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

Register here

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

Register here

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

Register here

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 

Register here

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 

Register here

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

Register here

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 

Register here

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

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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.

Register here

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. 

Give Us Your Input

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
Email

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