Course Descriptions for Institute of Christian Living

Winter/Spring 2010

All ICL courses are being held after worship (11:15am - 12:15pm) on the following Sundays: February 14, 21, 28, March 7, 14, 21. To register, please contact the church office (office@pclawrenceville.org) with your name(s), the number of the course selected, and the names and ages of children requiring child care during the course.

Course 1: Faithful Parenting

What is parenting, really? Perhaps it depends on the mood, the time of day or our caffeine intake. This course will be a conversation about how we can be more intentional about parenting with God in the picture. How do we talk with our kids about faith? Where does God come into our individual and family rhythms? How do we become more faith-full? We will provide a bibliography of resources and use the resources of one another in the class. (Caffeine not included)

February 14th - Loving your Children, Partner and God
February 21st – The Days of our Lives: Rituals of Time and Place
February 28th – Parenting in Community: Children with Special Needs (Guest speaker Amy Julia Becker)
March 7th - TBD by needs/interests of the participants
March 14th - Discipline: How does disciple fit into discipline?
March 21st – God’s Business vs. Our Busy-ness

Facilitated by Brent and Elizabeth Ferguson -- Brent is a high school math teacher and swim coach at The Lawrenceville School; Elizabeth is a licensed social worker at The Crisis Ministry. Previous to their current positions, they graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary. You can find their daughters Maya (4) and Quinn (2) by the food and juice tables during fellowship time.

Course 2: Remembering our Future: An Exploration of What it Means to be Presbyterian Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

If someone asked you to explain what Presbyterians believe and why, how would you answer?  Come and explore Presbyterian beliefs and why we do the things we do - in the church and in the world. Discover what practices, traditions, and theology gives Presbyterians their distinctive identity in the Christian family of faith.

Feb. 14 - Presbyterian History
Feb. 21 - Presbyterian Beliefs
Feb. 28 - Presbyterian Practices of church
March 7 - Presbyterian Witness
March 14 - Presbyterian Challenges and Crises
March 21 - Presbyterian Future(s)

Taught by Gordon Mikoski -- Gordon is an assistant professor of Christian education at Princeton Theological Seminary. His research and teaching interests focus on the relationship between the sacraments, the doctrine of the Trinity, and Christian education. He is also an ordained Presbyterian minister and served a church in Michigan for eight years.

Course 3: Bad Boys and Bad Girls of the Bible

Most of us are familiar with Bible heroes and she-roes, those persons of great faith and courage who inspire us and provide positive examples to follow.  But what about the biblical characters who are portrayed as being selfish, devious, or downright dastardly?  Do they have anything to teach us?  Why are their stories in the Bible?  How might they challenge our assumptions about faith, goodness, and God’s grace?

February 14 – Eve: Willful or Wise?

February 21 – Cain: “Am I My Brother’s Keeper?”

February 28 – Delilah: Enemy or Entrepreneur?

March 7 – Abraham: “It’s My World!”

March 14 – Woman Caught in Adultery: Fallen or Forgiven?

March 21 – Jephthah: “Can I Change My Mind?”

About the Leader
Louise is the newest staff member - our Associate Pastor (stated supply).  She enjoys exploring the stories of the Bible because in them, she often finds her own story.  Louise is married to Stacy Johnson, a professor of systematic theology at Princeton Seminary who often keeps her theologically in line.  They have four children – 1 good boy and 3 good girls.

Course 4: On Being Presbyterian (New Member Orientation)

This track is for all those who want to learn the basics about what it means to be a Presbyterian. It will serve as the Exploring Membership class series and is required for those considering membership here. Others who are interested in refreshing or enriching their Presbyterian knowledge are also welcome and encouraged to come.

February 14 and 21:  What do Presbyterians believe?

February 28:  The great mystery: What does baptism mean?

March 7: What is the history of The Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville?

March 14:  Why is stewardship fundamental to Christian life?

March 21:  Getting involved: How can I find my own ministry here?