The Adult Education Committee presents a selection of classes each Spring and Fall. Selections are based on member interests or projects with which the church is involved. Participants enjoy thought-provoking and dynamic topics. All points of view are welcomed. We also host “Jesus Seminar on the Road” lectures, Sunday Starter, and the First Tuesday Book Group, as well as sponsor a resource library on a variety of subjects.

Sunday Starter

Explore topics that cover both religion and social justice — topics that educate, energize and encourage debate — Forgiveness, Righteousness, Pentecost, John 3:16, and The Lord’s Prayer. Do you know what all these mean in the Christian faith? Are you sure? Come and find out! Sundays in Room 7 at 9 am.

On June 2nd, 2019 Sunday Starter finished a four-week module on church activism with a group discussion about how and whether Southminster may want to consider taking action for social justice. Activism differs from providing needed social services, such as we do with Family Promise.  Instead, it aims at addressing injustice and its root causes. Does Southminster feel a calling toward this type of ministry? Learn more

The Contemporary Challenge of Easter with Dr. John Dominic Crossan, April 5-6, 2019

In April 2019 we were proud to host Dr. John Dominic Crossan. Dr. Crossan is a beloved and respected scholar and author of more than two dozen books about the New Testament, early Christianity, the historical Jesus and much more. His lectures are invariably insightful and inspiring, whether the listener has read all his books or none.

This program took place just weeks before Easter and focused on how Jesus’ death and resurrection are presented in the texts, and how those events have been interpreted through the ages.

Learn more about Dr. Crossan and Resurrecting Easter:
https://www.harperone.com/resurrectingeaster/
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialJohnDominicCrossan/

In addition to three lecture sessions with Dr. Crossan, we hosted a panel discussion, Putting Easter into Action, with three local pastors who have been on the front lines of turning Christian beliefs into meaningful action:

  • Rev. Barbara Nixon of First United Methodist Church, Corvallis. Author of Things I Wish Jesus Said, and coordinator of the feature Interfaith Voices in Albany and Corvallis newspapers.
  • Rev. Aric Clark, Presbyterian pastor, and advocate for multiple causes. Author of Never Pray Again: Lift Your Head, Unfold Your Hands, and Get To Work
  • Rev. Mark Brocker of St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Beaverton, a leading congregation in environmental stewardship. Author of Coming Home to Earth and a leading scholar on the works of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

We thank everyone who joined us and contributed to a successful and insightful event.