespeare Behind Bars’ vision, mission, philosophy, pedagogy, creative process, and artistic practice.
January 21: Partners in Reconciliation – Part 3: Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates. Legal status is the common denominator shared by all immigrants residing and arriving in West Michigan – a dizzyingly complex concern that most non-immigrants are unaware of. Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates works with clients navigating the immigration process, who would otherwise face paying impossibly high legal fees, attempting the risky process without an attorney, or live in fear and instability. LIA’s legal team has welcomed thousands of New Americans from more than 60 countries of origin since 2015 by providing family-based and humanitarian remedies – including, connecting, and recognizing with dignity the rights inherent to each person.
January 14: Partners in Reconciliation – Part 2: Community Action House. A locally founded, community-powered nonprofit that envisions a community where all of our neighbors have what they need to thrive, and no one faces challenges alone. For over 50 years, Action House’s team and volunteers have partnered to provide welcoming access to essential services like good food and stable housing opportunities, as well as partnership on a way forward. Our holistic approach offers guests integrated service pathways, so that no matter the initial reason for meeting our guests–groceries, housing, or a hot meal at the Community Kitchen–we are primed to facilitate further momentum toward stability.
January 7: Partners in Reconciliation – Part 1: Latin Americans United for Progress. At 24.2 percent, hispanic/latino is the second largest ethnic group in the City of Holland. Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP) formed in 1975 with four grassroots organizations merging. It led to the formation of Community Action House, TRIO Upward Bound programs, and Children’s After School Achievement. Today, LAUP continues to empower Latinos by building bridges and pathways using advocacy, education, and celebration to create a better community for all.
2023
December 3: Aging in Place. Michigan’s population is aging faster than the rest of the United States. In Ottawa County alone, the proportion of the population aged 65 years and above increased from 11.8% (2010 Census) to 16.7% (2020 Census). At the same time, most older adults have expressed their interest to age in place yet only a small proportion have given some thought to this. What does it mean to age in place and to age in community? Join Nick Rolinski (architectural and urban designer) and Har Ye Kan, AICP (community planner) in exploring some projects and what households and caregivers can consider to support aging in place and aging in community.
November 26:Pilgrimage to the Iona Community in Scotland – Reflections and Images. A group of 16 Hope Church folks journeyed to the Iona Community https://iona.org.uk/ in late September for a time of community and worship, reflection and learning, enjoyment and adventure. The group will share reflections and images from their pilgrimage, expressing some of the blessing and beauty they have carried with them from the journey.
November 19: As a Physicist, How Do I Envision My Understanding of Faith as It Relates to Science? During his forty-year tenure as a teacher in the Department of Physics at Hope College, Peter Gonthier has consistently aimed to gain a deeper understanding of how the narratives of Scripture intersect with the domains of physics and mathematics. Gonthier is hopeful that his comprehension of these intersections has improved over time, especially regarding the creation narratives and the relationship between God and the cosmos. He will share some of his conclusions on this topic.
November 12: What Are the Stars Telling Us? Recent Images from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). The JWST was launched on December 25, 2021, and it released its first images on July 12, 2022, after reaching its observing location. During an announcement on this date, President Biden presented an image of the “deep” sky. Peter Gonthier, Hope College Emeritus Professor, will examine the importance of certain JWST images taken between July and November and how they enhance our knowledge of the universe. Furthermore, Gonthier will reminisce on the Night Sky class he taught at Hope College and the captivating tales the stars tell us.
October 22 (Part 3 of 3): White Christian Nationalism Close to Home: Struggle for the Heart of Democracy. In this session, we will explore the idea that, for many Christians, culture and politics drive thinking and faith is subordinate in hopes to gain a window into understanding of the Ottawa Impact movement.
October 15 (Part 2 of 3): White Christian Nationalism: Racism and Sexism. Panelist Jemar Tisby, professor at Simmons College, gives historical context and sees this ideology as a threat to democracy and the witness of the Church in America. Panelist Kristin Kobes Du Mez, professor at Calvin University, sees within this movement expressions of racism, anti-immigration, patriarchy, political violence, and authoritarianism. Jane Dickie will facilitate our discussion.
October 8 (Part 1 of 3): What is White Christian Nationalism? Based on information gathered by the Public Religion Research Institute and the Brookings Institution as presented by panelists via YouTube, we will explore what defines Christian Nationalism and the roots of this ideology. Tom Arendshorst and Ron Mulder will facilitate our discussion.
October 1: Frontera de Gracia/Border of Grace. Seven minutes from El Paso, Texas, and Mexico border, there is a place where strangers look each other in the eye, share a smile, and recognize the other’s identity as a child of God. At Frontera de Grace (Border of Grace), guests find refuge and a place of worship on their migration journey. It’s also here that U.S. churches have the opportunity to be hands and feet of Jesus for sisters and brothers on the move. RCA Missionary Angel Lopez, who is supported through the Hope Church Community Partners annual budget, will share with us about this ministry and ways for us to better understand and advocate for just immigration policies. Presented by RCA Missionary Angel Lopez.
September 24: A Place to Call Home: A Missionary Kid’s Tale The son of missionaries to China, Tibet, and Taiwan, George C. Kraft II dedicates the book about his life to Hope College, the place where he found a home. About this book a reviewer stated: “This is both a deeply personal memoir and an important historical and cultural document, capturing the unique experience of life as a child of missionaries. George has given a voice to those who were too young to be heard at the time.” David Myers, Kraft’s colleague and friend, wrote “Kraft’s memoir brings Chinese mission history to life and prompts us to assess our lives by asking what is our highest priority—our children? our comfort? or our calling?” Kraft will help us ponder David Myers’s questions as together we reflect on our own life’s journey and what has shaped us into becoming the people we are today. Books will be available for purchase for $30.00.
September 17: Why are People Leaving Religion? Sociological trends suggest that religion is on the decline. You’ll learn about why people are leaving, better understand the process of this religious change, and think about ways to navigate this shift in our religious landscape. Presenter Daryl Van Tongeren, who recently received a new half million-dollar grant to study the de-churching of America, is the author of Humble: Free Yourself from the Traps of a Narcissistic World.
September 10: Why the World Needs Humility In a world of division and disagreement, we need humility now more than ever. We’ll discuss what humility is, why it is important, and a few practical steps toward cultivating this transformative virtue. Presenter Daryl Van Tongeren is the director of Hope College’s Frost Center for Social Science Research and author of Humble: Free Yourself from the Traps of a Narcissistic World.
May 21: How Can I Keep from Singing? Musical Metaphors for the Christian Life. There are many ways of being a Christian, and numerous ways to describe the Christian faith. Do we focus on rules and moral standards? Do we enumerate a list of things that must be believed? Do we emphasize worship, or reading scripture, or love of God and neighbor? Do we blend a few of these approaches? The experience of music can serve as a rich parable for Christian faith. In its components, in how it’s played, and in how we hear it, music is full of metaphors of Christian believing and living. Music is orderly yet creative, temporal yet enduring, demanding skill yet also accessible to all. Within the sharing of music, we can experience the full range of emotions, we can connect, we can forgive and be forgiven. Music, then, may help us creatively envision ways we may follow Christ that are holistic, embodied, and faithful. The presenter, Dan Griswold, is a minister, theologian, and musician.
May 14: The Holy Tear at Trinity Abbey in Vendôme, France: Reflections on the Medieval Cult of Relics and Modern Worship Practices. In the Middle Ages, Trinity Abbey in Vendôme, France possessed a precious and most unusual relic: a tear shed by Jesus Christ at the tomb of Lazarus. Known as the Holy Tear, this relic was the source of the abbey’s prestige from the twelfth century to the beginning of the nineteenth century. Although the Holy Tear was lost at the turn of the nineteenth century, this relic and the cult it inspired may still be fruitfully studied through the abbey’s medieval manuscripts that are housed in Vendôme, Paris, and Oxford. This presentation will explore the Holy Tear’s physical properties, its display within the environment of the abbey church, and its meaning as a Christ relic. Although the cult of the Holy Tear died out in the modern era, the Holy Tear is a fascinating example of the rich and multifaceted tradition of medieval Christianity that can be appreciated by contemporary congregations. Anne Heath Wiersma is presenting.
May 7: Mathematics and the Bible.What does the logical flaw in the Apostles Creed suggest about the nature of God? How did the Apostle Paul use logical tricks to clarify the gospel? How did the prophet Haggai use mathematical dynamics to explain theodicy? How does an infinite sequence of numbers illustrate false thinking about modern issues such as abortion? How is infinity revealed in Ecclesiastes and in John Newton’s “Amazing Grace”? Answers provided to ponder by Tim Pennings.
April 30: Battle of the Titans: Mathematics vs. Truth. Pilate asked, “What is Truth?” Justice Potter Stewart said of obscenity, “I can’t define it, but I know it when I see it.” In similar fashion, some would answer Pilate by saying “Mathematics – – that’s an example of truth.” But in this brief overview of the 2300 years from Euclid to Einstein, we’ll see how a revolution in mathematics changed the world and permeates our modern thinking of religion, politics, and ethics. Tim Pennings is the presenter.
April 23: The Future Has Not Yet Been Written, Part II.
April 16: The Future Has Not Yet Been Written, Part I. The Creation Care Ministry is hosting a HASP recorded presentation by Professor David Karowe. Dr. Karowe reviews the basics of climate science, the impact of changing climate on the Great Lakes Region, and suggests ways in which to respond. He outlines three possible futures. Creation care is asking you to listen, to ponder your own situation, and to respond with life-affirming changes.
April 2: Hope Church Organ Renovation. It turns out that after 60 years an organ needs significant attention! This session focuses on the significance of the Hope Church organ in our worship and will explore the surprising complexity of this remarkable and ingenious instrument. The renovation of the organ in the Hope Church sanctuary is the last capital project of the Sustaining Hope Capital Campaign, and this session seeks to inform and inspire our congregation in bringing this project and campaign to completion.
March 26:David Alexander Presents. David is a former RCA missionary in Taiwan, and shares music for Lent. The texts are taken from assigned liturgical readings for Lent, especially the 5th Sunday in Lent. For a new song every day, see www.aboksu.wordpress.com. Thank you, David, for this presentation as a substitution for Paula Thornton Greear who was unable to join us this week due to a death in her family.
March 19: Faithful Perspectives on Reproductive Rights. The Board of Elders is hosting the informational and discussion sessions promised in October, when they distributed resources for faithful response to the issues of reproductive rights. The first session is an opportunity for discussion based on resources gathered by the elders, who will also share personal reflections. In the second session, we will host Paula Thornton Greear, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Michigan, to present a historical perspective on reproductive rights and the current state of affairs in Michigan and nationally, including the effects of restricted access.
March 12: Bob Luidens Presents, Part III.
March 5: Bob Luidens Presents, Part II.
February 26: Bob Luidens Presents, Part I. The focus will be on a Gospel text, followed by one or two readings based on memories from Hope Church member Bob Luidens’s pastoral ministry experiences that relate to the Gospel text.
February 12: Cultivating Resilience in the Face of Suffering, Disruption, and Trauma, Part II, led by Pastor Jill. The class begins at 10:50 in the livestream recording.
February 5: Cultivating Resilience in the Face of Suffering, Disruption, and Trauma led by Pastor Jill The class begins at 9:21 in the livestream recording. Here is a link to the handout.
January 29: Rosetta, Rosetta led by Linda Walvoord Develder The class begins at 10:44 in the livestream recording.
January 22: Engaging with issues of race and racism The class begins at 9:57 in the livestream recording.
January 15: What are elements of an anti-racist statement? The class begins at 9:34 in the livestream recording.
January 8: Why might Hope Church intentionally commit to anti-racism? The class begins at 4:05 in the livestream recording.
2022
“I Don’t Feel No Ways Tired”: History of the Black Church: This adult education Lenten series is presented by Dr. Fred Johnson from Hope College.
March 13: Land of the Two Gospels [1787 – 1860] The class begins at 7:30 in the livestream recording.
March 20: Exodus [1860 – 1877] The class begins at 26:00 in the livestream recording.
March 27: Resurrecting Pharaoh [1877 – 1915] The class begins at 16:05 in the livestream recording.
April 3rd: Been Running for a Long Time [1915 – 1968] The class begins at 5:15 in the livestream recording.
April 10th: Conundrum of the 2nd Greatest Commandment [1968 – 2022] The class begins at 9:50 in the livestream recording.
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March 10, 2019 – Dr. Paolo Naso
Dr. Paolo Naso works with the Waldensian Church in Italy around issues of immigration and justice. He is also the coordinator of an interdenominational partnership called “Being Church Together” and is an RCA mission partner. You can learn more about Paolo’s ministry at www.rca.org/paolo-naso and at Mediterranean Hope.
March 17, 2019 – Housing Issues in Ottawa County
Ryan Kilpatrick, Executive Director of “Housing Next”, offered his perspective on the challenges and opportunities for affordable housing in our community. Housing Next is a local organization that partners with public and private organizations to identify opportunities to increase the supply of housing at all price points and execute high quality projects. Kilpatrick has an extensive background in community planning, development finance, and public engagement.