Winter Adult Learning
Community through the Essentials
In Martin Luther’s day, life felt chaotic and disconnected to him, too. In the midst of trying to call the Church back to itself, Luther asked the question, “How will or how can a poor confused person tell where such Christian holy people can be found in the world?” Basically, how can we find the church in the world? Luther came up with seven marks of the church and the Christian life. These are the essentials. When you find them you will find the church and the people who follow Jesus, too. We will be highlighting these essentials and how we are formed as a community by these guiding touchstones this year together. (Read more about this year’s theme at the bottom of the page).
Wednesday Night Bible Study – 6 p.m.
“The Wonder of Mary’s Expectation”
Begins December 4
This year’s congregational theme, “Community through Essentials,” will guide the Wednesday night Bible studies. Continuing our study of essential scripture, we pivot to the New Testament in December to explore Advent texts. For three weeks, we will dwell deeply in Luke’s accounts of the Annunciation, the Visitation, and the Magnificat. Pastor Melissa and Pastor Stephanie will guide us through these beautiful stories of Elizabeth and Mary in their time of waiting before John and Jesus are born.
Advent Devotional
During the Advent season this year, we are focused on songs: God’s Song, Mary’s Song, Our Song. To fit in with our theme, we’ve developed an Advent Devotional that features the songs and reflections put forth by the congregation. Hard copies of these devotionals are available at the Welcome Desk. You may also download a pdf version here or follow along with the daily EDevotions that will appear in your email inbox. Thank you to everyone who contributed songs and reflections.
Sunday Adult Forums – 9:30 a.m.
Sunday, December 8, 9:30 a.m.
Lower Narthex
“Mary’s Song”
This Advent season we celebrate that Mary said “Yes” to God’s invitation to bear the Son of God. Mary said, “Yes,” and then she sang her song, the Magnificat. Join Pastor Peter for this Advent adult forum as we reflect on Mary’s “Yes,” her song, and the possibilities of hope.
Sunday, December 15, 9:30 a.m.
Lower Narthex
“God’s Song”
This Advent season we celebrate that Mary said “Yes” to God’s invitation to bear the Son of God. Mary said “Yes” and then she sang her song, the Magnificat. Mary’s song is deeply connected to God’s song. From the creation, through the prophets, and to the birth of Jesus, God sings a song of hope and restoration. Join Pastor Peter for this Advent adult forum as we reflect on God’s song and the songs God invites us to sing.
Annual Advent Fair
Sunday, December 1, 9:30 a.m.
Great Room
You’re invited to celebrate the beginning of Advent on Sunday, December 1 at the Annual Advent Fair! Join friends and families at Central for intergenerational learning as we experience the magic of this season of hope and expectation! This year’s focus is on angels. We’ll decorate angel cut-out cookies, make an angel to take home, and invite you to have your photo taken with angel wings in the background. We’re excited to celebrate the beginning of this great season!
Theme: Community through the Essentials
In many parts of our lives we find ourselves in groups of people. Very infrequently are those random groups. Even when we find ourselves all at the grocery store, there is something we all share in common. We are all at the store at the same time because we need to eat, or we might live close to this store, or we all get benefits that make gas cheaper because we shop here. The values and experiences and desired outcomes create community. We might not have a lot else in common with the people around us at any one time, but the smallest commonalities are what we cling to when the world feels random or chaotic.
In Martin Luther’s day, life felt chaotic and disconnected to him, too. In the midst of trying to call the Church back to itself, Luther asked the question, “How will or how can a poor confused person tell where such Christian holy people can be found in the world?” Basically, how can we find the church in the world? Luther came up with seven marks of the church and the Christian life. These are the essentials. When you find them you will find the church and the people who follow Jesus, too.
We will be highlighting these essentials and how we are formed as a community by these guiding touchstones this year together. So, what are the essential marks of the church that mold us as a community?
Luther gives us little glimpses into these essentials. Where we find the Word of God “preached, believed, professed and lived,” there is our community. Baptism unites us through the water of rebirth. Communion is how we are fed and, after practicing how to feed one another, we are sent out in the world to do the same. We can do this because we are forgiven at the table and forgiven people can forgive others. We all speak about God’s activity in our daily lives, we feed one another, and we care for one another’s soul.
This is ministry for each and every one of God’s beloved. We are made to experience the wonder of God and to give our praise and to ask for what we need. This is worship and prayer of all kinds. Finally, we are called to be people who are found in the midst of suffering. Sometimes we are the ones who suffer and sometimes we are called to stand in solidarity with those who suffer. This is who Central is and in this community we claim what is essential to us.