ADULT EDUCATION ACTIVITIES

       Upcoming Events               

At First Pres we are continually nurtured and challenged through study, reflection, discernment  and conversation.  Through the study of scripture,  discussion of contemporary writings and other formats we strive to provide many different kinds of opportunities for learning and growth.  From lectures to book discussion groups, support groups and dinner and bible study groups there are a variety of ways to be involved and connected.   Listed below are classes and events that begin this Fall.  For more information look at the newest version of the newsletter.

SUNDAY MORNINGS

Christian Concerns and Theological Thought - at 9:00

This series is designed to engage you in stimulating study and discussion on topics of interest. Reknowned educators from Washington University, Saint Louis University, Eden Seminary and the like lead series on current issues in theology, religion and the study and interpretation of scripture.

MAY and JUNE CLASSES

June 10th at 10:00am in the Chapel:  Scott Woodbury director of the Wildflower Garden and other projects at Shaw Nature Preserve will be here to talk about native plantings and gardens, the lay out
of the gardens surrounding the Chapel and to respond to your garden questions.

Christian Concerns Series

Sundays May 6, 13 & 20 We welcome Dr. Belden Lane, professor of theolgocial studies at SLU, to speak about spirituality. He will reflect on dimensions of a "wilderness spirituality." Topics will include the readings of Columba, Dag Hammarskjold and Thich Nhat Hanh on "mindfulness" in Moonshine Hollow.

Fireplace Room Series 10:00 a.m. in Room 030:

Plans are in the works for this series that resumes in the fall: 

Who Knew?:   William Greenleaft Eliot, instrumental in the founding of Washington University was a Unitarian Minister but did you know that he was also helped to develop the St. Louis sewer system, other educational institutions and a well known teacher? On September 23, author Candace O'Connor will speak about how the faith of one of the founding fathers of St. Louis shaped his life and service to the community.

Robert Wiltenburg, Dean of University College of Washingon Unversity, will speak about the faith of T. S. Eliot and how it impacted his poetry and his life on Sunday, September 30.

OTHER SUNDAY MORNING  OPTIONS AT 10:00 AM

Discussing Faith in Today’s World, Room 029. Drop off your children at Sunday School then join us downstairs for a casual discussion. This year we’re learning to appreciate how God is in the midst of the movements and changes of life, no matter how minor or how transformational. We’re loosely following a Bible study called Exodus: Leaving Behind, Moving On. Facilitator: Sarahlynn Lester, Sarahlynn@LesterBoal.net.

Quest for Parents, Room 007.Resumes in the Fall

WEEKDAY BOOK STUDY GROUPS

The Second Saturday book group will continue in the fall.

The Fourth Wednesday     We will meet on May 23, at 1:30 to discuss House of Stone by Pulitzer Prize winner the late  Anthony Shadid who writes about his ancestral home in Lebanon and how events in the Middle East effected the generations of his family.  

The First Tuesday book group will  continue our  discussion of chapters 3 through 5 of Karen Amstrong's book "Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life"  on Tuesday, June  5 beginning at 10am  for felllowship and start our discussion at 10:30am.

The Tuesday Morning series will resume again  in the fall opening with a discussion of the television special "God in America" over three Tuesdays.   See the newsletter for details on dates.

If you would like a copy of the books listed, please contact Karen Blanchard at 314-965-0326 or kblanchard@kirkwoodpres.org

See the Children and Youth sections for more Lifelong Learning information.