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Innovative study
By LINDA M. LINONIS
BOARDMan
Susan Sheridan pairs her love of movies and desire for in-depth study exploring faith to devise innovative programs at Westminster Presbyterian Church, where she has been a member for 22 years.
For a Lenten program this year, she is presenting “Christ and the Chocolaterie.” Previously, she created a study guide for “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” which mixes reality and fantasy; and “O Brother, Where Art Thou?,” which she compares to a journey of faith. Sheridan noted that she “loves” the work of C.S. Lewis and incorporates his writings into her studies.
Sheridan credited the Rev. David Joachim, pastor, and the climate at Westminster Presbyterian, as motivation. “Westminster is good at nurturing your gifts that you can use in service to God,” she said.
She said Westminster helps people “grow in their faith.” Sheridan has “learned that the life of a mature Christian involves worship, prayer, study and evangelism.”
About 20 people have registered for the current study, which offers afternoon and evening sessions. Walk-ins also are welcome. Sheridan said sessions will include special chocolate treats.
Sheridan explained that her study groups approach films from a Christian perspective. She added even light and frivolous films can provide a starting point for discussion of major issues about God and being human.
In “Chocolat,” Vianne (Juliette Binoche) operates a chocolate shop, where she creates confections that entice the villagers. And the season is Lent, often seen as a time “to give up something.” Sheridan said the devil tempts people by taking a gift from God and perverting it. “The devil takes something good and makes it hellish,” she said.
For example, she said, humans can take pleasure in eating but some succumb to eating disorders; there is pleasure in sex between two committed adults but sex can turn into promiscuity; and casual games of chance could escalate into a gambling problem.
God has given human pleasures on earth, but Sheridan emphasized they don’t compare to what awaits in heaven.
Sheridan said she is basing this Lenten program on Hilary Brand’s study guide. It focuses on five themes – giving up, which relates to the prelude to change; giving out, power of a gift; getting wise, possibility of change; getting real, the power of acceptance; and growing up, the process of change.
Sheridan noted that Vianne’s gift is the ability to listen to people and understand what they need. Sheridan continued, saying that Vianne recognizes that, for different reasons, the villagers have unintentionally given up joy, unconditional love, mercy and forgiveness. Those are qualities of the Christian faith.
Sheridan said Vianne’s ability has nothing to do with magic or hocus pocus. Instead, Sheridan believes it is the Holy Spirit working through Vianne. The choice is unusual because Vianne has a gypsy background and is not Christian. These circumstances also provide an avenue to talk about not being judgmental. Vianne judges herself and the vagabond lifestyle that she has followed in which she has included her young daughter. Vianne realizes change is a postive step.
This Christian education course, Sheridan said, reflects grace and gratitude. Grace is the unearned favor we receive from God and gratitude is shown through worship, prayer, service, evangelism and obedience to God’s word. “Being a Christian is a work in progress,” Sheridan said.
Self-denial plays a role in Christianity and Lent, Sheridan said. Adding something to enhance your Christian life is beneficial – such as participating in a Bible study or performing volunteer service.