Spring 2025
March 9, 16, and 23
Weaving the Word into the Fabric of Our Lives
Elaine Park, Professor of Biblical Studies and Academic Dean (Retired), Mt. Angel Seminary
When we reflect on the great mysteries of the faith, one way to delve into meaning is through use of images. One image that suggests God’s abiding presence and our relationship with the ever-present God is that of a tapestry or weaving. The warp and weft, the ups and downs and crossway interlacing and patterns of weavings are an apt image for the interlacing, ups and downs and crossway intertwining of divine and human actions. God’s presence and activity are a constant thread woven throughout the tapestry of history, creating a model for human activity patterned on God’s own.
For three Sundays, we will explore a few of the threads woven through Scripture and human history in which divine and human actions are woven together, beginning with the divine gaze: God saw that it was good.
The handout for week 1 is available here. The handout for week 2 is available here. The handout for week 3 is available here.
March 30, April 6, and 13
What We Do with the Violent Texts in Joshua
Chauncey Diego Francisco Handy, Assistant Professor of Religion and Humanities, Reed College
Christian biblical interpretation has a long, disturbing history of justifying violence in the name of Jesus. The book of Joshua is a standard set piece in that story. The Israelites’ brutal conquest of the Promised Land is symbolically replayed over and again throughout the centuries by Christian empires. However, for Christians who would seek to reject this pattern, there rarely seem to be clear alternatives. What ought we do with violent biblical texts? How do we reject interpretations that result in violence? Join us for a 3-week course to grapple with these questions. We will explore the nature of biblical literature, the book of Joshua, and potential strategies of interpretation for violent biblical texts.
April 20—Easter Sunday
No Class
April 27, May 4 and 11
Christianity Climbing the Social Register
Dr. Richard L. Rohrbaugh, Paul S. Wright Professor Emeritus, Lewis & Clark College
The Jesus story began among Israelite peasants, farmers, day laborers, sheep/goat herders, refugees, assorted servants and slaves. All were illiterate, poor and living on the edge of survival. Within 40 years, the story was in writing, in a different culture and a different language, being used among the literate, educated, 10% of Greco-Roman cities. By the fourth century, it had arrived at the top of the social ladder in the Roman world of Constantine. How and why did that happen?
For better or worse, the only early Christianity that survived, grew and was bequeathed to subsequent generations – including us – was the one in writing. It has moved up and down the social register many times since the early days – and into many languages and different cultures. Each move changed the faith. Moreover, the framers of each iteration had their own issues and agendas. At Westminster, it is in a highly educated, elite environment, among people who are nothing like ancient Israelite peasants and the other scruffy types who heard it first. Now what?
May 18
What’s Happening at Path Home?
Ali Duncan, Development Director, Path Home
Focused on solutions, Path Home empowers families with children to get back into housing and stay there. By prioritizing homeless prevention, rapid re-housing, and robust case management, Path Home creates pathways to stable, permanent housing for over 550 families each year. Path Home also operates the first shelter in Oregon featuring trauma-informed design & architecture, which helps families heal from the crisis and trauma of homelessness and leads to better outcomes like shorter shelter stays and greater success moving into housing. In fact, 90% of families move from shelter to housing, and the average shelter stay is only about 3 months. Once housed, 87% of families keep their housing for good. In this discussion, you will learn why Oregon ranks first in the nation for homelessness among families with children, the root causes of homelessness, and Path Home’s holistic approach. This work is crucial in creating a future where no family experiences homelessness, ensuring everyone receives the compassion and support they need to succeed. Learn more at https://www.path-home.org/.
May 25
Widening Our Congregational Welcome
The Rev. Rivka Gevurtz, M.Div., Dean of Academics, The Chaplaincy Institute; Spiritual Director and Officiant, Shelter for the Spirit
What gets in the way of marginalized folks feeling welcomed into a spiritual community, particularly members of our community who are LGBTQIA+? Often, we are not aware of our unconscious biases and microaggressions that have unintended impacts on LGBTQ folk (who may experience other intersecting oppressions as well). In this hour, we will explore how our own social locations of privilege and oppression help or hinder our ability to manifest our intention of welcome, between a queer person feeling like they have to fit in versus their having a sense of belonging.
Previous Class Recordings
The Adult Education Committee is pleased to offer recordings of many recent classes. The recordings are available here.
Toothmarks on the Lectionary
Every Sunday, 9:15-10:15 a.m., in Room A. Morning participants will read the Bible texts for the 10:30 a.m. worship service that day. Classes include pastoral participation and background material to help prepare more fully for worship and listening to the sermon.
“Exploring Membership” Classes
Whether or not you’re ready to become a Westminster member, in our “Exploring Membership” classes you are invited to learn what it means to be Presbyterian and consider opportunities for spiritual growth and meaningful mission. These classes are generally offered in spring and fall, either on Saturdays or Sundays. Childcare may be available on request. There is no charge to attend, but advance registration is requested so we can adequately prepare. For more information, please contact Alaina Smith in the church office.
Church Library
Westminster Presbyterian Church has a library with a wide variety of books. You don’t need to be a church member to use the library. The library is located on the ground floor of the church near the 16th Street entrance. You are welcome to browse through the bookcases and table displays.
We recently updated and remodeled the library. It’s both an organized resource area as well as a place to meet in a cozy, relaxed atmosphere.
If you have any question, please contact the church office during weekdays at 503-287-1289. Please note that our library is no longer taking book donations.
Additional Opportunities
We have more educational activities offered in small-group settings, including a variety of book groups. Please check out our Community Life page for more information.