Prayer for Beginners Facilitator: Nick Loenen January 12 ~ What is Prayer? Is prayer delightful, the practice of the presence of God or an irksome duty interfering with other more interesting activities.. Cross Training Winter Church Education Sundays, January 12 through February 23, 2014 9:30—10:15 Faith Unfolded Facilitator: Ernst de Vries The revised version of this book takes a fresh look at the five points of Calvinism (traditionally summarized by the acronym T.U.L.I.P.) using the helpful new acronym F.A.I.T.H. People who are investigating Christianity will eventually encounter “deeper” truths about sin, salvation and living the Christian life. These doctrines, taught by the Reformed theologian John Calvin, are sometimes called “the five Point of Calvinism”, or T.U.L.I.P. In F.A.I.T.H. Unfolded, Jim Osterhouse takes a fresh look at the doctrines of grace through the lens of scripture. He emerges with a new acronym— F.A.I.T.H.—and unfolds the riches of God’s truth for a new generation. (Quote/photo from Faith Alive Christian Resources) Note: no class on January 19th. January 19 ~ Why Pray? Why, if God has plans and knows what we want and need, should you spend hours asking him to change his mind? February 2 ~ How to Pray? “We cannot plan, organize or manipulate God; but without careful discipline, we cannot receive him either” Henri Nouwen February 9 ~ Unanswered Prayer and Physical Healing Every morning I pray...and then I open the Vancouver Sun to find a catalogue of unanswered prayers. How is that possible when Jesus promised, “Whatever you ask in my name, believing, you will receive”? February 16~ The Prayer of Suffering God is often nearer to us, and more effectively present with us, in sickness than in health. Is that your experience? February 23~ Prayer as Idol and Blasphemy God is not always pleased with our prayers. Do your prayer practices offend God? What to expect? Participants will receive Readings, one to two pages, for each week by email. To receive these please let Nick know by January 5. nloenen@shaw.ca. Note: no class on January 26th.