Education hour at 11:00am — following the 9:30am service and coffee
Sundays Year-Round, 11:00am-12:00pm
Open Space takes place most Sunday mornings in the Main Sanctuary of St. James Lutheran Church. All are invited to attend and listen, participate, learn, grow, and share as we develop a stronger sense of our individual faith and also who we are as a community of believers in our world today. Topics range from biblical study to current events, social issues, and information session about local organizations. Open Space is a safe environment where all questions and viewpoints have the right to be heard respectfully.
Open Space Returns this Month
St. James’ Adult Education Program, Open Space, will begin the 2024-25 year on September 15th at 11:00am. Our thanks to Mandy Ellertson and the members of the St. James Education Committee for helping to plan our fall speaker schedule.
Below are the topics for Adult Classes through November:
September 15th: Kick-Off Sunday at St. James
During worship on this Sunday, we welcome Albert Alter, who, using his mime skills, will assist Pastor David in the presentation of the sermon. Then toward the end of our coffee time, Albert and Pastor will present the fall Open Space schedule through actions (and a few words). Bring the kids and grandkids.
September 22nd: Native Arts and Culture
Join presenters from the Native Arts and Culture Foundation to hear about what their organization is creating and developing. The foundation is based in Portland, but they support over 400 artists and programs nationwide. St. James is a supporter of this organization through our Endowment Committee.
September 29th and October 6th: The Political Responsibility of the Church
Our guest pastor, Mark Brocker, will present these sessions as the November election draws near. He states that the classes will “utilize insights from the life and writings of German Lutheran pastor and professor Dietrich Bonhoeffer and consider how they apply to our political context today. We will also draw on observations from contemporary theologians and political commentators.”
October 13th: Endowment Committee Spotlight
Come and hear about the work and mission of your Endowment Committee. This event will take place in the Pioneer Chapel with a light luncheon.
October 20th: Capturing Art and Nature with a Cell Phone
St. James Art Committee members Ron Zellar and Albert Alter will share some tips on how to take great pictures with your cell phone.
October 27th: Congrats to Carol & Jules Auger for 65 Years of Marriage!
The congregation will celebrate Carol and Jules Auger’s 65th wedding anniversary with a reception.
November 3rd: Walking the Labyrinth with Sue McBerry
Engage in a discussion about the spiritual and practical application of the newly repainted labyrinth.
November 10th: Global Refuge
Jonathan Buck of Global Refuge will speak about a program that works with Guatemalans who have been denied entry to the U.S.
November 17th: Lutheran World Relief
Hear Lisa Kipp from Lutheran World Relief describe how your contributions to the organization have impacted people around the globe.
November 24th: PDX Housing Solidarity
Join Mandy Ellertson to hear stories about people who have been able to purchase homes working with PDX Housing Solidarity.
