Nebraska Synod ELCA
Event
Course description
David used the Psalms in prayer. Jesus died with a psalm on his lips. For millennia, humans have been shaped by the Psalms. Before the Nazis banned him from publishing, German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer published his book, Psalms: The Prayer Book of the Bible. First published in 1940, this classic reveals how the Psalms are essential to the life of the believer and offers Bonhoeffer’s reflections on psalms of thanksgiving, suffering, guilt, praise, and lament. It offers us as readers a look at what Jesus’ disciples asked, “Lord, teach us to pray.” Join Deacon Rick Strong in studying the Psalms and Bonhoeffer’s look at the Psalms.
Instructor
Deacon Rick Strong is a Minister of Word and Service/Deacon in the ELCA. He has studied spiritual formation with the Seeking the Spirit Within Institute, certified in 2012 as a spiritual director and has membership in Spiritual Directors International. Rick has companioned several individuals in spiritual direction, enjoys leading groups in spiritual directions, is currently leading congregations in their transitional journey with spiritual leadership while they are in a pastoral leadership transition. He is also a trained ELCA Coach and is walking with congregations in transition. Rick retired from call having served in five churches in the Nebraska Synod as the Director of Youth and Family, Director of Faith Formation, and Director of Pastoral Care. He continues to be involved in the Synod as a volunteer member of the Budget and Finance committee and Emmaus Leadership team. Rick and wife Sharon have two grown children.
Course Details
Dates: Thursdays – January 9, 16, 23, 30 and February 6
Time: – 10:30-11:30 Central/9:30-10:30am Mountain
Format: Online Zoom conversation – Zoom link and additional course details will be sent after January 6 to those registered
Cost: $20/person- Participants will need to have a copy of “Psalms: The Prayer Book of the Bible.”
Target Audience: All are welcome! Deacon Rick will meet you where you are as you dive into this Emmaus course. Beginner Bible study participants are welcome along with those longing to dig deeper and reflect on the power of the Psalms.
Materials: Participants are responsible for securing their own book “Psalms: The Prayer Book of the Bible” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Come prepared with note taking supplies, the Psalms book and Bible.
Registration: Deadline Monday, January 6, 2025. No refunds after January 6.
Continuing Education Credits: 5 hours of contact for 5 hours of continuing education credit. (PMAs need to follow PMA guidelines to receive credit.)
“This has been a very rewarding course for me. I believe I will be able to preach about the Psalms with more confidence after taking this course.” – PMA Dwight Brummels