Episcopal Church of the Messiah ~ Adult Education Classes (714) 543-9389

Educational Opportunities

Adult Classes

Classes are built around a theme or text, and generally run 4 - 6 weeks. We often meet on Sundays at 9:00 A.M. in the Upper Room but there are some exceptions.

For up to date information contact:
the Church Office at (714) 543-9389.

Just War Theology
SUNDAYS – 9 A.M.
April 6 – 20, 2008
Dr. Duane Day and The Rev. Carolyn Estrada

The earliest Christians were pacifists. What happened to change that? With a Gospel of love, justice, peace, how can Christians fight one another? Through the ages Christian thinkers have given serious thought to the question. We’ll look at how (or whether) their formulations impact us.

The Emergent Church
Phyllis Tickle’s DVD presentation
SUNDAYS – 11:30 A.M.
April 27 – May 18, 2008
Brown bag lunch
Kitty Crary, Dee Tucker and The Rev. Carolyn Estrada

What is happening in the church today? In an effort to understand how people have responded to their heart’s cry for God, we will look at the historic trends in religion, as well as the implications for today.

The Eastern Orthodox Church
SUNDAYS – 9 A.M.
June 1, 15, 22, 29, 2008
The Rev. Carolyn Estrada

Just what is the Eastern Orthodox Church? How did the church come into being? What do they believe? How do they worship? How are they both similar and different to other Christian churches?

The Apocryphal Texts
SUNDAYS – 9 A.M.
Aug. 5 – 26, 2007
The Rev. Carolyn Estrada

Between the close of the Hebrew canon and the New Testament there is a body of scripture, containing whole books, or portions of books, we occasionally hear in church, but about which most of us know every little. What, in fact, is in the books of Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Ecclesiasticus, Baruch, The Letter of Jeremiah, Prayer of Azariah, Susanna, Bel and the Dragon, Maccabees 1 – 4, Prayer of Manasseh, Esdras 1 & 2, the addendum to the Book of Esther, and Psalm 151? Why wasn’t it included in the canon – and why do we read them now?

The Gnostic Gospels
SUNDAYS – 9 A.M.
Sept. 21, 28, Oct., 17, 26, 2008
Dr. Duane Day

There has been a storm of publicity recently about “the lost words of Jesus” and “lost Gospels.” These ancient writings, which are not part of our New Testament, were left out on purpose. Were those omissions wise? Do we, in the 21st century, have anything to learn from the Gnostics?

Non-Violent Communication
SUNDAYS – 11:30 A.M.
Oct. 19 – Nov. 9, 2008
Karen Goran and Karen Cunningham

Jean Vanier wrote, “The truth will set us free only if we allow it to penetrate our hearts and rend the veil that separates head from heart.” Nonviolent Communication is a way of communicating the truth of our lives with compassion and thoughtfulness. Our words are filtered through both our minds and dour hearts with the result being a very mindful and compassionate form of communication.

Jewish Spirituality
SUNDAYS – 9 A.M.
Nov. 30 – Dec. 21 – 2008
Dr. Larry Budner

The class will learn about Jewish spirituality through the discussion of several basic texts from the Talmud or other primary sources which illustrate the Jewish approach to prayer and religious living. We will pay special attention to looking for commonalities and contrasts with Christian spirituality.