Sunday Morning Forum
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A weekly time of fellowship where we discuss both historical and contemporary issues through a Christian lens.
We seek to strengthen personal bonds within our church family, and to cultivate new relationships through conversation and shared experience. We work to nurture our spirituality in this secular world; understand our own faith traditions and those of others; and determine how to best express Christian faith in this diverse society. (Teens through Adults welcome).
This class is a hybrid class meeting in person in room 102 and on Zoom every Sunday morning at 9:30am in the Spring and Fall. Please email the church office is you would like to receive the link to join these in-depth discussions.
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The Spring 2024 Schedule is below.
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January 7, 14 & 21 - NOOMA Videos - Rain, Flame, Trees. (led by various members of Wesley Memorial)
Jesus lived with the awareness that God is doing something, right here, right now, and anybody can be a part of it. He encouraged his listeners to search, to question, to wrestle with the implications of what he was saying and doing. He inspired, challenged, provoked, comforted, and invited people to be open to God's work in this world. Wherever he went, whatever he did, Jesus started discussions about what matters most, because for Jesus, God is always inviting us to open our eyes and join in. NOOMA is a series of short films that explore our world from a perspective of Jesus. NOOMA is an invitation to search, question, and join the discussion. Link to series overview: https://youtu.be/33js185cuAo?si=fP0_saM8_MC_PCKg
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January 28 - IRC. (led by Elizabeth Helke)
The IRC is an international resettlement and humanitarian aid agency, helping people whose lives are affected by conflict and disaster. This class will discuss a refugee’s journey, what services the IRC provides in Charlottesville, and ways we might get involved in this important mission.
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February 4 - Gratitude - David Steindl-Rast (video). (led by a member of Wesley Memorial)
Brother David Steindl-Rast — 97 year-old author, scholar, and Benedictine monk — is beloved the world over for his enduring message about gratefulness as the true source of lasting happiness. Known to many as the “grandfather of gratitude,” Br. David has been a source of inspiration and spiritual friendship to countless leaders and luminaries around the world. This video delves into his message of gratitude as a keystone of a life well lived.
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February 11 - Queer Theology. (led by Jason Oliver Evans).
Jason Oliver Evans is a PhD student in the Christian Theological Perspectives area of study in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Virginia. Evans primarily studies Christology, soteriology, creation and theological anthropology. Today, he will delve into the concept of Queer Theology.
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February 18 - Fall Planning. (led by Rick Hamilton)
This session will explore topics of interest for the fall, 2024 semester.
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February 25 - March 17 - Fall Upward. (led by various members of Wesley Memorial)
In Falling Upward, Fr. Richard Rohr seeks to help readers understand the two halves of life and to show them that those who have fallen or failed are the only ones who understand "up." We often think of the second half of life as largely about getting old, dealing with health issues, and letting go of life, but the thesis of this book is exactly the opposite. What looks like falling down can largely be experienced as "falling upward"--not a loss, but a gain, as we have all seen with elders who have come to their fullness.
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March 24 - Sanctuary Update. (led by Pastor Matt Seaton)
Pastor Matt Seaton will provide an update on WMUMC's sanctuary ministry--an ongoing part of this congregation's life since 2019.
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March 31 - No Class - Easter.
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April 7 - NOOMA Video -Sunday (led by a member of Wesley Memorial)
See description of NOOMA video series above.
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April 14 & 21 - Paul's Eschatology: Here and Yet to Come (led by Jon DePue)
Jon DePue and Dr. Douglas Campbell recently published the book Beyond Justification; Liberating Paul's Gospel. Come and hear Jon DePue share about Paul's understanding about heaven, hell, and the life to come.
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April 28 - May 12 - NOOMA Videos - Dust, Rhythm, Breath (led by various members of Wesley Memorial)
See description of NOOMA video series above.
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