Coming Up!
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Calvinists and Indians in the Northeast Woodlands
Thursdays, April 18 & 25, 7:00pm on Zoom Email the church office for the Zoom link! This class will explore the impact of the Dutch Reformation upon the cross-cultural relations between Native Americans and Europeans living in the Northeast Woodlands. During the early modern period (1500-1800), Dutch Reformed theologians characterized Native Americans as "blind Gentiles" to whom the Dutch were being called, by God, to present the gospel through the preaching of the gospel and the Christian conduct of colonists, which necessitated social interaction. This calling ultimately informed the instructions given to those heading to New Netherland, raised expectations among the Dutch Reformed clergy and lay chaplains who served in the colony, and prefigured the reciprocal, intimate relationships that developed between Indians and New Netherlanders. Teacher Bio: Stephen T. Staggs is an independent historian who holds a PhD and graduate certificate in Ethnohistory from Western Michigan University. His research focuses on the impact of the interactions between Indigenous, African, and European peoples in early modern Europe, colonial North America, and the Atlantic World. His recently published book, Calvinists & Indians in the Northeastern Woodlands, is available through the Amsterdam University Press and the Sherman Street library. |
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The Gift of the Apostles' Creed
Sundays, April 28 & May 5, 12, 19, 9:20pm at church The words of the Apostles' Creed are spoken weekly by a countless number of churches around the world, in many languages and in many different Christian denominations. What is this ancient gift? Where did it come from? How does it support our unity? How does it connect us with the global church? How do we at Sherman St. today receive this gift? Teacher Bio: Rev. Dr. Shawn Bawulski is a pastor-theologian who loves doing theology that builds up the church. He earned his MDiv from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and his PhD in Systematic Theology from the University of St Andrews in Scotland. He has served as a professor and a pastor in Europe, Asia, and North America, most recently in Beijing, China before moving to Grand Rapids in 2022. |
Previous Classes
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Living into the Age of Climate Change
Sundays, 9:20am, at Sherman Street This class will explore how climate change works, what it is doing to creation, and how we can live in ways that will help moderate its impact. We will take a sober view of the challenges that lie ahead, and the hopeful beginnings of local and global responses. Teacher Bio: Dave Warners is a professor of Biology at Calvin University where he also directs the Plaster Creek Stewards initiative. His areas of focus include botany, restoration ecology, and creation care. |
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. 
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.
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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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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Caring for Creation with Plainsong Farm
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