Immanuel has several exciting adult eduction opportunities scheduled in November, including two adult forum speakers and a new book study as well as the regular Focus discussion group.
Vance Thomas, director of library services at Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Shawnee, and husband of Immanuel pastor Jennifer Thomas, will lead a two-part adult forum study on Oct. 31 and Nov. 7.
His topic is “The Bible: Exegesis.”
On Nov. 14 and 21, Jim Brandt, associate professor of historical theology and director of contextual education at St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, will discuss “Atonement: How Christ Saves.”
Adult forum begins at 9:15 a.m. each Sunday in Luther Hall.
The Focus discussion group covers wide-ranging topics at 9:15 a.m. each Sunday in the office conference room.
Melodee Blobaum will lead a seven-week book study of Seven Sacred Pauses: Living Mindfully through the Hours of the Day by Macrina Wiederkehr at 9:15 a.m. on Sundays starting Nov. 7 and continuing through Dec. 19 in the prayer room across the hall from the office.
The book is the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of preparations for the holiday season. It examines the Divine Office -- the seven daily prayer hours observed around the world -- with an eye to how those prayers can be adapted into a busy life. Wiederkehr, who is a Benedictine nun, identifies themes for each hour of prayer and suggests how one might use that theme in prayer. And she suggests that though we may not be able to fold seven prayer pauses into our lives each day, if we do find ourselves for a minute for prayer, we might want to look at the theme for that hour and construct our prayers accordingly.
Each chapter introduces the themes in 10 pages or so, and then offers resources for praying during that hour.
Seven Sacred Pauses is available in paperback through Amazon for $10.85. If you’re interested in ordering the book, please contact the church office at 816-931-8483.
