ACE Schedule: Fall 2019

ACE (Adult Christian Education) Schedule: Fall 2019

“Sabbath: an invitation to rest”
Every Sunday at 10:20 a.m. in the Parish House

In the months ahead, ACE will continue to explore the spiritual theme of Sabbath and what Sabbath means in the lives of modern Christians. All Sunday sessions take place from 10:20 a.m. – 11:05 a.m. in the Parish House. There is an exciting and diverse program of  speakers, including experts in scripture, sociology, ecology, poetry, religion, and psychology.

There several other ACE events planned that will take place at other scheduled times (see details below). All are invited and welcome to all of these events!

To learn about other Christian formation offerings on Sundays, including Children & Youth Christian Education and regular meetings of All Saints living prayer groups, please click here to read more.


Sunday ACE Class Fall Schedule:

September 8: Sabbath: An Invitation to Rest
Rev. Aimée will introduce the theme and there will be the opportunity for participants to reflect on what Sabbath means for them.
September 15: Sabbath in the Bible
Dr. Caryn Reeder of Westmont College will take us on a survey of Sabbath in Scripture.
Sept 22: Sabbath and Creation: Dr. Amanda Sparkman is an expert in ecology and she and Dr. Caryn Reeder will offer insights on this current relevant and crucial topic.
Sept 29: Jesus and Sabbath: Dr. Caryn Reeder will continue with scriptural reflections on Sabbath in the life of Jesus.

Oct 6: No ACE session due to blessing of the animals at the 9:15 and 11:15 services.
Oct 13: Poetry and Sabbath:
Dr. Paul Willis, English professor and former poet laureate of Santa Barbara (2011-2013) will share some thoughts and poems. Also, all are invited to a poetry trail walk with Dr. Willis at the Westmont College campus on Sat. Oct 19, 9-11am. Park at the track (below the gym) and meet at the college garden.
Sun Oct 20: Sabbath & Modern Life: Dr. Meredith Whitnah, professor in sociology at Westmont, will present a sociological perspective on the features of our modern life that can make Sabbath difficult.
Sun Oct 27: Sabbath and Judaism: Rabbi Daniel Brenner of B’nai B’rith in Santa Barbara will lead a session on Sabbath in contemporary Judaism (a later invitation to participate in a Shabat service at B’nai B’rith will be forthcoming).

Nov 3: Sabbath of the Mind: Drs. Cecile Lyons and Gerry Doran will offer some reflections and practical techniques to quiet our minds and enter more restful states.
Nov 10: Panel Discussion on Sabbath: Dr. Aaron Sizer will chair a panel with the focus on what Sabbath practices have been valuable and how Sabbath-keeping succeeded or failed?
Nov 17: Technology, Time and Presence: Dr. Felicia Song, professor in sociology and anthropology at Westmont, and an expert in social media and digital technology, will offer some reflections on technology and Sabbath keeping.


Other ACE events:

Sat. Sept 28, 9:30am-11:30am
Gather in the Parish House for a discussion on Richard Rohr’s book, The Universal Christ.

Sunday, October 20, 7-8:30pm: The Social and Political Character of Christian Faith: A Book Discussion of Jennifer McBride’s Radical Discipleship: A Liturgical Politics of the Gospel
Jennifer McBride will be facilitating a discussion of a selection from her book. This event, co-sponsored by All-Saints-By-The-Sea and the Free Methodist Church of Santa Barbara, invites us to reflect on the social and political implications of our faith. McBride’s book is rooted in her experiences teaching theology in a women’s prison and participating in an intentional community that works to end homelessness, among other issues. Please contact Meredith Whitnah with any questions and to sign up so the reading selection can be made available to you ahead of time. This event will take place at the Free Methodist Church of Santa Barbara, 1435 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara, CA.


To learn about other Christian formation offerings on Sundays, including Children & Youth Christian Education and regular meetings of All Saints living prayer groups, please click here to read more.