Classes

Lecture Class

Sundays @ 9:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall
The Lecture Class takes advantage of the rich theological resources available at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, the University of Texas, and the UPC staff and congregation.  We often have guest speakers, and topics cover a wide range of theological and biblical concerns. If you want to expand your thinking and deepen your understanding, please join this stimulating class.

July Topic: "Visual Arts, Music and Congregational Life"

July 6: "Visual Arts and Congregational Life"

Images speak loudly in our culture. We will look briefly at the history of the use of images in the church. Together we will consider how visual arts such as paintings, sculpture, film and group artistic creation might enhance our congregational life.

Led by Barbara Lindquist Miller

July 13: "Visual Arts and Personal Faith Journey"

Each personal faith experience is a process of constant growth. We will examine and experience several possibilities for the use of the visual arts as companions on the personal journey of knowing God's presence.

Led by Barbara Lindquist Miller

July 20: "Singing Our Faith--What Lies Ahead?"

We will explore an emerging contemporary chorus of church music and invite one another to respond both with critical minds and open hearts. From contemporary "praise choruses" to a revival of more traditional forms, church music continues to evolve as it shapes and is shaped by our churches' theologies.

 Led by Ben Johnston-Krase

July 27: "19th Century American Sacred Music"

An overview of the 19th century American sacred music, including hymns, Shape Note music and gospel songs, will be discussed. We'll also explore the development of sacred music in America, historical context and themes, and listen to several examples.

Led by Tommy McReynolds

The Present Word

Sunday @ 9:30 a.m. in the Library
The Present Word is a discussion Bible study class utilizing the quarterly Uniform Lesson Series, led by UPC member, Roscoe Overton.

SUNDAY EVENING BOOK GROUP

Sunday @ 5:30 p.m. in the Parlor
Keith Wright and Bobbie Sanders are the leaders. The Sunday evening book study will read next Anam Cara, A Book of Celtic Wisdom by John O'Donohue.  Anam Cara translates "Soul Friend" in the Celtic language.  The publisher's note states, in part:

With the publication of Anam Cara, John  O'Donahue introduced the world to the inspiring ancient wisdom of Celtic mysticism, a world that brings us closer to the magical and unobtrusive realm of our own divinity--where the soul and the eternal are one.  O'Donohue guides readers through the enlivening and lyrical spiritual landscape of the Irish imagination, offering a treasure trove of Celtic insights, stories, and teachings on the universal themes of friendship, solitude, love, and death...The Celts never separated the visible from the invisible, time from eternity, or the human from the divine.  Surviving to this day, the Celtic reverence for the soul in all things is a vibrant spiritual heritage unique in the Western world, one that is capturing the imagination of people throughout the world as they rediscover the wisdom of the past and their own Celtic roots.  Exploring such themes as the mystery of friendship, the spirituality of the senses, the brightness within solitude, work as the poetics of growth, aging as the art of inner harvesting, and death as eternal homecoming, this book will envelop your heart with Celtic benediction.

TRADITIONAL BIBLE STUDY

Tuesday @ 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the Parlor
This fall, a study from the creators of the Disciple Series will be offered on Tuesday evenings. The introduction will be held on September 4, 2007, at  7 p.m.  Jesus in the Gospels invites students to look at Jesus in each of the four Gospels and ask, "Who is the Jesus that you see?" and then it takes participants on a journey toward the way each Gospel writer presents events and teachings, and at the picture of Jesus that emerges in each of the Gospels.  Lessons 1-22 concentrate on Matthew, Mark, and Luke, with some related passages from John.  Lessons 23-30 focus on the Gospel of John, with supporting passages from other parts of the New and Old Testaments.  In the course of the thirty weeks, participants will read the four Gospels and a considerable amount of Scripture from other parts of the Bible. Judy Skaggs will facilitate the class.  Registration will begin mid-August, or you may contact Judy at assoc@upcaustin.org to sign up.  The workbooks for the class are $40, with scholarships available.  We will need a minimum of ten participants to hold the class.

Above and Beyond: Hearing God's Call in Jonah and Ruth
At UPC, we have two PW study groups.  One meets on the second Saturday of the month at 11:00 a.m. and the other on the second Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m.  Both study groups meet at various members' homes or at the church.

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