Christian Spiritual Practices Susan S. Phillips Tuesdays, 7:10-9:30 p.m., September 6-December 13, 2011 Pacific School of Religion, 1798 Scenic Ave, Berkeley; (GTU academic credit available)
Cost: $280 Student: $140
The aim of this course is to study Christian spiritual disciplines as understood historically and in their present expressions. The course will contain lectures, discussion, case presentations and studies, and experiential application, all in the stance of contemplative listening. The intended audience is diverse, including seekers, Christian lay persons, seminarians, and clergy.
Susan S. Phillips (Ph.D.),executive director of New College Berkeley, teaches Christian spirituality at the GTU, Regent College, and other seminaries, and is a spiritual director. She is the author of Candlelight: Illuminating the Art of Spiritual Direction. Register and Pay
Writing Your Journey Sharon Gallagher Wednesdays, 7:10-9:30 p.m., September 7-December 14, Pacific School of Religion, 1798 Scenic Ave, Berkeley; (GTU academic credit available)
Cost: $280 Student: $140
This is a semester-long course in a small-group format. Participants will be mentored in writing and in reading first-person non-fiction, viewing their lives as a spiritual journey. We will look to the world around us, to the guidance of Scripture, and into our hearts and minds to better understand our life experiences.
Sharon Gallagher (M.T.S.) is New College Berkeley associate director and the editor of Radix magazine. She is the author of Finding Faith: Life-Changing Encounters with Christ.
Biblical Hebrew Study Group I(with emphasis on the Psalms) Chris Corwin Thursdays , 7:10-9:30 p.m., September 8-December 15. Co-sponsored with and held at First Presbyterian Church Berkeley, 2407 Dana St., Berkeley; Room G205 (GTU academic credit available) (GTU academic credit available) Cost: $280 Student: $140
This class will focus on basic grammar and vocabulary-building, enabling a lifetime of reading Scripture in Hebrew. This is the first part of a two-semester class with the goal of reading and listening to the Psalms in the spring semester. No prior Hebrew is needed. As we learn Hebrew, we’ll develop a deeper understanding of the poetic nature of the Psalms, enriching their impact for personal and corporate worship and spirituality.
Chris Corwin (Ph.D.) is an adjunct professor at Chabot College and at New College Berkeley. His doctoral work on the Hebrew Scriptures emphasized the Psalms.
Group Spiritual Direction Supervised by Susan Phillips Fall 2011–Spring 2012.Bay Area locations and times: TBA Cost: $50/month, which may be paid in advance ($450, including the $50 deposit)
(Note: space is limited, and must be reserved by August 15th)
We will be offering an opportunity for monthly spiritual direction in a small group committed to a year of fellowship, contemplative listening, and prayer. The groups will be facilitated by trained spiritual directors under the supervision of Susan Phillips. There will be nine monthly two-hour meetings at Bay Area locations. Please call Susan Phillips (510-841-9386) or email her (newcollege@aol.com) if you are interested in participating.
Behold, the Tabernacle of God Is with People: Sinai as Past and Future Hope Hieromonk Justin Sinaites Tuesday evening, November 15th, 7 p.m. A lecture at the Chapel of the Pacific School of Religion Cost: $10 suggested donation, at the event
Using illuminations of the tabernacle in the early eleventh century Sinai manuscript Christian Topography as a point of departure, Father Justin will address the theme of the tabernacle as a type in Christian spirituality—the tabernacle in the wilderness, in the later prophets, and in New Testament writings, with insights drawn from Orthodox theology. He will explore the tension between tabernacle as dwelling place of God, and God who dwells not in temples made with hands.
Father Justin Sinaitesis a monk at St. Catherine's Monastery in the Sinai, where he serves as librarian.
Advent Retreat: Listening to the Good News Susan S. Phillips Saturday, December10, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Co-sponsored with and at First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley, G208 and G213, 2407 Dana St., Berkeley (enrollment limited to 25) Cost: $25
Join us for a short retreat of listening for the Good News that has resounded throughout the ages, despite the flash and flurry of the season. For seventeen centuries, Christians have sung the hymn “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence,” expressing the desire to keep silent and ponder the Incarnation. Together this Advent we will stop, attend, and pray—in silence, song, and fellowship.
