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Building Blocks for Faithful Living
A seven-week class at 9 am on Sunday mornings in the Swan Room from January 11 through February 22, 2026, led by David Anderman.
We will take an introductory look at a variety of spiritual experiences, both individual and in community, at theological reflections that grow out of them, and at how these experiences and ideas can guide us in faithful living in community and in our world (i.e. the justice implications). And since spiritual experiences, theological reflections, and faithful living are mutually interactive and feed on each other, we will look at how faith is dynamic and changing over time and place.
Since this class is introductory, preparation will be minimal. Bring yourself, your experiences, and your insights and questions. David will write a one or two page non-technical document to help focus each session. At the end of the class, you will have explored some basic building blocks for faithful living, and will have a beginning sense of how they may fit together.
Session 1 – Jan. 11
Where and how do we become aware of a sacred or greater dimension in our world?
Session 2 – Jan.18
In what kinds of communities can we share and reflect on the implications of these experiences?
Session 3 – Jan. 25
What words do we use in trying to describe this sacred/greater dimension to life? Who are we in relation to this something greater?
Session 4 – Feb. 1
How does all of what we have talked about so far shape our lives? What guideposts do we have for living our lives?
Session 5 – Feb. 8
What are the contemporary ways we see around us of distortions or exploitations of faith traditions, sacred texts, and religious institutions? How do we react to them?
Session 6 – Feb. 15
What can we learn from churches, especially those in minority communities, whose worship is always joyful in the face of terrible injustice and which grounds actions for justice?
Session 7 – Feb. 22
What kinds of faithful living and what kinds of community/church begin to take shape using these building blocks?
A handout with more details for each session is available at church or downloaded as a PDF
Please email David at [email protected] if you are interested or wish further information.
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