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What Do You Do? - Spiritual Reflections on Life and Livelihood

March 3, 2012, 8am - Noon

Techny Towers Conference Center

2001 Waukegan Rd., Techny, Illinois 60082

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men"

Colossians 3:23

Led by Rev. Dennis Kelly, pastor of Ascension, Northfield, IL, this mini-retreat invites participants to examine the relationship between our work and our spiritual life.  We will use a broader definition of work that includes more than those activities we do to earn a living.

We human beings spend a lot of time working.  Whether we log hours in an office, store, factory, classroom or field for a regular paycheck;  whether we cook, clean or care for children as we make a home for ourselves and others; whether we write, paint, or play music in the hopes that the fruits of these labors might one day be appreciated by others, we spend many hours of each day engaged in work.  Work has been around as long as our species has walked the earth.  As long as humans have worked, we have spent time complaining, celebrating, lamenting and rejoicing in our work.  Most of us work in order to live: work helps secure enough food for us to survive and provide a roof over our heads.  But many work and do not partake in these basics of human life.  Hard work, in a world of vast economic disparity, does not necessarily result in a living wage.  In our days, as in the past, work can become unforgiving and backbreaking, a drudgery that is little more than slavery.  Others struggle to find work, a reality that has become increasingly visible during this time of global recession.  Yet, as many seek work, others become addicted to work in the hopes of securing more consumer goods.

David H. Jensen in the preface "Working" by Kathleen Ray

Through a series of presentations, personal reflection and conversations, we will explore the relationship between faith and work and ask questions such as:

• What difference does it make when the complex realities of working in today's world are considered through Christian scripture and tradition?
• Is there a broader definition to work that is more than those things we do for a living?
• Is there a spirituality of work that can help guide us throughout our daily lives?
• Is there a way to make our work more meaningful or to find meaning in our work?

Whether you are a college student gaining skills for meaningful work or employed in your profession, whether you are unemployed or underemployed, whether you work in an office or at home, whether you are retired or devote yourself to volunteerism, your voice is welcome in this conversation.

 Sunday Guest Speaker Series

All programs begin at 9:00 a.m. Sunday morning as listed.  Open to all.

The Life of Luther

Dates: 

• January 15: The Early Years : Road to Reformmtion, 1483-1519
• January 22: The Greatest Years, 1520-1529
• January 29: The Final Years, 1530-1546

Speaker: Ralph Klein

This 3-part presentation of the life of Martin Luther will show changes in Luther's contributions as well as Lutheran theology as his life progressed. Pictures of paintings of Luther, his residences and his illustrated Bible will also be included.  Ralph Klein is retruned as one of Ascension's favorite speakers.  He is Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at LSTC and Curator of its Rare Books Collections.

Being Christian in Iraq

• Date: February 12, 2012
• Speaker: Manifa Baba
  

Our own Munifa Baba will speak about the history of Christianity in Iraq and share her first hand knowledge of what it is to be a Christian in Iraq in today's world.

As Lutherans we focus on the Reformation but don't always know much about the Counter-Reformation which followed.  During this Counter-Reformation the Catholic church made a number of important changes, among which was an increased emphasis on the visual arts.  One of the most prominent painters of religious art during this time of Counter-reformation was El Greco of Spain.

In two adult forums, on February 26 and March 11, we will look at the Art of El Greco with Alice Kosnik as facilitator.  Through study of his paintings, we will see how the Counter-reformation affected El Greco's art.  We will also look at a number of Bible references to help us decide which Gospel accounts of Jesus' life El Greco chose to illustrate.  Finally we will discuss where and why El Greco may have made minor changes to the Biblical stories.  Lent is a perfect time to study El Greco's deeply spiritual paintings of Jesus' life.

Date:  March 25 and April 1, 2012

Speaker: George Athnos

More details as date approaches.

The first Sunday of each month, all adults are invited to meet with others at a similar stage in life during the Education Hour to discuss issues you may be facing.  Of course, this is an opportunity to get to know others in the congregation as well as to discuss everyday issues in the context of the faith community. 

The Life-Stage Discussion Groups kick-off on October 2 with an overview by Pastor Kelly for all stages of life to discuss the objectives and advantages of meeting with other members in a similar stage of life to exchange ideas on various aspects of life in a faith-based community.

The individual groups will meet the first Sunday of each month beginning in November.  The categories were set up so that al adults would find a fit, but members may choose which group best fits their interests.

• Parents of Young Children
• Parents of Teens, College Students and Empty Nesters
• Silver Years (which means adults past the empty nest stage, whether retired or pre-retirement)
• Golden Years and Aging
• Living with Chronic Conditions (any age)

Participants may drop in as available.

Making Sense of Scripture - Pastor led Bible Study

Participants are invited to bring their questions or doubts to the table in a discussion group about 7 major questions of the Bible. During the conversation there will be opportunities to interact with the Bible ultimately leaving room for personal transformation of heart and mind.  These discussions will meet weekly at for seven sessions 10 a.m. beginning January 5, 2012.  Participant study books, "Making sense of Scripture", will be available at the church office for $15.

Faith Journey  - Welcome to the Family of God

Join us for a bible study and discussion titled Faith Journey (Welcome to the Family of God) on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at church.  Answer your questions and learn about the Savior who calls you to a life of completeness, wholeness and peace.  Study books are available in the church office.

Men's Bible Study

Ascension's Men's Bible study led by John West will be beginning a new in depth in February.  Group will continue to meet on the first and third Mondays of the month at 7:00 pm, at the Brandeis Center, Covenant Village, 2155 Pfingsten Rd. Northbrook.

New Testament Letters - Women's Bible Study

A 13-session Bible study of 1st and 2nd Thessalonians, 1st and 2nd Timothy, Titus and Philemon will begin on Monday, January 9 at 10:45.  This comprehensive verse-by-verse study uses historical, cultural, and devotional contexts to help participants connect the meaning of Scripture with their own lives.  Study guides are available in the church office for $10.   All women are most welcome.  Questions? Contact Alice.

Small Group Leadership Training

Small group experiences are essential to any congregation that seeks to grow in faith as well as in numbers.  Small groups provide an opportunity to learn more about the Bible as well as a connection to other members of the congregation.  This is an opportunity for participants to grow spiritually and to be prepared to help others in a variety of small group experiences, such as Discipleship groups, Support and Recovery groups, and Ministry groups.  The group is led by Pastor Kelly and Gail Price. Start Date March/April 2012.

Individual Weekly Bible Study  - "Daily Discipleship" and "Daily Faith Practices"

These on-line program allow users to participate in weekly Bible Studies with flexibility as to where and when they do the study.  It is perfect for those whose time constraints make it difficult to commit to a set schedule or as a supplement to Sunday worship.  Both are weekly ELCA on-line  programs designed to meet the following objectives:

• To discover more about being a disciple of Jesus Christ
• To connect the Word of God with daily life experiences
• To explore ways to deepen faith practices in everyday living

These Bible Studies are based on the readings used in the Sunday worship and their implications to daily living.  "Daily Discipleship" is based on Sunday's Gospel lesson and "Daily Faith Practices is based on Sunday's New Testament lesson.

Download weekly lessons.

Each Sunday bulletin examines a "Fun Faith Fact".  See the list of all prior Fun Faith Facts.

Try searching for the answer by entering a key word in the Search field at the very top right of the web page.  If you would like to propose a question for Fun Faith Fact, submit by clicking the link below.