Adult Study

(Adult Studies through the years:
Marsha Hibbs teaches the Rawson Bible Study - 1957
Dr. Yeaworth leads a class in the mid 1980s)

Adult Educational Opportunities - Fall 2008

Sunday Mornings 9:00 a.m. | Sunday Evenings 7:00 p.m. | Weekday | Additional Opportunities | Printable Christian Education Brochure

Adult Bible studies are offered at a variety of times under both pastoral and lay leadership. The studies explore the ways in which the Bible speaks to us through history, helping us live out the Word of God today.

Adult Educational Opportunities on Sunday Mornings, 9:00 a.m.

PRAISE AND LAMENT IN THE PSALMS
Leader: Dr. Ray Van Leeuwen

The biblical Book of Psalms is the church's school of prayer and its richest hymnbook. It has been a spiritual resource and guide for countless believers. It plumbs the depths and heights of human existence and greatly deepens our knowledge of God. In this class, we will read James Luther Mays' small but masterful book, The Lord Reigns and study a Psalm or two each week. September 14 thru October.

THE BOOK OF ROMANS
Leader: Nan Clarke

What do we do in the church when we have disagreements? Is splitting the only answer? Paul’s letter to the church at Rome is advice for Jewish and Gentile Christians, both of whom were claiming privileged status in the church. Paul reminds them that Jesus has provided the same salvation for all people and their arguments pale in comparison to what Christ has done. The book of Romans is a timeless reminder that Christ’s salvation has liberated all Christians and is what unites us in his service. November thru December in the Mill Creek Room.

THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF JESUS CHRIST
Leader: Mike Pulsifer

We Christians believe that Jesus is the central, most complete revelation of God. In the words of William Barclay, "Jesus reveals to us the very heart and mind of God." Yet, how well do we know him? Have we increased our knowledge of him and updated our image of him since our Sunday School days? If Jesus is who he says he is, if he is “the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), then knowing not only about him, but knowing him is crucial to our faith and life.

This discussion class first will examine the different and distinct portraits of Jesus in the Gospels, the Book of Acts, and the letters of Paul, and then examine his ministry in depth using James Stewart's book The Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ. This class will begin on Sunday, September 14th from 9 to 10 a.m. in the Church Parlor.

• Child care is available for all the Sunday morning classes.

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Adult Educational Opportunities on Sunday Evenings, 7:00 p.m.

APPLIED PARABLES
Leader: Sturge Poorman

Jesus told stories to his listeners as a method of teaching them truths about God. These parables were meant to be applied into the context of the everyday 1st century lives of his followers. Our challenge now is to apply them into the context of our complex 21st century lives.

This study and discussion series will focus on familiar parables of Jesus such as "The Good Samaritan," "The Dishonest Manager," "The Persistent Widow," "The Rich Fool," and many others. We will look at how these parables were understood in their original context.Then, with the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we will creatively explore the various ways the truths in these stories can be lived out in our everyday lives as followers of Christ.

We will meet on Sunday evenings in the church library from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Our meeting dates will be Sept. 14, 21, Oct. 5, 12, 19, Nov. 2, 16, 23.

A MOVIE AND DISCUSSION WITH ADULTS
Leader: Mike Pulsifer

"Finding God in the Dark"

We go to movies for many reasons: to be entertained, to escape, to laugh, to be frightened, to learn, to be inspired, to be with friends, because we are curious. At the heart of most movies is a story and who among us doesn’t like to hear a good story. The Bible is God’s story: the story of how God has encountered and worked in the lives of people just like us and how God can encounter and work in our lives today. These two movie nights will explore how God’s story intersects and is revealed in the story the movie tells. On Sunday, September 28h we will see and discuss The Village (2004) starring William Hurt, Sigourney Weaver, Adrien Brody, Cherry Jones, and Joaquin Phoenix and directed by Philadelphia’s own M. Night Shyamalan. November 9th’s movie will be A Simple Plan (1998) starring Bill Paxton, Bridget Fonda, and Billy Bob Thornton and directed by Sam Raimc. Sunday, September 28 and November 9 at 6 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.

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Weekday Opportunities

MEN’S WEDNESDAY NOON BIBLE STUDY AND LUNCHEON
Leader: Mike Pulsifer

Join us for a man-sized, delicious, home cooked meal for $5 and a Bible Study that includes lots of discussion about how the Scriptures apply to our everyday lives. This class includes men from diverse backgrounds in their 30s through their 80s. This fall’s study will focus on the Gospel of Luke. The class is held from noon until 1:30 pm and begins Wednesday, September 3rd.

WOMEN’S WEDNESDAY NOON BIBLE STUDY AND LUNCH
Facilitator: Elaine Giese

Bring a brown-bag lunch and join us for conversation and catch-up time from noon to 12:30. We share concerns and read the Hugs List before opening our Bible study with prayer. From 12:30 to 1:30 we read and discuss the book of the Bible we are studying, with emphasis on what these centuries-old words mean for us today. The group chooses which book to study next. Currently we are reading the Gospel of John and will resume our study on September 10. We would welcome you to join us in the church library.

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Additional Opportunities

NEW MEMBERS CLASS
Leaders: Mike Pulsifer and Nan Clarke

If you’ve been attending APC for some time as a visitor we invite you to join our new members class. We will meet three times and you will have the opportunity to learn more about what it means to be a Christian, a Presbyterian, and a member of APC. There is no obligation to join – the class is a place to learn, to ask questions, and to make new friends. We will be meeting before worship, at 9 am in the Church Library, on October 12, l9, and 26. Coffee and donuts will be provided and child care will be available. Please contact the office at ardpres@verizon.net to let us know you’ll be coming.

PARENTING

There are additional opportunities for fellowship and learning being discussed. Subjects will be announced and publicized as materials are developed. One being considered would focus on parenting challenges for Christian parents. Childcare would be provided. Stay tuned. More information to come in October.

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