We will meet at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evenings at the Saunders’ home, 636 Latham Ct. (just north of Riverside Methodist Hospital).  Each week we will study one or two of the shortest books (1 to 4 pages) in the Bible.  What do they say?  Why are they canon?  Are they relevant for us today?  Join us for a relaxed evening of fellowship and the Word.    

May 19 -- Jonah
May 26 -- Haggai
June 2  --  Malachi
June 9 -- Titus
June 16 -- NO CLASS
June 23 -- 1 Peter
June 30 -- 2 Peter

Fed and Forgiven: the Lutheran understanding of Holy Communion

SUNDAYS AT 9:45 (Sunday School hour) in the Fellowship Hall.

This new curriculum was used for both First Communion instruction with the 2nd through 4th graders and also with the Catechism Class.  The lessons for adult classes looks just as good.

• What do we experience in this special meal?
• What does God give us in this meal?
• What is your favorite party food?
• Strengthened to do what?

THE FOOTSTEPS OF ST. PAUL

Class begins Sunday, January 10

• Saul the Jew – What is your identity?
• The calling and conversion – What does it mean to be called by Christ?
• First Journey – How far have I gone to share Christ?
• Second Journey – Has the world always been this bad?
• Third Journey – Sometimes we have to be reminded
• Farewell to Jerusalem – May the will of the Lord be done
• The Fearful Journey – ditto

This class will serve as both an excellent review of our Lutheran heritage but also as an orientation for those who wish to become members of Advent Lutheran Church.  Luther wrote, “One thing, and only one thing, is necessary for Christian Life, righteousness and freedom.  That one thing is the most Holy Word of God, the gospel of Christ.”  Share Luther’s struggles with the concepts of faith, sin, and salvation. Just how does our church both share in the Gospel, yet differ from other denominations?  Learn the difference between Gospel and the gospels.  Why are sacraments, sacraments?  Bring your questions, your heart and your mind to class.  Christ will strengthen your faith.

Peace
Quiet streams, Calmness, Tranquility, Absence of war?
Stress management, Muscle relaxation, Retirement planning?

Biblical peace is shalom. It is the way God would have us/world live. It is a Hebrew word used over 250 times in the Old Testament. It was a way to say hello and good-bye. It meant prosperity, health, security and well being. Perhaps the best definition would be, “wholeness” or “completeness.”

There are no OT texts where shalom is specifically inner tranquility or a spiritual attitude. Shalom manifests itself in an external form of well being; it is an emphatically social concept/condition.

Not that God isn’t interested in inner tranquility, but biblically speaking, peace comes through the cost and risk of deep caring. Compassionate peace inevitability results in working for justice and reconciliation rather than mere stress reduction. It is the epitome of the cross and crucified love.