Adult Education Opportunities
The adult education programs of Fourth Church provide short-term and ongoing education for our members, friends of the church, and the wider community, through both in-person and Zoom options.
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CURRENT CLASS OFFERINGS
If you want to tap into the rich resources of previous classes, simply click on this link to find all the adult education classes that were recorded.
The Spirituality of Caregiving
September 8, 15, and 22
Week 1 — Annette Mileski, Director of the Center for Life and Learning
Week 2 — Nancy Benson-Nicol, Associate Pastor for Caring Ministries and Spiritual Formation, and Amy Pagliarella, Parish Associate for Caring Ministries
Week 3 — Jeannie Forrest, Fourth Church member and caregiving professional
Using the biblical roots and imperatives of caring for others as our guide, clergy and other caregiving and geriatric experts will delve into the spirituality of caregiving for both the caregiver and the recipient. We will discover the transformative power of relationships as well as the tools of faith-based support and spiritual practices to facilitate this challenging time.
History of American Presbyterianism
September 29, October 6 and 13
Led by Ken Sawyer, Professor of Church History, McCormick Theological Seminary
Four centuries of cultural and political history in America have transformed the structures and doctrines of the European Reformed and Presbyterian traditions that came to our shores. What does it mean to be a Presbyterian today, how did we get here, and what differentiates us from other Presbyterian groups and from other Protestant denominations?
The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy
October 20, 27, and November 3
Week 1 — Joe Morrow, Associate Pastor for Evangelism and Community Engagement
Week 2 — John Buchanan, Pastor Emeritus
Week 3 — Kam Buckner, State Representative
This class expands on the information provided by Robert P. Jones from his book The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy, presented at last January’s Michigan Avenue Forum. Joe Morrow will kick off this class by examining how remembrance and repentance, as key theological concepts, shape how we repair past wrongs. The following sessions will discuss the history of race relations at Fourth Church, and the relationship between race and the Illinois state budget.
Foundations of Judaism
November 10 and 17
Led by Rabbis Amanda Greene and David Chapman and Associate Pastor Nanette Sawyer
Learn the basic beliefs of Judaism and different perspectives within Judaism. In a discussion with two rabbis of differing viewpoints, we will compare this Abrahamic faith with Christianity in general and Presbyterianism in particular. Join us in discovering new ways to further collaborate with our Jewish siblings.
Theology of Place: Honoring our Land Ancestors
November 24
Led by Robert Wapahi, local indigenous artist of Dakota Santee heritage
In tandem with a “Theology of Place” Loggia art exhibition of his works, Robert Wapahi will discuss autobiographical aspects of his life in a historical context and the intersection of identity, life, and art.
There will be no classes on December 1.
Faces at the Manger
December 8
In person only
Members of the Adult Education Council will read passages from the book Faces at the Manger by J. Barrie Shepherd portraying characters present at Jesus’ birth.
A Christmas Carol by Dickens
December 15
Led by John Clum, Fourth Church member and Professor Emeritus, Duke University
John Clum will discuss A Christmas Carol and its relationship to Dickens’s view of Christianity.
A Christmas Carol Sing-Along
December 22
In person only
Led by Kat Evans, Fourth Church member and professional actress
Kat Evans will discuss the origins and history of select Christmas carols, including a sing-along of each carol.
There will be no classes on December 29.
Midweek Bible Study with Tom Are
Tuesdays September 17 and 24 and October 1 and 8
7:00 p.m. in Borwell Dining Room
In person only
Zoom option: For those unable to attend in person, two Zoom sessions will be held — one after week two and one after week four of the study — with the in-person class recorded for our discussion.
During the pandemic, Tom Are wrote a short book that he calls “a preacher’s read of Philippians.”
Philippians is the most joyful writing in the Bible even though it was written while Paul was in prison. In this Bible study Tom will teach this amazing letter of Philippians.
To make an inquiry for information or to send evaluative comments, or to suggest a future course offering, email the Adult Education office.
Recommendation Form for a class or speaker
Proposal Form to submit a class of your own for consideration
Staff/Contact Information
Jana Blazek
Adult Education Administrative Assistant
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