Village University ▪ Spring Schedule 2009
Bible Study
Especially for Women
A lively group of women of varied ages who enjoy studying and discussing the Bible and issues of faith. Newcomers are warmly welcomed. During the spring semester we will study two exceptional books. Rev. Diane Quaintance will lead the class. Class meets every Friday beginning December 5 through May 22. 9:30-11:00 a.m. Rooms 132/133.
-
The Misunderstood Jew by Amy-Jill Levine
The Kansas City Star wrote “A Southern Jewish scholar offers great, even humorous, insight into Jewish-Christian relations by seeking to understand and affirm Jesus’ Jewishness.” Amy-Jill Levine will visit Village Church as the 2009 PW Visiting Scholar. December 5, 2008-February 13, 2009. -
Frances Taylor Gench’s new book, Encounters with Jesus: Studies in the Gospel of John, will be our second discussion guide for the spring term. Remarkable wisdom and clarity and a ready sense of humor make this book both a pleasure to read and extremely helpful in understanding this essential and often perplexing Gospel. February 20 through May 22.
"This is a Bible" - A Class for Christian Beginners
If you are a Young Adult (20s, 30s, 40ish) coming to church for the first time or who really wants a refresher about this book called the Bible, this course is for you. Join other young adults in the Village Cup for an informal introduction to the Bible and the story it tells us as God's people. Come with any and every question you have, because this will be a place where there are no dumb questions. Taught by Rev. Jarrett McLaughlin, Minister of Young Adults. Tuesdays, January 13 and 20. 6:30-8:00pm. Village Cup.
Disciple Short Term Bible Study – Invitation to Romans
During our eight weeks of study we will look into the book of Romans with video presentation from Bible scholars, discussions by facilitator-led questions, and weekly readings. Our discussions are enhanced by the contribution of each participant in our study. Romans is studied frequently along with Paul’s other letters, but it has a rich and influential impact on the understanding of our faith and the church on its own. One of the aims of this study is to invite us into conversation around several key themes: (1) Paul’s emphasis on communal salvation; (2) the centrality of God’s righteousness; and (3) the relationship between Jews and Gentiles and the relationship of both to God. Taught by Desiree Reinke. Sundays, January 25; February 1, 8, 15, 22; March 1, 8 and 29. 5:00-6:15pm. Room 126.
Wisdom Literature
This course will focus on the wisdom books of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament): Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes. We will examine the historical background of the ancient Hebrew sages and the distinctive teachings of these three books. We will also consider how the wisdom books influenced the authors of the New Testament and the significance of the biblical wisdom teachings for the church today. Taught by Harold Washington, Professor of Hebrew Bible, Saint Paul School of Theology. Wednesdays, February 4, 11, 18 and 25. 6:30-8:00pm. Room 232.
The Gospel of Judas
This class will combine Bible study, viewing of the National Geographic special on the newly discovered “Gospel of Judas,” additional information about the controversies surrounding the document and the TV special, and discussion. Discover what we can and cannot learn from this ancient document that can now be read after being hidden from our eyes for eighteen centuries! Taught by Gus Breytspraak, M.Div., Ph.D., Village Church Member and Professor of Social Ethics at Ottawa University Greater Kansas City. Wednesdays, February 11 and 18. 6:30-8:00pm. Room 133.
The Missing Peace: What We’ve Missed in the New Testament Practice of Peace
This four-week course will highlight the Way of Peace envisioned by the life and teachings of Jesus and the practices of the earliest Christian communities in the New Testament. We will consider themes such as kingdom of God, gospel obedience, hospitality, love of enemies, Biblical citizenship, Prince of peace, reconciliation, weapons of the Spirit and servanthood and their implications for what it means for discipleship. We will focus on the Bible as God’s Word to us today. Taught by Eric Garbison, Pastor of Grandview Park Presbyterian Church in Kansas City, KS. Wednesdays, March 11, 18, 25 and April 1. 6:30-8:00pm. Room 132.
Spring 2009 Class Listings