Greenhouse

GreenHouse:

Teaching & Support Ministries

 

Course Outlines & Calendar

2007-2008

 

Register

 

Email:  adambrown@getchurch.org

 

 

What is GreenHouse & How Do I Participate?

 

 

Five Streams for Spiritual Growth:

 

GreenHouse is a Christian Learning Centre intended to cultivate deep spiritual growth by offering diverse high level courses from five separate streams of learning; (1) Biblical Studies; (2) History & Theology; (3) Arts; (4) Mission; and (5) Children & Youth Programming.

 

Each four-week semester of GreenHouse will offer one course from each stream in order to encourage a variety of approaches to spiritual growth. 

 

Non-Semester Courses:

 

We also offer Non-Semester courses that do not fit within these five streams and which are offered on different dates than our Regular Semester Courses.  This year we are offering (1) English as a Second Language; (2) Alpha (Introduction to the Christian Faith); (3) Alpha’s Marriage Course; (4) DivorceCare; (5) GriefShare; and (6) Fetal Alcohol Support Network.  Each Non-Semester Course is intended to address particular needs in the Church and broader community.  See the “Non-Semester Courses” section in this booklet for more information.

 

GreenHouse Diploma of Christian Studies:

 

Work toward a GreenHouse Diploma of Christian Studies by completing a total of ten credits.  The GreenHouse Diploma of Christian Studies will demonstrate your desire and commitment to go deeper in your faith by studying high level courses in a Church setting.

 

Who Can Participate in GreenHouse?

 

Philpott Memorial Church is offering GreenHouse courses to any and all interested persons in the Hamilton-area.  We hope that Philpott attendees, TrueCity Churches, and local academic institutions, as well as other interested Christian and seeking non-Christian members of the community, might benefit from our GreenHouse programming.

 

How Much Does GreenHouse Cost?

 

Each Semester Course costs $10.00 ($5.00 for students).  If you register for three Regular Semester Courses, the fourth Course is FREE. “Children & Youth Programming” are FREE and “Non-Semester Courses” are priced individually.

This registration fee will go toward covering on-sight childcare and a portion of the costs incurred by offering these Courses.  If you are interested in participating in GreenHouse and do not have resources available to cover this registration fee please contact Adam Brown, Adult Ministries Pastor and GreenHouse Coordinator, at:

 

adambrown@getchurch.org

905.527.4802 x. 17 

 

Since we hope no one will be unable to attend GreenHouse on account of cost we are committed to finding alternative funding for any person in need of assistance (Confidential).

 

How Do I Sign Up for GreenHouse?

 

To sign up, please fill out the registration form online at www.getchurch.org (follow the GreenHouse link on the Homepage) or send the attached form at the back of this publication to:

 

GreenHouse  c/o Adam Brown

Philpott Memorial Church

84 York Blvd

Hamilton, ON  L8R 1R6

 

Registration fees can be sent with your registration form or can be collected on the first session of your Course.  Cheques should be made out to Philpott Memorial Church.

 

Our Guiding Scripture for GreenHouse:

 

A guiding Scriptural passage for the GreenHouse is Jesus’ parable about a mustard seed found in Matthew 13:31-32:

 

“Jesus gave them another parable:  ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field.  It is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest garden plant and becomes a tree, so that the wild birds come and nest in its branches.’”

 

We hope that you will join us as we plant the smallest of seeds in these Courses.  It is our sincere prayer that GreenHouse will help you to cultivate a healthy spiritual life so that your faith might grow and be deepened by sound instruction and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Non-Semester Courses:

 

Our Non-Semester Courses are offered on a different schedule than our regular Semesters and they do not fall into one of our five Streams.  We offer these courses because we feel that they address real needs for many people in the Hamilton-area.  We hope that they might contribute to your wholeness in Christ.

 

English as a Second Language (ESL):

2 Credits / Semester

 

This course is committed to helping non-English speakers gain proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking English.

 

Dates Offered:

 

Semester 1–Tuesdays at 7:00-8:30pm (18 September–4 December 2007)

Semester 2 – Tuesdays at 7:00-8:30pm (15 January– 20 May 2008)

 

Cost:  FREE!

 

Location:  Philpott Memorial Church (Vine Building):  84 York Blvd.

 

Childcare:  Yes

 

Instructors: Leny van der Mark

 

Leny is a dedicated volunteer and teacher at Philpott Memorial Church.  Along with her husband, John, Leny coordinates Philpott’s “Come From Away Ministry” for new Canadians (Refugees & Immigrants).  In addition to her service at Philpott, Leny is a passionate mother and grandmother.

 

Alpha (Introduction to the Christian Faith):

2 Credits

 

Alpha is an opportunity to explore the meaning of life in a relaxed, friendly setting.  Each session people enjoy great food, laughter, and learning in a fun and friendly atmosphere where no question about life and God is seen as too simple or too hostile.  People attend from all backgrounds, religions, and viewpoints to investigate questions around the existence of God, the purpose in life, the afterlife, the claims of Jesus, and more.  Some people have simply seen through religion and are looking for a relationship with God that really changes life. Others come for the close, long-lasting friendships that are built during the Alpha course.  No matter why you might come, everyone is welcome.   (www.alphacanada.org)

 

Dates Offered: 

 

Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30 pm; (19 March 2008 – 25 June 2008)

 

Cost:  FREE!

 

Location:  Philpott Memorial Church (Vine Building):  84 York Blvd.

 

Childcare:  Yes

 

Facilitator: Pat Major, B.Sc., M.Sc.

 

Pat was born and raised in the Chicago area but has called Canada home for the past 24 years.  After earning a B.Sc. in Physical Sciences (University of Illinois) and an M.Sc. in Genetics/Developmental Biology (Michigan State University), Pat worked in Boston in the then nascent biotechnology industry as well as in cancer related basic research at the Farber Cancer Institute.  Pat is married to Pierre and has two children, Danielle (23) & Andre (22), who are now students at York University and Mohawk College.  Her household includes 3 cats and 2 dogs.   Pat came to a genuine faith in her early 40’s and since then she has exercised her passion for serving in a wide variety church ministries, including facilitating The Alpha Course several times over the past 7 years.

 

Alpha’s Marriage Course:

2 Credits

 

The Marriage Course provides tools for building strong & healthy marriages.  Topics covered include:  (1) Recognizing each other's needs; (2) Learning to communicate effectively; (3) resolving conflict; (4) Healing past hurt; (5) Knowing how to make each other feel loved; (5) Relating to parents and in-laws; (6) Having good sex; (7) Making time for each other and having fun together.  The setting is welcoming and non-threatening with NO group discussion!!    (www.themarriagecourse.org)

 

Dates Offered: Sundays at 7:00-8:30pm (20 January 2008-2 March 2008)

 

Cost:  $40/couple which includes books, desserts & child care for the group.

 

Location:  Philpott Memorial Church (Missionary Hall):  84 York Blvd.

 

Childcare: Yes

 

Facilitators:  Dr. David Harvey, M.D., and Val Harvey, M.A., D.Min.

 

David is a rehabilitation doctor with Hamilton Health Sciences, specializing in work with cancer patients.  He also teaches and trains medical students and residents.  David was the Chair of the Board of Elders at Philpott Memorial Church from 2004-2007.  Val has an M.A. in Counseling Psychology and a D.Min. from McMaster Divinity College.  She is a Ministry Reflection Advisor at McMaster Divinty College, Small Group Coordinator at Philpott Memorial Church, and has experience teaching at Mohawk College.  David and Val co-facilitate many adult ministries at Philpott, including Life Impact, a Large Group that meets Sunday mornings for fellowship, teaching, outreach, and service after worship celebrations.  They have been married for 25 years and they have two adult children.

 

DivorceCare:

2 Credits

 

DivorceCare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. Don’t go through separation or divorce alone.  Our DivorceCare support group is led by people who understand what you are going through and want to help. You’ll gain access to valuable DivorceCare resources to help you deal with the pain of the past and look forward to rebuilding your life.  (www.divorcecare.com)

 

Dates Offered:

 

Option A – Mondays at 7:00-8:30pm (10 September – 3 December 2007)

Option B – Mondays at 7:00-8:30pm (14 January 2008 – 7 April 2008)

 

Cost: FREE

 

Location:  Philpott Memorial Church (Chapel):  84 York Blvd.

 

Childcare: Yes

 

Facilitators:  Ray Laqua, B.Eng, and John

 

Each facilitator has gone through the process of working through the pain and confusion that comes with separation and divorce.  Both Ray and John have participated in DivorceCare before having facilitated others.

 

GriefShare:

2 Credits

 

GriefShare is designed to help you recover from the deep hurt of loss.  Your GriefShare experience includes three key elements that work together to guide your healing process; (1)  Video Seminar that features personal stories and expert advice, (2) Support Group to discuss the grief you’re experiencing, and (3) Workbook that offers many tools to help you work through your suffering.  GriefShare helps people in grief to heal and develop hope for the future.  If you’re struggling with grief, we encourage you to join us and to look expectantly at what God can do in your life.  (www.griefshare.org)

 

Dates Offered: Sundays at 7:00-8:30pm (13 January 2008 – 6 April 2008)

 

A “Longest-Night Reflection and Worship Service” will be held at Philpott Memorial Church at 6:30pm on 22 December 2007.

 

Cost:  $30

 

Location:  Philpott Memorial Church (Chapel):  84 York Blvd.

 

Childcare:  Yes

 

Facilitator:  Wendy Matthews, R.N.

 

Wendy is a registered nurse with a background in community nursing, palliative care, mental health, occupational health, and safety & corrections. She is passionate about individual health and wellness because she believes strongly that when individuals are healthy, our community is healthy too.

 

Fetal Alcohol Support Network:

2 Credits / Year

 

Caregivers and parents of persons with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder are welcome to find support and be able to share their stories.  The first hour is for support, encouragement and, occasionally, special speakers.  The second hour is for advocacy and prevention issues.  Believing that all persons are made in the image of God, we offer support to the community and to those personally struggling with FASD. Information and new research materials are available.

 

Dates Offered:  The last Saturday of the month (except for July and August) at 10:00am.

 

Cost:  FREE (but a $2.00 donation helps with costs each month).

 

Location:  Philpott Memorial Church (Chapel):  84 York Blvd.

 

Childcare: Yes

 

Facilitators:  Rick Bradford and Martha Bradford, B.Th.

 

Rick and Martha are adoptive parents of a young adult with FASD.  Martha has an Addictions Diploma from McMaster and a Bachelor of Theology degree. Rick is a retired Stelco supervisor and an elder at Philpott Memorial Church.  They have two bioloical children, and a new grandson.  The group has several committed parents who have lived through a variety of adverse circumstances and are passionate to support others in crisis.

Semester One:

Tuesday Evenings

7:00-8:30pm

 

  2 October 2007                           9 October 2007

16 October 2007                         23 October 2007

 

Biblical Studies: Genesis 1-11—In the Beginning

1 Credit

 

The book of Genesis is world renowned for its incredible stories, characters, and timeless appeal.  For more than half the world’s population it is the foundational piece of sacred literature responsible for shaping and informing worldview and faith.  This course will take a close look at some of the great narratives that take us from Creation to God’s intentional confusion of languages at the Tower of Babel.

 

Overview: (1) Creation; (2) Humanity & Sin; (3) The Great Flood; (4) Tower of Babel

 

Instructor:  Rev. Lane A. Fusilier, B.A., Th.M., D.Min.

 

Lane is Senior Pastor of Philpott Memorial Church.  He completed a B.A. in psychology at University of Texas, a Th.M. in Semitics and a D.Min. at Dallas Theological Seminary, and graduate work in Church history at Baylor University.  He co-owned and managed a construction company through graduate school.  Lane and his wife, debi, helped plant a church in Texas and pastored that congregation for 21 years.  With their four children, they moved to Hamilton in 1999.

 

History & Theology:  The Atonement of Christ—Four Views

1 Credit

 

The Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of the Christian Faith.  And yet, how much do we really know about what happened on the Cross over two thousand years ago?  This course will examine four views of the Atonement in order to establish a more comprehensive perspective on just what Jesus accomplished for us on the Cross.

 

Although not compulsory, interested students would benefit from reading the following book:

 

Beilby, James and Paul R. Eddy (eds.).  The Nature of the Atonement:  Four Views.  IVP Academic (an imprint of InterVarsity Press):  Downers Grove (Illinois), 2006.

 

Overview:  (1) Christus Victor View; (2) Penal Substitution View; (3) Healing View; (4) Kaleidoscope View

 

Instructor: Adam Brown, B.Soc.Sc., M.T.S.

 

Adam is the Adult Ministries Pastor at Philpott Memorial Church.  Having completed a Bachelor of Social Science (concentration Political Science) at the University of Ottawa, Adam worked off Parliament Hill for several years before returning home and entering into Seminary.  He has completed a Master of Theological Studies and is currently finishing a Master of Arts in Christian Studies at McMaster Divinity College.  Adam is married to Angela, whom he met while studying at McMaster.

 

Arts:  Biblical Basis for the Arts

1 Credit

 

Many Christians simply know little about art.  In his book, State of the Arts: from Bezalel to Mapplethorpe, Gene Veith asserts: “The indifference of the contemporary church to the arts has traumatized many of its Christian artists".  The Bible has a great deal to say about the arts.   Clearly God, the ultimate Artist who created every detail of the universe, values the arts. This class will explore the biblical basis for the arts and then look at the effect the Bible has had on the output of some of the world's greatest "artists".

 

Overview: (1) Biblical Foundations; (2) Art (Rembrandt); (3) Music (Handel);   (4) Literature (Shakespeare).

 

Instructor:  Bryan Wylie, B.A. (Hons.)

 

A retired teacher, Bryan spent the entirety of his 33 year career at Hillfield Strathallan College where, in addition to teaching English, Drama, and Latin, he was involved in administration, student-leadership training, directing theatrical productions, March break trips to Italy, and curriculum design (for which he won a Marshall McLuhan Innovative Teaching Award for his integrated art, music and literature course).  An avid traveller, he has visited many of Europe's top museums and  art galleries, complimenting his continuing education in art history at the Dundas Valley School of Art.

 

Mission:  God in the Alley—

Being & Seeing Jesus in a Broken World

1 Credit

 

Through our own specific desperation, each of us has lessons, which came at a personal cost, to teach others about the character of God.  Using Greg Paul’s book (God in the Alley – Being and Seeing Jesus in a Broken World) as a springboard, this course will look at four themes that demonstrate the profound message of grace and calling.  We will not be seeking God in the false pretenses of having-it-all-together, but rather we will explore the presence of Christ in the broken and downtrodden experiences of real people struggling in this world.

 

It is strongly recommended that students interested in taking this course read Greg Paul’s book, God in the Alley, before the first class.

 

Overview: (1)  Going or Being? (2) Looking or Beholding? (3) Blessing or Receiving Blessing? (4) Broken or Whole?

 

Instructor:  Rev. Sue Carr, B.Sc., M.T.S.

 

Sue has been the Chaplain at Mission Services, Hamilton, for the last two years.  Ordained by the BCOQ, she was previously a chaplain at Hamilton General Hospital.  She is an Assistant Clinical Professor (part time category) in the Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University. Sue and her family emigrated from the UK to Hamilton twenty years ago. 

 

 

Children & Youth : Christmas around the World –

Concert & Choir Rehearsal

1 Credit

 

The Children & Youth (Infant-Grade 8) at Philpott will be performing this year’s Christmas Pageant. “Christmas around the World” is a presentation that explores the rich and varied Christmas traditions celebrated throughout many eras in the last 2000 years from all corners of the earth, culminating in the very first Christmas in Bethlehem.  This presentation will provide an opportunity for Philpott to reach out to the diverse cultures in Hamilton, as well as to proudly showcase the many diverse cultures represented in our Church Family. 

 

If you are interested in attending any of the GreenHouse courses, these rehearsals will provide your children with appropriate care and programming.  Or, if your children are in the Christmas concert, why not attend one of our GreenHouse courses? 

 

Additional childcare will be made available for children aged 0-5.

 

Overview:  (1) Concert & Choir Rehearsal/Recreation Time; (2) Concert & Choir Rehearsal/Recreation Time; (3) Concert & Choir Rehearsal/Recreation Time; (4) Concert & Choir Rehearsal/Recreation Time

 

Facilitator: Lia Dean

 

Along with her husband James, Lia has owned, operated, and managed a music school of 500 students and retail store for 30 years in Hamilton.  She has sat on the Board of Education for curriculum design of popular music, is a specialist in music for children aged five and under, and was a church organist for 5 years.  She currently teaches piano and Kindermusik at Hillfield Strathallan College and is the Children's Ministry Coordinator at Philpott Memorial Church.  Lia is married and has two adult children.

 

Semester Two:

Wednesday Evenings

7:00-8:30pm

 

  14 November 2007                           21 November 2007

28 November 2007                              5 December 2007

 

Biblical Studies: Genesis 12-50—God & His People

1 Credit

 

The book of Genesis is world renowned for its incredible stories, characters, and timeless appeal.  For more than half the world’s population it is the foundational piece of sacred literature responsible for shaping and informing worldview and faith.  This course will take a close look at Abraham’s family as they struggle together even as they are God’s chosen People.

 

Overview:  (1) Call of Abraham; (2) The Near Sacrifice of Isaac; (3) Jacob & Esau; (4) Joseph and his Brothers

 

Instructor: Adam Brown, B.Soc.Sc., M.T.S.

 

Adam is the Adult Ministries Pastor at Philpott Memorial Church.  Having completed a Bachelor of Social Science (concentration Political Science) at the University of Ottawa, Adam worked off Parliament Hill for several years before returning home and entering into Seminary.  He has completed a Master of Theological Studies and is currently finishing a Master of Arts in Christian Studies at McMaster Divinity College.  Adam is married to Angela, whom he met while studying at McMaster.

 

 

History & Theology:  These Three Are One:

Knowing the Triune God

 1 Credit

 

The God worshipped by Christians reveals Himself in Scripture as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This course will provide an opportunity to better understand the meaning of the Church’s teaching on the Trinity and what difference it makes for the Christian life.

 

Overview: (1) Father, Son and Holy Spirit in Scripture; (2) Wrestling with the Trinity through the Ages; (3) The Triune Creator, Revealer, and Redeemer; (4) Worship of the Father through the Son in the Spirit

 

Instructor:  Dustin Resch, B.A., M.A. 

 

Having completed a Bachelor and Master of Arts in Historical Theology at Briercrest College in Saskatchewan, Dustin is currently a Ph.D. student in Western Religious Thought at McMaster University. Prior to beginning his doctoral work, he served at Briercrest College as the Director of Distance Learning and as an instructor in theology. Dustin is married to Jolene and they have two children, Nathanael (age 4) and Charis (age 1).

 

Arts:  God at the Movies –

Looking for Glimpses of God’s Story in Cinema

1 Credit

 

Whether we wish to celebrate or lament Hollywood’s multi-billion dollar industry, movies are arguably the most widely accessible art-form in our western world today.  This course will explore how we can see God – or even experience divine moments – in the ordinary and often “non-Christian” movie scenes of the Silver Screen.  We will first establish why Christians might want to consider movies in their faith journey, and then we will explore three movies in order to glimpse pieces of God’s Story in the cinema.

 

Overview:  (1) Establishing a Basis for Christian Exploration of the Movies; (2) Movie One; (3) Movie Two; (3) Movie Three.

 

Instructor:  Matthew Collins

 

Having been on staff for 7 years, Matt is the pastor of Student Ministries at Philpott Memorial Church and is finishing up his Bachelor of Religious Education at Tyndale College and Seminary this year. He is an avid movie go-er and is always watching movies with an eye to see how they might help us to understand God and our faith through new lenses.  Matt and his wife Lisa have three children: Tori (8), Zac (6), and Eli (3).

 

Mission:  Speaking with the Almighty –

What it Means to Meet God in Prayer

1 Credit

 

Prayer is among the most common of human experiences.  It seems that it is a part of our human condition to cry out to a force greater than ourselves in good times and bad.  This course will consider what it means to speak with the Trinitarian God and to listen for His voice in return.  We will consider a variety of Scriptures in order to develop a theology of prayer and we will explore why it is important to be immersed in prayer if we hope to lead missional lives for the glory of God and His kingdom.  Each class will include an extended time in prayer.

 

Overview:  (1) A God who hears and speaks; (2) Addressing each Person of the Trinity; (3) Discerning the Voice of God; (4) Praying the Psalms

Instructor:  Dr. Stuart Archibald, M.D.

 

Stuart is a dedicated teacher at Philpott Memorial Church with a passion for prayer.  Having specialized his medical training, he is currently a Head and Neck Oncologist and Associate Professor of Head and Neck Surgery at McMaster University in Hamilton.

 

Children & Youth:  Christmas around the World –

Concert & Choir Rehearsal

1 Credit

 

The Children & Youth (Infant-Grade 8) at Philpott will be performing this year’s Christmas Pageant. “Christmas around the World” is a presentation that explores the rich and varied Christmas traditions celebrated throughout many eras in the last 2000 years from all corners of the earth, culminating in the very first Christmas in Bethlehem.  This presentation will provide an opportunity for Philpott to reach out to the diverse cultures in Hamilton, as well as to proudly showcase the many diverse cultures represented in our Church Family. 

 

If you are interested in attending any of the GreenHouse courses, these rehearsals will provide your children with appropriate care and programming.  Or, if your children are in the Christmas concert, why not attend one of our GreenHouse courses?