Adult Education at Westminster
2024-2025 ADULT EDUCATION FORUM
Sundays, 11:15 a.m. - 12 noon
Parish Hall
Faith, Art, Advocacy Part 1: Refugee Ministry September 15, 22
In 1849, we welcomed Presbyterian refugees from Madeira, Portugal who made Springfield their home. Led by Archivist Sue Cull, Dr. Blythe Kieffer,and Dr. Aaron Berkowitz
Church & the Custody Battle over Public Schools September 29, October 6
We will review the history of education in the U.S. and the role the “church” has played.
Led by Dr. Vena Long
Rise of Nazism & Dietrich Bonhoeffer October 13, 20
We will explore the religious environment in Germany with a particular emphasis on the role of Dietrich Bonhoeffer in organizing the Confessing Church movement. Led by Dr. Aaron Berkowitz
Modern History of Israel November 10, 17
We will review the modern history of Israel, with a particular emphasis on the Israeli occupation of Palestine. Led by Dr. Aaron Berkowitz and Dr. Jonathan Carlson-Eastvold
Journey to a Holy Place: Pilgrimage in a Globalizing World November 24, December 1
This class introduces pilgrimages as a common feature in many world religions, including Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Led by Dr. Debra Parker
Faith, Art, Advocacy Part II: Civil Rights January 5, 12
The impact of musicians on the progress of civil rights in the twentieth century.
Led by Dr. Peter Kieffer
Martin Luther King Presentation January 19
We welcome the Rev. Godfrey (Bobby) Musengwa as our guest preacher and MLK presenter.
Life in the Kennedy Administration February 2
Led by one who was a part of it: Dr. Roy Wehrle
Jesus, the Bible and Homosexuality February 9, 16, 23
The historical perspectives and biblical passages that have influenced discrimination based on race, gender, and sexual orientation. Led by Dr. Peter and Rev. Dr. Blythe Kieffer
Women in Space March 2, 9
This course illuminates the ways female astronauts overcame gender oppression to transform American space exploration. Led by Dr. Katie Carlson-Eastvold
Social and Medical History of Reproductive Health Care March 16, 23
A history of medical procedures and social perspectives will be presented. Led by Dr. Peter Kieffer
History of SIU School of Medical March 30
Led by a founding faculty member Dr. Roland Folse
American Revolution April 6, 13
On the 250th Anniversary of the Revolutionary War, we will explore how Presbyterian Polity influenced American Democracy. Led by Dr. Aaron Berkowitz
Faith, Art, Advocacy Part III: Abolitionism April 27, May 4, 11
As Westminster celebrates CXC on Founders’ Sunday, the nineteenth century abolition movement will be highlighted. Led by Dale Rogers, Dr. Peter Kieffer and Archivist Sue Cull
Sundays, 11:15 a.m. - 12 noon
Parish Hall
Faith, Art, Advocacy Part 1: Refugee Ministry September 15, 22
In 1849, we welcomed Presbyterian refugees from Madeira, Portugal who made Springfield their home. Led by Archivist Sue Cull, Dr. Blythe Kieffer,and Dr. Aaron Berkowitz
Church & the Custody Battle over Public Schools September 29, October 6
We will review the history of education in the U.S. and the role the “church” has played.
Led by Dr. Vena Long
Rise of Nazism & Dietrich Bonhoeffer October 13, 20
We will explore the religious environment in Germany with a particular emphasis on the role of Dietrich Bonhoeffer in organizing the Confessing Church movement. Led by Dr. Aaron Berkowitz
Modern History of Israel November 10, 17
We will review the modern history of Israel, with a particular emphasis on the Israeli occupation of Palestine. Led by Dr. Aaron Berkowitz and Dr. Jonathan Carlson-Eastvold
Journey to a Holy Place: Pilgrimage in a Globalizing World November 24, December 1
This class introduces pilgrimages as a common feature in many world religions, including Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Led by Dr. Debra Parker
Faith, Art, Advocacy Part II: Civil Rights January 5, 12
The impact of musicians on the progress of civil rights in the twentieth century.
Led by Dr. Peter Kieffer
Martin Luther King Presentation January 19
We welcome the Rev. Godfrey (Bobby) Musengwa as our guest preacher and MLK presenter.
Life in the Kennedy Administration February 2
Led by one who was a part of it: Dr. Roy Wehrle
Jesus, the Bible and Homosexuality February 9, 16, 23
The historical perspectives and biblical passages that have influenced discrimination based on race, gender, and sexual orientation. Led by Dr. Peter and Rev. Dr. Blythe Kieffer
Women in Space March 2, 9
This course illuminates the ways female astronauts overcame gender oppression to transform American space exploration. Led by Dr. Katie Carlson-Eastvold
Social and Medical History of Reproductive Health Care March 16, 23
A history of medical procedures and social perspectives will be presented. Led by Dr. Peter Kieffer
History of SIU School of Medical March 30
Led by a founding faculty member Dr. Roland Folse
American Revolution April 6, 13
On the 250th Anniversary of the Revolutionary War, we will explore how Presbyterian Polity influenced American Democracy. Led by Dr. Aaron Berkowitz
Faith, Art, Advocacy Part III: Abolitionism April 27, May 4, 11
As Westminster celebrates CXC on Founders’ Sunday, the nineteenth century abolition movement will be highlighted. Led by Dale Rogers, Dr. Peter Kieffer and Archivist Sue Cull
PASTOR-LED BIBLE STUDY
Thursdays, Sept.-May, 5:30 - 6:45 p.m.
Dr. Kieffer’s Bible Study resumes Thursday, September 19, 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. in the Second Floor Classroom. This year’s curriculum will be the Disciple Study “Remember Who You Are: A Study of the Prophets and Letters of Paul.” Books will be available Homecoming Sunday and in the Church Office. New members are welcome!
Thursdays, Sept.-May, 5:30 - 6:45 p.m.
Dr. Kieffer’s Bible Study resumes Thursday, September 19, 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. in the Second Floor Classroom. This year’s curriculum will be the Disciple Study “Remember Who You Are: A Study of the Prophets and Letters of Paul.” Books will be available Homecoming Sunday and in the Church Office. New members are welcome!
APOSTLES READ LIBRARY BOOK GROUP
FOURTH TUESDAY OF THE MONTH, 6:00 – 7:00 P.M.
The Apostles Read Library Book Group meets the Fourth Tuesdays of each month from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the Ziegler Library. New members are always welcome! Led by Dr. Aaron Berkowitz.
FOURTH TUESDAY OF THE MONTH, 6:00 – 7:00 P.M.
The Apostles Read Library Book Group meets the Fourth Tuesdays of each month from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the Ziegler Library. New members are always welcome! Led by Dr. Aaron Berkowitz.
BAY WEEKEND
November 2-3, 2024
The Bay Weekend was established in 1974 by the family of Frances and Ed Bay with the formation of the Frances M. Bay Lay Education Fund. This fund has provided the Westminster congregation and community with educational weekends for over 40 years. We are grateful to the Bay Family whose generosity and legacy have nourished our faith for more than four decades, and for the Westminster Endowment Fund which has also contributed to these endeavors. Click here to learn more about Bay Weekend 2024 Click Here for a link to Bay Weekend History.
November 2-3, 2024
The Bay Weekend was established in 1974 by the family of Frances and Ed Bay with the formation of the Frances M. Bay Lay Education Fund. This fund has provided the Westminster congregation and community with educational weekends for over 40 years. We are grateful to the Bay Family whose generosity and legacy have nourished our faith for more than four decades, and for the Westminster Endowment Fund which has also contributed to these endeavors. Click here to learn more about Bay Weekend 2024 Click Here for a link to Bay Weekend History.
Westminster Anniversary Retreat
Celebrating 190 Years of Faith, Art, and Advocacy
Thursday - Saturday, May 1-3, 2025
Pere Marquette Lodge and Conference Center
This retreat will trace the journeys of our founding abolitionists and the sacrificial role of Elijah Parrish Lovejoy during the early nineteenth century as we celebrate Westminster’s enduring legacy of faith, art, and advocacy.
Celebrating 190 Years of Faith, Art, and Advocacy
Thursday - Saturday, May 1-3, 2025
Pere Marquette Lodge and Conference Center
This retreat will trace the journeys of our founding abolitionists and the sacrificial role of Elijah Parrish Lovejoy during the early nineteenth century as we celebrate Westminster’s enduring legacy of faith, art, and advocacy.
THE ZIEGLER LIBRARY
The Ziegler Library consisting of an adult library and a children’s library is one of the church’s greatest assets. This library, created in 1973, has books for the entire congregation. The collection contains reference materials and a varied collection of books for reading enjoyment. The Library is located on the second floor up the stairs from the south door to the sanctuary. The Children’s Library is also on the second floor in the second grade classroom.
Library Hours
Monday - Friday 8am- 5pm *Library open during meeting hours after 5pm. Check the online calendar.
Sunday 8am-noon