Adult Education

(April 27, 2008 —June 1, 2008)

African Realities
Teacher: Patrice Penney and Paul Heidebrecht
Location: Sanctuary
As a continent, Africa either does not make the news, or brings images and stories to the West of starving children, ethnic conflict, unrelenting poverty. Yet Africa is also arguably the center of Christianity, with vibrant stories of faith in action. This course will focus on perspectives on current issues in Africa--from AIDS orphans, to community development, to HIV/AIDS prevention, to the relationship between the North American church and African Christians--from a number of people who have lived and worked in African contexts.
Patrice Penney and Paul Heidebrecht, both of whom have spent much time living and working in Africa, will facilitate this class which will also feature several guest presenters.

Paradoxes of Life
Teacher: Jim Plueddemann
Location: Lower Level (north/window section)
We hunger for certainty and for straight answers, yet the world is filled with paradox. We long for either/or answers to such questions as: "Is God transcendent or imminent?" "Is the Bible human or divine?" "Are people good or evil?" "Is this world our home, or are we just a-passing through?" But embracing paradox can open up delightfully fresh ways of seeing our lives. The class will explore some of the biblical paradoxes that have a powerful impact on our lives.
Jim Plueddemann teaches at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois.

Over and Over Again: The Secret Life of Addictions
Teacher: Bev Burch
Location: Lower Level (center section)
Addictions spring out of the secret longings of our hearts and thrive and breed in secrecy, cutting us off from God, others and our own true selves. The class will explore the roots of addictions, chemical addictions and process addictions (such as addictions to gambling, sex, shopping, Internet, work, exercise, etc.), and the path toward the freedom to be who God created us to be.
Bev Burch is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor at Summit Clinical Services in Wheaton.

Prayer and Fellowship
Leaders: Harold and Jeanette Myra
Location: Library
This informal gathering enables people to share their joys and concerns in conversation and prayer. Newcomers are welcome.
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