Adult Education

“World peace must develop from inner peace. Peace is not just mere absence of violence. Peace is, I think, the manifestation of human compassion.” -The Dalai Lama. In this challenging time, we pray for less violence and more human compassion. The adult education series during Advent will focus on local peace efforts. 

 

November 24 - This program is presented by the International Peace Museum, based on their current “Peace Post” exhibit.  “Peace Post” uses a postage stamp theme to shine a light on 198 individuals who stand against injustice and advocate for peace, one for each sovereign nation.  Class discussion will be supported by a simple activity using a postage stamp design to honor a peacemaker who has been important in the participants’ life.

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December 1 -This program will be based on the International Peace Museum’s current exhibit, Dreaming of a Place to Call Home: Children and Housing Insecurity in America.  Museum staff will describe this exhibit, which addresses the challenges of housing affordability and includes art created by children experiencing the trauma of housing insecurity.  The staff will also lead discussion of what it would be like to live without a home."

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December 8 – Moms Demand Action is a non-partisan, grassroots movement of Americans fighting for public safety measures that respect the Second Amendment and protect people from gun violence.  MDA launched the Be SMART campaign to promote responsible gun ownership and reduce child gun deaths.  MDA volunteers encourage adults, parents, and caretakers to “Be SMART” and take 5 simple steps to help prevent shootings by/of children.  In this program, the local MDA and Be SMART leads will discuss efforts in the Dayton-area and what we can do to help reduce this epidemic.

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December 22 – Montgomery County Assistant Prosecutor, Lynda Dodd, will discuss how victims encounter the legal system.  This will include the roles of prosecutors and law enforcement at different stages of investigations and prosecutions, and how they work to support victims through the court process.   She will also describe the victims of homicide memorial service, which has been held at Westminster during the Advent season.