Montclair Presbyterian Church

This Sunday, June 26, Montclair Presbyterian Church will join other churches who in June will have a “More Light Sunday” service. More Light churches “work for the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people of faith in the life, ministry and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA).”  MPC has been a More Light church since 1987.

This is a yearly call to action for churches to preach God’s radical hospitality and inclusion of the GLBTQ community, and to “honor the life in all we meet.”   We proudly fly the rainbow flag as a symbol of our welcome.

Join us!

Here are three ongoing thoughtful discussions at MPC:

• Bible Study
• Many Faces of God
• Resurrection Living

Each has a different focus with a goal of encouraging community, growing spiritually and getting to know one another.

Bible Study meets on Wednesdays from 1 to 2:30. We share our own stories and we follow the Common Lectionary: that is, the Bible readings used by churches around the world. This 3-year cycle acquaints us with major biblical themes.

Many Faces Of God is a continuing study group, reading books that expand our understanding of our own faith tradition or explore other religions. Discussions are always lively and spirited. It meets the second Saturday of each month from 10-11:30.

Resurrection Living meets every Tuesday from 1-3 PM.  We use the open responsive journal co-created by our former Associate Pastor, Roger Scott Powers. It’s used for reflection and discussion as we ponder “What does it mean for me to follow the nonviolent Christ in the place where I live as well as all around God’s world?”  Come whenever you can.

We invite you to join us for any or all of these.  Please double-check the calendar to confirm the dates and times.  For further information, including directions, contact office@mpcfamily.org or call 510.339.1131.

There are thirteen adult education classes scheduled through June, six of which start in February. Join MPC Friends and Family to participate in classes including a lively discussion of the Sermon on the Mount, viewing and discussion of films about food issues, and a study of the relevancy of the Ten Commandments for our lives today.

The six classes starting in February are as follows:

• Writing Your Life Story – Write your life story in the company of others embarking on the same journey.
• The Ten Commandments: Relevant for Life Today …. Or Not? – Join others to study and then see what we conclude about the meaning and importance of these religious rules for life today.
• Starting the Discussion: Films About Food Issues – View and discuss several recent films that explore the convergence of global concerns in one of the most basic of human needs: Food
• Many Faces of God – Read books that expand the understanding of our own faith tradition and explore other religions
• Kairos Palestine – Study a pamphlet entitled “Kairos Palestine – A Moment of Truth”, a landmark declaration written by an ecumenical group of Palestinian Christians.
• Dancing with Marilynn – Learn two ballroom dances, basic steps and variations; come alone or with a partner.

For more details, see the entire Adult Education Spring 2011 class listing.  Sign up for classes during Family Hour (after the Celebration) on January 30 or contact the church office.

Join MPC Family member Jane Rubey for a brunch celebrating her book on living with cancer – SURPRISE! I’M STILL HERE!!: Living with Incurable Cancer.  The brunch will be held on Sunday, January 23, at 11:30 in the Thornhill Room, and Marge Moser will host Jane for the discussion.

Below are few excerpts from reviews of the book on Amazon:

“Jane carefully acknowledges the impact of this disease on her emotional and physical wellness, the strength she has gained from her family, her talent for giving and receiving gifts of friendship.”

“It is an inspiring story of the power of the human spirit and her patient persistence. We would hope we all can benefit from her sharing of this faith.”

The brunch is co-sponsored by Storytellers and Companions and the book will be available in the Book Depot.