Events at Saint Ben's
Music
Jazz Festival
Sunday, September 14, 3 p.m.
Inga Swearingen, Vocals
Fred Atwood, Bass ~ Gary Drysdale, Guitar
Paul Rinzler, Piano ~ Darell Voss, Drums
Karl Welz, Tenor Sax
Call 528-5194 for Tickets ($35)
Details on poster
The Hollister Institute
The Hollister Institute provides opportunities for stimulating discussion and thoughtful exploration for those who may not be members of a church (as well as Episcopalians). Now held at St. Benedict’s in Los Osos, there are plans to offer classes in other areas of San Luis Obispo County. If you see a course that interests you but you can’t get to Los Osos or you missed it when it was first offered, there’s a possibility it may be offered in another part of the county. For more information, contact Donna Ross at donnaross@charter.net.
Small group discussions at the Hollister Institute
God, Gays, and Faith
Four Wednesday evenings starting September 10 at St. Benedict's, 7 p.m. Led by the Rev. Caroline Hall, priest-in-charge of St. Ben's, who is completing a doctorate in this subject area.
In the last few years the press has been full of arguments within churches over the full inclusion of gay and lesbian people, especially within the Episcopal Church following the ordination of a gay man as Bishop of New Hampshire in 2003.
In this class we will examine how Christians have understood and understand sexuality, especially homosexuality, and why it seems to be so divisive. We'll look at the relevant Bible passabes as well as the experience of people who feel that God calls them to be gay.
Wy do some chuches say that you're welcome if you're gay but only if you're celibate while others welcome partnered gay people? Why does religion make such a fuss about sexuality? What's the difference between civil marriage and marriage in a church or synagogue?
Recent Hollister Institute events
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE WOMEN?
May 13, 20, and 27 at St. Benedict’s
This class is for men and women who want to take a closer look at the New Testament and early Christian history to learn more about Jesus’ women disciples and Paul’s women co-workers, and discuss the issues of equality left unresolved by the early church. Led by the Rev. Donna Ross.
MINISTRY TO THE AGED AND/OR THE HOMEBOUND –
June 5, 12, 19 at St. Benedict’s
“I never know what to say.” I’m afraid I’ll say or do the wrong thing.” Sound familiar? Even people who are very comfortable visiting the sick and/or homebound often do not realize that there is a difference between just a social visit and a pastoral contact. Is visiting the sick and/or homebound a Christian obligation, or are we called to do more? Can we actually be instruments of spiritual healing for another? Led by the Rev. Faye Hogan.
DOES GOD PLAY DICE? Reconciling Evolution and Faith
June 17, June 24, and July 1 at St. Benedict’s
Presentations on evolutionary theory, the challenges the theory presents for people of faith and the ways in which scientists and theologians have responded to these challenges. Led by three scientists: Ed Himelblau (geneticist), John Horsley (theoretical chemist), and Rob Ross (biochemist). source materials for "Does God Play Dice?"