CALL FOR 2016 MISSION u CERTIFIED STUDY LEADERS September 24, 2015

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1 CALL FOR 2016 MISSION u CERTIFIED STUDY LEADERS September 24, 2015 The Executive Team of the Alaska United Methodist Women is receiving applications for two Study Leaders to teach at Mission u Events throughout the Alaska Conference of the United Methodist Church. The time frame for teaching is mid-summer through the end of Those responding to this call will become certified and are expected to teach at a minimum of three or maximum of four Mission u Events held regionally throughout the Alaska United Methodist Conference. Certified leaders do not have to be a member of the United Methodist Church. As leaders in Christian Mission u Education framework, it is important that we are informed and challenged by the insights of others in fields that enhance our study leading beyond the content of the subject we teach. The certification process for study leaders includes attendance and full participation in all aspects of the three day Mission u Leader Training and reading from a reading list compiled to assist you in knowing the field of study and in making selections to enhance your background. The studies that we are recruiting teaching leaders for are: ISSUE STUDY: Climate Justice: Call to Hope and Action SPIRITUAL GROWTH STUDY: The Bible and Human Sexuality: Claiming God s Good Gift A summary of each study is attached. The Study Leaders selected will attend the Mission u Leader Training during one of the following weekends: March 31 April 3 rd Charlotte, North Carolina May 4-7 St. Louis, Missouri June with a date and location to be announced Selected study leaders and the Dean will attend the same event if possible. Expenses to attend the training and to teach at our conference Mission u Events will be paid by the Alaska United Methodist Conference UMW. Continuing education credits are available. The Dean and the Mission u planning team will work closely with the certified leaders to schedule events at convenient times. If you are interested in being considered to teach a study, please complete the attached Call for Study Leader Form and return to: Bonnie Miller, Dean of Mission Education bonitajane@yahoo.com Lisburne Avenue, Kenai, AK or The deadline for submittals is November 15, 2015.

Those responding to this call will become certified and are expected to teach at a minimum of three or maximum of four Mission u Events held regionally throughout the Alaska United Methodist

2 All applicants will be notified by December 1, 2015.

3 The Bible and Human Sexuality: Claiming God s Good Gift By Ellen A. Brubaker Leader s Guide By M. Garlinda Burton The 2016 Spiritual Growth study invites us to explore the complexity of the biblical text and our varied understandings of it in light of human sexuality. We will also examine the influence of theologians and church leaders throughout thousands of years of Judeo-Christian history. Finally, we will consider the influence of family systems, heritage, and changing gender roles, along with the impact of race, class, age, ethnicity, and orientation and how each of us was reared and instructed in our Christian faith. Talking about Sexuality and the Church Whether you agree or disagree with the official stances of The United Methodist Church, it is important to be conversant about them. It is important to be aware of your own beliefs, feelings, biases, and understandings because this self-awareness leads to conversation and understanding. Sexuality is not an easy topic for most of us. Many Christians have confusing and complicated notions of human sexuality, the Bible, our personal beliefs, and what the church should and should not teach and require. It is Good The good news, says Ellen Brubaker, is that human sexuality is part of who we are as human beings, created by God and called good. Sexuality, at its best, is a divine gift meant to enhance and strengthen relationships and draw us closer to our partner, she explains. And there are many citations in the Bible that point to the good gift of sexuality, explicitly and implicitly, beginning with the creation stories in Genesis. Finding a Loving Response The world is watching and waiting for a relevant, compelling, loving, challenging, and cogent word from the Body of Christ. Our silence or simplistic thou shalt nots are no longer adequate for the people in our care for those who claim church membership and those who need and seek spiritual community. We are sexual beings. God made us that way. Sexuality can be celebrated and it can be exploited; it can draw us closer to the one we love, or it can divide whole communities of faith. Yet, we are called to be the Beloved Community of healing, wholeness, reconciliation, and love. How we help one another make sense of the beauty and complexity of sexuality is the purpose of this study. Open your minds and hearts, and let s wrestle together. Adapted from the Leaders Guide by M. Garlinda Burton

We will also examine the influence of theologians and church leaders throughout thousands of years of Judeo-Christian history.

4 Climate Justice: Call to Hope and Action Edited by Pat Watkins Leader s Guide By Anna Rhee Climate Justice: Call to Hope and Action will deepen your understanding and awareness of climate change and its impact on God s creation. The study highlights justice, peace, and integrity of creation as important dimensions of partnering in God s mission today. It offers participants biblical, theological, and ethical insights as the basis of their advocacy on climate justice in churches and in the public sphere. Deepen Understanding Learn not only about climate change, but also about the justice concerns raised by the drivers of climate change and the communities affected by it. Participants in this study will also learn how their own actions contribute to climate change and what they can do to positively affect the environment. Equipped with this information, they will be able to share their knowledge, be intentional about living a sustainable lifestyle, and learn how to support those who suffer because of climate change. Diverse Perspectives Each chapter gives a different perspective of climate justice through the eyes of eight diverse authors. Participants will study: the ways God has asked us to care for the earth; the perspectives of those who are currently affected by the realities of climate change; the meaning of climate justice and the perspective and priorities it requires; and the rich resources available in the life of the Church and beyond to address these concerns.

It offers participants biblical, theological, and ethical insights as the basis of their advocacy on climate justice in churches and in the public sphere.

5 CALL FOR 2016 MISSION u CERTIFIED STUDY LEADERS September 2015 Please complete and return to: Dean of Mission Education, Bonnie Miller, address: bonitajane@yahoo.com. You may attach a circum vitae. The preferred proposal format is a Word file attached to an . If necessary, your form may be mailed to: Bonnie Miller, Lisburne Avenue, Kenai, AK Deadline: November 15 If you have any questions, please contact: Bonnie Miller, address: bonitajane@yahoo.com or by phone (907) and (907) Name: Address: City, State, Zip: Home Phone: Home Church: Cell Phone: Please fully answer the following. Use additional space if needed. Study of Interest: Are you able to attend Mission u Leaders Training in the Spring/Summer of 2016? Are you able to itinerate throughout Alaska to facilitate the learning experience for others? Why are you interested in leading this study? What experience do you have in leading or teaching a class? What specific qualifications do you have that relate to this topic?

Deadline: November 15 If you have any questions, please contact: Bonnie Miller, email address: bonitajane@yahoo.com or by phone (907)776-8555 and (907)440-1636.

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