Sunday, February 12, 2012

12:30 pm | SEX: The First Thing You Don’t Talk About at Church
Over the years three things have been off-limits for conversation at church—money, politics and sex—but we’re about to change that, one topic at a time! Join with other young adults for an open, honest conversation about sex and sexuality with other God-seekers. All participants are encouraged to read the book “Oh God, Oh God, Oh God! Young Adults Speak Out About Sexuality & Christian Spirituality” in advance. (Available through Amazon and other retailers in paperback or as an e-book.) RSVPs are appreciated but NOT necessary to Rachel Garcia at rgarcia@fccla.org or 213.355.5245. Contact Rev. Ryan Steitz at rsteitz@fccla.org or 213.355.5232 with any questions.

Every Thursday of Lent Starting February 23

12:10 pm | Lenten Organ Concert Series
Assisted by Organ Scholar Jaebon Hwang, Organist-in-Residence Stewart W. Foster will present the complete Sonatas, nos. 1–8, of the French composer Alexandre Guilmant over the 7 week period of Lent. These sonatas are grand, multi-movement works that will show the majesty and beauty of the Great Organs of First Church. Each Thursday at 12:10pm, one or two of these sonatas will be paired with other organ music suitable to the Lenten season. Mr. Foster will start the series with a lecture on Thursday, February 23, at 11:00am in Shatto Chapel, during which time he will play excerpts from the sonatas and discuss the thematic material and other interesting musical points about the eight sonatas.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

10:00 am | Spiritual Life Retreat: Passion and Gifts for the Journey
Using the book The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything by Ken Robinson (http://sirkenrobinson.com) as our starting point, participants will explore, name and own those things they are most passionate about. Together we will also explore the concept of spiritual giftedness and how using and sharing our particular gifts not only draws us nearer to God, but also best informs our commitments to the church.
Reading The Element is highly recommended, but NOT required (available in paperback or as an e-book). A spiritual gifts inventory will be emailed/mailed to all who RSVP, and should be completed prior to attending. RSVPs are appreciated by Sunday, February 19 to Rachel Garcia at rgarcia@fccla.org or 213.355.5245. A suggested donation of $15 will cover the cost of lunch and materials.

Every Sunday of Lent Starting February 26

Sunday, February 26, 2012

05:00 pm | Film Talk: Albert Nobbs
You are invited to join co-leaders Michael Dennis and Rev. Ryan Steitz for an evening of conversation, growth and community around the movie Albert Nobbs, in theatres January 27. Glenn Close plays Albert Nobbs, a woman passing as a man in order to work and survive in 19th century Ireland. Some thirty years after donning men’s clothing, she finds herself trapped in a prison of her own making.
You are welcome to view the movie at your convenience or, Michael and Ryan will be gathering with a group the night of Thursday, Feb. 23 at a theatre yet to be determined. If you would like to join the screening please call or email Rachel Garcia at rgarcia@fccla.org or 213.355.5245 to be put on the contact list.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

05:00 pm | Women's Book Club
We meet the last Sunday of each month and the book for February is Same Kinda Different as Me, by Ron Hall and Denver Moore.