Healing Racism October 23, 2008
Posted by Pastor Karen in : Events , add a commentKaren Beard
Partners for a Racism-Free Community is a movement of citizens and organizations who desire to move Greater Grand Rapids from “that’s the way it is” to “racism-free” through personal commitments, institutional efforts, social advocacy and persisten intolerance of racist attitudes, words and behaviors. Come learn a bit about the history of the movement, how to be a catalyst for change and the commitment to excellence in racial equality. Together as a coalition, we can encourage each other to expect equality, because no one can truly experience equality until everyone does.
On Diversity and the Church October 23, 2008
Posted by Pastor Karen in : Events, static website , add a commentRev. Dr. Michelle Loyd-Paige, Dean for Multicultural Affairs, Calvin College
What is a “genuinely multicultural Christian community”? It is to affirm the significance of the human cultures which have developed over the centuries; it is to affirm a biblical vision of the Kingdom of God, in which people from “every tribe and language and people and nation” are gathered, purchased by Christ’s sacrifice (Rev. 5:9). It is also to acknowledge the extent to which racism and other sins have contributed and continue to contribute to failures within our own academic communities and in our churches. Join us for a lively discussion with a gifted preacher and teacher.
Focus on Advent October 23, 2008
Posted by Pastor Karen in : Events , add a commentElder Dawn Tillema
Advent is the season of waiting, expecting and hoping. In our busy, day to day lives it can be difficult to put aside all of the things that distract us and focus on the “reason for the season”. This class will give us time and space to prepare for the celebration of the birth of Christ.
Prayer Beads for Protestants October 23, 2008
Posted by Pastor Karen in : Events , add a commentJodi MacLean
In this class we will explore yet another ancient prayer practice, one that is lately being taken up by Protestants. We’ll learn the symbolism of prayer beads and how to use them in your own prayer discipline. Worried about the Reformers warnings on meaningless trinkets and “vain repetition”? Have no fear! Amid the distractions of modern life, beads can help us seek God in a deliberate and meditative way, inviting the kind of focused, intentional praying that God honors. Nan Lewis Doerr’s prayer guide Praying with Beads: Daily Prayers for the Christian Year will be available for $9.50.
Religious Militance, Violence and Globalization October 23, 2008
Posted by Pastor Karen in : Events , add a commentDr. Will Katerberg, Professor of History, Calvin College
Do you ever wonder about the role religion plays in today’s global community? What about the historical connection between religion and violence? In this class, we will examine the global implications of religious violence, particulary as it is experienced by the Jews, Muslims and Christians and what such violence means for people of faith in today’s world.
Prayer Practices: Lectio Divina October 23, 2008
Posted by Pastor Karen in : Events , add a commentSister Diana, OP Dominican Center at Marywood
Lectio Divina is Latin for divine reading, spiritual reading or holy reading. It is a traditional Christian practice of prayer and scriptural reading intended to allow the Triune God to speak to us through the inspired Word. It also allows the participant to repsond prayerfully to the Word that is received. Come join us as we learn about and practice this wonderfully centering tradition. The class will provide a unique opportunity to discuss our experiences and feelings with this prayer discipline as we grow deeper in Christ together.
The Promise of Baptism October 23, 2008
Posted by Pastor Karen in : Events, static website , add a commentDr. James Brownson, Professor of New Testament, Western Theological Seminary
What is the scriptural basis, and what are the theological underpinnings of and practical implications of Baptism? Why does the Reformed Church in America practice this sacrament in the manner that it does? What is the basis for infant Baptism? Join this class to explore the key scriptures, concepts and questions concerning Baptism in a Reformed context.
Using Writing to Think about God October 23, 2008
Posted by Pastor Karen in : Events , add a commentIn this two week writing workshop we will extend what we learned from C.S. Lewis about envisioning God. How do you envision God? Where does your imagination go when you hear the word, “God” and how does that interpretation affect your view of God’s work in the world? Bring a pencil and paper or a laptop to class. Expect to write every day for two weeks and to share your “visions” with other writers in the class.
In the Beginning September 5, 2008
Posted by Pastor Karen in : Events , add a commentRev. Karen Fitz LaBarge
9/14-11/9, Bible Study on Genesis. In the Beginning examines familiar stories from the book of Genesis from a fresh point of view. Genesis is filled with accounts of relationships, and so is this Bible study—relationships between people, between wives and husbands, between parents and children. Just as each character in the book Genesis brings a unique perspective to the story, it’s understood that each person using this study brings an outlook, a context, and a history that is uniquely their own. In the Beginning celebrates this diversity and the gifts that come form varied and distinct points of view.
Ensamble Montage September 5, 2008
Posted by Pastor Karen in : Events, static website , add a commentApril 19, 2009 at 7:30 pm – Ensemble Montage. This collective of eleven professional musicians based in Grand Rapids is dedicated to presenting kaleidoscopic combinations of chamber music which mixes strings with woodwinds and piano…expanding as the program’s repertoire demands.
Vaparaiso University Chorale September 5, 2008
Posted by Pastor Karen in : Events , add a commentFebruary 22, 2009 at 4:00 pm – Valparaiso University Chorale under the direction of Dr. Christopher Cock. This premier choral ensemble at VU is among the top Lutheran collegiate choirs in the United States and noted for performing works representing the Lutheran heritage as well as significant contemporary works in original languages and music expressing multi-cultural perspectives.
Craig Cramer September 5, 2008
Posted by Pastor Karen in : Events, static website , add a commentDecember 31, 2008 at 9:30 pm – Craig Cramer. Dr. Cramer is Professor of Organ and Artist in Residence at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. He is also organist at St. David of Wales Episcopal Church in Elkhart, Indiana. Craig Cramer has performed in forty-four of the United States as well as in Canada and his performances are frequently heard on the nationally-syndicated radio program “Pipedreams”.
Christoph Keller September 3, 2008
Posted by Pastor Karen in : Events , add a commentNovember 2, 2008 at 7:30 pm – Christoph Keller. Mr. Keller is a concert organist from Ludweiler, Germany who joins us as part of his U.S. concert tour for 2008. He has served as organist at an historic Stumm Organ at the Huguenot Church in Ludweiler, Wamdt, has worked as a freelance artist and regular substitute organist at the Papal Basilica of St. Johann in Saarbrücken, as well as supervising the carillon of the City Hall.
Besides working as a freelance artist and regular substitute organist at the Papal Basilica of St. Johann in Saarbrucken, Mr. Keller continues to search for discoveries of unknown organ works of the general organ repertoire. He will be performing the works of Bach, Rheinberger, Schumann, Sowerby, and Jongen.
Blood Pressure Screening May 2, 2008
Posted by Pastor Karen in : Events , add a commentBLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING IS AVAILABLE THE FIRST SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH. Two nurses from our congregation, will be available before the worship service (9:00-9:20 AM), and following the worship service (10:30-11:00 AM) to check your blood pressure. They can be found in the church office.