Announcements

The practice of spiritual direction provides opportunities to share with others as we deepen our relationships with Christ. What is involved in spiritual direction? How can the practice help us learn and grow in our faith and discipleship? FaithLink is a Sunday School...

The hate-filled speech at recent political rallies has sometimes led to violence. Responses on both sides have been called attacks on free speech. What determines free speech? How does Christian faith inform the way we understand and advocate for freedom of speech?...

Apple and the FBI’s current legal battle over encrypted iPhone data raises questions about security and privacy in the digital age. What tensions between national security and personal liberty emerge from this case? How will Christians contribute to the conversations...

The movie Risen explores the resurrection of Jesus through the eyes of a Roman soldier who is a nonbeliever. What questions does the film raise? How does our faith guide us as we explore our beliefs about the risen Christ? FaithLink is a Sunday School class that meets...

Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem at the beginning of Passover echoed the prophets and demonstrated a different kind of politics than the Roman Empire. It threatened Rome and its collaborators in Jerusalem, the people who executed him. How do Christians find meaning in the...

The death of Justice Antonin Scalia has focused attention on the Supreme Court of the United States. What role does the Supreme Court play in our government? How does Christian faith inform our understandings of justice and the functions of the Supreme Court?...

For the second year in a row, only white actors received major Academy Award nominations. What issues about racial and ethnic diversity does this controversy raise? How does Christian faith help us value racial and ethnic diversity in our culture? FaithLink is a...

The World Health Organization has declared the Zika virus outbreak an international health emergency. What are the concerns about this mosquito-borne virus? How can churches help with prevention efforts and with support for those who suffer harm from this disease?...

The water crisis in Flint, Michigan, raises serious concerns about lead poisoning in water supplies. What are the concerns, and how can they be addressed? How does our faith guide our responses to this crisis? FaithLink is a Sunday School class that meets at 9:45 a.m....

Many people are choosing to live in urban neighborhoods rather than in suburban communities. Why are people making this choice, and what are the effects on these urban neighborhoods? What are the implications for church ministry and mission? FaithLink is a Sunday...

At the 2015 Paris Climate Conference, nearly 200 nations reached an agreement to limit greenhouse gas emissions. What makes the Paris agreement environmentally, politically, and economically important? What theological significance does it hold for us as Jesus’...

The term helicopter parent appears frequently in the media to describe a particular style of parenting. What is a helicopter parent? How can one be an effective parent with appropriate boundaries? In what ways can the church support healthy parenting? FaithLink is a...

We live in a time of increased misunderstanding and fear of other religions, particularly Islam. How do we foster good relationships with and acceptance of people of other faiths? How do we respect other traditions without compromising our own faith? FaithLink is a...

Antibiotics offer benefits in the treatment of disease; however, overuse in humans and ani- mals raises serious concerns. What are the concerns? What is responsible use? How does faith guide us as we make decisions about the use of antibiotics? FaithLink is a Sunday...

Many teacher and parent organizations are calling for less emphasis on standardized testing in public schools. What are the advantages and disadvantages of evaluating student learning through standardized tests? What alternatives exist? How can our faith guide us as...

Many people in the United States spend a significant portion of their income on housing, which leaves less for other essentials such as food and transportation. What options are available for those who are seeking more affordable housing? How can the church support...

FaithLink will meet on January 3, 2016. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! FaithLink is a Sunday School class that meets at 9:45 a.m. in LC #104. Topics for each session will be announced the Tuesday prior. Whether you avail yourself of a single session on a topic...

As people of faith, blessings are important to us. What is the history of the Judeo-Christian blessing? What do we mean when we use the terms "blessed," "blessing," and "bless you" in our conversations? How can being intentional about the use of these terms increase...

Pope Francis’ encyclical "Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home (Laudato Si’)" is getting much attention in and beyond the faith community. What does it say, and why is it important? How is the Pope’s encyclical similar to the United Methodist bishops’ "God’s...

Research shows that a sedentary lifestyle can negatively affect a person’s health. Why are so many people sedentary? What steps can they take to be more physically active? How is the Christian faith a resource for encouraging us to lead more active lives? FaithLink is...