Our Adult Education Ministry provides a variety of topics and teaching/learning styles through classes designed to meet the needs of adults who continue to study and seek to grow a faith relevant to their daily living.  We have two types of classes: 

Short-Term Courses:  These are courses, which last five to ten weeks.  They are designed to meet the needs of adults who are not part of a permanent class and to address particular needs and topics on a short-term basis.

Permanent/Ongoing Classes:  These classes meet together regularly throughout the year and have a permanent class roll.  (Please know additions can be made at any time.)  Some of these classes use study materials produced by the Presbyterian Church, and some classes choose books or topics, which change periodically throughout the year.  All of the classes strive for elements of study, community, and fellowship.  All are invited to visit these classes at any time without obligation to join.

All adults are invited to move in and out of the short-term courses and ongoing classes in a flexible way to meet individual needs.

Permanent/Ongoing Classes

Connections Café - Second Hall: Camille LeBron Powell              Connections Café is the place for young adults to come together to connect with others, to connect with the church, to connect with God, and to connect your faith with the world. Come have a cup of coffee and get to know other 20 and 30 year olds in the church.  During the church school hour you are invited to gather with other young adults for a time of fellowship and conversation.  Each week a topic will be presented, participants will break up into small groups for discussion, and then everyone will come back together to share the conversation.  Participants begin gathering at 9:50 and then start up a little after 10:00 AM.

Henker Friendship Bible Class-Room 62/63: Primary Teacher-Evalena Berry This dedicated group of biblical scholars, who have been together for a long time, also uses The Present Word.  Participants in this class will trace the story of God's creative power from the creation of the universe through human creation to the creation of a covenant people.  As their name implies, this is a friendly group that enjoys special activities, projects, and fellowship throughout the year.  They welcome visitors and those who wish to join the group at any time.

Men's Bible Class - Room 60: President- Jim Ikerman                                This dedicated group of men gather each Sunday to sing, pray, and study The Present Word, a quarterly Bible study series based on the Cooperative Uniform Lessons.  This study will provide relevant, thought-provoking, and stimulating survey of the New Testament this Fall.  This class is led by a variety of scholars including class members, pastors, staff, and other guests.

Parenting of Teens - Youth Building: Coordinator - Linda K. Smith                 This is a discussion-oriented class which also serves as a support group for parents of teens and pre-teens.  The class has been meeting for several years and has used a variety of resources to explore the development of teens and to share together the challenges of parenting during these growing years. 

Beginning November 16 and continuing through February 1, the Parenting of Teens Sunday School class begins a discussion of the bestselling book The Self Esteem Trap:  Raising Confident and Compassionate Kids in an Age of Self Importance by Dr. Polly Young-Eisendrath.  Join the class each Sunday at 10:00 AM in the Youth Building, Room 3 for fun, fellowship and tips on how to raise your children with enough autonomy that they will become well adjusted adults.  For more information, contact Linda K. Smith, shslks@sbcglobal.net

Seeking More Light Class - Room 64:  Class Coordinator - Greg Adams
Committed to making faith relevant to hearts and minds in today’s world, the Seeking More Light Class studies books that help to deepen our understanding of faith and broaden our minds. The class is discussion-oriented and intentionally inclusive of those with differing opinions, backgrounds, and sexual orientation.  Along with study and discussion, the class also prays for one another and has a good time - both inside and outside the class.  All are welcome to come for study and discussion.  Fall book discussion:  Christianity for the Rest of Us by Diana Butler Bass.

Spiritual Nourishment/Spiritual Pilgrims - Library:  Leader - Nancy Hicks
In this class we read scripture, pray together, laugh together, share experiences and encourage one another to discern the Holy Spirit at work in our lives. We believe the Christian spiritual life is grounded in relationship. It has to do with God’s way of relating to us, and our way of responding to God.  This group is currently discussing Your Soul's Compass:  What is Spiritual Direction?  Newcomers welcome.

Spiritual Literacy-Room 68: Coordinator-Joy Sparrow; Teacher-Bob Morrow This class will provide a new opportunity for folks who may be looking for a "Sunday School home."  In addition to study and reflection, the class will be designed to enable adults to make connections and build relationships, share pastoral joys and concerns, enjoy social gatherings, and participate in mission/outreach projects.  The class will be open to all ages and stages.  In particular, if you have "graduated" from the young adult stage and are looking for an ongoing group with whom to study and grow - this class may be for you!  The class will begin with a study/discussion of Spiritual Literacy:  Reading the Sacred in Everyday Life by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat.  This is a wonderful collection of writings abou the sacredness of places, nature, animals, things, and community.  If you have questions, contact Joy Sparrow at jrsparrow@sbcglobal.net. Books will be available for $7.