On November 28 we will begin our observance of the first season of the
church calendar, Advent. Advent is observed as a season of preparation
and expectation. As we move through Advent, St. Thomas Adult Education
will offer several sessions after the 9:30 service designed to enhance our
preparation experience.
November 28/December 5: Story
The Christian church, since early in its history, has harmonized the story of
Jesus’ birth as found in the four canonical Gospels. In so doing much of the
nuance of the story in each of the Gospels is lost. In these sessions, we will
reflect on the similarities and and differences among these accounts. We
will also examine some of the stories as told in the non-canonical Gospels.
December 12: Ritual
Religion scholar, Catherine Bell, has described rituals as “a set actions
designed to be special-to highlight, differentiate and privilege what is being
done. In this session we will examine religious rituals and how they affect
each of us and our community as we pass through various stages of our
lives.
December 19: Role of Women
On Mary’s Sunday, it is appropriate to examine the role of women in the
church. Mary and other strong and influential women played a prominent
role in the early church. Over the centuries this role has been diminished by
the patriarchal nature of the institutional church. In the modern church there
have been efforts to increase the role of women. This session will examine
where we are and where we are going.
