Holy Communion is the Christian “Thanksgiving.” It is this act of thanksgiving that Jesus commanded us to perform, in remembrance of God’s gift of salvation through Christ’s death and resurrection. It is the “family meal” shared by Christians, an act of communion– of sharing as a community– and an act of faith. If you are a member of a liturgical Protestant church, chances are you celebrate Holy Communion regularly, and yet you may be unfamiliar with the rich layers of tradition and meaning in this sacrament.
Source: ChurchNextIn this course the Reverend James Hamilton, Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Farmington Hills, Michigan, walks us through each prayer, act, chant, and moment of Holy Communion, explaining their history and significance in fascinating detail. You will learn why we do what we do, and this knowledge will deepen, enrich, and renew your worship experience.
Register and view this online religious course about worship
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.
Introducing Lutheran Worship with Don Kreiss (ChurchNext)
Lutheran worship has a rich and joyful history of forming vibrant communities that have lasting impacts on the world around them.
In this course, Lutheran (ELCA) bishop Don Kreiss helps us understand the foundation of the most common worship service: the Sunday Holy Eucharist by telling us how this experience is broken into four movements Gather, Word, Meal and Send.
Course: ChurchNextGather refers to the coming together of worshippers. Word describes the centrality of hearing the scripture and a sermon. Meal highlights the importance weekly communion plays in Lutheran worship. And Send reminds us of the central place of mission in the church.
This course is perfect for those who are new to the Lutheran Church as well as those who have been members for a long time.
Register and view this online religious course about worship
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.
Introducing Episcopal Worship with James Hamilton (ChurchNext)
Why does Sunday morning Episcopal worship look like it does? What’s happening? From the Processional Hymn to the Bible readings, the sermon, and Holy Communion – why do Episcopalians do what they do?
Source: ChurchNextThe Episcopal liturgy is rich in tradition and symbolism, but it can also be a bit overwhelming to a visitor unfamiliar with the service. Even those who attend Episcopal services may regularly forget the meaning and significance of the liturgy. For instance, why is the service structured the way it is? What’s the meaning of the various prayers? Why are there three readings? What is the purpose of the hymns? What is Communion all about?
The Reverend James Hamilton is Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Farmington Hills, Michigan. His background in literature, art, and theatre enables him to explain the abundant meaning of Episcopal worship in accessible and inspiring ways.
Register and view this online religious course about worship
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.
Adult Baptism in the Episcopal Church (ChurchNext)
It is arguably the most important day of your life: your baptism.
What does it mean and what will it mean? Canon Anne E. Kitch has some great answers. She’s a liturgist, author, and priest who gives us a helpful overview of what it means to be baptized in the Episcopal Church. Anne’s lectures include:
- Baptism if FOR Adults
- What Baptism Means
- Living the Baptismal Covenant
- Remembering Your Baptism
This course is ideal for use in a blended learning curriculum for clergy and parishes preparing candidates for baptism. It is also helpful for those who are curious about what baptism means. This course will take an average student about 45 minutes to complete.
Register and view this online religious course about worship
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.
Preparing for Infant and Children’s Baptism in the Episcopal Church with Anne Kitch (ChurchNext)
Baptism may be the best gift a parent can give a child.
This sacrament of initiation is the first step in a deeper understanding of God and the message of love found in the Bible, For those preparing to have an infant or child baptized in the Episcopal tradition, Anne Kitch gives us a solid background and framework for getting our minds around baptism.
Source: ChurchNextIn this course Anne’s lectures include:
- Why Baptize Your Child?
- The Promises We’ll Make
- Practical Considerations
- Bringing Baptismal Faith Home: The Baptismal Covenant
- Remembering Your Child’s Baptism
This course will take an average learner around 50 minutes to complete. It is a beginners course but may also be of interest to people who are sage in the Christian faith.
Register and view this online religious course about worship
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.
Introducing Christian Baptism with Anne Kitch (ChurchNext)
There may be no more transformative moment in one’s life than one’s baptism.
Baptism is an invitation to accept God’s gift of love and grace more fully into our lives. This is why initiation into the Christian faith is not taken lightly by most Christians or churches.
Source: ChurchNextIn this course, Anne Kitch teaches us the basics of Christian baptism. She realizes that every denomination has a slightly different take on what baptism means and how it’s done. And since she’s an Episcopal priest, she will reference The Book of Common Prayer and its baptismal liturgy. However, you may still find this course to be a helpful course if you are considering baptism in another denomination.
Here are the topics of Anne’s lectures:
- What Is Baptism?
- Why Be Baptized?
- What Is the History of Baptism?
- What Is the Baptismal Covenant?
This course will take an average student around 45 minutes to complete.
Register and view this online religious course about worship
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.
Practicing Spirituality with Animals (Spirituality and Practice)
Source: Spirituality and Practice
Pets exhibit a full repertoire of emotions and sometimes show caring and altruism that touches the heart. Still more admirable qualities are displayed by animals in the wild. They all are teachers. Further, in countless stories, myths, and dreams, animals are wise elders, imparting wisdom about the world and hinting at the great mysteries of life.
This e-course explores the messages and meanings of these wonderful beings. The quotations and the accompanying spiritual practices in this 40-part adventure will lead you to deeper encounters with the animals in your life. This course will discuss more animals than just dogs, cats, and gerbils. The birds of the air and the insects in the field are also companions on spiritual journeys.
Each email will consist of a short quote about animals and a related practice suggestion to do with the animals you know or have known. This course will draw upon the insights and life experiences of naturalists, essayists, and poets, including Diane Ackerman, Matthew Fox, Brenda Peterson, Thubten Chodron, Susan Chernak McElroy, Terry Tempest Williams, and many others.
(6 CEHs for Chaplains available.)
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.
Becoming a Wise Elder (Spirituality and Practice)
Source: Spirituality and Practice
“Becoming a Wise Elder with Angeles Arrien” is an 18-part e-course in Spirituality & Practice’s Elder Spirituality Project. It is based on the realization that the skills developed during the first half of life are not adequate for the frontiers crossed as adults age. The attitudes, disciplines, and life skills that elderhood demands are completely different. Many world tales and perennial wisdoms point to eight gates through which adults must pass in order to fully develop into wise people. Each has its own gift, task, and challenge. They include:
• facing new experiences and the unknown,
• discovering one’s true face or authentic identity,
• exploring relationships from the crucible of love, intimacy and forgiveness,
• approaching service, creativity and generativity from a place of legacy,
• developing character and deepening wisdom,
• opening to the presence of grace,
• moving into surrender, acceptance, and equanimity,
• practicing non-attachment and letting go.
The leader for this online course is Angeles Arrien, Ph.D., a cultural anthropologist, award-winning author, educator, and consultant to many organizations and businesses. She is the President of the Foundation for Cross-Cultural Education and Research and regularly lectures and conducts workshops worldwide, bridging cultural anthropology, psychology, and comparative religions. She is the author of seven books including The Second Half of Life: Opening the Eight Gates of Wisdom, winner of the 2007 Nautilus Award for Best Book on Aging. She is profiled as one of the Living Spiritual Teachers at Spirituality & Practice.
For this e-course, Angeles Arrien explores the eight gates to becoming a wise elder in 18 emails. Each contains a short essay and suggestions for applying this wisdom in your own spiritual journey, including:
• practices in how to trust the new and unfamiliar,
• how to create openings and initiate ways to collaborate and unify,
• how to resolve inner and outer conflict,
• time-honored skills that foster a clear mind, an open heart, a strong spirit, and courageous action in the world.
(6 CEHs for Chaplains available.)
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.
Sacred Presence with the Dying (Spirituality and Practice)
Source: Spirituality and Practice
Megory Anderson, PhD, is a theologian and teacher, who has vigiled with over 300 people as they lay dying. Her use of ritual, of creating sacred moments, of calming fear and hurts, has brought comfort and peace to both the dying and their loved ones. She is the Executive Director of the Sacred Dying Foundation, headquartered in San Francisco, and the author of Sacred Dying and Attending the Dying, both of which deal with pastoral and ritual care of the dying. She is known internationally for her expertise in the End-of-Life arena.
In this new e-course, she will help guide you through what is for many is unfamiliar territory — the death of a loved one. The focus is entirely on how to create a peaceful and sacred environment for the person dying. These twelve sessions are designed for family members, loved ones, and end-of-life practitioners, and will cover:
- Listening to the dying and what they want and need
- Tools to use in the vigil space — music, candles, touchstones
- How to create a calming presence
- Prayers and meditations for letting go
Uniquely, this course will help enable you to focus on the needs and wants of the “other,” bringing your own gifts of sacred presence to the experience.
You will receive:
- Emails containing stories, spiritual readings, and suggested tools for each lesson.These can be scheduled at the pace you choose.
- Special suggestions for your own practices, journal reflections, and vigil arrangements.
This e-course is both practical (removing clutter from the deathbed room) and reflective (how to sit quietly for several hours). It gives insights and advice for the one vigiling, yet with the focus always being on creating a sacred dying.
Many are watching parents and loved ones become ill, age, and die. Now is the time to learn the art of accompanying them in vigil as they take their journey into the next life. This is also a wonderful opportunity to learn and share with those who have already been present at a death. It’s in learning together that you can offer your best for those in your care. (4 CEHs for chaplains available.)
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.
The Gift of Life (Spirituality & Practice)
Based on the recent DVD series with Thomas Keating,The Gift of Life: Death & Dying, Life & Living, topics will include:
– Stages of Dying
– Suffering
– Judgment and Mercy
– The Cross
– The Mystery of God
– Coming Home
The course will consist of a combination of email, video, and audio teachings, as well as the opportunity to share and connect with others in the online Practice Circle.
(6 CEHs for Chaplains available.)
Learn more about this online course and register at Spirituality & Practice
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.
