Wednesday Faith Growth for Adults

Genesis to Revelation 2021-2022

Wednesday nights 6:30-7:30 p.m., Beginning September 15

With Professor Craig Koester

Our theme for ministry at Immanuel this fall is “MADE NEW”, how God is continually at work in us to renew our faith, hope, and love for God and for one another. We encourage you to join in our Wednesday Night Adult Faith Formation beginning September 15^th and be renewed in faith as we begin an exceptional study of the bible.

Enjoy a spiritual and intellectual adventure like no other in GENESIS to REVELATION which offers a comprehensive, book-by-book analysis of the Bible from the fascinating perspective of literature and narrative. Delivered by religion scholar and acclaimed professor, Dr. Craig R. Koester of Luther Seminary, weekly video lectures, and discussion guide you through ancient stories, empowering you to engage with the books of the Bible as richly meaningful texts. From the stories of figures like Moses and King David to the gospel accounts of Jesus and the formation of the earliest Christian communities, this course offers an unforgettably vivid sense of the Bible as a tale filled with complex characters, dramatic conflicts, universal themes, inspirational wisdom, hidden meanings, revolutionary crises, and powerful life lessons. No wonder it’s considered the greatest story ever told.

During this time of navigating anew during the pandemic, we recognize the need that some may have to gather & learn differently from time to time.  Therefore, we have a variety of ways to access this course! 

• In-person gathering
• Zoom/video: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85863389670?pwd=dFNvaU13QjltQnlqeEVTbzdiOWgxQT09  Meeting ID: 858 6338 9670  Passcode: 820261
• View the videos at home on your own time (Contact marykay@immanuel.us to learn how to access the videos remotely)

Of course Genesis to Revelation is possible to do without any at-home preparation, however, preparing with advance readings may certainly enhance your experience!  Course materials are encouraged, but not required.  These are available in the following ways:

• Printed course guidebooks (3-ring binders) are available through Immanuel  (black and white, 250 pp), suggested donation $5
• Downloadable course guidebooks are available if you wish to print your own in color

We invite people to register for GENESIS TO REVELATION but we welcome anyone, anytime to participate in this stimulating study.

Attendance each week is not required, as each lesson is an engaging study in itself, but regular attendance is rewarded with a more profound sense of how the bible progresses and builds as the story of God and God’s people.

• Here's the '21 Fall Schedule (PDF)

Creation Through The Promised Land

Sept 15 – Session 1 The Bible as Dialogue
Sept 22 – Session 2 Creation and Chaos in Genesis
Sept 29 – Session 3 Abraham, Sarah, and the Promise
Oct 6 – Session 4 Jacob, Joseph, and Reconciliation
Oct 13 – Session 5 Moses and the Drama of the Exodus
Oct 20 – Session 6 Freedom and Law at Mount Sinai
Oct 27 – Session 7 Israel's Wandering in the Wilderness
Nov 3 – Session 8 Violence and Kindness in the Promised Land
Nov 10 – Session 9 Saul, the Tragic King

God's Story/Our Story: Mary Nyriak Maker Deng Malou

November 17

Mary Nyriak Maker Deng Malou, who goes by Mary Maker, is a student at St. Olaf College, a recent summer intern at Redeemer Center for Life, and a former teacher at Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya.  She is double majoring in Theater and Political Science with a concentration in Women and Gender Studies.  Being a passionate believer in education, she gave a TED talk in 2018 on the importance of education to refugee girls.  Coming from a male chauvinistic society, she strives to disrupt patriarchy through theater, a great tool for transforming refugee wounds into scars – ‘a sign of survival” – her life since the age of four when she fled south to asylum in Kenya, following the civil war in South Sudan.

The Royals, Psalms,and Wisdom Lit

Dec 1 – Session 10 David and Nation Building AND Session 11 Solomon, a Study in Contradictions
Dec 8 – Session 12 Psalms: The Bible's Songbook with Rev Dr Karl Jacobson
Dec 15 – Session 13 Biblical Wisdom Literature

Course Overview - 2022

Epiphany - The Prophets

Lent - The Gospels

Spring - Acts, Paul, Letters and Revelation

About Professor Craig Koester

Craig Koester received a B.A. from Saint Olaf College, an M.Div. from Luther Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. from Union Theological Seminary in New York. He served as a parish pastor for several years in Princeton, Minnesota, and joined the faculty of Luther Seminary in 1986. He was appointed to the Asher O. and Carrie Nasby chair of New Testament Studies in 2012 and served as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Academic Dean from 2013-2018.

Read more about Professor Craig Koester.

For more information contact Pastor Angela: angela@immanuel.us 

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•   I'd like to sign up for the in-person option.
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•   I'd like a copy of the printed course guidebook (suggested donation, $5)
•   I'm interested but would like more information.

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