Central's Sunday morning Adult Forum series is our primary Adult Education offering. Adult forums focus on understanding and supporting the many ministries of Central, our community, and the world. Peacemaking and social justice issues are explored. Issues of grief and loss are studied. Biblical perspectives on concern for the hungry, the poor, women and children, the elderly, and care for creation are examined. We reflect together on what it means to live a faithful Christian life in the midst of our complex world.

In addition, small group studies of books and discussion topics are formed from time to time in response to members' interests or concerns. These activities are open to everyone. Information is provided through the CLC Messenger and Sunday morning worship service bulletins.

All Adult Education sessions take place in Central's Fellowship Room -- beginning at 9:00 am and concluding around 10:00 am, just prior to our worship service.

THE BOOK OF REVELATION
Facilitator: Leo Tautfest
In this study series continued from December, we lock horns with the Book of Revelation to see what we can learn about this fascinating, frustrating, and, to some, most frightening book of the Bible. What is the basic message of the Book? What was its meaning for those first readers to whom, and for whom, it was written? Does it inspire and light for our path, living in today's world. If so, how?

Our continued study draws on the work of Dr. Barbara Rossing, a Lutheran pastor and professor of New Testament at the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. Her Bible study, Journeys Through Revelation: Apocalyptic Hope for Today, was written as the 2010-2011 bible study for Presbyterian Women and published in "Horizons" magazine.

January 8: Revelations, Lesson 4: As we continue our study, Revelations, chapter 6, we will look at the 7 seals and 7 trumpets and the evils of the Roman Empire to see the message that emerges for the Christian communities of that day. Is there a message here for us today as well?

January 15: Revelations, Lesson 5: Chapters 7 through 8:5, we will enjoy a wonderful musical interlude as we look at John's heavenly vision of the Lamb, who is also the Shepherd, who will guide the flock to "springs of the water of life.

January 22: Marc Jolin, from JOIN, will be with us to discuss how we can work with homelessness in Portland.

January 29: Paul Schroeder, who also works through JOIN, will share the latest on the New City Initiative and how it impacts the homeless and those recently relocated in homes.

February 5: We'll continue the Revelation Study with lesson 6, Revelation 12. The title is "Witness to Hope: the Woman, the Dragon, and Earth's Rescue. Come! See what it's all about. Pastor Patricia will lead this session.

February 12: John and Jennifer Grosvenor, recently back from the West Bank, where they worked at the Fair Trade Festival, are anxious to share their experiences with us.

February 19: The topic for our Rainbow Ministry is "Marriage Equality", featuring a panel discussion on the topic of marriage, and an update on the political and religious landscape regarding equal marriage rights for all.

February 26 & March 4:
Our Care for Creation team will present a discussion on "Food Choices for Sustainability" during these two Sundays. With the aid of brief segments of films, readings and Biblical references, we will explore our role as stewards, "the caretakers", of God's good earth. How does our daily living, even our food choices, aid or abet earth's sustainability and life itself? Since the Season of Lent is here, might a "meatless Monday" be a good spiritual exercise and how might it aid in sustaining the earth? How far, and by what means, are our food choices transported? How do these impact earth's sustainability? These and other questions will make for stimulating discussion.