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 L.I.F.E.:
Lutheran
Institute
for
Faith
Enrichment
On This Page
What is L.I.F.E.?
L.I.F.E. (Lutheran Institute for Faith
Enrichment) is an in-depth learning opportunity for adults offered
by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the ELCA.
We believe that a deeper understanding of the faith helps us to
connect our faith to the concerns, routines and events of daily life.
It is an opportunity for individuals to grow in faith, develop
spiritual gifts, and discern what God might be up to in their lives.
L.I.F.E. works in two basic ways:
- By studying the Bible, our Lutheran beliefs, the teachings of
the Christian faith, and practical aspects of living the faith.
- By encouraging spiritual growth through worship, discernment
retreat(s), and a supportive community of fellow students and
instructors.
L.I.F.E. emphasizes the baptismal calling of all Christians.
Participants might be leaders in their congregations or people purely
interested in engaging in a deeper learning experience. Classes cover a
variety of disciplines.
L.I.F.E. can help you be who you are, see what you have, and
blossom as you engage in doing what matters to God.
L.I.F.E. curriculum consists of twelve courses offered in a
two-year cycle. Participants may take as many or as few classes as they
desire. Each course is five weeks in length and meets once a week for
2–2½ hours.
 L.I.F.E.
weekly assignments and readings serve two purposes: 1) providing a
solid background about the topic and 2) relating subject matter to the
student’s daily life and faith journey. Assignments are designed with
the understanding that students are already busy with their family life,
jobs, and parish commitments. Students can expect to average two or
three hours of study per week in addition to class time.
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What courses are offered?
Year 1
-
 Introduction
to the Bible from a Lutheran Perspective
- Overview of the Old Testament
- Teachings of the Early Church
- The Church at Worship
- Teaching God’s Story/Christian Education
- Leadership in the Church
Year 2
-
 Overview
of the New Testament
- Sharing God’s Story
- The Lutheran Confessions
- Themes and Issues in Christian Ethics
- The Daily Life of a Christian
- Issues Facing the Church
Those who complete all 12 courses and at least two retreats will
receive a L.I.F.E. Certificate of Completion.
Note: All registrations must be received at least 30
days before the start of any class.
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Who will lead the courses?
Faculty for the 2011-2012 series include—
- The Rev. David Strobel, bishop emeritus
- The Rev. Dr. Peter Pettit, director, Institute for
Jewish-Christian Understanding
- The Rev. Jeffrey Butz, pastor, Grace Lutheran Church,
Nazareth
- Associate in Ministry Marlane Druckenmiller, Christian
education coordinator, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Douglassville
- Mr. David Ziegler, director of music, Hope Lutheran
Church, Cherryville
- The Rev. Dr. James Bowers, associate pastor, Lutheran
Church of the Holy Spirit, Emmaus
- Others to be named
How much does L.I.F.E. cost?
- Application: A non-refundable, one-time fee of $25 is
required at the time of application.
- Tuition: $450 per year, if taking all 6 classes offered.
Tuition per individual course is $100.
- Books: Actual costs for books vary from course to course,
but instructors try to provide materials for no more than $25 per
course.
- Discernment Retreat:
 A retreat is held once a year in the
spring. The retreat is usually Friday evening into Saturday
afternoon. The cost for the retreat is the student’s responsibility
and is approximately $100, including room and meals.
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What is expected? What can be expected?
- Consistent attendance
- Completion of assignments, which will include evaluative tools
such as papers or essay questions
- Two to three hours of home work
- Courses that are challenging without making anyone feel that the
material is beyond understanding
The maximum in any class will be 20 people, large enough to allow for
lively discussion and yet small enough that everyone can be involved.
Schedule
2012 Winter/Spring Schedule
-
Leadership in the Church:
April 12, 19, 26 and May 3, 10
- Discernment Retreat: St. Francis Retreat House, Bethlehem,
March 23 (after dinner) to March 24 (before dinner)
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More Information and Application Form
Click here for a
brochure about L.I.F.E. to download and print.
Click here for
an application form to download, print, and complete. Note:
All registrations must be received at least 30 days before the
start of any class.
For additional information, contact the Reverend Mary Gade at
maryg@nepsynod.org or
610-266-5101.
Members of the L.I.F.E. task force are Karen Althouse, SALM; Bill
Dimmich, SALM; Laila Sunday; the Rev. Jerel Gade; the Rev.
Mary Gade (synod staff); the
Rev. Jerry Kulp; the Rev. Nancy Moore; the Rev. Paulette Obrecht; Audrey
Wargo.
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