you won't want to miss are on the agenda from January through March
The power of forgiveness
January 6 through February 2. 9:30 - 10:15 am
Room 1, Christian Ed Building
Jesus made our Divine forgiveness dependent on whether we forgive those who hurt us. As Christians fully aware of God's gracious forgiving of our sin and failure, we seem reluctant and rebellious when the Lord commands us to forgive those who have wronged us. Is it, to quote C.S. Lewis again, that "We're not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be".
Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea,
until they have something to forgive." --C.S. Lewis
Paul Santos will guide the group as they consider
* what forgiveness is and is not
* the hidden costs of unforgiveness
* the benefits of forgiveness
The showing of the award winning Journey Films, The Power of Forgiveness will follow the group's study. The film contains stories of how the Amish, families of Ground Zero victims, gang slaying victims and others have dealt with forgiveness. Interviews on forgiveness with people such as Buddhist teacher Thich Naht Hahn, Nobel Peace Laureate Elie Wiesel, Muslim, Azim Khamisa, the Rev. James Forbes, pastor NY's Riverside Church and best selling author Thomas More give perspectives on forgiveness from faith traditions of Judaism, Islam, Christianity and Buddhism.
Understanding Christianity and Islam
Study facilitated by Joy Tulloch
Begins February 9, 9:30 - 10:15 am
Room 1, Christian Ed Building
How much do you know about the similarities and differences between Christianity and Islam? Is it possible for them to coexist peaceably. Both have their roots in Judaism but for hundreds of years Christians lived in an era in which militant Islam posed a major threat to their very survival in Europe. Knowing the beliefs of both religions can give us insights into how those beliefs offset and impact their social economic political and religious lives.