20121104 Jim does Parables Lesson for sick Durward-also, 2013 Class Elections

I will contribute $25 to class members or a charity: to claim, email don that you read this line.

: Click for Addresses   Please share birthday greetings with Ownbey friends, don't you like to get such greetings?
Upcoming lessons:   (Later) Reatha said 11/4 she has the new list and will have distributed soon.

Class: November 04, 2012.
(Click links)      Blog   Smugmug pictures and Video  Youtube Full Class Video  Audio   Messiah Audio as test

Jim and the Class were glad to have Nancy back. Jim offered a prayer and reading from Jesus Calling ("make your trials a stepping stone to further blessings.)

Chick listed the nominations for 2013 officers and some committee members including 
Reatha Andrew President,
Twala Kruger Vice President,
Christine Halpern Secretary,
Mary Katherine Treasurer;
Chairs:
Don Hammer Curriculum,
Durward Owen,Social
Lou Bledsoe and Harriette Thompson, Music
Meals Open. 


Tom Stinson moved election of the above and Reatha seconded, and the slate was approved by class to begin 1/1/2013. Chick thanked his committee of Martha Bledsoe and Mary Katherine for their help, and he acknowledged the help of Jim Hatfield in the process. The class acknowledged the contribution of Ann Copeland over the years in the Meal Committee as she almost single evenhandedly fulfilled that function of providing  meals to sick and missing members. For next year, Chick asked for volunteers to head the committee; it was mentioned the Church does provide casseroles to sick members but "Ownbey likes to look after their own." The class thanked Chick for his work leading the Nominating Committee.  Mary Katherine gave the Treasurer's quarterly report noting there was $5,461.48 in helping Hands and $1,282.36 in the general fund. Carol Needy suggested we give to the Sandy Relief Fund, it was discussed and  moved by Tom Stinson that we approve $500 subject to the approval of Cal Chesson and Committee, and this handling was approved. Reatha offered to complete the form. Reatha reported on  emails in process 1> the nominations, 2>Health and Happiness update, 3> the Lesson Schedule, and 4> Thanks to Durward, Anne, and others for the BBQ. She mentioned she no longer babysits her granddaughter on Fridays. Jack has moved to temporary  housing at SouthMinster until about Christmas he estimates.

Lesson: November 04, 2012
(Click links)      Blog   Smugmug pictures and Video  Youtube Full Class Video  Audio   Messiah Audio as test
Durward was sick and missing today and Jim filed in with a lesson on the Parables, with more time on the Shrewd Manager. We are not sure when The Meaning of Life will be taught. Don H is working on fall back lesson for next Sunday as Durward will be (elected?) in Washington DC.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

  THE MEANING OF LIFE (more) - by various authors - Not sure when, will remove this soon.

Amazon Review: As with the other books of the Dalai Lama I have read, this book combines difficult and obscure teachings with the simplicity of the everyday. The book consists of the text of a lecture series the Dalai Lama gave in London in 1984, before he received the Nobel Prize. The title of the book together with its subtitle "Buddhist perspectives on cause and effect"...

Read the full review ›

Class: October 28, 2012 .
(Click links)      Blog   Smugmug pictures and Video  Youtube Full Class Video  Audio   Messiah Audio as test
Jim opened saying  Nancy was better after following a new regiment from a doctor in Huntersville.  He read from Jesus Calling ("Return to me, for I have sought after you, but you continue in pursuit of your evil ways.") Reatha reminded us of the BBQ at noon and that Betty was excited about being with us. We are to recognize 90th birthdays of William W and Ken.. Anne did the neat decorations using carvings by Ken.; she has a case of Pneumonia, and several folks including Lou and Jim have  colds and Reatha's Granddaughter has the Croup.  Several members were not present for class and the BBQ because of the  conflict with the special music celebrations.
bbbbbbbbbbb
Lesson: October 28, 2012 - Lou leads  ON THE ROAD WITH JESUS - TEACHING AND HEALING, ch 3/4 - by Ben Witherington
(Click links)      Blog   Smugmug pictures and Video  Youtube Full Class Video  Audio   Messiah Audio as test

Amazon Review By Brian V. Bergman - See all my reviews
Nice book, but poor set, September 22, 2012  
I bought this book to go with the companion DVD. I was very disappointed in the quality of the DVD and the fact that it really doesn't have anything to do with the content of the book and doesn't help the viewer think through the material in the book in any real way. I only bought this book to use it with the video and I set both aside after only one session with our small group. I would not have bought this book on its own and I will not be buying any other titles
******************



---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

20121028 Lou leads us ON THE ROAD WITH JESUS - TEACHING AND HEALING ch 3/4 by Ben Witherington

I will contribute $25 to class members or a charity: to claim, email don that you read this line.

Birthdays to remember: Click for Addresses    
  Please share birthday greetings with Ownbey friends, don't you like to get such greetings?
Upcoming lessons:  Nov 4th - bk: THE MEANING OF LIFE (more) - by various authors - led by Durward Nov 11th - bk: WHAT THE BIBLE REALLY TELLS US - by T.J.Wray - led by Jim 
 

bbbbbbbbbbbbb

Lesson: November 04, 2012 THE MEANING OF LIFE (more) - by various authors - led by Durward
(Click links)      Blog   Smugmug pictures and Video  Youtube Full Class Video  Audio   Messiah Audio as test

Amazon Review: As with the other books of the Dalai Lama I have read, this book combines difficult and obscure teachings with the simplicity of the everyday. The book consists of the text of a lecture series the Dalai Lama gave in London in 1984, before he received the Nobel Prize. The title of the book together with its subtitle "Buddhist perspectives on cause and effect"...

Read the full review ›

Class: October 28, 2012 .
(Click links)      Blog   Smugmug pictures and Video  Youtube Full Class Video  Audio   Messiah Audio as test
Jim opened saying  Nancy was better after following a new regiment from a doctor in Huntersville.  He read from Jesus Calling ("Return to me, for I have sought after you, but you continue in pursuit of your evil ways.") Reatha reminded us of the BBQ at noon and that Betty was excited about being with us. We are to recognize 90th birthdays of William W and Ken.. Anne did the neat decorations using carvings by Ken.; she has a case of Pneumonia, and several folks including Lou and Jim have  colds and Reatha's Granddaughter has the Croup.  Several members were not present for class and the BBQ because of the  conflict with the special music celebrations.

Lesson: October 28, 2012 - Lou leads  ON THE ROAD WITH JESUS - TEACHING AND HEALING, ch 3/4 - by Ben Witherington
(Click links)      Blog   Smugmug pictures and Video  Youtube Full Class Video   Audio   Messiah Audio as test

Amazon Review By Brian V. Bergman - Nice book, but poor set, September 22, 2012  
I bought this book to go with the companion DVD. I was very disappointed in the quality of the DVD and the fact that it really doesn't have anything to do with the content of the book and doesn't help the viewer think through the material in the book in any real way. I only bought this book to use it with the video and I set both aside after only one session with our small group. I would not have bought this book on its own and I will not be buying any other titles
******************



Class: October 21, 2012 .
(Click links)      Blog   Smugmug pictures and Video  Youtube Full Class Video   Audio   Messiah Audio as testLesson October 21, 2012 (previous 20120826):Ace Leads SIMPLY JESUS, pt 2 (ministry) - by N.T.Wright

In the absence of Jim and Nancy, Ann led the class in prayer and reading from Jesus Calling ("To live in God's presence, you must expose and expel rebellious tendencies.."). She recognized Connie and Durward who recently celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary. Christine Mull  asked us to update the Roster and a copy was circulated for any changes. Reatha will followup up so let her know of any changes. (To see copy of roster from the church office, click here. Usual password, ask Don if forget).  Reatha discussed the 10/28 BBQ and mentioned her recent email (see below) asking for cards, pictures, etc to help celebrate the 90th birthdays of Ken and William. She received an email from Lois Wilson in Virginia who said she enjoyed getting emails about the class. Joyce had surgery recently in Wilmington and Reatha will share her address with us soon.
Reatha sent following email 10/20/2012:
Dear Ownbey Family, Altho' some of our number will be attending the Music Ministry Luncheon upstairs in Jubilee Hall on Oct 28th, the rest of us will be celebrating in our classroom at our annual BBQ  :-) If you want to come and have not yet contacted Durward, please do so NOW!    704.552.1169    Remember that the cost is $7/plate.    [BTW:  somehow we are $14 short, per the list being passed around in class -- app. 2 people marked PAID, got busy, and forgot to put money in the envelope...] Also we will be celebrating TWO b'day milestones:  Bill W turned 90 last month and Ken B's 90th b'day is coming up this week (Tue Oct 23d).  Both Linda and Anne are asking us to write down special remembrances we recall w/each man or special well wishes, and SEND THEM TO ME, please.  I will collect them this next week and present them to Bill and Ken at our lunch. You can write them down and give them to me tomorrow in class... or mail them to me... or send me emails. ...Bill's Linda's schedule that weekend will be rather "tight" -- she'll be returning from a reunion, but plans on leaving there early enough Sunday morning to get to S Place and get Bill ready to come to lunch  :-) And the Bukers will be returning to town tomorrow after a week at the beach  :-) Tomorrow's lesson will be led by Ace -- the final "chapter" of N.T.Wright's book, SIMPLY JESUS. Hope to see you then. Peace, Reatha - Sat - 9am 704......
Lesson October 21, 2012 (previous 20120826) book: SIMPLY JESUS, pt 2 (ministry) - by N.T.Wright - led by Ace. Click links)      Blog   Smugmug pictures and Video   Youtube Full Class Video  Audio   Messiah Audio as test
jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj
 . 

• A comment from Amazon: N.T. Wright's latest book, "Simply Jesus," claims to be a new vision of who Jesus is and what He did. Ultimately, the book is what it claims. It's a sometimes brilliant and inspiring re-presentation of who Jesus is and what He came to do. But unfortunately, Wright doesn't make this clear until the end of Chapter 11. A good summary of Wright's major theme is this sentence from Chapter 11: "The gospels are not about `how Jesus turned out to be God.' They are about how God became king on earth as in heaven." Put another way: the Good News of Jesus Christ has to do with much more than people simply escaping earth for heaven.
• Wright develops this theme throughout and does, indeed, offer a fresh and invigorating vision of Jesus Christ. But the book is marred by the fact that Wright's best and most important ideas aren't clear until so late in the book that they would be easy to miss. In fact, I would highly recommend reading Chapters 11, 13, 14, and 15 first so that the rest of the book may be more profitable! Because of the wonderful, challenging insights in the final few chapters, I give the book 4 stars, despite a very slow and not particularly refreshing beginning.
• Chapter 1 is very slow going and doesn't do much to present Jesus in a new light or help us to see Him any better. In Chapter 2, ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

20121022: Radical Hospitality

20121022: Radical Hospitality The autumn focus on Hospitality - Living God's Welcome continues at 7:00 p.m. tonight in Jubilee Hall when Lonni Collins Pratt leads a conversation on the joys and challenges of hospitality. She is co-author of Radical Hospitality. Join us as we explore together the Christianity dimensions of hospitality - the focus of our study and prayer this autumn.

20120729 Description of the Class Approved

During Sunday 20120729 Class,  the following new Description of the Class was approved as related below:
Jim lead  with a prayer and then shared with the class a writeup of a new description of our class which will be included in the material on Sunday Schools  in August/September. After reading and review of the description, the class voted to approve it. The full description is below and at the bottom of the notes for that day. 

Description of the Class:

The Ownbey Class is one of the oldest and most unique Sunday School classes at Myers Park United Methodist Church. It boasts several features that separate it from the rest.

The Socratic method of teaching is the primary focus in the classroom because it encourages discussion, led by a moderator, who is knowledgeable of the subject matter and experienced in leading discussions.  Rather than lecturing or expressing his or her opinions, the moderator poses questions to class members for discussion. This ensures a lively and diverse exploration of the topic at hand and at the same time, can expand their Christian beliefs.

With few exceptions, our moderators come from within the class membership and they are even in demand to lead lessons for other classes. At times, we use audio/video equipment to support our lessons.

The Ownbey Curriculum Committee is composed of class members and the Minister of Education. They discuss lesson possibilities that include Bible study, applied theology, life management and other secular and multi-religious topics. Further, the class is not afraid to discuss controversial subjects from a Christian perspective. In the most recent 12 month period, Holy Scripture was studied often as well as related books written by authors such as Witherington, Bonhoeffer, Geisler, Price, Giardina, and our own Dr Howell.

While the class is now comprised, primarily, of couples and singles over the age of forty, the class seeks new intergenerational members, regardless of age, marital status, race, or gender. Class members believe diversity is one of the keys to an interesting and interested membership

Class Socials are also a part of the Ownbey tradition with parties and trips to restaurants, museums, lectures and holiday gatherings at members’ homes. We communicate class news by email, a web page on our Church site, and a blog. The web page link is http://www.mpumc.org/ownbey and blog is http://ownbeyss.blogspot.com/

Class members participate in local and global outreach ministries such as Room In the Inn, Habitat for Humanity, Central American and European missions, and participating in the church’s disaster relief efforts, to name a few. Ownbey administers a “Helping Hands” fund to support various causes that have touched the heart(s) of member(s). In fact, Ownbey membership is noted for providing support and help to it’s members and others during life’s tests and trials.

The Ownbey class meets in Room 110 of the Parish Life Building starting at 9:45 a.m. each Sunday morning.

Objectives of the Class:

The primary objective of the class is to expand and deepen Christian beliefs through learning and discussion and to provide Christian fellowship.

Class Member Testimonial:  (Linda Myers)

What Ownbey Sunday School Class means to me - This class offers me blessings of mind and soul and does it with action as well as words.  The Sunday morning classes offer discussion opportunities on a variety of topics.   These discussions often bring out ideas from several perspectives which challenge thought.  I love our annual poetry readings, Christmas story classes, and our social gatherings.   We have a fund for giving to causes meaningful to class members and that also contribute to our group's feelings of being a part of one another.

But most of all, I have been the personal recipient of extraordinary care from this class and I continue to  use their example of love and support as something worthy of my  giving back to others.   I had major surgery in late 2008.  People from this class showed up in the waiting area of the hospital and stayed for long chunks of time during the eleven and a half hour duration of the surgery.  After the surgery, recovery was lengthy and slow.  This class did not let their caring wane over time.  They helped arrange the loan and delivery of much-needed equipment to my home, contributed food, calls, cards, visits, and most of all, love and prayer during my lengthy recovery.  I never felt forgotten and I always felt that others cared.  What they did for me, they do for others too - I just realize it more now that I have been on the receiving end.  I recommend this class to anyone who is interested. 

20121021 Ace talks again of Simply Jesus

I will contribute $25 to class members or a charity: to claim, email don that you read this line.
Reminder: Radical Hospitality The autumn focus on Hospitality - Living God's Welcome continues at 7:00 p.m. Monday night in Jubilee Hall when Lonni Collins Pratt leads a conversation on the joys and challenges of hospitality. She is co-author of Radical Hospitality. Join us as we explore together the Christianity dimensions of hospitality - the focus of our study and prayer this autumn.

Birthdays to remember: Click for Addresses     09/27 Clark Evelyn, 10/04  Owen   Connie, 10/05 Baxter  Gerald, 10/10  Lee  Tonsie ,  10/11    Soule  Wes, 10/17  Soule Ginny , 10/18 Stinson Tom, 10/21 Lumadue  Anne, 10/22  Hackney    Helen, 10/23  Vass Mary Katherine, 10/23 Buker  Ken, 11/03 Gourley Virginia Please share birthday greetings with Ownbey friends, don't you like to get such greetings? Upcoming lessons: Oct 21st - bk: SIMPLY JESUS, pt 3 (final days and beyond) - by N.T.Wright - led by Ace Oct 28th - bk/dvd: ON THE ROAD WITH JESUS - TEACHING AND HEALING, ch 3/4 - by Ben Witherington - led by Lou Nov 4th - bk: THE MEANING OF LIFE (more) - by various authors - led by Durward Nov 11th - bk: WHAT THE BIBLE REALLY TELLS US - by T.J.Wray - led by Jim . Curriculum Committee Meeting 10/23)

Class: October 21, 2012 .
(Click links)      Blog   Smugmug pictures and Video   Youtube Full Class Video Audio   Messiah Audio as test


In the absence of Jim and Nancy, Ann led the class in prayer and reading from Jesus Calling ("To live in God's presence, you must expose and expel rebellious tendencies.."). She recognized Connie and Durward who recently celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary. Christine Mull  asked us to update the Roster and a copy was circulated for any changes. Reatha will followup up so let her know of any changes. (To see copy of roster from the church office, click here. Usual password, ask Don if forget).  Reatha discussed the 10/28 BBQ and mentioned her recent email (see below) asking for cards, pictures, etc to help celebrate the 90th birthdays of Ken and William. She received an email from Lois Wilson in Virginia who said she enjoyed getting emails about the class. Joyce had surgery recently in Wilmington and Reatha will share her address with us soon.
Reatha sent following email 10/20/2012:
Dear Ownbey Family, Altho' some of our number will be attending the Music Ministry Luncheon upstairs in Jubilee Hall on Oct 28th, the rest of us will be celebrating in our classroom at our annual BBQ  :-) If you want to come and have not yet contacted Durward, please do so NOW!    704.552.1169    Remember that the cost is $7/plate.    [BTW:  somehow we are $14 short, per the list being passed around in class -- app. 2 people marked PAID, got busy, and forgot to put money in the envelope...] Also we will be celebrating TWO b'day milestones:  Bill W turned 90 last month and Ken B's 90th b'day is coming up this week (Tue Oct 23d).  Both Linda and Anne are asking us to write down special remembrances we recall w/each man or special well wishes, and SEND THEM TO ME, please.  I will collect them this next week and present them to Bill and Ken at our lunch. You can write them down and give them to me tomorrow in class... or mail them to me... or send me emails. ...Bill's Linda's schedule that weekend will be rather "tight" -- she'll be returning from a reunion, but plans on leaving there early enough Sunday morning to get to S Place and get Bill ready to come to lunch  :-) And the Bukers will be returning to town tomorrow after a week at the beach  :-) Tomorrow's lesson will be led by Ace -- the final "chapter" of N.T.Wright's book, SIMPLY JESUS. Hope to see you then. Peace, Reatha - Sat - 9am 704......
Lesson October 21, 2012 (previous 20120826) book: SIMPLY JESUS, pt 2 (ministry) - by N.T.Wright - led by Ace. Click links)      Blog   Smugmug pictures and Video   Youtube Full Class Video  Audio   Messiah Audio as test
jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj

• A comment from Amazon: N.T. Wright's latest book, "Simply Jesus," claims to be a new vision of who Jesus is and what He did. Ultimately, the book is what it claims. It's a sometimes brilliant and inspiring re-presentation of who Jesus is and what He came to do. But unfortunately, Wright doesn't make this clear until the end of Chapter 11. A good summary of Wright's major theme is this sentence from Chapter 11: "The gospels are not about `how Jesus turned out to be God.' They are about how God became king on earth as in heaven." Put another way: the Good News of Jesus Christ has to do with much more than people simply escaping earth for heaven.
• Wright develops this theme throughout and does, indeed, offer a fresh and invigorating vision of Jesus Christ. But the book is marred by the fact that Wright's best and most important ideas aren't clear until so late in the book that they would be easy to miss. In fact, I would highly recommend reading Chapters 11, 13, 14, and 15 first so that the rest of the book may be more profitable! Because of the wonderful, challenging insights in the final few chapters, I give the book 4 stars, despite a very slow and not particularly refreshing beginning.
• Chapter 1 is very slow going and doesn't do much to present Jesus in a new light or help us to see Him any better. In Chapter 2,

 ---------------------------------------------------------
Class: October 14, 2012 .
(Click links)      Blog   Smugmug pictures and Video   Youtube Full Class Video  Audio   Messiah Audio as test

Jim and Don H were at Wesley Class talking about our BBQ on 10/28.Reatha reported that Ken Buker's 90th birthday is soon.  (Former Ownbey member) Bob Johnson is 90 this month and we were invited to Tennessee to the party. Betty Campbell is coming to the BBQ (10/28 noon Sunday) and Reatha will give a ride. Durward said his family is visiting to celebrate his Wedding Anniversary # 60. Lou and Harriette lead us in singing. Jim reported on his visit to the Wesley class and was envious of their speakers podium. A program 22/5/12 Time for Change, Service of Prayer and Self Denial with luncheon are offered by the local United Methodist Women. Harriette and Lou led us in our hymns.  Jim lead a prayer and reading from Odds and Ends ("God's keeps the key to our problems"). Chick reported Nominations for next year pretty much under control except for Secretary and the Health and Happiness Chair, and he asked us to let him know if will serve. We will need to plan how to deal with the shrinking in our membership Don H told of his retreat to the Lake Junaluska with Adults Plus led by Mark Edwards on Luke. While there, he visited with (former Ownbey members) Joe Hamrick and wife who live and active in  the Mountain area. Thanks to Jack for getting the 7 pictures of the original  Sanctuary drawings framed and  hung in area behind Sanctuary, paid for by Ownbey treasury and  members (approved 8/12/2012). Curriculum meeting is 10/23 at 7 pm; all welcome. Clipboard Announcements  include Bake Sale 11/10/12 (bring your goodies), visit by the BBQ man to Single Pointe soon, Flu Shots 10/8  10/19, Medicare Counseling by Nick Beard and Bill Spier of the Wesley Class (10/16 10/18 10/23 10/25 11/13 11/15/11/29 12/4 704 376 8584 x4818). Attendance again about 22.


 
Lesson: October 14, 2012 .
(Click links)      Blog   Smugmug pictures and Video   Youtube Full Class Video  Audio   Messiah Audio as test

This review is from Amazon: The Signal and the Noise: Why So Many Predictions Fail-but Some Don't (Hardcover) Look inside

I think this book is a good introduction for folks who do not have a background in statistics and probability and would like to read some anecdotal material about current prediction issues in sports, politics, gaming, etc. I felt several chapters wandered between generalization and detailed discussion (Kasparov, climate change).
From the whole book I found the stories about baseball forecasting most interesting. Of course this is what Mr. Silver has passion about! Also the discussion about issues with Fisher vs. Bayesian statistics. I don't agree with the author about the negative implications of Fisher statistics. They are still valuable in confined systems (e.g. manufacturing processes).
I did find the use of signal versus noise terminology interesting, but the book never takes a few moments to explain some key ideas by Shannon and Wiener on signal and noise. This could be supplemented with some concrete examples of extracting a signal out of what looks to be a hopelessly noisy environment. I do rate the book very highly for professional thoroughness on footnotes and references. So many books today are written in a casual style that is more likely to cause skepticism. An appendix on summarizing typical human biases in forecasting would also be useful(e.g. recency bias, linearization bias, anchoring bias, extreme consequece bias, and many others).

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

20121020 Reatha update BBQ, 90th birthdays

Dear Ownbey Family,


Altho' some of our number will be attending the Music Ministry Luncheon upstairs in Jubilee Hall on Oct 28th, the rest of us will be celebrating in our classroom at our annual BBQ  :-)
If you want to come and have not yet contacted Durward, please do so NOW!    704.552.1169    Remember that the cost is $7/plate.    [BTW:  somehow we are $14 short, per the list being passed around in class -- app. 2 people marked PAID, got busy, and forgot to put money in the envelope...]Also we will be celebrating TWO b'day milestones:  Bill Webb turned 90 last month and Ken Buker's 90th b'day is coming up this week (Tue Oct 23d).  Both Linda and Anne are asking us to write down special remembrances we recall w/each man or special well wishes, and SEND THEM TO ME, please.  I will collect them this next week and present them to Bill and Ken at our lunch.You can write them down and give them to me tomorrow in class... or mail them to me... or send me emails. Reatha Andrew....Linda's schedule that weekend will be rather "tight" -- she'll be returning from a reunion, but plans on leaving there early enough Sunday morning to get to Summit Place and get Bill ready to come to lunch  :-) And the Bukers will be returning to town tomorrow after a week at the beach  :-) Tomorrow's lesson will be led by Ace -- the final "chapter" of N.T.Wright's book, SIMPLY JESUS.Hope to see you then. Peace, Reatha - Sat - 9am

20121017-10_38 Adults Plus with Writer Barbara Lawing

Adults Plus

Writer Barbara Lawing taught  Adults Plus members how to write their life history in 2 minutes on 4 lines!
Blog   Smugmug pictures and Video   Audio   Messiah Audio as test