Welcome. Our Learning section will highlight information related to ongoing or upcoming church events. The Learning space is a great way for everyone to share in the…learning process. We will showcase advance/suggested readings, topic synopses — such as biographies, historical publications and videos.
What is an “Epistle?”
An epistle is a letter. In the New Testament, there are 27 books. Of those, 13 are letters, or epistles, authored by Paul and 9 are letters attributed to different authors. They were written to various Christian communities throughout the Roman empire.
Some tips on how to read epistles:
Sometimes it is a challenge to understand how events in the Bible relate to us today. This video offers you some valuable advice on how to read the epistles:
An Overview of James:
Who is James? Was he a disciple? Take a look at this overview from the Bible Project:
The Book of James:
Let’s dig a little deeper into the book of James with this guide from the Bible Project:
James and Justice:
James writes about Justice, and how it affects all of us. What does Jesus teach us about justice?
Being Tested?
Every day we are tested by the circumstances in our lives and the world. What should we do or say? How do we know the right thing to do? What does the Bible tell us about this?
To learn more, join us on Wednesday mornings — 11:00 a.m. in the Zion Library for “Bible Break.” We explore the relationship of the four scriptures we will hear on the coming Sunday. During September, we will be hearing readings from James each week. Bring your favorite morning beverage, a Bible (we have plenty in the Library if you don’t have one), and your questions. Let’s learn together.
As our faith informs our day-to-day lives, Lutherans recognize that “faith is active in love [and] love calls for justice in relationships and structures of society” (ELCA, Social Statement on Church in Society, 1991).
We also know the church is called to be a com- munity that prays, deliberates and acts together when it comes to complex social issues. During this election year, how might our Lutheran faith shape our thinking, acting and voting on major issues? Join us to learn and ponder timely social teachings of the ELCA and to learn tips for leading discussions in our own community.
This is a description from United Lutheran Seminary (ULS) continuing education program — called Kindling Faith.
For anyone who is interested to participate, Pastor Pam has enrolled our congregation in a series of classes and conversations between now and the November 2024 election.
All the sessions are accessible via Zoom. The first session, “Introduction to Social Teachings,” facilitated by Dr. Roger Willer, Director of Theological Ethics for the ELCA, was held in June. Even though the first livestream event was missed, all webinars (including the first session) are being recorded and are available for future review.
All classes will be held from 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. on the designated date.
Watch your e-mail for links and other information you may need.
Replay recorded livestream, such as the first and Second sessions:
To learn more, contact Pastor Pam:
All classes will be held from 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. on the designated date.
Watch your e-mail for links and other information you may need.
Pastor Reierson was kind enough to recommend some advance reading for participants.
Download The Session Instructions:
October 8
facilitated by Dr. Mary Streufert, Director, Gender Justice and
Women’s Empowerment, and Heather Dean, Program Coordinator, Theological Discernment, ELCA
October 22
facilitated by Dr. Richard Perry, emeritus faculty, Lutheran School of Theology at ChicagoHeather Dean, Program Coordinator, Theological Discernment, ELCA
Previous Sessions
September 24
facilitated by Rev. Kaari Reierson, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility for the ELCA
June 25
facilitated by Dr. Roger Willer, Director of Theological Ethics for the ELCA
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