Adults

 

Our adult classes offer a welcoming environment that allows everyone to come together to discuss many interesting topics and events. Review the adult education opportunities below for more information.

First Forums

Every Sunday First Central hosts a series of distinguished speakers to lead us in a critical examination of issues in our city, our country, and our world. We meet at 9:00AM on Sunday mornings for coffee, and begin our discussions at 9:10 AM in the Fireside Room. Topics may include current politics, history, art, or a pressing social issue.

 

Sept. 19 - Sustainability and Endangered Habitats – presented by Dr. Rick Brenneman, Conservation Geneticist, Henry Doorly Zoo and First Central member - "When conservation of endangered habitats in biodiversity hotspots encroaches on the livelihood and survival of the local human populations, how can we get the local community to buy in to the whole concept of conservation?  The Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership, an NGO spin-off of the Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo's Conservation Genetics Department, is doing just that.  The project combines education with community development alternatives that permit sustainable co-existence between the people of the Kianjavato Commune and the regional habitat while re-establishing continuous forests from the village to the Vatovavy Mountain about 20 km away."

Sept. 26 - The Gulf Oil Spill – presented by Dr. John Schalles, Professor of Aquatic Science at Creighton University and First Central member -  Dr. Schalles will discuss the effects the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill will have on the habitat and marine ecology of the area. 

Oct. 3 - Ethical Wills: Preserving Your Legacy of Values - presented by Shane Kotok Ethical wills are an ancient Hebrew tradition that is still practiced today, increasingly by people of all faiths, who wish to pass their values on to future generations.  Ethical wills are a way to hand down blessings, life lessons, hopes and dreams for the future, love and forgiveness to family, friends and community. Learn what an ethical will is and how to write your own.  Shane Kotok is the Director of Admissions and Community Outreach at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

Oct. 10, 17. 24, 31 - The Curse of the Self  -presented by our new pastor, Rev. Dr. Scott Jones, will combine his interests in spirituality, pastoral care, and philosophy in a discussion of the self, based upon the book The Curse of the Self: Self-Awareness, Egotism, and the Quality of Human Life by Mark R. Leary.  From the blurb of the book: “A great deal of unhappiness, in the form of addictions, overeating, and domestic violence, is due to people’s inability to exert control over their thoughts and behavior.  Is it possible to direct our self-reflection in a way that will minimize the disadvantages and maximize the advantages?”  We’ll discuss topics such as  self-identity, self-control, interpersonal relationships,  and the roles of religion, morality, and meditation as they relate to the self. 

Nov. 7, 14, 21 - The Historical Jesus - presented by Deb Kirwan, member of First Central   How much is it possible to know about Jesus, the man who lived in first-century Palestine? Applying historical criteria discussed in earlier lectures, we’ll examine the traditions about Jesus’ early life, his historical context, and how Roman rule affected him and his contemporaries. Join us as we listen to (and discuss) three more DVD lectures on The Historical Jesus by Bart Ehrman (Professor of Religion at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill). Dr. Ehrman provides insight and evokes thoughtful discussion. Deb Kirwan will facilitate.

Nov. 28 – Thanksgiving -  No Adult Education Forum

Dec. 5 - Advent Workshop – No Adult Education Forum

Dec. 12 - Andrew Jackson; American Lion – presented by Kent Kirwan, Professor of Political Science at UNO and member of First Central       Our first six presidents, in terms of family status or wealth or education, could, arguably, be called aristocrats.  Andy Jackson, our seventh president, was working class all the way.  Orphaned at age 14, he never knew his father, and his mother died during the American Revolution.  In his presidency we see the American character in formation and in action.  Except for Washington, Jackson was our most popular president until Abe Lincoln.

Dec. 19 -  “Genesis” - presented by Scott Hoyt member of First Central. A continuation of conversations about the familiar stories in Genesis.  Bill Moyer’s remarkable book, “Genesis: A Living Conversation,” will provide the basis of this conversation.  The discussions are usually far ranging and focus on the lasting meaning of the Genesis stories.