Adults

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

Bible Study

Following the Liturgical Calendar, Edie Godfrey leads this group each Sunday morning at 9:15 a.m. in the Reuben Gaylord Library on the third floor.  Bring your favorite edition of the Bible, and your open hearts and minds.

 

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.

 

January 31 & February 7, 14, & 21: A National Issues Forum: The Energy Problem presented by John Schalles, Professor of Biology, Creighton University and Kent Kirwan, Professor Emeritus, Political Science, UNO. In the first class (January 31) we examine the problem, which has many dimensions.  The second class (February 7) concerns reducing our dependence on foreign energy.  The third class (February 14) focuses on getting out of the fossil-fuel predicament.  Fossil fuel generates carbon dioxide, which causes global warming.  Our last class (February 21) explores ways to curb our energy appetite and to use energy more efficiently.

February 28: Rediscovering the Nature of Mission  presented by Barb Switzer and Rev. Jeannie Bates.  From the time of the Old Testament Prophets to present day, the people of the church have been involved in mission. The very word "mission" means to "send off." The UCC has a long history of mission work. It may be focused on conversion, as a mission trip to provide service to others or, lately, as a way to promote justice for the People of God. Join us to discover how our understanding of the nature of mission has changed over time. Which aspect will be most important to First Central as we consider more ways to be of service in our local community?

March 7: inCOMMON:  presented by Caitie Caughey, a Community Advocate at inCOMMON.  Recognizing that something in the war on poverty is amiss, inCommon Community Development purports that a new comprehensive strategy must be imagined – a strategy offering hope and renewal to the “least of these” who struggle for life outside our own front doors. Unfortunately, often social service workers from various agencies keep dealing with the same families over and over as new emergencies occur in clients' lives. No one is assigned to look at each family’s circumstances holistically and design a package of assistance that would not only address their immediate problems more sensibly, but also build the foundation to prevent the recurring emergencies.

March 14, 21 & 28: The Historical Jesus  presented by Deb Kirwan, member of First Central.  Who was Jesus of Nazareth? We’ll listen to (and discuss) three more lectures on DVD by Professor Bart Ehrman on The Historical Jesus, focusing on what we can learn about Jesus from the New Testament Gospels as well as some other Gospels that didn’t make it into the Bible. Bart Ehrman (Professor of Religion at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) provides insight and always provokes lively discussion. Deb Kirwan will facilitate the discussion following the lectures.

April 4:  No Adult Education – Easter

 

April 11:  Burning Man Presented by Brad Milton, member of First Central.  In the week before Labor Day each year people gather in the desert outside of Gerlach, Nevada to create a temporary oasis -- a celebration of community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance. They depart one week later, leaving no trace. Black Rock City (the gathering), and Burning Man (the festival) are the stuff of legends like Shangri-La, Brigadoon, and Disney World. Originally a small group of friends gathered spontaneously on a beach, the annual Burning Man festival has grown to a world-class event, with a multimillion-dollar budget and attendance approaching 50,000 people. Founded on the principles of Radical Inclusion, Gifting, Decommodification, Radical Self-reliance, Radical Self-expression, Communal Effort, Civic Responsibility, Leaving No Trace, Participation, and Immediacy; its mission statement proclaims "We believe that the experience of Burning Man can produce positive spiritual change in the world." 
It's commonly acknowledged that no one knows what Burning Man is until they've experienced it.  Brad Milton will attempt to share part of his experience, and encourages all interested in participating to attend.

April 18: No Adult Education – All Church Retreat

April 25 & May 2: "Talkin' 'bout Our Generations"  presented by Fred Nielsen, Professor of History, UNO. Few institutions bring together, on a regular basis, people of such widely varying ages as does the church.  Among the sources of our diversity is the fact that we are, in addition to everything else, members of different generations, born in different eras and thus shaped by different experiences.  According to recent studies, the so-called "generation gap" is greater now than it has been at any time since the 1960's.  Americans differ increasingly in their ideas about religion, morality, institutions, politics, technology, privacy, friendship, and work.  For two weeks (April 25 and May 2) we will explore the varying generational experiences and perspectives of our members.  What is their significance in our personal lives and in the life of the church?