Explore the beliefs, traditions, and practices that shape three of the world’s major faith traditions.

Join us for a four-week interfaith series offering a comparative look at Islam, Judaism, and Eastern Orthodox. Together, we’ll explore holy days, prayer practices, and other meaningful aspects of each tradition as we deepen our understanding of our neighbors and the diverse ways people practice and express their faith.

On the first Sunday of Advent, the Minnesota-raised singer-songwriter and friend of WCC, Jason Gray, will perform songs from his album Christmas Stories: Repeat the Sounding Joy during the 9:00 a.m. contemporary service. This three-week class picks up where that Sunday leaves off.

The album tells the Christmas story through the eyes of the people who lived it, with all of their fears, doubts and hopes. Each week, we’ll listen to one of Jason’s songs, read the scripture behind it and reflect together through contemplative practices and artwork.

Week 1: Joseph, through “Forgiveness Is a Miracle (A Song for Joseph)”
Week 2: The shepherds, through “Gloria (The Song of the Shepherds)”
Week 3: The wise men, through “Easier (The Song of the Wise Man)”

It’s a chance to slow down and see a familiar story through new eyes.

Every December, we sing carols we know by heart, but few of us know the stories behind them. In this three-week Advent series at Faith Bible Study, Revs. Lindy Purdy, Dan Stark and Dustin Janzen explore the history, theology and scripture behind both beloved and lesser-known Christmas carols.

Based on Steve’s book Whole, this interactive class explores the Hebrew idea of shalom, usually defined as peace. But as one commentator says, “In Hebrew, peace-making means whole-making, not warm-fuzzy-deny-your-concerns-and-stop-being-difficult-making.” Shalom (whole-making) is a state of being that is forged in the cooperative work between God and us. Participants will be given a framework for moving towards wholeness in their own lives, as outlined in the book.

Note: You do not need to buy the book to participate, but there will be a limited number of copies available for purchase during the class for those who wish to have a copy. You can buy it on Kindle, or you can listen to the audiobook on Audible (Steve narrates).

The Bible is the foundation of our faith, and yet it has often been used in ways that cause real harm. What if we could learn to read Scripture through lenses rooted more deeply in the life and ministry of Jesus, lenses that lead toward healing, wholeness and love?In this two-week study, Rev. Dustin Janzen guides us through Better Ways to Read the Bible: Transforming a Weapon of Harm into a Tool of Healing by Zach Lambert.

‍January 27: “We All Have Lenses” and “Lenses That Inflict Harm”
February 3: “Lenses That Promote Healing”

‍You’re welcome to read along with your own copy of the book from your favorite bookseller, but you don’t need it to take part. Each session includes time to explore the ideas and talk them through together. This study is for anyone who has struggled with parts of the Bible, seen Scripture used to hurt people, or simply wants to understand more about how we read and interpret it. Bring your questions. There’s room for all of them.