Adult Christian Education

We promote spiritual growth and understanding through discussions, classes, presentations, workshops and tours.

Hero image
Background squares
Background image

Vision & Mission

The purpose of Adult Christian Education is to inspire and enlighten, to connect faith and life, to build relationships of compassion and empathy.

Adult Christian Education

Adult Christian Education programs explore questions of the Bible and theology, faith and practice, and the world around us. Recent programs have included a study of “Mark’s Story of Jesus” led by Senior Pastor Rev. John Allen, shedding fresh light on the richness of this earliest account of Jesus’ life; “Wonders in the Deep,” a maritime-themed discussion of spiritual journeys in literature; “Letting Go,” a Lenten contemplative practice; and “Return from Exile,” an examination of a pivotal Biblical story for modern times.

The ACE team also collaborates with other organizations in our community and beyond to promote adult education. These organizations have recently included the Brunswick Area Interfaith Council, the Anti-Racism Resource Team of the Maine UCC Conference, Wabanaki REACH, and the Bowdoin College Museum of Art.

Our Projects

Card image

The Parables of Jesus

Weekly discussion of selected parables of Jesus, led by Senior Pastor John Allen. Focusing on one parable a week, this series gave insight into the world that Jesus lived in and the lives of his earliest followers, leading to better understanding of the enigmatic and complex teaching contained in these seemingly simple short stories.

Learn More Arrow Right
Card image

Healing Begins with Truth: Understanding Colonization

Participants in this Wabanaki REACH program, co-sponsored by Adult Christian Education and the Brunswick Area Interfaith Council, explored the differences between the worldview and culture of Indigenous peoples and settlers (and their descendants).

Learn More Arrow Right
Card image

The Power of Forgiveness

In video presentations and discussion, participants reflected on the practice of forgiveness, a central component of Christian faith. Based on “The Power of Forgiveness” DVD created by renowned documentary film maker Martin Doblmeier, the course explored challenging questions posed by the practice of forgiveness, such as “What about Justice?,” “Forgiving Others” and “Forgiving Ourselves.”

Learn More Arrow Right
Background Image

Other Teams & Committees

First Parish offers any opportunities to get involved, teams and committees are always looking for new members. Take a look at these opportunities to get more involved in our mission to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.

Background Image