§ Spring Courses

The Minor Prophets in Conversation with Jesus

Led by Tom Rook
Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in the Page Smith Room | April 18–May 9 (4 weeks)

Was Jesus’ message unique, standing outside the Jewish line of prophets? Or does Jesus intentionally echo prophets such as Hosea, Amos, and Joel? And how do the words of the Minor Prophets—“minor” only in the shorter length of their books—speak to us 2,500 years later? This course will familiarize participants with some of the lesser-known books of the Bible, books that are also among the most influential on Christian faith and life. The class will also explore how it is that these prophets’ critiques and judgments might strengthen our faith and hone our insights into issues of 2010 life in America.

Tom Rook is a Parish Associate at Fourth Presbyterian Church.

Apologies of Socrates and Gospels of Jesus

Led by Adam Rose
Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in Anderson Hall South Balcony | April 18–May 9 (4 weeks)

Does history repeat itself? The lives and deaths of Socrates and Jesus had some remarkable parallels. Both were charismatic teachers claiming to be on divine missions. Both were executed by the ruling elites they challenged. And both were vindicated in the writings of their disciples. The class will explore these and other parallels by reading and discussing two Apologies of Socrates (one by Xenophon and one by Plato), and two gospels, one that made it into the New Testament and one that didn’t.

Adam Rose, who specializes in scriptural texts, holds an advanced degree in General Studies in the Humanities from the University of Chicago.

John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion

Led by Randall Zachman
Sundays at 11:00 a.m. in Anderson Hall South Balcony | April 18–May 9 (4 weeks)

John Calvin has been a figure of great interest to Presbyterians, especially last year as we celebrated the 500th anniversary of his birth. Randall Zachman joins us again to discuss this important historical figure and what Calvin himself viewed as the most important
summary of his teaching: Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion. Calvin wrote this famous work to provide a basic understanding of the Christian doctrine. Institutes is broken down into four books that loosely follow the outline of the Apostles’ Creed. Book 1 concerns knowledge of God. Book 2 is about Jesus Christ as redeemer. Book 3 is about the Holy Spirit’s role in applying Christ’s redeeming graces. Book 4 is about the church and practice. Randall Zachman will lead participants in a stimulating overview of this significant theological work.

Randall Zachman is Professor of Reformation Studies at the University of Notre Dame.

Fine Arts and Faith

Led by Calum MacLeod, Susan Pellowe, and John Sherer
Sundays at 11:00 a.m. in Anderson Hall North Balcony A | April 18–May 2 (3 weeks)

This session highlights three different ways God is alive and at work in our lives through art.

• Calum MacLeod will lead off the series with reflections on faith and the arts. He will focus on the role of poetry in his personal faith and his use of poetry in the pulpit and in his written devotions.

• Susan Pellowe was named after Susanna Wesley, the Mother of Methodism. Join Susan as she recreates Susanna, which she began doing as an actor more than thirty years ago. Learn of Susanna’s background and strong beliefs, which were shaped by her marrying an Anglican minister, her nineteen children, and especially her father, ordained a Presbyterian minister in the seventeenth century. Susan will discuss how she and Susanna affect each other in the twenty-first century.

• John Sherer will share personal reflections about experiencing God through music—music of a thousand people united in song, music that puts us in touch with the universe and with the ages—and will explore how music touches and changes all of us.

John W. W. Sherer is Organist and Director of Music at Fourth Presbyterian Church.
Calum MacLeod is Executive Associate Pastor at Fourth Presbyterian Church.
Susan Pellowe is Coordinator of Visual Arts at Fourth Presbyterian Church.


Giggles for God!

Sundays at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. in Westminster House W16 | April 18–May 23 (6 weeks)

Remember those wonderful songs we sang as little kids, like “Jesus Loves Me,” “This Little Light of Mine,” and “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”? Would you enjoy worshiping God in song with your baby, toddler, or preschooler in a relaxed and fun atmosphere? Then we invite you to join in “Giggles for God!” It’s the perfect opportunity for families and their little ones to participate in a weekly sing-along and also meet other\ families with young children. Two sessions are planned each Sunday, so come to the Nursery School Room W16 at 9:00 a.m. or 10:30 a.m., starting Sunday, April 18, for thirty minutes of songs we love, songs we want our children to know, and songs to help our children learn about God’s love. No preparation is necessary and no regular attendance is required. Come when you can and stay as long as you want.


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