by Carol Swanson, Adult Education Committee Chair
Last summer while Pastor Peter was on sabbatical, Pastor Walter Still led us on a 7-week journey through the book of Revelation. Because this last book of the New Testament is so little known to most of us, often misunderstood and misused, we wanted to offer opportunities to study and appreciate it. The worship services centered around the texts and gave us an appreciation of well-known hymns and liturgy inspired by this strange book.
Two book discussion groups met, using Luther Seminary professor Craig Koester’s book, Revelation & the End of All Things along with his video series, stimulating a lot of discussion. The daily devotions added new thoughtful connections. Pastor Melanie Hill’s sermon used the St John’s Bible illuminations to magnify the hope and beauty in the text. And that led to two more follow-up forums to view and learn more about the St John’s Bible with visitors from Incarnation Lutheran, plus a field trip to St John’s University.
The purpose of adult education—forums and book studies—is to help us grow in our faith, to educate, to inform—whether it centers on bible study, affordable housing and tiny homes, or our many partners in ministry both local and global. How are we to live out our faith as a congregation, as the body of Christ, as God’s hands? We welcome suggestions.