Participants will review MCC Bylaws as well as explore the ministry of the laity and the clergy in MCC in light of MCC’s commitment to the priesthood of all believers. This course satisfies the requirement for the LEAD certificate in MCC and is highly recommended for lay persons serving in leadership roles in MCC, including Interim Pastoral Leaders.
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Identity and Difference (Metropolitan Community Churches)
During the course we will practice thinking critically about social locations, power and privilege, and their effects on one’s vocational contexts as ordained clergy, and on the communities MCC serves globally.
Course Instructor: Jared Vazquez
2019 Dates and Time:
7:30-9:00 pm US Eastern time zone
October 1,8,15,22,29, Nov 5, 2019
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/identity-and-difference-registration-51722951741
The Gospel of Mark (ChurchNext)
It is the first and the shortest of the four Gospels, as most experts believe, and if you like getting right to the point, no other writer does it quite as well as St. Mark.
The Gospel of Mark is the account of Jesus’ life and ministry that most influenced the other three gospels. In this course we’ll learn:
Who was Mark?
To whom was Mark writing?
What are the main themes in Mark?
How should Mark be read?
This course is perfect for those who are new to the Gospel, as well as those looking for a refresher course.
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Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
Why Evil Exists (Great Courses)
The “problem of evil” is one of the oldest and most fundamental concerns of human existence. Since ancient times, questions surrounding evil have preoccupied every major religion, as well as many of history’s greatest secular thinkers, from early philosophers to contemporary social theorists.
Whether we view it in theological, philosophical, or psychological terms, evil remains both a deeply intriguing question and a crucially relevant global issue.
In the online course – Why Evil Exists – award-winning Professor Charles Mathewes of the University of Virginia offers you a richly provocative and revealing encounter with the question of human evil—a dynamic inquiry into Western civilization’s greatest thinking and insight on this critical subject.
Covering nearly 5,000 years of human history and invoking the perspectives of many of the West’s most brilliant minds, Why Evil Exists probes intimately into how human beings have conceived of evil, grappled with it, and worked to oppose it.
With Professor Mathewes’s inspired guidance, you engage with how both individual thinkers and larger trends of thought have faced evil, studying the work of major theologians, philosophers, poets, political theorists, novelists, psychologists, and journalists. 36 lectures offer you the unique chance to approach the subject of evil through numerous lenses and to refine your view of this central question of human life, giving you a broad and deep resource for your own thought and action.
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Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
How Jesus Became God (Great Courses)
The early Christian claim that Jesus of Nazareth was God completely changed the course of Western civilization. In fact, without the Christian declaration of Jesus as God, Western history as we know it would have never happened.
If Jesus had not been declared God, his followers would have remained a sect within Judaism, and the massive conversion of Gentiles, the Roman adoption of Christianity, and the subsequent unfolding of the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Reformation, and modernity would never have taken place. For that reason, the question of how Jesus became God is one of the most significant historical questions of Western civilization.
A distinguished scholar of Christianity and New York Times best-selling author, Professor Ehrman reveals that the theological understanding of Jesus as God came about through a complex series of factors and events, each of which must be understood in order to grasp this most extraordinary and historically pivotal story.
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Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
Leading Public Prayer for Lay Leaders (Be a Disciple)
As a Lay Speaker/Servant/Leader you may find yourself the one leading prayer in worship services, as well as in other settings. It is vital then that you are knowledgeable and lead well. This course may challenge some of your assumptions, test some of your preconceived ideas, stretch your thinking and enrich your prayer life. It will, at the very least, present you with an opportunity to grow in the discipline of leading prayer. The primary objective for this course is to enable the Lay Speaker to effectively prepare and lead various prayer forms, primarily in worship settings.
This online course follows the required text, Let the Whole Church Say Amen! by Laurence Hull Stookey (Abingdon Press, 2001).
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Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
Religion and Film (University of Missouri)
This online course addresses three areas of analysis: 1) film representations of established religions; 2) film and the construction of social values; and 3) film as contemporary “myth.” Treating films as social texts, this course asks what such representations of ourselves to ourselves suggest about culture in general.
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Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
Religion and Hip Hop Culture (Rice University)
What is religion? What is Hip Hop? Are they the same thing? Do they overlap? In this online course you’ll get a sense of how some individuals answer these questions, and you’ll get the tools you need to explore these questions for yourselves.
This online course starts with some basic assumptions, the most important being a willingness to think about Hip Hop and religion as cultures that wrestle with the huge questions of our existence: Who are we? Why are we? Where are we? You will also need to be open to the possibility of Hip Hop as a language through which these complex and religious questions are presented, explored, and interpreted.
As this course unfolds, you’ll look closely into the relationship between Hip Hop culture and religion. It explores the ways in which Hip Hop culture discusses and provides life meaning in complex ways through (1) a discussion of the history and content of rap music; (2) an examination of religion in rap music; (3) an exploration of the religious sensibilities of rap artists; and (4) a discussion of the implications of the connection between rap and religion.
All is this is accomplished through a unique mix of videos, readings, music, images, stories and behind-the scenes insider perspectives.
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Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
Freedom From Worry (The Upper Room)
The online course is packed with helpful suggestions for letting go of your worries. It follows a pattern of 28 days of prayer, with each day’s content intended to reduce your anxiety level and instill practices of prayer and trust.
This online course includes:
- Daily readings, audio recordings of scripture, reflection questions, and mindfulness guides.
- Weekly videos with Pat.
Ponder the readings and pray the Psalms and other prayers in this practical, easy-access e-course. Let Patricia Wilson, with her warm, personal style, help you learn how to give your worries to the Good Shepherd. As you focus your attention and energy on God, you will learn to relax and see that God will take care of you, no matter what.
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About the instructor: Patricia Wilson is retired and lives with her husband in New Glasgow, Novia Scotia. A graduate of Ryerson University (Toronto), she was a professional motivational speaker and workshop leader who traveled widely in Canada and the United States. Patricia is the author of 10 Upper Room Books, including Quiet Spaces: Prayer Interludes for Women and When You Come Unglued… Stick Close to God.
Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
For Sabbath’s Sake (The Upper Room)
Many Americans balk at the idea of setting aside a whole day for worship, rest, and time with those who matter most to them. Yet we long for more time to spend on what matters most—unrushed time to rest, reconnect with friends and loved ones, and deepen our relationship with God.
An ancient spiritual practice exists that can help restore balance to our lives: the practice of keeping sabbath. But how exactly do we manage to build time for sabbath into our busy lives? Instructor, Dana Trent, explores this question in For Sabbath’s Sake.
With humor and honesty, Trent reveals her own struggles with setting apart a day devoted to God, rest, and community. This online course traces the rich history of sabbath, helps you find ways to overcome barriers to this spiritual practice, and suggests achievable ways to build sabbath into your life.
Register for this online course
Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
