"Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life"

Our back-to-school September Forum sessions start on this Sunday, September 2  at 9:15 a.m. with our own Roger Smith and Maralee McMillan. They will begin what's anticipated to be an ongoing conversation about how we all might better integrate the "Golden Rule" into our daily lives and the world around us. This initiative is inspired by theologian Karen Armstrong's recent book,"Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life," which is recommended reading to anyone interested in this topic, whether or not attending the Forum. 

The discussion should continue on September 9 with Romella and Ed O'Keefe as leaders.

Happy Labor Day Weekend & Apple Festival!

Speaking Christian: Why Christian Words Have Lost Their Meaning and Power.

This Sunday, August 26, at 9:15, our own Rev. Larry Anderson and Dr. Jill Bierwirth August 26th,  will return with a preview of Marcus Borg's latest book Speaking Christian:  Why Christian Words Have Lost Their Meaning and Power. 

Dr. Borg will be our Ashley Speaker on September 14-16.

As always, all are welcome. Please spread the word.l

"Theodicy"

The next two Sundays, August 12 and 19,our own Rev.Larry Anderson and Dr.Jill Bierwirth will tackle the problems we encounter in attempting to create a progressive theodicy.  Theodicy is the work of explaining a loving and merciful divinity in light of a suffering humanity.  We will look at the work of theologians like Bart Ehrman (God's Problem:  How the Bible  Fails to Answer Our Most Important Question--Why We Suffer), and Wendy Farley.  Her Tragic Vision and Divine Compassion: A Contemporary Theodicy considers the problem of evil in our world by focusing on suffering rather than sin, and abandoning the forensic model of God in favor of one emphasizing compassion as a dominant metaphor for the divine. 

Sessions begin at 9:15. All welcome.

"Fruits of the Spirit"

On Sunday, August 5 at 9:15, our own Rev. Barbara Rathbun, will look at the Fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5, focusing on how all these things fit into one fruit.
Will definitely be a "fruitful" Forum!

The Heretical Life

This Sunday at 9:15 a.m., back by huge popular demand, will be the terrific Dr. Mark Mullinax, professor at Mars Hill College. His  topic is The Heretical Life: What do the Christian heresies say about Orthodoxy’s refusal to believe? Should we be more heretical? Or more Orthodox? 

So spread the word and be ready for a stimulating lecture.

Parables of Jesus

Hi folks,

This Sunday, July 8 and for the following two Sundays (the 15th & 22nd) at 9:15 our friend John Snodgrass will be back by to present his new series on the Parables of Jesus. John will look at the stories Jesus told from political, social, and theological perspectives to help us learn more about life in first-century Palestine.

Please spread the word and don't miss what should be a stimulating series.

FCC Adult Discussion Forum: Follow-Up to John Shelby Spong Lectures

FCC Adult Discussion Forum: Our June Forum sessions will begin this Sunday, June 10 at 9:15 with our own Larry Anderson and Jill Bierwirth leading a follow-up discussion to the recent John Shelby Spong lectures. Be sure to bring your notes, impressions and questions for an open discussion.


Remember that if you missed any of the lectures you may order the CDs by calling the church at 828-692-8630 or emailing fccucc2@bellsouth.net.