This holiday season, we want to take a moment to extend our gratitude. We are so grateful for your continued support and participation. We literally would not be here without you. Thank you!
As you reflect on your year-end giving this National Day of Giving, we hope you will consider the Center for Continuing Education. Our community has grown to include learners from over 200 countries and over 10,000 participants in our on-line and in-person events and programs. We are funded solely through individual, church, and foundation gifts so your donations enable us to continue to provide the necessary tools and resources that support life changing ministries.
Again, thank you for being a part of our community. If you would like to donate, please go here.
YBS Resources
This December the Lectionary focuses on Isaiah. We have a Bible Study on the First and Second Isaiah, which are free and you can take on your own time. Start with the First Isaiah here and then continue to the Second Isaiah here.
We also have a resources page to explore theological readings, artwork, charts, maps, sermons and more to enrich your studies of the Bible here.
YMI Resources
During this busy holiday season, take some time with your youth to find relaxation and to fill your spirit with one of our meditations here. As Christmas approaches, we suggest our classic Christmas meditation, “A Visit to the Manger”, which is here. You can also tap into a feeling of inner peace with this meditation based on the Ignatian Daily Examen here.
From the YMI Director: In this season of Advent
In this season of Advent, I want you to know that I’m praying for you.
For so many reasons, Advent is not a simple time. TheScriptures of this season speak to us of alertness. Attentiveness. Making preparations for the birth of the Holy One. It’s a beautiful image.
Biblical Wisdom: An Online Bible Study
This fall, Dr. John Collins led a Bible Study on the three books found in the Hebrew Bible: Proverbs, Job, and Qoheleth (Ecclesiastes). These books are remarkable for the fact that they never mention Israel and are concerned with humanity at large. Two other wisdom books are included in the Catholic canon and the Protestant Apocrypha. These are the books of Ben Sira and the Wisdom of Solomon. These books do concern themselves with Israel, but retain the typical wisdom focus on humanity as such. Dr. Collins examines the question, “what is wisdom” and considers the distinctive contribution of these books to the biblical tradition. Watch the full series here.
Mark Your Calendar!
The new year will bring new and exciting offerings! Scroll down to see some of what is coming in the new year.
Leadership & Hybrid Ministry in the New Media Landscape with the Rev. Dr. Angela Gorrell Zoom | January 8, 15, 22, and 29 | 11 am – 1 pm Eastern | 4 Sessions Living in a new media landscape is as daunting as it is exhausting. You may be feeling fresh out of resilience, creativity, and agility. This course will help you to lean into your expertise while attending to what matters most for ministry in a new media landscape. This course is based on my book, always on: practicing faith in a new media landscape, which draws on the research of media scholars (e.g. Jenkins, Campbell, Rheingold, Baym), religious scholars (e.g. Volf, Tanner, Smith, Bass), and educators (e.g. Palmer, Freire, Brookfield) to equip people like you to lead communities toward flourishing in a new media landscape. Participants completing this course will gain:
Register at: Leadership & Hybrid Ministry in the New Media Landscape* *The cost of this class is on a sliding scale at $75, $125, and $175. There is a limited number of full scholarships available. Contact Brandon Nappi here regarding scholarships. |
The Sequel: Jesus Continued in the Book of Acts with the Rev. Dr. Allen Hilton Luke’s intro to the Book of Acts summarizes his whole 24-chapter Gospel — Jesus’ birth, childhood, teaching, preaching, wonder-working, passion, death, and resurrection — as “all that Jesus began to do and teach.” (Acts 1.1) To our author, the brilliant life and ministry of Jesus was just the beginning — a start that the church would continue as Christ’s body in the world. The well-told stories of Acts recount the ways a small group of Jewish men and women in Jerusalem grew and expanded to move the Way of Jesus into cities around the Mediterranean Sea and, ultimately, beyond. This class will offer a close reading of this fascinating and faith-forward account. Register at: The Sequel: Jesus Continued in the Book of Acts |
 |
  |
|
Developing Your Praxis for Building Diverse Youth Communities with Dr. Brian Ragsdale, Ph.D. In this interactive presentation and dialogue, we explore youth identity development from understanding the synergies between holding multiple identities, for example, Black, neurodivergent, LGBTQIA. Geared toward youth leaders, layperson, and youth ministers we develop approaches of how oppression, power, and privilege may operate across systems. The overall goal is to develop approaches of how to create safer spaces for youth in their relationships and community building efforts. Register at: Developing Your Praxis for Building Diverse Youth Communities |
Teaching Holy Troublemaking: Resources for Progressive Christian Formation with Daneen Akers and Wendy Claire Barrie Join author Daneen Akers and Christian educator Wendy Claire Barrie as they talk about progressive faith formation especially through the lens of the middle-grades anthology Holy Troublemakers & Unconventional Saints and its companion curriculum. Hear ideas for how the stories of people like Bayard Rustin, Wangari Maathai, Thich Nhat Hahn, Mr. Rogers, Valarie Kaur, Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg, Rev. Gafney, Rumi, and more can connect with adolescents. Register at: Teaching Holy Troublemaking |
| If you’d like to help support our mission, you can make a donation here. There is joy to be found in practicing generosity. Your gift will enable us to continue to provide the necessary tools and resources that support life changing ministries. |  |
Connect with Yale Youth Ministry Institute
Connect with the Center for Continuing Education and Yale Bible Study
