Caring for Creation with Plainsong Farm
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Native Garden Walking Tour
3-4:30pm, Calvin University Join Dave Warners as he leads a tour of native gardens at the Calvin University campus. The tour is for middle schoolers through adults. A nature activity for children will be held at the same time, led by Jacob Bos and Isaac Bueno. Teacher Bio: Dave Warners is the Director of Plaster Creek Stewards and a Professor of Biology at Calvin University.
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How Old Testament Stories Work
Tuesdays, 7-8:30pm, at Sherman Street Learning the literary techniques of ancient Hebrew storytelling breathes new life into these familiar narratives. This four-session class will explore a range of Old Testament stories in terms of plot, character, and narrator. We will pay close attention to the words on the page and listen receptively to the Bible's voice. Teacher Bio: Rob has PhDs in both Applied Physics and Old Testament, and has enjoyed learning the art of paying close attention as he has done research and taught in both fields. He has been attending Sherman St. CRC since 2012.
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Constructive Conversations: Preparing for Thanksgiving Dinner
Sundays, 9:20am, at Sherman Street
LGBTQ+, politics, Roe v. Wade…. Got skills for constructive conversations in polarized times? Wondering how to engage the neighbor with THAT yard sign? Dreading Uncle George’s rant at Thanksgiving? Curious about how to shape helpful conversations about hot topics when there are radically different perspectives in the room? Maybe just between you and your teenager or parent? OR maybe you’ve just been avoiding them all? Join us for one or the entire series of Constructive Conversations learning sessions this fall.
Teacher Bio: Dr. Pruim is Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion at Calvin College. Penny’s recent publications include Christians and Cultural Difference and Understanding Us & Them: Interpersonal Cultural Intelligence for Community Building.
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Contemporary Art & Contemplative Prayer: The Gift of Not Knowing
Sundays, 9:20am, at Sherman Street Contemporary art–whether painting or poetry, film or sculpture–can be challenging, even alienating. We don't always know what such art "means." But what if that's the point? What if not understanding is the gift that opens us to mystery? And what if that has spiritual implications? This two-part class will explore the way that contemporary art is a conduit to contemplative spirituality. Teacher Bio: James K.A. Smith is professor of philosophy at Calvin University and editor-in-chief of IMAGE, a literary journal devoted to art, faith, and mystery (attendees will receive a free copy!). This class is a peek at his next book.
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Power Moves and Anti-Oppression
Tuesdays, January 9 & 16, 6:30-8:00pm What are levels of oppression and how do they affect us? What are power moves? How do they reinforce oppression? What can I do about it? What are frameworks for anti-oppression? How can I work to disrupt inequity? Teacher Bio: Deanna Rolffs (she/they), Owner & Principal Consultant at L3 Catalyst Group, is a coach, Process Consultant, strategist, facilitator, and change agent, working with leaders and teams when they are stuck as they seek equitable organizational change. They are always up for dreaming and acting to make systemic outcomes more equitable. F |