University Presbyterian Church

SoL Courses for Winter 2010

T'ai Yoga

Instructor: Esther Vexler, yoga pioneer

First Series Details: Eight Tuesdays, January 5, 12, 19, 26, February 2, 9, 16, 23; 10 - 11 a.m.

First Series Tuition: $75, register by December 29

Second Series Details: Eight Tuesdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, April 6, 13, 20; 10 - 11 a.m.

Second Series Tuition: $75, register by February 23

Enrollment Limits: 8 minimum / 12 maximum

Course Description: A gentle, powerful yoga using the breath and connecting with the heart. Esther introduces Tai Chi in the yoga practice as a meditation in motion. Tai Chi and yoga are complementary, each being a source of tranquility through use of movement. Bring yoga mat, blanket and pillow; wear sweats or cotton clothing.

About the Instructor: Energetic, compassionate, persistent, Esther Vexler is an inspirational teacher and pioneer of yoga in San Antonio. She has been teaching since 1968 and inspired a nonprofit yoga teacher training school. Her loving spirit has touched many lives over her nine decades of life.

Yogaia Peace Yoga

Instructor: Certified yoga teacher Merritt Swenson

First Series Details: Six Tuesdays, January 19, 26,

February 2,9,16, 23; 4 - 5:15 p.m.

First Series Tuition: $65, register by January 12

Second Series Details: Six Tuesdays, March 2, 9, 23, 30,

April 6, 13; 4 - 5:15 p.m.

Second Series Tuition: $65, register by February 23

Enrollment Limits: 10 minimum / 18 maximum

Course Description: A gentle, yet powerful healing yoga, connecting with the heart. Emphasis is on embracing the sacred with breath and presence and connecting to our natural world for a truly integral yoga experience. A typical class includes an invocation; gentle meditative movement (traditional yoga asana) synchronized with breath (pranayama) and guided relaxation. Benefits of this practice are numerous, from toning, stretching and strengthening the muscles, to boosting the immune system, lowering blood pressure, and enhancing the power of breath. In general, stress is reduced, and the spiritual heart awakens. Bring yoga mat, blanket and pillow; wear sweats or cotton clothing.

About the Instructor: Merritt Swenson, founder of Yogaia Peace, and a nationally registered yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance at the RYT 200 and E-RYT 200 level, began her yoga studies with Mary Frances Weathersby in 1985. She has studied with many teachers of different yoga styles and holds numerous certifications in bodywork and other healing modalities.

Martin Luther, John Calvin, and John Knox:
Three Protestant Reformers in Historical Context

Instructor: Dr. R. Douglas Brackenridge, Professor Emeritus, Trinity University

Details: Three Tuesdays, January 12, 19, 26; 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Tuition: $25, register by January 5

Enrollment Limits: 10 minimum / 30 maximum

Course Description: Despite the recent decline of mainline denominations, the Protestant Reformation of the 16^th century continues to influence the theology and practice of western Christianity. Luther, Calvin, and Knox -- controversial figures during their lifetimes -- continue to generate discussion and debate. The subject of analysis by seminary professors and university historians, sociologists, and economists, they often appear in popular fiction and nonfiction in terms of their influences on our national character and behavior. This course is designed to introduce their lives and thoughts and to offer some reflections on their relevance to contemporary Christianity. No prerequisites are required, only an interest in religious history and some curiosity about oft-quoted but little-read 16^th-century reformers. The class will combine lectures, group activities, and plenary discussions.

About the Instructor: The Rev. Dr. R. Douglas Brackenridge is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Religion at Trinity University. He is a scholar on the history of the Presbyterian Church, development of Presbyterian women’s ministry and women in Protestant history. An ordained Presbyterian minister, Dr. Brackenridge is a graduate of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and received a Ph.D. in ecclesiastical history at the University of Glasgow (Scotland). He taught from 1962 to 2000 in the fields of Bible, the Christian tradition, and American religious history; he is the author of numerous articles and seven books, including a history of Trinity University (A Tale of Three Cities).

Cooking in Season: Fresh, Quick and Local

Friday Night Cooking School - Series #4

Instructor: Chef Carol-lee Fisher

Details: Four Fridays, January 16, 22, February 5 and 19

6:15 - 9 p.m.

Tuition and Food Fee: $115, register by January 9

Enrollment Limits: 10 minimum / 12 maximum

Course Description: Delicious but simple: Prepare fresh, local foods and dine together. Use herbs and simple methods to make seasonal foods taste and look spectacular. Learn new ways to enjoy squash and root vegetables, hearty soups and herbal breads. Combine flavors and work with foods that may be unfamiliar. Every session features a different set of demos. Gather up your friends, have lots of fun, and eat local with us. We provide creative recipes, instructional handouts and hands-on instruction.

About the Instructor: Chef Carol-lee Fisher provides spirited and expert guidance for every session. She started cooking when she was very young, opened a cooking school in Nevada City, California, 30 years ago, and has been teaching cooking ever since. She is a certified nutritionist, master herbalist, past president of the San Antonio Herb Society, and lover of good food, good company and great stories with lots of laughter! Carol-lee’s husband, Paul Fisher, is our cook’s helper and an experienced cook as well.

Special Valentine Dinner: Friday Night Cooking School

Instructor: Chef Carol-lee Fisher

Details: Friday, February 12; 6:15 - 9 p.m.

Tuition and Food Fee: $35, register by February 5

Enrollment Limits: 10 minimum / 12 maximum

Course Description: Are you bored with the same old Valentine’s celebration? Love to eat out but tired of the same restaurants? Enjoy cooking and meeting new people and trying new flavors? Come join us for a very special Valentine’s cooking class at SoL Center. Our instructors are a spirited and entertaining couple who will lead the way to a fun and healthy celebration.

Five Films on Faith

Instructor: Jack Jackson

Details: Five Thursdays,

January 21, 28,

February 4, 11, 18;

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Tuition: $25, register by January 14

Enrollment Limits:

12 minimum / 25 maximum

Course Description: Both in the church and in popular culture, themes of transformation, redemption, and healing are central to the human struggle for identity. Films teach us how to understand this common narrative. As we enjoy their unfolding stories and reflect on their meaning, they tell us about ourselves, our inner lives, human nature, and the society around us, even as they intimate of God’s leading and love. Each week we will discuss one film and look at several clips to facilitate conversation. The first, on Jan 21, will be Doubt with Meryl Streep and Seymour Philip Hoffman. The class will choose the other four films in the series, which may include Away We Go, The Soloist, Taking Woodstock, The Time Traveler’s Wife, Synecdoche, New York, and Julie & Julia. Feel free to bring a lunch. Viewing the film beforehand on a DVD is recommended, but not required.

About the Instructor: Jack Jackson is a writer based in San Antonio. The founding director of the SoL Center, he oversaw it from 2000 to 2007. This marks his 16th film discussion series.

Reclaiming Civility in the Public Square

(Co-sponsored with Madison Square Presbyterian Church)

Instructors: Cassandra Dahnke and Tomas Spath,

co-founders of the Institute for Civility in Government

Details: Monday, January 25; 6:30 - 9 p.m.

Tuition: $15, register by January 18

Enrollment Limits: 12 minimum / 60 maximum

Course Description: There is an almost tangible hunger for a different kind of dialogue and respect, to talk about issues without destroying the fabric of community. Elected officials need to understand there is support for civil dialogue. The best way to send that message is by practicing civility and by joining others to teach the skills of civility for the common good. Cassandra Dahnke and Tomas Spath teach skills based on the rules in their book, “Reclaiming Civility in the Public Square – 10 Rules That Work.” This is an interactive presentation that focuses on belief systems, as well as listening and communication skills. Books will be available for purchase at the course.

About the Instructors: Cassandra and Tomas have addressed community groups, schools, churches, and members of Congress and have been interviewed on radio and television. Both are ordained pastors in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and are actively serving in congregations.

Water Symposium: New Perspectives on Water

Details: Sunday through Tuesday, February 14 through 16

Tuition: Free and open to public

An interdisciplinary symposium featuring 36 Sessions on science, politics, law, history, poetry, music, art, spirituality, architecture, fashion, use, misuse, past, present, future, here, there and everywhere of water.

Featured Speaker: Sunday, February 14; 6:30 p.m.

RUNNING DRY! Book signing and talk by Char Miller, long-time chair of the history and urban studies program at Trinity University, is now the director of the environmental analysis program and the W. M. Keck Professor of Environmental Analysis at Pomona College, Claremont, California. As the WATER Symposium’s featured speaker, Char will set contemporary San Antonio and Water in a wider context along with select readings from his just-released 2 companion volume books, Water in the 21st-Century West and River Basins of the American West published by Oregon State U Press.

Location: Holt Conference Center, Trinity University106 Oakmont Ct., with extra parking provided at University Presbyterian Church, at Shook and Bushnell

Contact: www.salsa.net/peace/water or 210-224-HOPE

Abraham from Three Abraham Faiths: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

Instructors: Dr. Chad Spigel, Assistant Professor; Rev. Dr. Francisco Garcia-Treto, Professor Emeritus,

And Dr. Ruqayya Yasmine Khan, Associate Professor; all from Trinity University

Facilitator: The Rev. Kelly S. Allen, Pastor, University Presbyterian Church

Details: Three Mondays, February 1, 8, 15; 7 - 9 p.m.

Tuition: $25, register by January 25

Enrollment Limits: 10 minimum / 30 maximum

Course Description: How has Abraham been perceived by different Jewish communities throughout history? Let’s look at various literary texts from the Dead Sea Scrolls and rabbinic sources, archeological evidence, and the beginning to the Aidah (a central Jewish prayer for the past 1,800 years). What does Paul do with the figure of Abraham in Galatians and Romans? Let’s consider Abraham and the Gentiles, continuities and discontinuities between emerging forms of Christianity and developing forms of Judaism. What is Abraham’s significance in Islam? View insights into how the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam, treats the figure of Abraham. Also consider the significance of Abraham in the Islamic tradition as a whole. Special attention will be paid to Abrahamic elements in Islamic rituals and practices.

About the Instructors: Dr. Chad Spigel is the Assistant Professor of Jewish Studies at Trinity University, where he teaches courses in Hebrew Bible and Jewish history. He earned his B.A. from Brandeis University, spent a year at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and earned an M.A. and Ph.D. in Ancient Jewish History from Duke University (2008). His research interests include ancient synagogues and their roles in Jewish communities, Jews living in the ancient Diaspora, and the use of archaeology and the Bible in television documentaries. Last summer he traveled to Israel and Italy, where he worked on the excavations of synagogues in Khirbet Wadi Hamam (northern Israel) and Ostia (just outside of Rome). The Rev. Dr. Francisco Garcia-Treto, JFR King Professor Emeritus of Religion, taught Old Testament/Hebrew Bible at Trinity University from 1966 until his retirement in 2006. Born in Cuba, Dr. Garcia-Treto attended Maryville College and received B.D. and Ph.D. degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary, the latter in Biblical Studies/Old Testament. His field of study and teaching has been the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, especially the use of literary approaches, as well as postcolonial and minority interpretation of the Bible, with a specific interest in Latino/a readings.

Dr. Garcia-Treto is an ordained Presbyterian minister and has served on the Board of Trustees of Princeton Seminary since 1982. Dr. Ruqayya Yasmine Khan is Associate Professor of Islamic Studies at Trinity University. Born in Pakistan, with her childhood spent in Kenya, she and her family moved to the U.S. when she was a young girl. Educated on the East Coast, Dr. Khan undertook her graduate training at the University of Pennsylvania, where she received both her M.A. and Ph.D. degrees. She also has studied at the American University of Cairo in Egypt. Before coming to Trinity University in 2003, she was a visiting assistant professor at Swarthmore College and subsequently at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Faith and the Death Penalty in Texas

Instructor: Roger C. Barnes, Ph.D., professor,

University of the Incarnate Word

Details: Three Mondays, February 22, March 1, 8; 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Tuition: $25, register by February 15

Enrollment Limits: 10 minimum / 35 maximum

Course Description: Texas has executed nearly 450 individuals since it resumed executions in 1982. It leads the nation in the total number of executions and has a death row population of almost 400 people. What does the death penalty mean for people of faith who live in Texas? What should be the Christian response to executions? What is the human, financial and ethical toll of the death penalty? These and other aspects of the death penalty are to be examined in this course.

About the Instructor:

Roger C. Barnes, Ph.D., is a professor of sociology at the University of the Incarnate Word. He teaches criminology, criminal justice, sociological theory, and the sociology of the death penalty, among other courses. Dr. Barnes has specialized both as a scholar and as a social activist on the death penalty. His writings on the death penalty and crime and justice issues have appeared in the National Social Science Journal, the Journal of Interdisciplinary Education, the Journal of South Texas Studies, the Criminal Justice Journal, Police Studies, Verbum Incarnatum, and in books and newspapers. Dr. Barnes taught for three years at the U.S. Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas, and as a young college student in 1970 visited prisoners on Arkansas’ death row. He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Kansas, where he also received his doctoral degree.

Special Lecture: “Sixgun” Saviors and the Invasion of Iraq

Speaker: Dr. T. Walter Herbert, Emeritus Professor of English at Southwestern University, Georgetown, Texas

Details: Tuesday, February 23; 7 - 9 p.m.

Tuition: $15, register by February 16

Enrollment Limits: Minimum 20 / Maximum 100

Presentation Description: Many contend that a religious vision prompted the Bush Administration’s decision to invade Iraq, and the American people to cheer them on. This vision merges the American myth of the frontier hero with an ancient Christian tradition originating in the gospels and the Revelation of John, in which Christ will return at the end of time as a divine enforcer, inflicting God’s vengeance on human sin. The “sixgun savior” is a frontier hero who does the work of avenging the Christ, but he does not destroy evil at the end of time. The invasion of Iraq was envisioned as a blazing display of god-like power, ridding the world of evil, with the United States’ military doing the work of Christ. This vision is a perversion of Christian faith. Dr. Herbert believes that this vision arises from a tradition going back to early New England writers, with modern versions in TV and film of today’s popular culture. In contrast, he affirms the vitality of an alternative tradition, equally deep in American cultural history, that supports our allegiance to democracy, reason, and human rights by rooting them in a tolerant and compassionate faith. He urges us to recognize a choice facing us today: Are we self-appointed “sixgun saviors” out on the frontier ready to shoot down the other? Or are we seeking to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God?

About the Presenter: T. Walter Herbert is Emeritus Professor of English at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. He holds degrees from Harvard College, Union Theological Seminary, and Princeton University. Copies of Herbert’s new book, From 9/11 to Catastrophic Victory in Iraq, will be available at the lecture from Viva Bookstore. He was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship for 1980-81, and in 1998 held a residency at the Rockefeller Study Center in Bellagio, Italy. He also founded the Williamson County Court Watch, which monitors court sessions where issues of domestic violence are adjudicated.

Write Your Life Stories!

Remember, Reflect, Tell, Share and Celebrate!

Instructor: Mary Olivia Patiño, Facilitator of Story and Ritual

Dates: Six Wednesdays, February 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Tuition: $60, register by February 17

Enrollment Limits: 10 minimum / 12 maximum

Course Description: Our stories are a legacy that speaks to future generations about our lives, joys, and struggles. You will learn how to write your stories in memoir form. The “workshop” process involves exploring and reflecting on particular events in your life (your stories), writing about them, and sharing them with the group for encouragement and constructive feedback. The process relies on writing “prompts” to spark your memories and storytelling. At some point you will be asked to bring a favorite photo of yourself, your family, a friend, nature or a pet. At the end of the class, you will have a chance to have at least one of your stories to be selected and published by the SoL Center. Weekly gatherings include refreshments and prayer. Join us to write your personal stories. We also encourage building a group to affiliate with the Story Circle Network.

About the Instructor: Mary Olivia Patiño, educator and freelance consultant, has many years of experience directing programs in ministry and lay formation, as well as facilitating retreats, workshops, conferences, religious studies, and women’s groups. She is fluent in English and Spanish and served on the celebrated coordination committee for “Enquentros de Mujeres/Women’s Collective Cultural Memory in San Antonio.” She has developed many creative approaches for helping writers to bring forth their ideas into story. Her memoir essay, “Life’s Moments”, appears in True Words, the Story Circle Network’s Journal in the December 2009 issue. Mary Olivia read “Feliz Navidad: Christmas on Matamoros Street” on Texas Matters, a Texas Public Radio program on the National Day of Listening, November 27, 2009. For more information about her work, visit http://www.writingpatino.com.

People of Pilgrimage: Journeying into Silence

First Annual Ecumenical Contemplative Retreat

Hosted by Oblate School of Theology and local partners

Retreat Leaders: Rev. Mary Earle, Rosalyn Falcon Collier, and Sylvia Maddox

Details: Sunday, February 28; 2:30 p.m. through Thursday, March 4, 12 p.m.

Tuition: $345 by January 10 to Oblate School of Theology

Retreat Information: Do you long for a holy experience of pilgrimage in your daily life? Are you open to a sacred encounter with other pilgrims? This retreat experience offers you an opportunity to deepen and expand a contemplative stance in your life. The retreat will begin with talks and reflections. There will be space and time for encountering Great Silence. The retreat time will assist participants in bringing a contemplative attitude and presence to your home life and work place in ways that enhance your life environment.

Special Presentation: Enjoy a presentation on Encountering God in the Depths of Silence by Ronald Rolheiser, a Roman Catholic priest and member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Rolheiser is president of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas, a community-builder, and a world-renowned lecturer and writer. His books are popular throughout the English-speaking world and his weekly column is carried by more than 90 newspapers worldwide. Two Rolheiser best-sellers are The Holy Longing and The Shattered Lantern.

About the Retreat Leaders: Rosalyn Falcon Collier is co-founder of the San Antonio peaceCENTER and teaches continuing education courses at Oblate School of Theology. Rev. Mary Earle is an Episcopal priest, retreat leader, spiritual director, Author-in-Residence at The Work-Shop, and is a member of the adjunct faculty of the Episcopal Seminary in Austin. Sylvia Maddox teaches religious studies at the University of the Incarnate Word. Rev. Earle and Maddox co-authored Holy Companions: Spiritual Practices from the Celtic Saints. Mary Earle’s most recent work is Days of Grace: Meditation and Practices for Living with Illness.

For more information: peopleofpilgrimage@juno.com or

210-341-1366, ext 226

Immigration through the Lens of Faith

Instructors: Julia A. Thorne, Immigration Attorney, Rev. Robert W. Mueller, Pastor, and

Dr. Lopita Nath, Assistant Professor of History

Details: Three Tuesdays, March 2, 9, 23; 7 - 9 p.m. (skipping March 16)

Tuition: $25, register by February 23

Co-Sponsors: Mexican-American Catholic College (MACC), Mission Presbytery, and Divine Redeemer Presbyterian Church

Course Description: 1) The Myths and Mysteries of the US Immigration System, 2) The Border Crossing Nature of God, and 3) Migration, A Global Challenge: The Root Causes are the subjects of a three part series on immigration. An immigration attorney and a local Pastor serving a multi-cultural community will share connections to faith and the challenges with the US Immigration system. A professor of history will explore the root causes of global migration.

About the Instructors: Julia A. Thorne is an attorney in the Office of Immigration Issues in the Office of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA. It is her privilege to inform and advise presbyteries and churches regarding immigration law and other immigration issues. Her office also works with presbyteries, churches and interfaith partners on education about immigration issues that affect our churches and our nation as well as with advocacy for the reform of current immigration policies, procedures, and laws in accordance with General Assembly policy. Since graduating from college, Julia has worked with people from all over the world as a foreign student advisor, college instructor, campus minister and private immigration attorney. Rev. Robert W. Mueller is Pastor of Divine Redeemer Presbyterian Church of San Antonio, a multi-cultural congregation. He is also moderator-elect of Mission Presbytery for 2010. He served as chair of the Hispanic Ministry committee, and is passionate about local neighborhood mission and community development. Dr. Lopita Nath is Assistant Professor in the Department of History at the University of the Incarnate Word. She has also taught at the College of William and Mary, the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, Virginia, and Cotton College, Guwahati, India. Her teaching and research interests focus on Asian and World History, Migration Studies and Human Rights in Asia as well as the History and Politics of South Asia.

Walk on the Wild Side II

Instructor: Patty Pasztor, Botanist and Paul Cox, Botanist
Details: Four Fridays, March 12, 26, April 9, 16;

9 a.m. - 12 p.m. (skipping March 19, April 2, April 23)

Tuition: $55, register by March 5

Enrollment limits: 10 minimum / 18 maximum

What to Bring: water bottle, snacks, hat and walking shoes, notebook, and binoculars.

Location: Meet at the SoL Center, 300 Bushnell Ave., San Antonio, TX 78212, Tel. 210-732-9927.

Course Description: Connect to the natural world and the sacredness of nature. Get to know the native plants in our region and their uses by early pioneers and Native Americans. Learn to identify plants in a variety of regional ecosystems, such as Mitchell Lake Audubon Center, San Juan Mission Trail, and Comanche Lookout Park. Start with a slide show on plants and their uses followed by a short walk in Brackenridge Park. This series includes a walk with Paul Cox, one of the regions most knowledgeable botanists. These field trips are appropriate for all levels of fitness.

About the Instructors: Patty Leslie Pasztor, a botanical and natural resource consultant, is co-author of the book, Texas Trees, A Friendly Guide with Paul W. Cox. Her experience includes many years as the Native Plant Horticulturist at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens, Park Naturalist at Friedrich Wilderness Park, Adjunct Professor at Northwest Vista College, and workshop presenter on landscaping for birds and butterflies, plant identification, and ethno-botany. Patty conducts natural resource surveys and leads plant identification hikes for several city and state parks, and trains staff at the Missions National Historic Park. Patty has been a Master Naturalist instructor for several years. Paul W. Cox, former Assistant Superintendent, San Antonio Botanical Gardens, has served the San Antonio area as Botanist for over 30 years. An alumnus of Stephen F. Austin College, in Nacogdoches, he received his M.S. in Botany and B.S. in Biology/Forestry. He is Adjunct Professor at Palo Alto College and has named and released many new plants. He is an international and local speaker on horticulture, native plants, endangered plant species, prehistoric flora, and tropical plants. He serves as continuing and Master Naturalist instructor on botany, tree identification and horticulture. He is senior co-author, of Texas Trees-A Friendly Guide, winner of two awards, for significant contribution to Horticulture.

The Soul at Work: Living Our Faith in the Workplace

Instructor: The Reverend Kelly S. Allen, Pastor,

University Presbyterian Church
Details: Three Tuesdays, April 6, 13, 20; 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Tuition: $25, register by March 30

Enrollment Limits: 10 minimum / 20 maximum

Course Description: The challenge to translate faith into daily life belongs to every person of faith. In our places of worship and in the values we hold dear, we embrace a vision of love and generosity, of compassion and peace. What do these treasures mean for us in our “Monday through Friday” lives in the workplace? How can we more fully embody what we truly believe in these settings? This course will give us an opportunity to explore these questions in community, recognizing that we are not alone in this challenge. Through dialogue, spiritual reflection, and self examination, we will explore the meaning and possibilities of more deeply engaging our faith traditions and ethics in the context of our varied careers.

About the Instructor: The Reverend Kelly S. Allen was called to Ministry at University Presbyterian Church in June 2009, arriving with her family from England where she earned a Master of Arts in Politics and Religion at University of Birmingham, England. While there, she also served as Pastor of St. Andrew’s United Reformed Church in Buckinghamshire. Kelly also holds a Master of Divinity with honors from Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, Georgia. Before going to England, she served as Pastor of churches in Missouri, including First Presbyterian Church, St. Louis, Missouri. ”My life is continually enriched by being part of a worshiping community and developing individual and corporate disciplines of prayer, biblical study and meditation.”

Intimate Partners: Happiness in Committed Relationships
A three-part series for couples of every age or orientation

Instructor: Rev. Dr. Homer A. Bain

Details: Three Mondays, March 22, 29, April 5; 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Tuition: $25, register by March 15

Enrollment Limits: 10 Minimum / 20 Maximum

Course Description: This is a course about success in relationships, about how to achieve conscious partnership. Session One: Focuses on the way experiences of childhood influence partner choice, and those choices often result in conflict. Participants learn how our dreams, visions, and the “chemistry of romance” operate as “nature’s trick” or a “taste of heaven.” Session Two: Focuses on grief as natural disillusionment and the power struggle. Participants gain understanding of the source of conflicts and their benefits. Session Three: Addresses the renewal of love and making love as God’s plan. Participants discover freshness and newness through dialogue in the “conscious partnership”.

About the Instructor: Rev. Dr. Homer A. Bain is an Advanced Clinical Practitioner of Imago Relationship Therapy. He is also Emeritus Director of Education, for the Ecumenical Center for Religion and Health, San Antonio. Dr. Bain and his wife Rev. Irma Coronado Bain have enjoyed 52 years of marriage and Dr. Bain has counseled couples of every background. This includes conducting the first Imago couples’ therapy workshops in Monterrey, Mexico. Dr. Bain most recently received an award at the annual Imago Relationships International (IRI) conference held in Albuquerque last year (2009).

Special Lecture –
The Four Non-Negotiables of the “Dream” Marriage or Relationship

Speaker: Dr. Harville Hendrix, Ph.D.

Details: Thursday, March 25; 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Tuition: $15, register by March 18

Enrollment Limits: Minimum 20 / Maximum 100

Course Description: Everyone has a dream relationship, but most are not living in it. Four decades of research have led Imago Relationship Therapy practitioners to what they call the “four non-negotiables” for creating and sustaining a dream marriage. Dr. Harville Hendrix will discuss and demonstrate them in this program.

About the Instructor: Harville Hendrix, Ph. D. is a Clinical Pastoral Counselor who is known internationally for his work with couples. He and his wife Helen LaKelly Hunt, Ph.D.,

co-created Imago Relationship Therapy and developed the concept of “conscious partnership.” Their partnership and collaboration have resulted in nine books on intimate relationships and parenting. Dr. Hendrix holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and Theology from the University of Chicago and has received an honorary doctorate and two distinguished service awards. He has appeared on many national television shows, including sixteen guest appearances on the Oprah Winfrey show. One of his appearances won her an Emmy award for the “most socially redemptive” daytime talk show and was included by Ms. Winfrey in her top twenty shows. In addition to many radio shows, Dr. Hendrix’s work has been written about in numerous newspapers and magazines internationally, including the November 2005 issue of The Oprah Magazine where he was referred to in an article as the “marriage whisperer.” He is a member of the Redbook Marriage Institute, serving on the magazine’s team of marriage experts. He is the author of GETTING THE LOVE YOU WANT: A Guide for Couples and KEEPING THE LOVE YOU FIND: A Personal Guide, both New York Times best sellers. With Helen he co-authored GIVING THE LOVE THAT HEALS: A Guide for Parents, also a best seller, and RECEIVING LOVE: Transform Your Relationship by Letting Yourself Be Loved, plus three meditation books, two study guides and a video for couples seen on more than 300 public television stations. Their books are published in over 57 languages. Harville and Helen have six children and live in New York and New Mexico.

The Apocalyptic Dimension of the Bible

Instructor: Dr. Mary Lou Mueller, Professor Emeritus, Religious Studies, University of the Incarnate Word

Details: Three Mondays, April 12, 19, 26; 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Tuition: $25, register by April 5

Enrollment Limits: 15 minimum / 35 maximum

Course Description: Were you curious about the Mayan calendar’s implication that the world would end in 2012? Did the billboards along Loop 410 proclaiming the Rapture raise your interest? Apocalyptic announcements regularly recur in human history, perhaps the most recent being the Y2K scare. This course offers learners an opportunity to explore the apocalyptic movement as it arose in Judaism and continued into Christianity. Our goal is to deepen our understanding of the Jesus of the gospels, with abundant hands-on work with sacred texts, in-class activities, and opportunities for questions.

About the Instructor: Dr. Mary Lou Mueller received an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. in Religious Education from the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana. After a decade of teaching elementary school, she began her 40-year career in religious studies at the University of the Incarnate Word. During these years she frequently gave workshops both locally and nationally and published in the areas of scripture and death-related topics. Now retired, she regularly volunteers at Paschal Elementary School in Schertz.