Teacher: Shon Smith These days few guarantees seem to be worth more than the paper they are printed on, but in 2 Peter 1 we find a guarantee that one can take to the bank. It is the guarantee that one can make a profound impact on this world for the glory of Jesus. This guarantee, however, hinges on a growing faith. Join us for this class to discuss qualities that every disciple must allow the Holy Spirit to form in them to make the greatest impact through them.

Teacher: Ghavinn Crutcher Texting rather than talking. Gathering likes and followers. Making friends via a gaming console. Unrelenting 24/7 news cycles. Ready or not, the rise of social media, and 24/7 Internet access has changed the way we relate to one another (and ourselves), leaving in its wake a whole new set of challenges for those who use it.

Teachers: Everett and Earlene Bryson The world system in which we all live has many different theologies and principles when it comes to serving seniors, the sick and shut-in, the poor, the needy and others. Some think that there is no value in taking care of these individuals. However, Jesus Christ teaches the value in serving and meeting the needs of indigent people. In this session “Senior Ministry: Taking Care of Jesus, we will examine the principles of serving those in needs and the ultimate benefits of this type of service through the message of Jesus in Matthew 25:31-40. This session is part of the Sunset Haven Senior Ministry Series.

Teacher: Candace Nicolds Do you sometimes struggle coming up with texts for your next sermon series? Perhaps you find yourself defaulting to some of your favorite texts, or those that seem “easy” to preach. In this class, we will discuss some of the positives (and negatives) that come with following a lectionary, look at some of the different lectionaries available, and explore some of the resources that are available for preachers and/or worship-planners who use a lectionary.

Teacher: Ben Fike We knew there would be disagreement in church, but nobody warned us about the alternate realities! And yet, doesn’t it sometimes feel as if we’re living in a completely different world from those around us? Many of the conflicts we deal with these days seem to have much less to do with what we see than how we see it. Modern psychology gives us a helpful label for identifying how otherwise similar people might arrive at wildly different interpretations of what they see: cognitive biases. This class will explore several common biases and how awareness of bias in ourselves and others can help us communicate more effectively and others, even and especially those with whom we disagree.

Teacher: Allen Wai Jang Health is viewed as a gift from God and a way of relational living in community. Health promotion and religious beliefs are integrated into the normal cycles of life to celebrate life, enhance coping, wholeness, and improve community well-being. I will use Tai Chi and Qigong exercises as a model to illustrate intentional contextual practices that can foster a congregation’s sense of mutual dependence and foster persons’ ability to both give and receive care.

Teacher: Dave Altizer A very personal reflection from a man with two sons; one an alcoholic and one an aspiring chemist/neuroscientist. For parents and churches dealing with two sons, and with Luke 15 as a backdrop, this session aims to offer hope, partnership, and encouragement from a man who is still on the journey with his two sons.

Teacher: Cheryl Russell A message from Ephesians 2 about the possibility of cultivating a new Kingdom imagination that reflects the fullness of God.

Teachers: Chris Goldman, Piper Ditzler Deconstruction of faith is a critical discussion in our time impacting everyone. Reconstruction of relationships seems out of reach to so many. Division and disbelief is running rampant. Avoiding the conversation is simply not an option. On Wednesday and Thursday evenings, the Northwest Church Worship Band and Chris Goldman will explore these two topics through scripture, story, music, live art, and suggestions for a more hopeful tomorrow. (Wednesday - Deconstruction; Thursday - Reconstruction).

Teachers: Greg Anderson, Grady King, Doug Peters HOPE Network leaders discuss leadership structure in Churches of Christ: assumptions, frustrations, and a biblical model of gift-based shared leadership. Polity angst is one of the top reasons for a minister’s transition resulting in congregations yearning for solidarity, health, and growth.