The FOCUS program offers residents of Southern Vancouver Island short, seminary-quality courses that enlarge the participants' understanding of the historical, literary, and critical frameworks of the Christian faith.
Course is limited to 20 students. It runs for four Thursday evenings, beginning November 29th, 2018. St. Mary's will host on December 6th and 20th; Church of the Advent will host on November 29th and December 13th. Sessions include a light soup supper. Course Fee: $60. To register, visit FocusVictoria.com.
Course Outline:
Incarnational Theology. A survey of the significance of the incarnation in the developing theology of the church. Instructor: Archdeacon Alastair McCollum. Time: Thur, Nov 29, 6:00pm-8:30pm. Place: Church of the Advent, Colwood, 510 Mt View Ave.
The Birth Narrative in the Gospel of Matthew. In the birth stories in Matthew, the focus is largely on Joseph. Jesus is welcomed by foreign kings. A close and critical look at the text of Matthew and its later interpretation. Instructor: Canon Philip Wadham Time: Thur, Dec 6, 6:00pm-8:30pm. Place: St. Mary’s, Metchosin, 4125 Metchosin Road.
The Birth Narrative in the Gospel of Luke. In the birth stories in Luke, Mary is an important figure and the Holy Family are Galileans who travel to Bethlehem. A close and critical look at the text of Luke and its later interpretation. Instructor: Rev. John Gram Time: Thur, Dec 13, 6:00pm-8:30pm. Place: Church of the Advent, Colwood, 510 Mt View Ave.
The Emergence of the Modern Christmas Story. The historical celebration of Advent in the Christian Church has been driven by several powerful metaphors. A look at some of the highlights of the development of these metaphors. Instructors: Rev Aneeta Saroop, Rev. Bill Tartar. Time: Thur, Dec 20, 6:00pm-8:30pm. Place: St. Mary’s, Metchosin, 4125 Metchosin Road.