Source: ChurchNext
Advent is a season of great anticipation, both inside and outside of the Church. While the world around us shops, cooks, and prepares for December 25, Christians have their own way of anticipating the birth of Jesus.
In this class, Episcopal priest and author Tim Schenck will open up our imaginations to the magic of this holy time of year.
Tim Schenck has just published a newish book called A Dog in the Manger (see below). This course is appropriate for those who are new to the church year, as well as those who are familiar, but are looking for a refresher.
You can take this course as a person or as a group!
Learn more about this online Advent course and register at ChurchNext
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 Spirituality of Children with Catherine Maresca (ChurchNext)
Source: ChurchNext
The spiritual lives of children are much different than those of adults, says author and teacher Catherine Maresca. She is the director of the Center for Children and Theology and says when we treat the religious journeys of our young ones in the wrong ways we can rob them of important experiences or, even worse, do great harm. This introductory course gives us a broad overview of the shape of spiritual development for 0-6 year olds and 6-12 year olds. Here’s how the class is laid out:
- The spiritual lives of 0-6 year olds and the quality of joy
- The spiritual lives of 0-6 year olds and the centrality of the essentials
- The spiritual lives of 6-12 year olds and the sense of communion
- The spiritual lives of 6-12 year olds and the moral life
Learn more about this course and register at ChurchNext
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.
Reimagining Children’s and Youth Ministry with Faith Forward (ChurchNext)
Source: ChurchNext
Where are all the young people in church?
The folks at Faith Forward suggest: Something is happening in the church. A new kind of Christianity is taking root and growing across the globe. New forms of ministry, worship, and community are emerging. Questions are being asked. And change is happening.
But amidst these changes and shifts, children and youth are being left behind. Innovative approaches to ministry with adults are emerging around the world, but little critical reflection and attention has been given to how to nurture young people within a new kind of Christianity.
In this class, 4 keynote speakers who appeared at the 2014 Faith Forward conference, entitled ‘Reimagining Children’s and Youth Ministry,’ share their insights into what this reimagining should look like. Lessons include:
- Where Are We? with Dave Csinos
- Reimagining: Theology with Ivy Beckwith
- Reimagining: Story with Marvin Bray
- Reimagining: Rhythm with Danielle Shroyer
This class is a pre-recorded online course that will take an average learner about 45 minutes to work through. You can pause the class at any time and return to it later.
Learn more about this course and register at ChurchNext
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.
When We Get Angry with God with Laurie Brock (ChurchNext)
Source: ChurchNext
Ever get mad at God?
Anger at God can produce shame, depression, and alienation. However, as Episcopal priest and pastor Laurie Brock says, anger is not good or bad, but rather a neutral and natural emotion created by God.
In this course, Brock calls on a lifetime of study and counseling to offer insights into what anger is, why we get angry with God, and how we might address this potentially debilitating occurrence. Brock believes anger at God can actually be good for us because of the potentially life-changing, transformative effect it can have on our lives.
Brock is co-author of the book Where God Hides Holiness: Thoughts on Grief, Joy and the Search for Fabulous Heels (see more below)
Learn more about this course and register at ChurchNext
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.
Who Is Jesus? with Jason Fout (ChurchNext)
Source: ChurchNext
Jesus wrote no books, built no empires, nor left us so much as an image of himself – yet his life has impacted the world more than any other.
Who was this man and how can we best get to know him?
In this course author, priest, and teacher Jason Fout suggests four helpful lenses in which to view Christ:
- Resurrection
- Teaching
- Atonement
- Incarnation
This class is appropriate for people who are new to the Christian faith as well as seasoned believers who are looking for new insights into this engaging topic.
Learn more about this course and register at ChurchNext
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.
Introduction to Church History with Eric Williams (ChurchNext)
Source: ChurchNext
Whether or not we believe the old adage, ‘if we fail to pay attention to history we are doomed to repeat it,’ few people would argue with the importance of striving to improve our understanding of the things that have gone before us as a way to better shape the lives that are ahead of us. This is especially true with our Christian faith.
For 2,000 years Christians of all walks have been approaching life’s most important questions within their specific contexts and have come up with fascinating responses.
Our study of Church History will tap into the highs and lows, and important milestones from Jesus’ day to this day, as a way to help us deepen our understanding of God’s work through Christ and in our lives.
Our instructor is Eric Williams, a former teacher and pastor, who has a deep love for Christian history. In this class Eric will unpack this topic by giving an overview of these four time periods:
- Early Christianity until Constantine
- The Middle Ages
- The Reformation
- Modern Christianity
This entry-level course is perfect for every member of your congregation who is looking to deepen their faith in Christ.
Learn more about this course and register at ChurchNext
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.
Violence, Myth, and Scripture with Suzanne Ross (ChurchNext)
Source: ChurchNext
Blaming God for our own violence and failings is as old as humanity. But how authentic is this? And so how helpful is this?
Suzanne Ross has dedicated her career to helping people understand that human violence is not divine. She runs The Raven Foundation, which is dedicated to helping people understand the root causes of our violence, shaming, and blaming. It is based in Mimetic Theory, which can help us understand things as basic as why our best friends can turn into our worst enemies. In this introductory course Suzanne helps us understand how this theory holds true in history, our lives, and the Bible. Her lectures include:
- Defining Myth and Scripture
- Mimetic Theory
- Myth: Romulus and Remus
- Scripture: Cain and Abel
This is a fascinating class that can help us understand the root causes of violence and, hence, new strategies and insights into how we might curb it.
Ross is the author of The Wicked Truth: When Good People Do Bad Things and The Wicked Truth About Love (see below for more)
Learn more about this course and register at ChurchNext
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.
Spirituality and Gardening with Christine Sine (ChurchNext)
Source: ChurchNext
Sun. Soil. Water. Perhaps it’s close communion with the elements of our earthly lives that gives many gardeners a deeper sense of God.
In this course, author of To Garden with God (see below), retreat leader, and gardener Christine Sine offers us dynamic insight into what the simple labor of a gardener has to do with the God who fashioned the first humans from the soil and made a home for them in a garden. Christine offers presentations on the following topics:
- God as a Gardener
- Digging and Watering
- Planting and Pruning
- The Rhythm of the Seasons
This course is perfect for those who are seeking deeper understanding and meaning to their work in the garden.
Learn more about this course and register at ChurchNext
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.
Creating Common Good 4: A Christian Response with Justin Welby (ChurchNext)
Source: ChurchNext
How do Christians respond to the pervasive, overwhelming issue of economic inequality? Where do we begin the discussion of such a complex and influential subject?
In 2015 the Trinity Institute offered a conference called ‘Creating Common Good,’ in which thinkers from a wide range of perspectives and real-world experience offered practical tools to help individuals and congregations address this pressing subject. We offer these four courses to lay the groundwork for our discussions.
In this fourth class Archbishop of Canterbury The Most Rev. Justin Welby, who guides a faith tradition of 80 million believers, outlines a Christian response to economic inequality. He has made headlines by speaking out against payday lenders, who charge high rates for short term loans. And he has made the bold move of establishing credit unions in local churches (there are 16,000 churches in the UK) to make low interest loans available to all. Archbishop Justin’s lectures are entitled:
- What is Economic Inequality?
- Structures of Sin
- The Church’s Response
This course is ideal for those seeking to develop a Christian response to increasing economic inequalities and can serve as a starting point for further reflection and discussion on this topic.
Learn more about this course and register at ChurchNext
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.
Creating Common Good 3: Educational Inequality with Nicole Baker Fulgham (ChurchNext)
Source: ChurchNext
As people of faith, how do we take on the pervasive, overwhelming issue of economic inequality? Where do we begin the discussion of such a complex and influential subject?
In 2015 the Trinity Institute offered a conference called ‘Creating Common Good,’ in which thinkers from a wide range of perspectives and real-world experience offered practical tools to help individuals and congregations address this pressing subject. We offer these four courses to lay the groundwork for our discussions.
In this third class, Nicole Baker Fulgham, activist and founder of The Expectations Project, introduces us to the pervasive problem of educational inequality. She says faith communities are doing – and can do – a lot to combat this problem. Here are the titles of her four lectures:
- Two Systems
- Faith Connections
- Bringing Churches Onboard
- Bright Lights
Learn more about this course and register at ChurchNext
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.
