We are happy to unveil the 2008 Summer Mini Courses. There are over forty exciting classes this year, and two class series: NYC Modern Art 101 and The Hope for New York Summer Series. Please click on a class to learn more about it.
Registration will begin May 9th. This year we've implemented a lottery system for some of the classes. To learn more about the registration process, please visit About the Mini Courses.
The Economics of Yankee Baseball, June 7
Chelsea Gallery Tour, June 7
C.S. Lewis for Dummies, June 7
Classic Summer Cocktails, June 12 & June 26
Eat Your Way Around Queens, June 14
Tolkien's "On Fairy Stories" with Tim Keller, June 18
Brooklyn Botanic Gardens Tour, June 21
Healthy But Delicious Cooking Series, June 21, July 21 and August 23
Swing Dancing, June 22 and June 29
Hit Your Stride, Info Session June 26, Run June 28
SLR Cameras: How Do I Use This Thing? June 28
Introduction to Wagner's "Ring of the Nibelung", June 30
Church Planting 101, July 10
Wine Tasting, July 11, July 12 and August 15
God-Given Beauty, July 13
Hope for New York Summer Series: North Korea Humanitarian Update, July 15
Hope for New York Summer Series: Human Sex Trafficking, July 16
Chocolate Tasting, July 19
Prayer Walk, July 19
NYC Art 101: Theater, July 19
Make Your Own Chinese Dumplings, July 19
Hope for New York Summer Series: Mega Hope from Micro Lending, July 23
Mad Money or God's Money - What to do? July 24
Beyond Chop Suey: Chinese Banquet Cuisine, July 25
Girls Night In! July 25
NYC Arts 101: The History of Writing and Publishing, July 26
Uhhh, What Did You Say? Learning to Listen, July 26
Thinking About Kids? July 30
Simple Summer Fare: Cooking Tips from A Personal Chef , August 2
Photography Workshop, July 31 and August 23
Beyond the Basics in Knitting, August 2
Hope for New York Summer Series: The Housing Crisis in NYC, August 6
Singleness Panel, August 9
NYC Arts 101: The History of Dance August 16
Fabulous Fall Fashion August 23
THE ECONOMICS OF YANKEE BASEBALL: TOUR AND GAME INCLUDED
Saturday June 7, 10 AM – 5 PM I $50 I Limited to 15
This course will give the average fan a better understanding of the economics of baseball, especially on a local level. We will talk about player value, team revenues, and the financing of the new Yankee stadium. The course includes a 45 min talk, 30 min tour of the new Yankee Stadium, and a Yankees game.
Tim Hanold is a sports fanatic who is finishing up a masters of science in sports management at Columbia this spring. When not teaching mini courses, Tim spends his time at major sporting venues painted from head to toe in his home team’s colors.
CHELSEA GALLERY TOUR
Saturday June 7, 11 – 1 PM I Chelsea Art Galleries I $20 I Limited to 15
To find great art, you have to know where to look. Join an art critic and tour guide who will take you to visit between eight to ten Art galleries and view the most talked about contemporary art of the moment.
Merrily Kerr is an art critic, writer and licensed art tour guide living in New York City. She writes regularly for Time Out New York, Flash Art, and Art on Paper, and is the founder of New York Art Tours.
C.S. LEWIS FOR DUMMIES
Saturday June 7th, 1 – 3 PM I Register for Location I $25 I Limited to 60
Who is this C.S. Lewis, and why is Tim Keller always quoting him? If you’re a “Lewis Newbie” and you want to learn more about his writings, themes, and life, this class is for you! If you’re Lewis Groupie, and you know enough to call him Jack, we ask that you steer clear to make room for the novices. Fee includes copy of C.S. Lewis for Dummies.
Kathy Keller has been a student of all things Lewis since the 2nd grade when she read The Chronicles of Narnia. She is featured in Lewis’ book Letters to Children and corresponded with him until his death.
EAT YOUR WAY AROUND THE WORLD IN QUEENS
Saturday June 14th, 12 - 2 PM I Register for Location I $15 I Limited to 12
Can’t afford that trip to Barbados? Take a mini vacation to Queens! After a walk around the Elmhurst/Jackson Heights area, you’ll gather with others for a sharing and tasting experience. Sample from a choice of Indian, Colombian, Mexican, Filipino, Thai, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese and Burmese food!
Alicia Lieu is a food lover who has lived in the most diverse zip code in America for the past year and a half. This Californian loves exploring the city, working out, rainy days and making music.
CLASSIC SUMMER COCKTAIL CREATIONS
Thursdays June 12th and 26th, 6 – 8 PM I Register for Location I $50 I Limited to 20
Ladies, want to learn how to make the perfect Cosmopolitan? Gentlemen, want to drink a masculine cocktail for the first time ever? Learn this and more! You will get an overview of bar tools, proper bar etiquette and have the chance to taste four drinks as well as passed hors d'oeuvres. This course will redefine what it means "to grab a drink." Due to insurance (and tight quarters), only a chosen few will be asked to mix drinks.
One word describes David Plant: suave. Before entering seminary, David Plant was considered one of the best bartenders in Manhattan. Once the head bartender at the legendary cocktail lounge Pravda, he has also consulted with some of the top liquor companies.
TOLKIEN’S “ON FAIRY STORIES” WITH TIM KELLER
Wednesday June 18th, 6:30 - 9:30 PM I Register for Location I $10 I Limited to 120
Why do so many of the most moving stories have affinities with the gospel? “On Fairy Stories” is a classic essay by J.R.R. Tolkien about the power of narrative in general and ancient myths and fairy-tales in particular. Tolkien believed that this power is rooted in our being made in God's image and in our need to create. Registrants will receive a copy of “On Fairy Stories,” which should be read prior to the class.
When Tim Keller founded Redeemer, he was already a devotee of Tolkien. After another 20 years of study, he has read every scrap and fragment of Tolkien-lore, investigated his source materials, and has found nothing more profound than the essay "On Fairy Stories."
BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDENS TOUR
June 21st 10am-12pm I Brooklyn Botanic Gardens I $5 I Limited to 20
If you’re a New Yorker, then it has probably been awhile since you’ve stopped and smelled the roses. However, with a one-acre rose garden, the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens is a great place to do just that. Come and check out the beauty of God’s creation.
Taught by Marilyn Smith, who is the Director of Children's Education at Brooklyn Botanic Garden and has worked as an environmental educator for nearly 20 years.
HEALTHY-BUT-DELICIOUS COOKING SERIES
Sat June 21st, Mon July 21st and Sat August 23rd, 6:30-8:30 PM I Register for Location I $20 I Limited to 5
Join us for hands-on, organic, whole foods cooking classes. You will learn about whole food ingredients like quinoa, tempeh, and millet and discover healthy, nutritious flavors that excite the taste buds. Learn how to make old favorites in a healthier way and get healthy tips over dinner. All classes are dairy free and vegetarian (salmon used in the second class).
Class 1 – Saturday June 21st
Thai Peanut Soup
Veggie Spring Rolls
Lime Peanut Sauce
Mooless Chocolate Mousse
Class 2 – Monday July 21st
Salmon Burgers
Spring Out Quinoa
Sunset Salad
Parsley Ginger Dressing
Class 3 – Saturday August 23rd
California Waldorf Salad
Garlic Braised Tempeh
Picnic Potato Salad
Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats
Melissa King is a life and wellness coach who works with individuals in the areas of health, relationships and career and helps them develop a plan to achieve new goals. She has been teaching organic cooking classes to adults and children for five years.
SWING DANCING
Sunday June 22 and Sunday June 29th, 2:30 - 4:00 I Register for Location I $10 I Limited to 30
Have you ever wanted to bust a swingin’ move on the dance floor but felt totally inept? We can fix that! Learn the basic steps for swing dancing and a few moves to help you stand out on the dance floor. No partner necessary.
The lead instructor Ben Veligdan, has seven years of swing dance experience. He was the President and lead teacher for New York University's Swing Dance Society. He has trained at several workshops around the city.
HIT YOUR STRIDE
Info Session: Thursday, June 26th 7-9 PM I Running Session: Saturday, June 28th 12 – 2 PM I Register for Location I $15
You’ve heard about that alleged “runners high.” Find out for yourself if it’s true! You’ll get a presentation from a true running professional, then apply what you learned for a three mile run in Central Park. Participants will be monitored by instructors and have a chance to ask questions during and after the run. Register for location.
Tim Hanold has curly hair and is an accomplished runner. He has recently participated in Olympic distance New York Triathlons. Blake Sedberry hails from Texas. He has been an avid runner for 15 years.
SLR CAMERAS: HOW DO I USE THIS THING?
Saturday June 28, 10 – 1 PM I Redeemer Offices I $10 I Limited to 20
So you got yourself one of those big, fancy SLR digital cameras. Wouldn’t it be nice if you knew how to use it? We’ll learn how to use that bad boy and how to utilize natural light sources. We’ll discuss the basics of aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and simple lighting techniques from various light sources.
Deborah Shelor received a degree in Commercial Photography from Ohio University and has 4 years of experience as a professional wedding photographer. She would also really, really, really like to own a poodle.
AN INTRODUCTION TO WAGNER’S “RING OF THE NIBELUNG”
Monday June 30th 6:30 – 8:30 PM I Redeemer Offices I $15 I Limited to 50
A production of Wagner's monumental Ring will be returning to the Metropolitan Opera stage this fall. The course will give an overview of the meaning and cultural impact of Wagner's tetrology, including how the work can be confronted from a Christian perspective. In addition, some interesting parallels to Tolkien's Lord of the Rings will serve as a coda to the evening. No previous knowledge of Wagner's Ring, opera, or classical music is required.
Mark Stambaugh has taught courses in Wagner's Ring for a number of years at The Manhattan School of Music and elsewhere, including a special class for performers and trustees of the Metropolitan Opera.
CHURCH PLANTING 101
Thursday July 10, 6:30 – 8 PM I Redeemer Offices I $10
Did you know that Redeemer has planted over 160 churches in 20 countries around the world? Come learn how Redeemer is spreading the gospel throughout New York City and abroad. Learn what goes into planting a church, and how this affects you. Fee includes dinner.
Mark Reynolds is the overly zealous associate director of Redeemer’s Church Planting Center. In an informal survey, he was declared the “Sportiest Guy on Redeemer Staff.”
WINE TASTING
Friday July 11th, Sat July 12th or Fri August 15th 8pm – 10pm I Register for location I $25 I Limited to 8
This will be a course on wine tasting for all levels of enthusiasts. We'll discuss and enjoy some affordable French and California wines (mostly red), along with a few snacks. Great for making new friends!
Taught for the second year in a row by Stephen Wright and John Ellis. Stephen recently left Sherry-Lehmann to be a buyer for a boutique wine shop in the City. John has committed much of his free time to learning all about wine, and both of them are excited to share their insights, as well as gain new perspectives from participants.
GOD-GIVEN BEAUTY
Sunday July 13, 1– 2:30 PM I Redeemer Offices I $5 I Limited to 25 women
We all tend to focus on the features we don't have or the ones that age has taken away. This course will focus on simple tips from the beauty industry while touching upon what it means to be an image bearer of God. Those who attend will get a mini-makeover and will leave feeling encouraged and uplifted about their God-given outer beauty.
Taught by Megan Garmers, Anne Marie Crosby, and Hagen Linss, all professional make-up artists and Redeemer attendees.
HOPE FOR NEW YORK SUMMER SERIES: NORTH KOREA - THE HUMANITARIAN UPDATE
Tuesday July 15th, 7-9 PM I Redeemer Offices I $10
This class will review a brief history of North Korea, its current on-the-ground humanitarian needs and the work of World Vision and other US-based Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs) there. Fee includes dinner.
Yeri Kim is the program coordinator for World Vision's programs in North Korea, and has traveled to the country six times. She also helped coordinate the New York Philharmonic's historic performance in North Korea in February 2008.
HOPE FOR NEW YORK SUMMER SERIES: HUMAN SEX TRAFFICKING
Wednesday July 16th, 7pm – 8:30pm I Redeemer Offices I $10 I Limited to 75
This course will evaluate the global market forces driving this industry, detail sex trafficking in NYC, and provide an opportunity for people to learn about local efforts (i.e. Restore) to serve survivors of this violent crime. Fee includes dinner.
Taught by Faith Huckel, who is the co-founder of Restore NYC, a ministry that serves trafficked and prostituted women freed from the sex trade. Faith has been acting as Executive Director of Restore since May 2007.
CHOCOLATE TASTING
Saturday July 19th, 10 AM – 12 PM I Redeemer Offices I $15 I Limited to 30
Learn how to appreciate good chocolate by learning where it comes from, how it's made, and the criteria for tasting it. We'll explore different cacao percentages (from milk to dark) and origins (from South America to Africa) to pick up on the nuances of each bar. There will be a lot of chocolate from manufacturers you may have never heard of, plus a take-home guide full of chocolate notes.
Jessica Su is a dessert enthusiast who has tasted more than 40 different chocolate bars and can distinguish all of them! She has written about food for the Associated Press, Chow.com, and Gourmet.com where she now works.
PRAYER WALK
Saturday July 19th, 10 - 11:30 AM I $10 I Limited to 40
Prayer Walk with other Redeemerites in the neighborhood of our new building. We'll learn how to pray for our building-in-process and for our new neighbors. Everyone is welcome, especially first time prayer walkers! We'll start with a brief talk on prayer walking and then pray in and for the neighborhood for about 45 minutes. Fee includes lunch.
Lourine Clark, Lisa Lee, Brian & Christina Stanton are a prayer walking tour de force! Lourine leads the Prayer Team; Lisa hosts the Women’s Prayer and Praise nights. Brian is Redeemer’s CFO (i.e. the go to guy for our new building), and Christina is a NYC tour guide with all the inside scoop on our new hood.
NYC ART 101: THEATER
Saturday July 19th, 1-5 PM I Begins at Redeemer Offices I $10 I Limited to 20
The NYC Art 101 series, hosted by Redeemer’s Arts Greenhouse, continues this summer with an overview of the history of the arts in NYC, and how NYC came to be a world leader in the arts. Sessions will begin with a lecture-style overview, and continue on the streets of NYC for a tour of sites of historical importance to the field. Sessions will be led by Redeemer artists and experts.
Visit www.faithandwork.org/greenhouse for more info about the Greenhouse and the year-round NYC Art 101 series.
MAKE YOUR OWN CHINESE DUMPLINGS
Saturday July 19th, 4 – 6 PM I Register for Location I $10 I Limited to 15
Come and make Chinese Dumplings from scratch, then get the payoff of eating them! Also sample some other traditional homemade Chinese food.
Alicia Lieu has been making dumplings with her mother, grandmother, and aunt since childhood. Her main role was the dough roller while her brother watched football and drank beer.
HFNY SUMMER SERIES: MEGA HOPE FROM MICRO LENDING
Wednesday July 23rd, 7-8:30 PM I Redeemer Offices I $10
World Vision's microlending program allows families to establish and cultivate small businesses which create jobs and improve childrens’ standard of living. You’ll hear first-hand stories of the work being done. Learn about the hope brought to poverty stricken girls and women, including HIV-positive widows, orphans, and single mothers. Fee includes dinner.
As Director for Engagement at World Vision , Maryellen Robeson has witnessed the empowerment that microfinance and education bring to women. She has been speaking on behalf of World Vision for over 10 years.
MAD MONEY OR GOD’S MONEY – WHAT TO DO?
Thursday July 24th, 7-9 PM I Redeemer Offices I $10
How can we be good stewards of God's resources? If you’re clueless when it comes to stocks, bonds, and anything related to investing – this class is for you. This course will give an overview of basic investing products and resources while providing some general advice about how to get started. It will also touch on the biblical aspect of investing and how the gospel transforms our view and use of money. Fee includes dinner.
Calvin Chin, William Wu, and Jane Lin collectively have over three decades of investing experience and more than that in spiritual wisdom.
BEYOND CHOP SUEY: CHINESE BANQUET CUISINE
Friday July 25th, 7-9 PM I Register for Location I $40 I Limited to 30
When you think of Chinese food, do you think of fried chicken bits covered in sweet and sour sauce while a Bruce Lee movie plays in the background? We are here to bust those myths! Join us for a Chinese Banquet in Chinatown to learn about authentic Chinese food.
Please be aware that this meal is not for the culinary faint of heart! Shellfish and nuts will be served in some of the dishes. Unfortunately, no dishes can be substituted as the menu is fixed.
John “John-John” Lin is Chinese-American. He loves hip hop music, the Boston Red Sox, and his lovely wife. He also loves all things gastronomical.
GIRLS NIGHT IN!
Friday July 25th, 7-10 PM I Register for Location I $15 I Limited to 25
Girl talk and light fare -- what could be better? Join us for an evening of fun as well as sharing the things we love as well as the things we want to love. During the evening, Carolyn Leutwiler will share highlights from her book, "Singleness Redefined," scheduled to be released in July of 2008. A simple cooking demonstration and much more included!
Carolyn is an opera singer who has taught for SOGF at Redeemer, and has been a Bible study and discipleship group leader.
NYC ARTS 101: THE HISTORY OF WRITING AND PUBLISHING
Saturday July 26th, 1- 5 PM I Redeemer Offices I $10 I Limited to 20
The NYC Art 101 series, hosted by Redeemer’s Arts Greenhouse, continues this summer with an overview of the history of the arts in NYC, and how NYC came to be a world leader in the arts. Sessions will begin with a lecture-style overview, and continue on the streets of NYC for a tour of sites of historical importance to the field. Sessions will be led by Redeemer artists and experts.
Visit www.faithandwork.org/greenhouse for more info about the Greenhouse and the year-round NYC Art 101 series.
UHHH…WHAT DID YOU SAY? LEARNING TO LISTEN
Saturday July 26th, 1 – 3 PM I Redeemer Offices I $15
Reading, writing, and speaking are all important communication skills that we learned in school. Listening skills, however, were never taught. Yet so much of life depends on us being able to listen well. This course will examine Jesus’ ability to listen with undivided attention to those he ministered to, teach you how empathy and love are linked to listening skills, and give you the opportunity to practice and hone your listening skills.
Andrea Mungo and Olimpio Wen are both counselors and exceptionally good listeners.
THINKING ABOUT KIDS?
Wednesday July 30th 7-9 PM I Redeemer Offices I $15 per couple
This class is a discussion forum for young couples contemplating starting a family. We will talk about specific issues to consider: marital relationship, expectations of parenting, etc. We will also discuss the unique opportunities and challenges of having children in NYC. Fee includes dinner.
Brent Bounds is the Director of Family Ministries. He has worked with children and families for over 10 years in clinical and non-clinical settings. He and his wife Jenny have one child.
SIMPLE SUMMER FARE: COOKING TIPS FROM A PERSONAL CHEF
Date and time TBA I Register for location I $45 I Limited to 10
This will be a fun, hands-on cooking class where participants learn to create light, market-fresh fare with minimal preparation and maximum flavor. We will prepare four dishes together and eat the results as a sit-down dinner. Students will learn the secrets of a personal chef: where to find the best seasonal ingredients, how to prepare multiple dishes in a short time, which wines to serve, and practical menu planning tips for every occasion.
Anna Watson has worked as a personal chef, cooked in restaurants in the U.S. and France, and cooked for a chateau in Burgundy, yet somehow her favorite pastime is still throwing dinner parties.
PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Thursday July 31st 6-9 PM or Saturday August 23rd, 10 AM – 2 PM I Redeemer Offices I $15
You've got a digital camera, but want to take better pictures. Three factors apply: your equipment, your understanding of your equipment, and your creativity. The class will have 3 parts: Introductions and Presentation, Photo excursion and Q & A, Photo show and Q&A.
In high school, Nathan convinced his dad to get an SLR and made a makeshift studio. In college he studied film and video production. Now he collects photo gear, shoots at every opportunity, and works as Redeemer's video coordinator.
BEYOND THE BASICS IN KNITTING
Saturday August 2nd, 10 AM – 12 PM I Redeemer Offices I $5 I Limited to 10
Do you love knitting? Do you know the basics (knitting, purling, casting on and off etc.) but dream about taking your knitting to the next level? We can make that dream come true, my friend. You’ll learn the herringbone stitch, a simple lace stitch, and a technique called double knitting. You’ll need to bring your own needles and yarn to make practice swatches.
Carolyn Lee has skills – knitting skills. She is part of the Redeemer citilights ministry and organizes the knitting circles events.
THE HOUSING CRISIS IN NYC
Wednesday August 6th, 7:30 – 9:00 PM I Redeemer Offices I $10 I Limited to 75
As rents continue to rise in NYC, more families must choose between paying rent and paying for food and health care. What is the Christian response to our neighbors in need? Join us as we discuss the housing crisis facing our city, what advocates are doing, and how you can get involved. Fee includes dinner.
Sandhya Reju is Executive Director of Brooklyn Jubilee, a non-profit organization that serves the needs of Brooklyn. She is also the Director of Housing Litigation, Bedford-Stuyvesant Community Legal Services and has 10 years of experience as a poverty lawyer. Fee includes dinner.
SINGLENESS PANEL
Saturday August 9th, 1-3 PM I Redeemer Offices I $15
Come join an open, candid discussion between men and women on singleness and relationships. We will wrestle together with the thorny issues of singleness and explore how they relate to gospel community. Challenge your perspective on marriage, dating, and avoiding the whole mess.
Presented by Arlene Navarro and others from Redeemer Counseling Center.
NYC ARTS 101: THE HISTORY OF DANCE
Saturday August 16th, 1 – 5 PM I Redeemer Offices I $10 I Limited to 20
The NYC Art 101 series, hosted by Redeemer’s Arts Greenhouse, continues this summer with an overview of the history of the arts in NYC, and how NYC came to be a world leader in the arts. Sessions will begin with a lecture-style overview, and continue on the streets of NYC for a tour of sites of historical importance to the field. Sessions will be led by Redeemer artists and experts.
Visit www.faithandwork.org/greenhouse for more info about the Greenhouse and the year-round NYC Art 101 series.
FABULOUS FALL FASHION Saturday August 23, 1-3:30 PM I Register for Location I $10 I Limited to 10
Looking to update your wardrobe for the fall? Join our team of fashion experts for a two hour shopping tour of Soho. Learn about the fashion trends for the fall season, where to find them, and how to make them work with your wardrobe and your wallet.
Shanya Fernando is a Senior Marketing Manager at Anne Klein and Meredith Del Bello is a buyer for Saks Fifth Avenue.