Contemporary Christian Life Issues (CCLI)

Sunday mornings, 10:50–11:50am
Meeting September 15 – December 15
Chapel off the Rotunda
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The Contemporary Christian Life Issues class explores current and relevant faith and justice issues affecting our community, nation, and world. The goal of each session is to “think Christianly” about each topic, so that we can live well in God’s world. Speakers are often experts in their field. No sign up is needed, come when you can. For more information, contact Lori  or 796-3361.

▪ September 15: America’s Wake-Up Call
Dr. John A. Bernbaum, Senior Research Fellow, Paul Henry Institute for the Study of Christianity and Politics, Calvin University

Recent books and articles have raised serious questions about whether the United States and its political leadership is running out of time from its “holiday from history.” Americans need to relearn much of what they unlearned about foreign policy and national security since the Berlin Wall came down in 1989. The attraction of isolationism, the desire for a “strongman” to take over our government, and simply not paying attention to the threats from autocrats are serious issues facing our country’s future. Can the United States be a global peacemaker in our broken world?

▪ September 22: Elections 2024
Brenda Katerberg, Holland City Clerk

Elections play a vital role in our democracy. Voters and elections administrators all have important responsibilities in the process. Let’s talk about what Christian citizens can do to be correctly informed in order to be active participants in elections. This will include the use of a practice ballot and tabulator.

▪ September 29: First Voice Generation
Cynthia Martinez, Documentary Film Producer

Cynthia Martinez is a second-generation Mexican-American who was born into a working-class family here in Holland. She graduated from Western Michigan University and, driven by a desire to share stories, pursued a Master’s Program at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. Returning to Holland in 2020, she embarked on the production of her inaugural feature documentary, “First Voice Generation.” Her goal with this documentary was to change the narrative and the stereotypes that surround minority students, many of whom are unable to pursue higher education simply because of finances.  (If possible, you are encouraged to view the documentary before attending this session of CCLI.)

▪ October 6: Serving God by Being His Hands and Feet
Tracy Brower, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Hungry for Christ

Hungry for Christ in Hamilton is a food distribution ministry founded in 2000. Thanks to the many connections they have with food manufacturers and suppliers, thousands of pounds of edible food items come through their doors daily. Through a number of programs, they are able to share this food and make a meaningful differences in the lives of the hundreds of food insecure neighbors whom they serve.

▪ October 13: Embodying Shalom in the Midst of Chaos
Dr. Christy Berghoef, Speaker, Author, and Civil Discourse Consultant

In a world toxically divided, where pundits and politicians profit off nurturing fear and inspiring hatred in the hearts of their followers, how can people of faith model something rooted in Jesus? How can we embody shalom, light and goodness in our world of chaos? How can we respond when that chaos and division enters the church itself? In this session we’ll explore together the importance of learning to live together in harmony and with respect despite our differences, to live in such a way that brings glory to the God of peace and love.

▪ October 20: What Will Change in the U. S. After the Presidential Election? – Part 1
Dr. John A. Bernbaum, Senior Research Fellow, Paul Henry Institute for the Study of Christianity and Politics, Calvin University

This session will focus on what the elected president and staff will do to handle the complex international challenges that America faces relating to the Russian-Ukrainian war and the growing threats from the “axis of evil” (Russia, Iran, North Korea, and China). Will democracy survive these attacks from the four autocrats and their allies? Is the United States ready for this struggle?

▪ October 27: What Will Change in the U. S. After the Presidential Election? – Part 2
Dr. John A. Bernbaum, Senior Research Fellow, Paul Henry Institute for the Study of Christianity and Politics, Calvin University

This session will focus on three domestic challenges that our country faces. Will the majority of the two parties in the U. S. Congress begin to work together? Can our military strength be integrated with the moral and cultural values of our country? Can people of faith resist our country’s toxic ideological climate and build a healthier world?

▪ November 3: This is Holland – And We Get to Live Here!
Nathan Bocks, Mayor, Holland, MI

Local organizations, including churches, are valuable and vital partners for local governments. Both congregations and individual congregants can help provide services and connections that are beyond the scope of local governments, but are important to the work of the city. Learn about current major initiatives in the City of Holland and how you and Christ Memorial can partner to help keep Holland a great place to live, work, and play.

▪ November 10: Telling Stories in the Dark
Jeff Munroe, Editor of the Reformed Journal, and former Executive Vice President of Western Theological Seminary

This class will focus on Jeff Munroe’s recent book “Telling Stories in the Dark: Finding Healing and Hope in Sharing our Sadness, Grief, Trauma, and Pain.” We will explore the transformative power of sharing our most profound experiences of suffering. Jeff’s book has unique ties to Christ Memorial: the genesis of the book came after a different class Jeff led here a few years ago.

▪ November 17: Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage – A Father and Daughter’s Journey
Phil Plasman, a long-time Christ Memorial member, and his daughter Amy (Plasman) Urban

“Dad, I’ve decided to do the Camino de Santiago next month. I think you should join me.” Less than 24 hours later, they were both committed. Many people plan for years for a pilgrimage like the Camino de Santiago. In 2023, circumstances suddenly came together to bring Phil and his daughter Amy on this Way of St. James. Join us for stories of their adventure.

▪ November 24: Loving Our Neighborhoods
Jake Norris, Executive Director, 3Sixty

3Sixty is a community development nonprofit working to connect, empower, and mobilize residents for neighbor-led transformation throughout Holland’s neighborhoods. Join us to learn more about the work of 3Sixty as well as opportunities to love Christ Memorial’s neighbors right here in Holland’s Montello Park neighborhood.

▪ December 1: More Than Just the Future – We ARE the Church!
Alex Cross, Senior Organist / Orchestra Director, Christ Memorial Church, and Coordinator, Awakening, Hope College

This presentation will focus on the importance of youth involvement in the church and strategies for churches to better engage their young people. We’ll also discuss the frequent disservices that are being done by churches and the impact that they can have on the spiritual journeys of the young people we are tasked to care for. This discussion will also include a look at the Awakening Institute at Hope College, and its tremendous impact on the local and nationwide church.

▪ December 8: Insights into the Current Contexts and Trends of Global Christianity
Phil Tanis, former Executive Secretary with the World Communion of Reformed Churches, Hannover, Germany; Gretchen Schoon Tanis -former pastor of RELISH, the Reformed English language congregation, Hannover, Germany

In this session we’ll talk about the global church – from post-Christian Europe to minority Christian countries around the world. Join us as we explore the beauty and dynamic aspects of the Christian church and their contexts today.

▪ December 15: Novelists Who Kindle Hope
Mark Hiskes, Retired High School English Teacher; Deb Van Duinen, PhD, the Arnold and Esther Sonneveldt Professor of Education, Hope College, and Director, Big and Little Read Lakeshore Programs

We live in a time where too many stories breed more despair. In this session we will acquaint you with some contemporary novelists whose stories not only recognize the truth about the way things are, but also present a hopeful vision for how they should be. Deb and Mark will talk about such novelists, but please come with your suggestions of such authors.