St. Andrew United Methodist Church

Happiness and the Spiritual Life

What is the connection between happiness and spiritual well-being? Surrounded daily by a challenging world, we will explore ways to increase positive, spiritually transformative energy, asking what difference does hope vs. optimism make? We will delve into the gospels, especially John, for insights into finding a quiet place amid all the chaos.

Ann Graham Brock (Ph.D., Harvard University) is an author and lecturer whose special interests include spirituality, social issues, and gender equality in religion. Her best-selling book is entitled: Mary Magdalene, the First Apostle: The Struggle for Authority. She has also co-edited five other books, and had numerous encyclopedia and journal articles published in German, French, and English. She has taught New Testament and World Religion courses at the University of Colorado at Boulder, Iliff, Harvard Divinity School, and Harvard University where she received an Excellence in Teaching Award. Dr. Brock has also appeared on the History Channel in its presentation of The Twelve Apostles, the Discovery Channel in The Real Da Vinci Code, and in several British television documentaries. She also received Mentor of the Year, a national award from the Society of Biblical Literature (CSWP). 

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Gain a deeper understanding of the Bible, in its historical and cultural setting, and increase insight into life applications. This study highlights pivotal points in the Scripture, lifting up the most significant stories, themes, events and people. This winter we’ll study the book of Revelations as part of the Journey Through the Bible series. This ongoing group is for those with little Bible study experience, and those who have participated in other Bible studies. Weekly readings are short and manageable and the discussion is lively! No previous experience needed. Led by Jeff Klaus and Steve Starliper.

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If you’ve ever wondered how God relates to creation and to creatures like you and me, or whether God has planned out our futures in advance, or why God doesn’t always seem to intervene to prevent bad things from happening, you’ll love this two-session class. Open and Relational Theology is an updated and more accessible expression of our previous offering entitled Process Theology. Led by Rev. Mark Feldmeir.

Session one
Core Beliefs of Open and Relational Theology
Session two
Open and Relational Faith in Everyday Life

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In Glittering Vices Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung notes that contemporary culture has too often trivialized and unfortunately dismissed these cardinal vices, treating them apart from any serious or moral spiritual implication. The traditional teachings compiled by saints such as Augustine, Pope Gregory I and Aquinas are “pure gold,” according to DeYoung. “These are ideas that have stuck around for nearly 2,000 years,” she said. “They tap into something deeply true about human nature.” By providing a brief history of the vices and offering an informative chapter on each of the seven, DeYoung provides readers with a practical understanding of how these “deadly sins” shape our culture and why it is that pride, gluttony, greed, sloth, and others are incredibly destructive. But the book goes beyond diagnoses: It offers remedies through the practice of spiritual discipline and character formation. “The counterpart [to the tree of vices] is the tree of virtues rooted in love and humility,” writes DeYoung, “and we have the perfect example of that. Our project is to become more and more Christ-like. We have a very clear picture of the way it’s supposed to be.” Led by Rev. Jerry Lee Butler.

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The narratives in our Bible provide the outline for this 36-week video/discussion course.  The Old Testament tells of migration and disobedience; plotlines trace tensions arising from anticipation and disappointment, conflict and reconciliation.  Characters, with flaws and failings, show courage and evasiveness; God displays both mercy and outrage, is present yet sometimes seems inscrutable.  Prophets are considered within the narrative framework at times showing hope for a different future.  Other writings are included; different points of view draw readers deeper into the questions.  Each New Testament gospel speaks with its own perspective; themes of suffering and service, death and life, carry the action forward.  Letters offer glimpses into the struggles and hopes of Jesus’s followers throughout the Roman empire as authors grapple with their understanding of God and Jesus.  The interplay of the Old and New Testaments engage readers in reflection.

Author/lecturer of this unique course, Dr. Craig Koester, Ph.D. Union Theological Seminary, is known for interweaving texts with their impact on art and literature and opening paths to explore differing views in meaningful ways. Led by Penne’ Duncan.

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In 1775, John Wesley introduced a covenant service as an important part of spiritual life in the Methodist Societies. This renewal service was a time for the Methodists to gather annually in a time of self-examination, reflection, and dedication, wholly giving up themselves and renewing covenant with God.

Start the new year by exploring the Wesleyan Covenant for Renewal. A 6-week study which includes a brief video moderated by Magrey R. de Vega, followed by group discussion. Our last week will include an opportunity to participate in a covenant renewal service. Led by Kristi Reed.

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Disciple Fast Track, an adaptation of the original, bestselling Disciple Bible Study, provides a viable option for busy people seeking comprehensive engagement over time with the entire biblical text. This 12-week study immerses the participant in the Old Testament. Participants read a manageable 3-5 chapters of the Bible daily in preparation for the weekly meeting. During weekly gatherings, a brief, illustrated review video enables participants to recall important facts and ideas; lively and engaging video presenters then offer insights into the current week’s session.  The participant workbook also includes suggestions for individual and study-related activities, provides space for taking notes while reading Scripture, for recording thoughts and questions arising out of daily study, and for notes during the weekly group session.  Led by Rev. Jerry Butler

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