COMMUNITY LEARNING SEMINARS

The heart of First Christian Church of Ponca City revolves around community building and outreach. Because of this, several programs have been developed through the years to meet these desires, including sponsoring Friendship Feast, Friendship Community Garden, Friendship bikes, as well as a number of other programs. So it came as no surprise when the inclination sprang forth from within the Adult Sunday School classes to engage with the broader audience of Ponca City by offering a space for people to gather, to learn, and to discuss meaningful topics beyond any one particular view of religion. From these aspirations, the Community Learning Seminars was born.

In its third year, First Christian Church is excited to announce the upcoming series of Community Learning Seminars starting this January. These topics are carefully selected, considering current relevant topics and the varied interests of those within the community.

Running weekly from January 14th, each seminar will last 1 to 1 ½ hours for small groups of 10 to 12 people. Most sessions will be held every Tuesday, at 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Join them for one or more of these insightful discussions!

The topics will include the following:

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to REALLY understand the ins and outs of Gen Z? Having trouble understanding the lingo, social media, and culture of the teenagers around you? This seminar will help you understand and maybe help you strengthen relationships with the teenagers in your life, and will be taught by a high school teacher who has seen it all and talks with Gen Z regularly. There will be guest appearances by some Gen Zers to help you understand some of their struggles and triumphs and even might help you create your first viral video!

This topic will only be at 7:00 pm starting Tuesday, January 14 and will go for 4 sessions.

What’s going on with our boys and men? Economists are puzzled by the big drop in men in the workplace. Public health experts are worried about the high rates of suicide and overdose among this demographic. Parents are seeing their sons struggle and are concerned about what this means for their future. Many of the rapid economic, social and cultural changes over recent decades pose new challenges for boys and men.

Based on the book Of Boys and Men by Richard Reeves

Contemplation can seem elusive because it means different things to different people. It has a place in every major religion and is also practiced by non-religious people. Contemplative practices can deepen our awareness and connection to ourselves, our loved ones and even the Divine. It’s a way of being, empowering us to make conscious decisions rather than reacting automatically. In this seminar, you will discover different contemplative practices that can help you pay attention and release behaviors that no longer serve you, potentially changing your life.

Do you enjoy reading and community? In this seminar, we invite anyone who is interested in joining a book group to connect with fellow book lovers! This one-time session will facilitate the organization of a new book group( or groups), allowing individuals and couples to meet and formulate a plan. This time will allow you to select a time, place and book for your next get together. The subjects of the book will be up to you: fiction, history, or any other nonfiction interest. Book groups are a great way for participants to read and discuss a greater variety of interesting topics!

These Community Learning Seminars will all be held at First Christian Church located at 210 North 5th Street in Ponca City. Attendees should enter the building from the west door. For more information and to sign-up to attend, call the church office at 580-762-1667.

The first session will be Teenage Culture and Language and will begin on Tuesday, January 14 at 7:00 pm. Men’s and Boys Struggles and Contemplation will follow but will be at both 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm when they begin.