MEC332 – Sacred Tension Reading Group

Biblical Studies, Courses, Lay Servant Ministries

This six-week course is designed for learners who want to read William P. Brown’s book Sacred Tension in community with an instructor and other learners. The course will provide a schedule for reading the book so you can read and reflect on the material throughout the week, then share your reflections with others. It may be of special interest if you have taken the “Teaching Sacred Tension to Local Congregations” course, allowing you to familiarize yourself with the whole book before leading a course in your local church.

MEC272 – Old Testament Through a Different Lens: The Prophets/Nevi’im

Biblical Studies, Courses

This course examines Scripture through lenses other than those familiar to us as Christians. It looks at the Prophets—from Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings, to the major and minor prophets of the Old Testament—and connects them to the contexts and experiences of ancient and modern Israel. It will focus on the “bad” kings, the heroes, the judges, the building of the nation into a unified monarchy and its dissolution. You will discover the many times Israel was invaded and dispersed in antiquity and see the role of prophetic voices in the exile/captivity, as well as learning more about how God works in the lives of Biblical figures. Finally, it will bring the insights of these ancient prophets into a modern context.

MEC271 – Old Testament Through A Different Lens: Torah and Beyond

Biblical Studies, Courses

Old Testament? Hebrew Bible? TANAKH? In this course, we will journey through the first six books of the Bible through a different lens by using the works of rabbis and renowned Jewish theologians and scholars, past and present. Learners will be exposed to Jewish interpretations of Torah and beyond without the requirement of familiarity with Judaism or reading Hebrew.

MEC222 – Closing Conversations: An End-of-Life Care Guide

Courses, Older Adult Ministry

Intended for clergy, chaplains, lay pastoral caregivers, or others interested in facilitating discussions in their congregations, Closing Conversations: An End-of-Life Care Guide can help you navigate these questions with compassion and confidence. Whether the central person is you, a family or church member, or someone you know, this course can help with answers to those thorny questions and smooth the process for all involved. Topics will include communication of wishes, helpful documents and resources, telling your story, challenges associated with end-of-life care, and much more.