FALL 2008 LIFELONG LEARNING

Lifelong learning at Trinity is interactive, challenging and fun. Through a wide variety of classes, groups, and experiences, you can explore your questions, gain confidence in what you believe, and integrate your beliefs into your life.  Scroll and read through these classes to find the experiences that best meet your needs and interests at this point in your spiritual journey. We would love to know your plans, so please register by clicking on the link below.

Click here to register for all classes

Download a Fall 2008 adult learning guide


Book Discussions
The Great Awakening:
Reviving Faith and Politics in a Post-Religious Right America
Sun., Sept. 28, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26, Nov. 2, 9 a.m.
Room 108A, Book Fee: $17
In his new book, Jim Wallis draws on lively stories from his speaking engagements and world travels to discuss how the silent majority of religious Americans who don’t feel represented by the religious right’s agenda can take comfort in their sheer numbers and then take action in their communities to fight poverty, clean up the environment and eradicate disease. Come join other passionate Christians in exploring a new way to engage in the biggest issues facing our nation and world. Led by David Teschler. Register online.

Raising Boys: Parenting Boys Beyond Male Stereotypes
Thu., Oct. 23, Dec. 18, Feb. 19, April 16, June 18, 7-9 p.m. – Living Room
Come join other parents of young boys to learn more about the development of boys, share stories and wisdom, and grow in your ability to parent your boys. Each session will be a group discussion based on a different book about raising boys.
Books include Raising Cain, Speaking of Boys, The Wonder of Boys, Boys Adrift, and Real Boys. A schedule of which book to read for each session will be emailed to you when you sign up for this group.
Led by Deb and Matt Simcik. Register online.

The Wonder of Boys Part 1 audio file (coming soon)
The Wonder of Boys Part 2 audio file (coming soon)

Start a new group
Do you have a book about Jesus that you would like to read and discuss with others? Contact Pastor Siri Erickson via email with your idea and she will help you organize a new book group.


Fall Classes

This I Believe, Part II
Sun., Nov. 9, 16, 23, 10:30 a.m. - Garden Room
or Tue., Nov. 11, 18, 25, 7-8 p.m. – Living Room
Revelation. Incarnation. Virgin Birth. Do you know what you believe about these three important Christmas-related Christian ideas? Are you curious to know what other people think? A short introduction will be provided for each topic. Most of the class time will be spent in small group discussion; each person will have time to share their thoughts and questions about these topics. Some reflection and a paragraph of writing are required between class sessions. Participation in This I Believe in the spring of 2008 would be helpful but is not required for Part II.
Led by Pastor Siri Erickson. Register online.

Lutheran Insights for Bible Study
Sun., Sept. 28, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26, 10:30 a.m. - Garden Room
or
Tue., Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28; 7-8 p.m. - Garden Room
Have you ever thought “I don’t know anything about the Bible,” or “I have trouble understanding the Bible on my own?” Or, have you ever wondered “Do Lutherans have a unique way of reading the Bible that is different from other churches?” If you’ve had these kinds of thoughts or questions, then this class is for you! This learning experience is for both the beginning student of the Bible and for the experienced reader who wants to learn more about distinctly Lutheran approaches to Bible study. After an introduction to the key methods of Lutheran Bible study, participants will work in groups to apply the various approaches to specific texts. The texts for all five weeks explore our relationship with God’s creation.
Led by Pastor Siri Erickson. Register online.

Films and Faith (NOOMA) 
Tue., Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, 7-8:15 p.m. – Living Room
NOOMA is the Greek word for spirit. In short films, Michigan pastor Rob Bell touches on a variety of spiritual themes that we care about, that we want to talk about, and that come in a way that fits our world. Come and have great conversations about life and faith inspired by these films. We will continue with where we left off in the Spring; no prior attendance is required because the films each stand alone. Led by Dr. Jim Moline
Register online.

Healing Touch
Sun., Oct. 26, Nov. 9, 23, 9 a.m. – Library Conference Room
You are invited to come learn historical perspectives on healing touch, overviews on some of the varieties practiced today, as well as share in some personal experiences. Come to one session or all. Contact Julie Edstrom at 439-6747 or via email or 
Mary Helen Syverson via email.

Hope and Healing in Grief
Sun., Nov. 2  10:30 a.m. - Room 108B
Grief is a long and difficult road, especially during the holidays. If you are grieving or concerned about someone who is, come to learn about normal grief and how to cope with grief during the holidays.
Led by Pastor Kris Linner, 439-7400, ext. 107 or email.

How to Help Yourself Through Divorce
Wed., Nov. 5;  6:45-7:45 p.m. - Stillwater Library, Rivers Room A
John Bragstad, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, will provide coping strategies in dealing with the many emotions that come with divorce. Led by John Bragstad and Pastor Kris Linner

How to Help Children Through Divorce
Wed., Jan. 21, 2009;  6:45-7:45 pm - Stillwater Library, Rivers Room A
Heidi Presslein, MSW, will provide helpful suggestions on how to help children deal with a divorce.
Contact Pastor Kris Linner with questions.

Singles: Discover Your Love Languages
Fri., Sept. 26; 7-9 pm, – Trinity Garden Room
Cost: $5; Bring a friend, qualify for a prize!
Different people express love in different ways. Join us for a fun and relaxed evening with other singles. John Bragstad will provide insight into understanding each other’s unique needs. You will discover your primary love language based on the book by
Gary Chapman entitled The Five Love Languages. The evening will start with refreshments and socializing.
Led by John Bragstad. Register online.



On-Line
This I Believe, Parts I and II
Oct. 6 – Nov. 17
Creation. Providence. Image of God. Human Nature. Sin. Evil. Revelation. Incarnation. Virgin Birth. Do you know what you believe about these important Christian ideas? Are you curious to know what other people think? A short introduction will be provided for each topic. Participants will reflect on each topic and compose one paragraph summarizing their beliefs. Each person will post their beliefs and respond to one another’s ideas on the online class discussion board.
Led by Pastor Siri Erickson. Register online.

Bible Studies
Monday Night Bible Study
Mondays, 7-8:30 p.m. – Living Library
Come study and discuss what it means to follow Jesus from the perspective of 1 Timothy. All are welcome.
Register online. Led by Diane Sauers

The Letter of Paul to the Philippians
Wednesdays, 9-10 a.m. – Garden Room
Explore the themes of Paul’s letter to the church of Philippi. Paul wrote a letter of friendship about joy, gratitude and encouragement to stand fast in the faith. Come when you can as we read and discuss this uplifting letter together.
Led by Pastor Kris Linner.  Register online.

Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study
Weekly starting Sept. 9, 8:30-10:30 am - Living Room
Led by Lynn Schurrer, 430-1632

On Purpose Fall 2008

We help you identify your unique design in order to live a meaningful and intentional life.



Studies indicate that people who have the opportunity to focus on their strengths every day are six times as likely to be engaged in their jobs and more than three times as likely to report having an excellent quality of life in general.

Career, Calling and Purpose
Wed., Sept. 24, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 6-8 p.m.
Stillwater Library, Rivers Room A
Cost: $15
*Note: Please enter on the 3rd St. side and go to the top floor
Are you in transition or considering a career change? Are you looking for more meaningful work? Are you wondering about the alignment of your strengths at work? Come explore the process of designing your work and life from the inside-out.
Led by Jody Thone.  Register online.

Introduction to the Enneagram
Sat., Oct. 4; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park Conference Cottage
10191 St. Croix Trail South, Hastings, MN; Cost: $30
We have been taught that the quality of our life will improve primarily if our external fortunes improve. Sooner or later, however we realize that external things cannot address the deep restlessness of our soul. So where can we look for answers? The Enneagram is one of the most popular systems for self-understanding and is used as a tool for personal growth and spiritual transformation. This day-long retreat will introduce the nine distinct personality types and show you how you can overcome your inner barriers, realize your unique strengths, and discover your deepest direction in life.
Led by Jody Thone.  Register online.

Living Your Strengths
Tue., Oct. 28, 6–9 p.m. – Office Conference Room
Cost $25. Includes the book, Living Your Strengths and the Clifton StrengthsFinderTM
* Note: You must take the Clifton StrengthsFinder prior to attending this session.Based on the work of the Gallup organization and over two million interviews, Living Your Strengths is a process that helps you indentify, affirm and serve from your strengths. It includes the Clifton StrengthsFinderTM assessment and Trinity’s own workshop designed to bring us together to explore our strengths and learn about the incredible power of our community when we serve God from our strengths. Led by Amy Karlstad, Walt Ogburn. Register online.

Living Your Strengths 2: Marcus Buckingham Video Series
Sun., Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23; Dec. 7, 14
10:30 -11:45 a.m. – Living Room
Marcus Buckingham, best selling author and one of Business Week’s Best of 2006-Thought Leaders, teaches you how to discover your strengths and put them to work.
Session 1:     So, what’s stopping you?
Session 2:     Do you know what your strengths are?
Session 3:     How can you make the most of them?
Session 4:     How do you cut out your weaknesses?
Session 5:     Why is it so hard to talk about this?
Session 6:     Why can’t this last forever?
Led by Dick Dunnigan, Tim Gillis
Register online.