Congregational Church of Amherst | New Hampshire | 603.673.3231 | Adult Education

Wednesday Morning Study Group in the parlor

The Adult Education Committee offers regular and one-of-a-kind programs to church members and friends. Participants come for a variety of reasons: fellowship, learning, community, laughter, insight, and the desire to grow and be transformed. All are welcome.

Programs

Wednesday Morning Study Group
This group usually meets first and third Wednesday of the month, 10:00-11:30 a.m. in the parlor. In January the group will begin the study of the Islamic faith. For more information on this group please contact Pastor Maureen.

The Second Hour
An ad hoc program offered during the hour following the Sunday church service. Topics vary and may be run in a series or as a single discussion. Church committees may also choose to present programs related to their work or interests during this hour.

Advent Offering
A December series of topics appropriate to the season across one or more evenings. Led by one of the pastors.

Back Porch Series
Two or three informal evening gatherings in the summer, with discussions led by one of the pastors, at members’ homes. The focus is on spiritual and theological questions or issues of the day from a faith perspective.

Fireside Conversations
A winter variation of the Back Porch series. The group meets in member’s homes in November, January and February and is led by one of the pastors.

The Church Library
A diverse and growing collection of religious and spiritual literature, in the vestry. A variety of books in the following categories is available:
Bible
Bible commentary
Bible history
Biography
Devotions/prayer
Fiction
Grief, Loss and Caregiving
Men’s books
Open and Affirming
Other faiths
Spirituality
Theology
Women’s books

Events:

Wednesday Morning Study Group

April 3rd, 17th 10:00-11:30 in the parlor.

Understanding the Dual Narratives of Israel and Palestine Friday, May 4, 2012

Jerusalem

Regina in Jerusalem

Images and Stories from a Border Crossing Trip taken by Regina Kinney. Regina Kinney will share pictures, impressions and experiences of her fascinating journey to Israel and Palestine this past January on Friday evening, May 4^th in the community room.

As a student of Andover Newton Theological Seminary, Regina went on a Border Crossing Journey to the Holy Land with a group of seminarians and faculty. In addition to seeing many of the Christian, Jewish and Muslim holy sites in Israel and the West Bank, the group met with Israelis and Palestinians to learn about their lives in the midst of conflict and their view on the situation.

The Adult Ed Committee invites you to share a ‘Meal from the Middle East’ at 6:30p.m. on Friday, May 4th in the community room.

Regina’s presentation begins at 7:30 p.m., will last about 40 minutes, followed a Q&A session.

Please RSVP by Monday, April 30^th, if you will be joining us for the meal at 6:30 p.m. to Carolin Sanchez, or 391-5977. A small contribution to cover the cost of the meal will be welcome, proceeds will benefit the church.
News & Information:

Library Update

The reorganization of the church library is now complete. We have approximately 400 titles in the collection, as well as various DVDs. To make it more user-friendly, we've switched from Dewey decimal system to shelving books by category. Besides Bibles and Bible dictionaries, categories include Theology, Spirituality, History/Geography, Other Faiths, Psychology, Men's, Women's, Prayers/Devotions, ONA, Biography/Memoir, Caregiving, Grief and Loss, Fiction, Poetry and a separate section for children's books. Books may be checked out on the honor system: just remove the card from the pocket (or write a new card with info), add your name, and place in the basket on top of the cabinet.

A special thank you to Carol Mento, who generously donated 3 cartons of books while packing up her office—these really made a great addition to our collection. Anyone else who wishes to donate materials may leave items on the counter in the library.