Adult Education
Adult Education at St. Stephen’s is a welcoming forum for thoughtful spiritual exploration. Programs are in spring and fall seasons, usually meeting on Sundays at 9:00am in the Upper Meeting Room (with refreshments and fellowship beginning at 8:45). Additional offerings are sometimes scheduled on weekdays or weeknights to accommodate a wider range of interests and availability. All are welcome to attend—parishioners and the broader community alike. For information or program suggestions, please contact Dan Beaupré, An Duclos, Theresa Gleason, or Diane Nancekivell.
When available, Zoom access is provided at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87490029176 with the passcode AdultEd
3 Fridays at 3 pm
May 1, 8, and 22, in the Meeting Room
Jesus in his Own Words
with Henry R. Carse
Participants in the first session received 2 handouts, one titled "Did Jesus Really Say...?" and the other titled "Midrash Workshop." Before our next meeting, if you can, read these and respond to the questions and short prompts you find along the way. Pay special attention to the Two Voices of Midrash and the Three Forms of Midrash.
In the pages of the Gospels, do we read the “words of Jesus”? Whose words are these, and how do we make them our own? In a participatory seminar format, we will practice close reading of sacred texts, associative reflection, and creative personal rendering of scriptural meaning.
We will learn practical skills and tools; then, you can apply these to favorite sayings of Jesus, creating our own versions based on new understandings. This is not a lecture series, but an interactive adventure into meaning.
What does Jesus mean by “poor in spirit,” or “thy kingdom come,” or “love thy neighbor”? The interpretive method of midrash, (“seeking meaning”), encouraging subjective reading and faith-response, invites us to hear such phrases with new attentiveness. You may wish to read this introductory essay.
If you have questions, contact Henry at hrcarse@hotmail.com with “Jesus Words” in the subject line. Bring the bible of your choice, plus pen and paper.
What’s coming this Fall?
We welcome your ideas and thoughts about topics you’d like to see offered. Please reach out to the Adult Ed team (Diane, Dan, Theresa, An). This past year of programs was made richer by your participation.
Programs from the past
