Center for Christian Studies - Term One 2007-2008



			September 16 - October 22, 2007 (Please consult individual course descriptions for times and starting dates.)
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			Theme Courses marked with this symbol (at left) are directly related to the theme for the 2007 - 2008 year Changing Times...Changing Seasons, which focuses on Daniel 2:21. Bible B117 • Old Testament Part I: Genesis Through Esther Paul Rock Sundays, 9:30 am - 10:45 am September 16 to October 14 This five-week course will cover Genesis through Esther. In the first half we will concentrate on the first five books of the Bible, the “Pentateuch,” which have to do with Creation, the birth of Israel, and Israel’s interactions with God and neighboring peoples. The second half will focus on the “history” books which detail the stories of leaders, narratives, and movements that made up Israel’s identity and history. We’ll briefly cover the content of these books and which hermeneutics we employ to understand, interpret, and apply their teachings. B122 • Leadership in the Bible: A Kerygma Course Ariane Arpels-Josiah Wednesdays, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm September 19 to October 17 The Bible is full of detailed stories about leaders, from Moses and David to Jesus and Paul. In this Bible study based on the Kerygma program, we’ll look closely at a number of these leaders. Our goal will be to identify qualities that we can carry into our own lives as leaders, whether in our profession, community, or home. Our goal will also be to guide the Pastor Nominating Committee at our church through specific prayer and a written summary of our conclusions. Topics will include: What does Jesus say about leading through servanthood? How do spiritual practices help shape our identity as leaders? And how do leaders serve as moral examples yet avoid the pressures of perfectionism? Class size: 20 Book: The Kerygma Program, God Calls Leaders: Great Themes of the Bible, Resource Book. 2000, $16. B273 • The Past Is the Key to the Present: Archaeology, the Bible, and Our Unchanging World Gordon Franz Tuesdays, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm September 18 to October 16 Someone once said, “The more things change, the more they remain the same.” Our instructor will draw on his extensive archaeological experiences and research in Israel to demonstrate that people’s attitudes and actions have not really changed. The topics to be discussed are: “Archaeology Is Not a Treasure Hunt: The Excavations at Ketef Hinnom, Jerusalem”; “Shake, Rattle, and Roll: An Extraordinary Earthquake in the Mid-8th Century B.C.”; “The Temple Mount Sifting Project; Noah’s Ark: Has It Been Found? If So, Where?”; and “Herod the Great: His Building Activities and His Bones.” Literature and Arts LA101 • Creative Writing Emily Dunlap Second and fourth Tuesdays of every month, 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm September 11, 25 and October 9, 23 This creative writing class provides students with an opportunity to explore their creative gifts through writing. Assignments are given at each session and students are encouraged to share their work in class. Emphasis is on listening to your own creative voice. Aspects of creative writing such as description, use of metaphor, style, and voice are explored. Students are encouraged to enroll in the class and continue throughout the year. The class is out of sequence with the other CCS classes and meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month throughout the year. Space permitting, students may enter after the class has begun with permission of the instructor prior to registration but they should note that material already covered will not be repeated. All new students must contact the instructor prior to registration. Class is limited to 12. One fee for the year: One material fee is charged whether entry is in September or April. LA239 • Christology in Film Bob Brennan and Jacob Bolton Tuesdays, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm September 18 to October 16 Christology is the field of study within Christian theology that is concerned with the nature of Jesus the Christ, particularly with how the divine and human are related in His person. This class will examine Christology in films, from actual portrayals of Christ to Christ-like characters as seen in films such as “Godspell,” “Charlotte’s Web,” “Babette’s Feast,” “Chocolat,” and others. LA383 • C. S. Lewis’ Till We Have Faces James Como Mondays, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm September 17 to October 15 (4 weeks) C. S. Lewis wrote only one formal autobiography, but four other works are profoundly autobiographical. The masterpiece among these - and among fictional confessions generally - is Till We Have Faces, the only real novel Lewis ever wrote. We will examine this book in light of its literary merit, its place within Lewis’s thought and body or work (particularly the other autobiographical works), and especially as spiritual confession - Lewis’ and our own. Book: C.S. Lewis, Till We Have Faces, Harcourt Publishers. 1980, $13. LA384 • Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Short Fiction Roosevelt Montás Wednesdays, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm September 19 to October 17 Nathaniel Hawthorne was constantly preoccupied with the dark side of human psychology and with his own Puritan ancestry. His stories are keen examinations of themes such as monomania, sin, isolation, death, anxiety, obsession, and reason. This course will examine a selection of Hawthorne’s short stories. His short stories are works of great literary craft and linguistic mastery. Their brevity will afford us the opportunity for careful scrutiny and discussion. Class size: 20 Book: James McIntosh (Editor), Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Tales, Norton Critical Edition, W. W. & Company, Inc., 1987, $14. Practical Theology/Christian Living PTCL287 • Biblical and Theological Perspectives on Welcoming the Stranger Jill Schaeffer Mondays, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm September 17 to October 22 This class will explore the meaning of “Welcoming the Stranger” in increasingly multi-cultural and multi-faith life settings. Selected Old and New Testament texts will focus upon the “stranger” and the “enemy,” and how these texts might inform congregational ministries of hospitality. Prior to the first meeting of class, registrants will be asked to submit 400 words on what “stranger” and “enemy” mean to them (200 words on each). On the last day of class, participants together will compose “action guidelines” for welcoming the stranger Class Size: 30 Book: Christine D. Pohl, Making Room: Recovering Hospitality as a Christian Tradition, Wm. B. Eerdmans. 1999, $18. PTCL288 • Transitions and Change: Blessing or Potential Crisis? Joy Carol Saturday, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm October 6 More and more of us are in transition because of changes and events that are out of our control - environmental changes, job loss, illness, disability, divorce, death, relocation, job demands, transitions in our churches, and a world filled with terrorism, war, and financial insecurity. Many of us have a fear of being in transition. This workshop explores: recognizing life’s inevitable changes; understanding that some doors will be slammed shut for us, but others will open; identifying our strengths that will help us during times of transition and change; learning how to expand our horizons even during difficult situations; facing life’s challenges with a sense of courage, optimism, and peace of mind; and participating in spiritual exercises and practices that bring us closer to the Divine. Handouts available in class Theology T106 • What We Believe (Intensive Course) Randolph L. C. Weber Sundays, 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm September 16 and September 23 Designed for persons interested in exploring the nature of Christian faith and/or membership in the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, the class will include a review of core Christian doctrine, key tenets of Reformed faith, an overview of worship and the sacraments, and an in-depth look at Fifth Avenue’s mission and ministry, an examination of the meaning of faith and membership and the history of the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church. The course also offers the opportunity to meet all pastors. Lunch and worship will be included. Those desiring to unite with the church will meet with Session members and be recognized by the congregation at the following Sunday worship service. T228 • The Meaning of Presbyterian Calling Thomas Gillespie Sunday, September 23 11:15 am - 12:30 pm In this one-day seminar, Dr. Gillespie will turn to the scriptures as well as church history and polity to answer the question “Why is it that Christians are called into the ministry and congregations call pastors while everyone else in the church chooses their vocation and are hired, appointed, or employed?” As FAPC begins its formal search for a new senior pastor, this course will help our congregation understand this important process from a theological perspective. Mission Accomplishments PTCL119 • A Helpful Overview: FAPC’s Many Outreach Ministries Karen Johnson Sunday, October 14 In the first session of “Mission Accomplishments” Karen Johnson, an active elder and chair of the Outreach Group, will present an overall view of the outreach program of FAPC. The session will“put a face on mission” as some of the dedicated volunteers will tell of their work why they are doing it, and how it has changed their lives. No registration required. PTCL119 • A Report From Our Youth on Their Summer of '07 Mission Trip Jacob Bolton Sunday, October 21 The Youth of Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church had a cultural immersion experience as they visited Playa del Carmen, Cancun, and the surrounding areas of Mexico. While in Mexico they observed and experienced local customs and enjoyed cultural points of interest. The youth also participated in native worship services and helped local church members build worship spaces. In this session the youth and Jacob Bolton, Director of Family Ministries at FAPC, who accompanied the group will present and share their experience. No registration required. PTCL119 • FAPC’s Katrina Mission Trip – Past and Future Deborra Mullins Sunday, October 28 FAPC members have participated in three mission trips to the Gulf Coast to assist local residents as they rebuild homes and lives devastated by Hurricane Katrina. More than two years after the hurricane, life has not returned to normal for many people, especially low income families. Many are still living in FEMA trailers and dealing with financial, psychological and medical problems resulting from the loss of homes and support systems. Debbie Mullins, a member of the Mission Trip Committee who has participated in several mission trips, including two to Pearlington, Mississippi, will lead a discussion about how these trips provide tremendous communal and spiritual growth opportunities, while providing practical hope and help to hurricane victims. No registration required. Copyright © 2007 - 2008, Center for Christian Studies, 212.247.0490