LIFE Retreat at Eden Theological Seminary,

April 25-26, 2014.

Elective Course: God Revealed in Scripture: O.T. Historical Books.

Christian Education for all ages is a vital ministry in all churches. This workshop will explore the why, where, who, what, and how questions of Christian Education and Youth Ministry in the local church. We'll be using Karen B. Tye's wonderful book, "Christian Education in the Small Membership Church" as well as referring to her book, "Basics of Christian Education" both offering imaginative suggestions that will empower Christian formation through a variety of educational opportunities. This participatory workshop will also provide practical resources and opportunities to dialogue about this integral part of church ministry, community, outreach and mission. Recommended Text: “Christian Education in the Small Membership Church,” Karen Tye.

Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings: The so-called historical books in the Old Testament include some of the most well-known stories in the Bible -- Sampson, David and Goliath, Elijah and Elisha. These books also include some very troublesome stories -- the conquest of Israel with the violent destruction of its cities and the slaughter of their citizens or the rape of Tamar. In this class, we will explore ways to read these books so their theological themes can be discerned in the context in which they were written. Recommended text: “The Historical Books,” Richard Nelson

Certificate Course: The Church is a Learning Community.

Marsha Peek- Elmhurst College: BA in Education and Psychology 1976, UMSL and Mizzou: Graduate work in Elementary Education, Reading, and Gifted Education. Before retiring in 2010, Marsha taught for 34 years in the St. Louis area. She has served as Director of Christian Education in a local UCC church, has worked with children and youth of all ages at the local and Missouri Conference level, has directed summer camps at Mo-Val, and has written numerous Workshop Rotation Model curricula. Marsha is presently working part-time as a Mentor for new teachers for the Webster Groves school district.

Rev. Dr. John Bracke- Elmhurst College, B.A., 1969 Eden Theological Seminary, M.Div., 1972, Eden Theological Seminary, D.Min., 1979, Union Theological Seminary in Virginia, Ph.D., 1983. Before retirement, John taught Old Testament and Studies in Ministry courses. He taught the required introductory Old Testament class. He also taught several elective courses: Hebrew Grammar, a course on the books of Jeremiah and Ezekiel, and Old Testament Theology. He has published commentaries on the books of Jeremiah and Lamentations in the Westminister Bible Companion Series and with Professor Tye, a book on teaching the Bible in the church.