(Spring 2012 Brochure)
Mind and Spirit offers courses designed to encourage personal growth and a more disciplined spiritual life.
Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life
Wednesdays, February 29th and March 7th and 21st
6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Can “falling down,” in fact, be a movement upward? As counterintuitive as it may seem, it is what we are given in Jesus’ teachings and ministry. Richard Rohr helps us see with Christ-eyes how the heartbreaks and disappointments of life can be stepping stones to the spiritual depth that the second half of life offers. In Rohr’s words: “Life is much more spacious now, the boundaries of the container having been enlarged.” Join us as our own Janie Cook leads us in our reflections on Rohr’s book.
Corporate Sustainability 101
Monday, March 5th
6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
What is corporate sustainability? How is it related to carbon management and global warming? What are its religious, ethical and legal foundations? How is it socially relevant? Learn why corporations are going beyond compliance and adopting policies of corporate sustainability. Discover the reputational implications and legal risks corporations face if they over-promise or under-perform. Jeff Civins, leader, has practiced all aspects of environmental law since 1975. He is a partner in the international law firm Haynes & Boone, an adjunct professor at the University of Texas School of Law, and holder of numerous awards and honors for his work in the environmental area.
Water and Religion
Monday, March 19th
6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
How does understanding water as sacred motivate environmental stewardship as an act of faith? Water nourishes, hydrates, and sanitizes our bodies. And it also nourishes our souls. Water is central and sacred to all major and minor religions. In the Bible water is foundational from creation
in Genesis to the River of Life in Revelation! Christians continue to encounter God in the waters of baptism, Muslims in al-wudu (ablution ritual), Jews in mikveh (ritual immersion), and Hindus through ritual purification. Many traditions, including Hindus, Greeks, and Romans, worship water spirits. Join us and explore the rich religious meanings of water and its implications for how we live.
Grand, Beautiful, and Mystifying: Great Altarpieces of the Church
Wednesdays, March 21st and 28th
6:00 p.m.
Do you wonder about the meaning of the colors and symbols you find in church, or do you even notice? Almost from its beginning, the Christian Church has sought to tell its story and enrich its worship with great art. In this latest of Cathy Bingaman’s popular classes on Christian art, she will introduce you to some of the great altarpieces of the church–their history and their message.
Caring for Those with Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Tuesday, April 3rd
6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
What’s the difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia? What are the seven stages of the diseases? Learn to evaluate their progression, and discover, through some powerful tips, how to communicate with those suffering from these painful diseases. Dr. Tam Cummings will arm us with practical approaches to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. She comes to us with 17 years experience as a geriatric care consultant. Dr. Cummings has her doctorate in geriatrics with an emphasis in dementia.
Shroud of Turin: Fact or Fiction?
Tuesday, April 10th
6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Hear both sides of the controversy in a dynamic and comprehensive presentation and decide for yourself! We will examine dozens of photos and explore the story of the Shroud from all sides. Our own Gary Diehl, long-time student of the Shroud, will lead us through the mystery.
Speaking Christian
Wednesdays, April 11th, 18th, and 25th
6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Salvation. Sacrifice. Heaven. What do these words mean? Do you avoid using words like these in public because you fear they’ve been hijacked by fundamentalist understandings of Christianity and that you will be misunderstood? Do you wonder what it means to say the Bible is “the Word of God”? Marcus Borg, one of this generation’s most thoughtful and prolific Christian writers, has tackled the language of the Christian faith in his new book, Speaking Christian. The popular and engaging Ralph Rash will lead discussion about this important and potentially liberating work.
How to Register
- In Person - Complete the registration form and bring it to the church office at 1201 Lavaca Street.
- By Phone, Fax, or Email - Call Laurie Barr at 478-5684 (ext. 200), send an email to laurie@fumcaustin.org or send a fax to 478-6169.
- By Mail - Send the completed form to: FUMC, Attention: Laurie Barr, 1201 Lavaca Street, Austin, TX, 78701.
