Wednesday, March 24, 2010, the Living the Questions Sunday School Class and their children provided and served a meal for the less fortunate of our community at Mt. Calvary United Methodist’s Power Meal.  Over forty people were served.

Many thanks to all of the participants that made this event a success:

• Jeff & Lauri Cooper (class presidents);
• Matt & Kim English and Kate;
• Chad & Jennifer Hillberg and Jack & Kara;
• Jennifer Holmes and James & Joseph Scales;
• Troy Sims; and
• Elizabeth Yeager.

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Join the Living the Questions Class on January 10, 2010 for their next book study, The Misunderstood Jew: The Church and the Scandal of the Jewish Jesus, by Amy-Jill Levine, the 2010 Perkins Lecturer.

It is a simple truth that Jews and Christians should be close friends, since they share common roots and a basic ethical system. But the gulf between the groups seems vast. Levine, professor of New Testament studies at Vanderbilt, presents a strong and convincing case for understanding Jesus as “a Jew speaking to Jews,” and for viewing Christianity as a Jewish movement that ultimately swept the world in its influence and authority. But with this expansion came an insidious anti-Jewish sentiment, fed by some New Testament texts (wrongly understood, the author urges) and the emerging political power of the Christian church. Levine does a masterful job of describing the subtleties of anti-Semitism, across the years and across the religious spectrum, from the conservative evangelical mission to convert the Jews to the liberation theologians who picture Jews as adherents to an older, less merciful religion. In the end, Levine offers a prescription for healing and mutual understanding; a chapter titled “Quo Vadis?” outlines steps that can be taken by Jews and Christians alike to bridge the divide that has caused so much suffering over the centuries. Written for the general public, this is an outstanding addition to the literature of interfaith dialogue.

For more information, contact the Coopers – jcooper003@gmail.com.

On Wednesday, October 21, 2009, members of the Living the Questions Sunday School Class prepared and served food (chili, tea, and cookies) for the less fortunate at Mt. Calvary UMC (at 5th St. & MLK Blvd. on Eastside).  About 38 people enjoyed this warm, tasty meal on a very cool and rainy night after sharing in Bible study.

If you have a small group that would be willing to participate in providing meals at Mt. Calvary, contact Rev. Troy Sims: 940-766-4231, 229 or tsims@fumcwf.org.

The Living the Questions Sunday School Class will begin studying Marcus Borg’s The Heart of Christianity:  Rediscovering a Life of Faith.

This book is based upon the belief that one must be transformed in one’s own lifetime, that salvation means one is healed and made whole with God now.  Borg feels the new paradigm allows more people to be and become Christians.  In his compelling proposal Borg consistently aligns the emerging paradigm with God, Jesus, the Bible, tradition, and religious practice, which constitute the heart of Christianity.

The book costs $11.

Currently, the Living the Questions Sunday School Class is studying Karen Armstrong’s book, The Battle For God, which highlights the recent rise in fundamentalism in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

To supplement the study, class president, Michael Paris, invited Dr. Nathan Jun, Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls to lead the class on April 5, 2009.  Dr. Jun was a huge success with one class member saying he was, “Amazing,” in his knowledge and his ability to teach.

Dr. Jun is working on a project for MSU and the Wichita Falls community that will highlight April as being Jewish Heritage Month.  The 2009 theme is “Sacred Memory.”  For more information about this great opportunity for all in our community, CLICK HERE!