An eclectic series of classes sure to stimulate thought, discussion and action.

A scribe once came to Jesus asking, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” Quoting the Scriptures, Jesus replied: “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is One; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” These words resonate deeply with the members of Saint Andrew Christian Church where we practice our faith by worshipping with enthusiasm, by caring for one another, by working for justice and peace, and by engaging in study.

As part of an American religious movement now known as The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Saint Andrew Christian Church embodies several of the core values Disciples have always held dear. One of the primary characteristics of the Disciples is that we have always been a thoughtful people, serious about studying the Scriptures, spirituality, theology and ethics. We refuse to “check our brains” at the church door when we enter worship. Our study leads us into the world, better equipped to carry out the ministry and service to which we feel God calling us. To better reflect the Saint Andrew commitment to connecting head and heart and to more fully embody Jesus’s injunction to “love God with all our mind” we are dubbing our adult education ministry as “The Academy for Life and Faith.”

On Sunday mornings you will be able to choose from a variety of classes. A set of “core courses” will be offered on a rotating basis. These classes will cover the foundational aspects of Christian thought and life: “Engaging the Bible,” “Finding a Faith that Makes Sense,” and “Seeking the Good Life: An Introduction to Christian Ethics” are among the courses that will be offered each year. “Elective courses” will also be available addressing contemporary issues in Christian faith. In all offerings, we seek to offer adult education that will help Saint Andrew members and friends to reflect passionately yet critically on the intersections of religious commitment and everyday life.

Sunday Adult Education Series

July 4
There will be NO Adult Education.

July 11
El Higueral

with Jerry Daugherty
9:30 am, Friends Hall

Jerry will be reporting on a recent trip to El Higueral. Everyone who has been or is considering going to El Higueral in the future will want to attend!
Jerry Daugherty is a member of Saint Andrew and is chairman for our Sister Community.

July 18
Modern & Ancient Turkey; an Interfaith Journey

with Beth & Greg Rieke
9:30 am, Friends Hall

Saint Andrew members Greg and Beth Rieke, will share their recent journey throughout Turkey. The journey will include snippets of the rich experiences with Muslim, Jewish and Christian friends as they visit together the site of ancient Harran, where Abraham stopped over before journeying into the Promised Land. Modern day Turkey is also the land of Hagia Sophia, Konya, Ephesus, Cappadocia, and other famous sites.

July 25
Behind the Veil: Revelation as Liturgy

with Rodney Reeves
9:30 am, Friends Hall

Rodney discusses worship as an act of war in the Revelation of John. In the unfolding drama of this Christian liturgy, two overlapping worlds blend into one: heaven crashes into earth, the future is precipitated by the present. It is an unveiling of what is, what has been, and what will be, for the truth of God can only be known in worship. Rodney Reeves is a Professor of Biblical Studies at Southwest Baptist University, Bolivar, MO and serves as Dean of The Courts Redford College of Theology and Ministry.

August 1
Sharing Remembrances; Rev. McKissick’s 20th Anniversary

9:30 am, Friends Hall

We will celebrate with memories and storytelling -- of the early days of Saint Andrew under Holly's leadership -- and will include some "open mic" time.

August 8
Mission Trip Reports
with SAY & Chi Rho

9:30 am, Friends Hall

Join members of SAY (grades 9-12) and Chi Rho (grades 6-8) as they report on their experiences during their recent mission trips.

August 15
Jesus Loves the Little Children; How Do We Protect the Innocent?

with Dr. Bob Mesle
9:30 am, Friends Hall

Dr. Bob Mesle, professor of Philosophy & Religion at Graceland University, will struggle with the hard questions raised by those cases when violence and war seem the only way to protect the innocent. It is one thing to sacrifice our own lives in the cause of peace. It is another thing to stand by while the innocent are slaughtered.

August 22
War and Peace in the Hebrew Bible

with Dr. Harold Washington
9:30 am, Friends Hall

Dr. Harold Washington, professor at Saint Paul School of Theology, will examine the problem of “holy war” in the Old Testament and consider the profound resources for peace-making in the Hebrew Bible.

August 29
Peace; New Testament Perspectives in a World of Violence

with Dr. David May
9:30 am, Friends Hall

Dr. David May, professor at Central Baptist Theological Seminary, will explore a survey of the diverse New Testament perspectives on what constituted peace in that violent world and core elements of peacemaking represented within the Jesus movement.