Courses
Morning Courses
Morning courses are offered 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at Epworth UMC, located at the corner of University Drive and Hope Valley Road in Southwest Durham.
Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24, 2008
The Chronicler's History and Psalms
Mickey Efird
In the postexilic period, another "history" was written to give an account of how this later community had come to that point in their pilgrimage and to help them cope with becoming a "theocratic" society. During that time, the Temple came to be THE focal point of the Jewish community and the book of Psalms was used in daily worship. Some have called Psalms a "spiritual gymnasium for the soul!!" That book is a treasure store of religious and human feelings and is wonderful to study..
Oct. 8, 15, 22, 2008
Mary: Blessed among all women?
Edgardo Cólon-Emeric
As the mother of Jesus, Mary is a central character in the story of the birth of Christ, but her role in the life of the Church is disputed among Christians. Beginning with the Bible, this class will travel through the main corridors of Church history all the way to the foot of a hill in Tepeyac, Mexico, where the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe hangs. Join Dr. Colón-Emeric for a historical and theological exploration of Christian attitudes toward Mary, the God-bearer.
Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28, 2009
The Apocrypha
Mickey Efird
The term Apocrypha specifically denotes those books which are found in the Greek translations of the Hebrew Scriptures but which were not included in the final canon of the Hebrew Bible. These books tell us something about the history and religious development of the Jewish community in Palestine in that era called "the intertestamental period." There are different types of literature represented there and we shall examine the most significant of these writings. There is also a New Testament Apocrypha, which is comprised of numerous writings which were known to and which circulated among the Christians of the 2nd and 3rd centuries. We shall try to highlight some of these in this course as well.
April 15, 22, 29 and May 6, 2009
Romans
Mickey Efird
In the history of the Christian church whenever there was any sort of reformation or spiritual awakening, it appears that Paul's letter to the Romans is at the heart of the movement. While Paul did not know the church at Rome, he wrote this letter to make contact with them, to relay to them some of his religious and theological ideas, and to request some assistance from them since he wanted to expand his missionary work to Spain, which was considered the end of the world to the west in those days. This letter is the best created of all of Paul's letters and offers some challenging ideas for Christian living both then and now.
Evening Courses - **New Location**
Evening courses are held 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Amity UMC, on 825 N. Estes Dr. in Chapel Hill (at the corner of MLK and Estes Dr.)
Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29, 2009
The Deuteronomic History
Mickey Efird
The books of Deuteronomy, Judges, Samuel and Kings comprise what is known as the Deuteronomic History, a collection of materials that describe the Exodus and how the people of Israel entered the land of Canaan and ultimately became an independent political state. In this study, discover the heroes of Israel's past and learn some new and fascinating aspects of these often-familiar stories.
Feb. 5, 12, 19, 2009
Resurrecting the Word: “Reclaiming a Lived Language of Evangelism”
Laceye Warner
This course will address difficulties often faced regarding the language and practice of evangelism that have emerged throughout Christian tradition. In the first and second sessions, we will survey many of these difficulties while engaging biblical foundations, focusing specifically upon gospel texts. We will retrieve language and imagery for faithful and effective practices of evangelism in contemporary church contexts.
Across the State
A variety of Lay Academy classes is offered in several locations throughout the state. During 2008-2009, Mickey Efird will lead classes in High Point and Greensboro. To confirm class dates and enroll in these classes, please call the number indicated.
Greensboro
Evening classes meet 6:45 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
Fall: October 7, 14, 21,28th & November 4, 2008; February 24, March 3,10,17,24, 2009
Christ United Methodist Church, (336) 299-1571
High Point
Evening classes meet 7:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
Fall: September 8,15,22,29, 2008; Spring: April 20, 27, May 4, 11, 2009
Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, (336) 884-2204