The Spiritual Search
BIBLE COURSEPeg Bartel
First and Third Mondays, September 21 through May 17, 7:30 – 9 pm, Hollin Hall
This class will focus on the Jesus Seminar research and study on the five gospels (Mark, Matthew, Luke, John and Thomas). The approach will be both scholarly, and based on spiritual messages contained in the gospels. We will look at the historical context to understand why a particular gospel or passage was written the way it was. For example, the Gospel of Matthew was the primary text for the Jews that were followers of Jesus; therefore it focuses on the fulfillment of the Hebrew scriptures. Outside videos and materials will also be used to enhance our understanding of the time and culture in which the New Testament was written. Information from Peg Bartel, 703-799-1208.
CONTEMPLATIVE GROUP
Peg Bartel
Sundays, 10:00 am when there are two services, 9:00 a.m. when one service. Hollin Hall Sun Porch
If you are interested in deepening your spiritual life through meditation, you may be interested in MVUC’s Contemplative Group. We come together informally for celebration, silence, and friendship, sometimes beginning with a walking meditation or Qui Gong exercises. The sitting meditation begins with simple chants from different traditions and selected readings on the experience of mystics and meditation, followed by a 20-minute period of silence, broken by song. After worship, we have sharing and fellowship until the MVUC main service begins. All are welcome. Information from Peg Bartel, 703-799-1208.FACING DEATH WITH LIFE
Rev. Kate R. Walker
Sundays,1:30 to 3:30 pm, March 21 to May 23, (no classes will be held April 4 and May 9) in the Fireplace Room in Hollin Hall.
The intention of this curriculum is to help facilitate a combination of personal reflection, learning, and growth on the topic of death and dying. This is not a grief support group, nor is it an academic analysis. However there are intellectual components that will provide material that can be used to stimulate personal reflection. In addition there are some pragmatic components, including writing advanced directives. This class will:
· Help participants discover personal meaning and develop a personal theology regarding death;
· Aid participants in preparing for their own and their loved one’s death;
· Provide information about cultural and religious perspectives on death;
· Offer reflection on the stages of grief and bereavement;
· Provide information on how to prepare children for death;
· Provide information on how to prepare ourselves for the death of a child;
· Provide information on how to cope with a suicide, or a death where dignity has been lost.
This is an eight-week course and each session is two hours long. In addition there are two field trips that will be arranged during the eight weeks. We strongly encourage people to commit to attending all eight sessions as they build upon each other and culminate in a final project presented during the last week. Information from Kate Walker, minister@mvuc.org.
SITTING MEDITATIONDale Peebles
Sundays, 7:00 – 8:30 pm, Carriage House
This class practices sitting meditation and studies readings from Jack Kornfeld, Thich Nhat Hanh, Sharon Salzberg and others. Our study encourages us and provides instruction and support for those with no previous experience in Buddhist meditation. We practice for our own benefit and the benefit of others. Introductory instruction is available for newcomers and you do not need to register in advance. Information from Dale Peebles, 703-780-2243.