Adult Programs

"A.S.K." (Ask-Seek-Knock) Class
Facilitated by Ann Massie, Sunday 9:45AM (September-May), 8:45AM (June only). The class will begin on January 16th at 9:45AM on Zoom.

Beginning in January 2022, the ASK Class will be taking up the exciting task of Understanding the New Testament. The teacher will be David Brakke, who holds the Joe. R. Engle Chair in the History of Christianity and is a professor of History at Ohio State University. The class will view him on video from The Great Courses. These half-hour lectures will leave the class with another 30 minutes to discuss. Dr. Brakke begins the series with a discussion of how the New Testament came to assume its form of 27 books, and the Jewish origins that formed Jesus' own religious background and against which Christianity developed. He then proceeds to talk about the books of the New Testament in the order of their composition, beginning with the letters of Paul. This chronological examination results in an understanding of the history, thinking, and practices of the early Church. This will be a fascinating course that will help us to better understand our own faith and its traditions.

Koinonia Class

This class is facilitated by Jan Hathorn and will meet on both in-person in Room 113, and on Zoom Sundays at 9:45AM beginning January 16, 2022.

Through various written materials, this class engages in discussions that attempt to make our faith current and alive right where we are. Beginning in January 2022, the Koinonia Class will read Searching for Sunday by Racheal Held Evans.

Like millions, Evans didn't want to go to church anymore. They hypocrisy, the politics, the gargantuan building budgets, the scandals -- church culture seemed so far removed from Jesus. Yet, despite her cynicism and misgivings, something kept drawing her back to Church. And so she set out on a journey to understand the Church and to find her place in it. Evans' quest takes readers through a liturgical year with stories about baptism, communion, confirmation, confession, marriage, vocation, and death that are funny, heartbreaking, and sharply honest. This book is an invitation to give a heartfelt ode to the past and hopeful gaze into the future of what it truly means to be a part of the Church.

Parents of School-Aged Children and Young Adult Class

Our curriculum for the 2021-22 year is PC(USA)'s Feasting on the World, based upon Revised Common Lectionary. Each week the class will explore a different Bible passage aligned with the lectionary and with the children's Sunday School classes. The class will discuss the implications of the passage for our lives and share our common experiences as parents. There is no homework or outside reading associated with this class, and all lessons can stand on their own, which allows for those with busy schedules to come to the class when they are available. The class will meet in the Noel Library and will begin a few minutes after the Children's Sunday School classes (9:45AM) and will end in time for parents to pick up their children after class.

This class is facilitated by Abbott Keesee and will meet in person each Sunday in the Noel Library, room 111, once the children return to in-person Sunday School. The anticipated start date for this class is January 16.

Theology Class

The Theology Class promotes serious discussion of important theological issues. Everyone contributes their own views as we work to understand texts by leading theologians. All who are interested in exploring and wrestling with the theological questions are welcome to attend, and particularly new members.

This Fall the group will "re-start" the H. Richard Niebuhr book, The Responsible Self. The great Theologian's delineation of the principles and fundamental character of the moral life focuses on the idea of responsibility as a guiding ideal.

This class is facilitated by Lad Sessions. Start date is TBD.