Adult Education

Colonial offers you a variety of adult educational opportunities on a wide range of issues and topics. Options are available Sunday morning and evening, but also throughout the week for your convenience.

Candlelight and Conversation

Candelight and Conversation meets several times a year. For those of you not familiar with C & C, it is structured around three to four breakout sessions in rotating groups of six to eight people. The groups are given discussion topics that are designed not only to stimulate conversation but to get the people involved better acquainted. The highlights of each group's discussion are reported to the entire gathering. The people who attended the a recent C & C were given the following topics: 1. Have you ever had a religious experience? If not, what is the strangest thing that has ever happened to you? 2. Talk about the funniest or most exceptional pet you ever owned or encountered. 3. Have you ever read a book or seen a movie that changed your life? If not, what is your favorite book or movie? For those of you who were not there, you missed some hilarious and moving responses. If you are interested in attending C & C, please email Ancel Neuburger at lorann@sbcglobal.net or phone him at 913-438-4736.

Tuesday Morning Book Study

We always welcome new members, and we make an effort to read books that are available either at the public library or in paperback. We have lively, interesting discussions of novels, historical, political and theological works, in addition to a variety of other topics. Past picks include:

  • Emma by Jane Austen
  • Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi
  • The Struggle for God by Karen Armstrong
  • The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
  • Plainsong by Kent Haruf
  • The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
  • Found Mothers by Cokie Roberts

Have a book you'd like to read and discuss? Make plans to join us. Contact Joan Gilson at 913-829-9316 or aggilson@comcast.net for more information.

Colonial Writers Group

The Colonial Writers Group is comprised of individuals who gather once a month to learn how to write their own life's story. Individuals come and bring their writing, or just come and prepare to be inspired. Newcomers and veterans are welcome. Contact Joan Gilson at 913-829-9316 or aggilson@comcast.net for more information.

Public Policy Forum Participants
Reps. Terrie Huntington, Sue Storm,
Tim Owens, Kevin Yoder, Ed O'Malley

Colonial Forum on Public Policy

The Colonial Forum on Public Policy is a non-partisan speaker's series addressing political and social issues that impact the community, the nation, and the world. The series, which was first held in the mid-1970s, is scheduled on the fourth Sunday of each month. Previous speakers have included Governor Kathleen Sebelius, Congressman Dennis Moore, Adam Taff, and Reps. Terrie Huntington, Sue Storm, Tim Owens, Kevin Yoder, and Ed O'Malley. Contact Paul O'Hanlon at 913-901-9396 or paul.ohanlon@kutakrock.com.

Colonial Foundation for Contemporary Theology

FCT works to bring varied theologians to the area sharing progressive ideas and values that help bring depth and dimension to our faith journey.

  • Dr. Bill Linden, "The Quest for Historical Jesus"
  • Dr. Dominic Crossan, "Historical Jesus: Life, Death and Resurrection"
  • Dr. John Haught, "Can Christians be Darwinians"
  • Dr. Amy Jill Levine, "Jesus and Judaism: Why the Connection Still Matters."
  • Dr. John Thomas, "God is still speaking"
  • Dr. Fred Craddock, "Responding to Today's Worries (In and Out of the Pulpit)"
  • Dr. Stephen J. Patterson, "Unlocking the Mystery of the Gospel of Thomas
  • Dr. Tex Sample, "A Justice of the Common Good"

Contact Terry Brown at 913-961-8014 or jhawkrbrown@kc.rr.com for more information.