NO Forums & Las Posadas

There are NO forums until January 8 at 9:15 when the Rev. Jeff Batkin presents "A Journey from Judaism to Episcopal Priesthood."

Try not to miss Las Posadas tonight (Thursday) at 7:00 p.m. in the Felix Building.

Merry Christmas and Happy, Healthy 2012!

Merry Christmas

Dear Friends and Family,

It has been a very memorable and event filled year with the marriage of our daughter, joining the First Congregational Church and meeting so many wonderful people in Hendersonville. Our Thanks to all the shop and restaurant owners, teachers and others who dedicate themselves and work so hard to make Hendersonville such a special place and to everyone who has made us feel so warm and welcome here. We invite all our friends in South Carolina, New Jersey and beyond to visit. We want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and look forward to sharing in a very Happy New Year!

 

With Our Love and Best Wishes

 

Pete and Tess

http://1thousandreasons2lovehendersonvillenc.com/PeaceOnEarth.html

 

 

Prayer

This Sunday, December 18 at 9:15, Rev. Barbara Rathbun will present a session on "Prayer." She’ll talk about the traditional kinds of prayer: praise, petition, intercession, lament, etc. And about prayer practices—when and how we pray—and how we might add prayer to our lives. And whatever else comes up in the conversation. As ever, come with comments, questions and be ready for a lively discussion.

Remember there are NO forums for the next two Sundays. We resume on January 8, 2012.
Pat

FCC Adult Discussion Forum: Bhuddist

This Sunday, December 11 at 9:15 a.m. the Venerable Pannadipa Bhikkhu, Co-Abbot, meditation counselor and Founder of the Embracing Simplicity Hermitage will speak. A Bhuddist monk, ordained in the Theravada and Mahayana (Chan) traditions, he is a former Taoist monk and an initiated yogi. He taught Tien Shen Pai Kung F, Qigong, Tai Chi and Fitness for more than 25 years. He conducts the Dhamma Teachers Training Program, wellness retreats and meditation instruction at the Hermitage. Ven. Pannadipa is an excellent counselor who takes a very practical approach to spirituality.

As ever, come with questions and comments.

FCC Adult Discussion Forum: Marriage Part Two: Theology

FCC Adult Discussion Forum: Marriage Part Two-Theology:

Hi all, Our own Rev. Barbara Rathbun will conclude this two part series, this Sunday, December 4, at 9:15.

Also remember the Holiday Cookie and Used Book Sale on Saturday from 10-1. Many culinary and literary treats await.l

Please spread the word about both events. Thanks

Marriage Part One- History

Hi all,

Our own Rev. Barbara Rathbun will begin this two part series, this Sunday, Nov. 20 at 9:15. There is NO forum next Sunday, Nov. 27, so she will conclude with the Theology of Marriage on Sunday, Dec. 4.

See you Sunday.

"The Kingdom of God"

Hi all,

Remember to change your clocks and FALL BACK into bed before arising to attend this Sunday's forum at 9:15 a.m. on the "Kingdom of God." Our own Roy Harris and the Rev. Posy Jackson, Assistant Rector at Holy Family Episcopal Church in Mills River will consider such questions as What do you say it is?? What does Jesus say its?? What do some recent theologians and authors say it is?? 

He and she say this will be an interactive session so please bring something to write with. Come ready to share your insights on this underlying premise of Christian theology.

Next Sunday, Representative Chuck McGrady will be our speaker on "Being a Moderate in Contentious Times." Please spread the word far & wide.

Also, if any of you are interested in Adult Forum programming for 2012, please attend the planning session on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 10:30. If you can't make it, just send possible topics and/or presenters to Ann Allen or me.

Thanks so much and remember to FALL BACK.

FCC Adult Discussion Forum: "God-Talk: Moving Beyond Magical Language about th...

Hi folks,

Must all good things come to an end or might they be continued in the future? Jill and Larry officially conclude their lively "God-Talk sessions, this Sunday, October 30 at 9:15, but there's certainly more to be discussed at a later date if possible.

See you Sunday.

Pat

"God-Talk: Moving Beyond Magical Language about the Divine."

Hi folks,

If you've never seen Richard in stilettos, go to www.fcchendersonville.org.

In Forum, for the next three Sundays at 9:15 our own Larry Anderson and Jill Bierwirth will continue their sessions on "God-Talk: Moving Beyond Magical Language about the Divine." 

Can you call yourself a Christian if you don't agree with those other Christians? Many of us struggle to find a balance between what our heads understand about God, and what our hearts long for in relationship with the divine.  But did you know that this struggle is not new?  This series will look at how theologians and pastors of the past achieved balance between head and heart in their faith, and how cutting edge scholars from new areas of study, like practical theology and relational theology, are offering us new options for talking about God when magical language doesn't work for us any more. So bring your God-talk questions and answers to ponder and to share as we gather for some group activities and discussion.

See you Sunday.

Pat

FCC Adult Discussion Forum: "God-Talk: Moving Beyond Magical Langua...

FCC Adult Discussion Forum: "God-Talk: Moving Beyond Magical Langua...: For the next three Sundays at 9:15 our own Larry Anderson and Jill Bierwirth will continue their take on"God-Talk: Moving Beyond Magical Language about ...

FCC Church "God-Talk: Moving Beyond Magical Language about the Divine." News:

For the next four Sundays at 9:15 our own Larry Anderson and Jill Bierwirth will discuss "God-Talk: Moving Beyond Magical Language about the Divine."

Many of us struggle to find a balance between what our heads understand about God, and what our hearts long for in relationship with the divine. But did you know that this struggle is not new? This series will look at how theologians and pastors of the past achieved balance between head and heart in their faith, and how cutting edge scholars from new areas of study, like practical theology and relational theology, are offering us new options for talking about God when magical language doesn't work for us any more. So bring your God-talk questions and answers to ponder and to share as we gather for some group activities and discussion.

See you Sunday.

"God-Talk: Moving Beyond Magical Language about the Divine."

For the next four Sundays at 9:15 our own Larry Anderson and Jill Bierwirth will discuss "God-Talk: Moving Beyond Magical Language about the Divine." 

Many of us struggle to find a balance between what our heads understand about God, and what our hearts long for in relationship with the divine.  But did you know that this struggle is not new?  This series will look at how theologians and pastors of the past achieved balance between head and heart in their faith, and how cutting edge scholars from new areas of study, like practical theology and relational theology, are offering us new options for talking about God when magical language doesn't work for us any more. So bring your God-talk questions and answers to ponder and to share as we gather for some group activities and discussion.

See you Sunday.

"The Controversy of Social Justice"

Hi folks,

This Sunday, October 2 at 9:15 our own Mark Fagerlin will present "The Controversy of Social Justice." This session will consider that different factions have differing definitions of social justice.  What is our definition and whose responsibility is it? Bring all your ideas and opinions on this important topic.

Pat

"When Religion Loses Its Focus"

Hi folks,

This Sunday, Sept. 25 at 9:15 the Rev. Dick Wolgamott will speak about "When Religion Loses Its Focus." This looks at how most all religions are formed, and the problem inherent within them as they evolve over time. He'll look at the relationships between politics, economics, and religion, particularly as it relates to Islam and Christianity. Then he'll list the five warning signs that indicate when a religion has lost its focus. 

Don't miss what sounds like a stimulating session.

Pat

Discuss Dr. Amy-Jill Levine's teachings

Hi all,

This Sunday at 9:15 a.m. is the time for us all to return to Forum and discuss Dr. Amy-Jill Levine's teachings. Bring notes, ideas, comments and questions for a session to be moderated by our own Larry Anderson. Should be a lively exchange!


Pat

Sunday, August 28th at 9:15 a.m. Rabbi Phil Cohen

Hi all,

Reminder, that this Sunday, August 28th at 9:15 a.m., Rabbi Phil Cohen, the new rabbi at our neighbor Agudas Israel will speak on the subject:"Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Judaism in 1 Hour!" 

See you there.

Pat

Hendersonville's Agudas Israel Synagogue, 54 Morris Kaplan Drive, has a new spiritual leader. Rabbi Phil Cohen received rabbinic ordination from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York.

Meet Rabbi Phil Cohen - Blue Ridge Now Article

Education: Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, New York, and Brandeis University, Massachusetts
Family: Married to Betsy Gamburg. They have two daughters.
For more information about the Agudas Israel Synagogue, visit
www.agudasisraelsynagogue.org.

Rabbi Phil Cohen received rabbinic ordination from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York.

See More>>>

Rabbi Batsheva Meiri from Congregation Beth Ha Tephila in Asheville  shared her insights in biblical history, her personal experiences and expectations placed on her while growing up as the Rabi's daughter. She talked with our Forum about the role of women in biblical history and read scripture sharing many insights and pointing out how and perception and interpretation may have unique gender based views. She also shared some of the challenges she faced in choosing to become a Rabi and how social values shaping women's roles impact our society today. 

The Torah: A Women's Commentary

Her in depth knowledge and engaging speaking skills endeared her to Forum participants and we look forward to having her join us again.

History of the United Church of Christ

Picasa Web Album

Dr. Jill lead the group in a lively and informative discussion about the history of the United Church of Christ. More>>>

Rabbi Batsheva Meiri from Congregation Beth Ha Tephila in Asheville will speak at Forum

Hi all,
This Sunday, August 21 at 9:15, Rabbi Batsheva Meiri from Congregation Beth Ha Tephila in Asheville will speak at Forum.   She will speak about the contrast between the ancient rabbis and the New Testament writers on how to deal with "sin".   She has also promised to share some of her many interesting experiences on the road to becoming a rabbi. Don't miss this session.
As ever, all points of view are welcome.... no correct doctrine required. A FORUM is just that...an open exchange of views. Join us. Our Ministry welcomes all ideas for topics and presenters, so don't be shy about sharing your thoughts with us. Continue to be ready, willing and eager on Sundays at 9:15 for these spirited opportunities for growth and learning. ALL ARE WELCOME, so plan to attend and spread the word about our great sessions.
Cheers,
Pat