October 25
EXPLORING THE FAITH
Church-State Separation: The Law Today
As professor of Law, past chair of the Law and Region Section of the American Association of Law Schools, and co-author of the leading church-state casebook, Religion and the Constitution, Chris Lund has spent his professional life engaging questions at the center of the intersection of political governance and religion in the United States. He will map for us contemporary issues related to that intersection, including the Supreme Court's aim to incorporate religion in most aspects of government and culture and the role that secularism can play in pushing back.
Host: Michael Oswalt
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EXPLORING THE BIBLE
The One True God:
Israel, Monotheism, and the Roots of Global Faith
Four thousand years ago, an improbable idea took root in a hostile world: a single, solitary God who creates, sustains, and directs human history. Tracing the narrative of ancient Israel through the text of the Old Testament, this study explores how an obscure desert faith survived against all odds to become the bedrock of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, which shapes the beliefs of over half the world today. Discover how Israel's ancient story laid the essential groundwork for Christianity and transformed global history forever.
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FIRST FRIENDS
Being Presbyterian in a Dysvangelical America.
Ch.5. The Future is Hopeful, Not Something to Fear
What does it mean to face the future with hope rather than fear? In this chapter, we’ll explore how a Presbyterian understanding of faith invites us to trust God’s presence and work in the world, even amid uncertainty and change. Together, we’ll consider how hope shapes the way we live, worship, and participate in God’s work.
November 1
EXPLORING THE FAITH
“A Brighter Way” and the Return from Incarceration
Join Al Newman, director of Ypsilanti-based A Brighter Way, to learn how this nonprofit supports people returning to the community after incarceration. The presentation will explore its approach, successes, challenges, and the human side of reentry.
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Host: Margie Reynolds ​
EXPLORING THE BIBLE
The One True God:
Israel, Monotheism, and the Roots of Global Faith
Four thousand years ago, an improbable idea took root in a hostile world: a single, solitary God who creates, sustains, and directs human history. Tracing the narrative of ancient Israel through the text of the Old Testament, this study explores how an obscure desert faith survived against all odds to become the bedrock of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, which shapes the beliefs of over half the world today. Discover how Israel's ancient story laid the essential groundwork for Christianity and transformed global history forever.
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FIRST FRIENDS
Being Presbyterian in a Dysvangelical America
Ch. 6, God’s Truth Is Evolving, Not Stagnant
Join us as we explore how our understanding of God’s truth grows and deepens over time. This session considers how Presbyterian faith embraces ongoing questions, thoughtful interpretation of Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in a changing world.
November 8
EXPLORING THE FAITH
It Takes a Village: What You Can Do to Help Those Coming Home from Prison
Charles Pugh, former journalist, former Detroit City Council president, formerly incarcerated, now Director of Development for Nation Outside. ​
Host: Mel Rogers
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EXPLORING THE BIBLE
The One True God:
Israel, Monotheism, and the Roots of Global Faith
Four thousand years ago, an improbable idea took root in a hostile world: a single, solitary God who creates, sustains, and directs human history. Tracing the narrative of ancient Israel through the text of the Old Testament, this study explores how an obscure desert faith survived against all odds to become the bedrock of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, which shapes the beliefs of over half the world today. Discover how Israel's ancient story laid the essential groundwork for Christianity and transformed global history forever.
​
FIRST FRIENDS
Being Presbyterian in a Dysvangelical America.
Ch. 7, Presbyterians are Reformed, and Always Reforming
Explore what it means to be Presbyterian in a changing world through the Reformed tradition’s commitment to ongoing growth, renewal, and faithfulness. Chapter 7 considers how the church continues to reform in response to God’s work in the world.
