ADULT MINISTRY
Adult Ministry at Idlewild Presbyterian Church encompass a great variety of opportunities for study, fellowship and spiritual development.
The Reverend Dr. Gayle Walker
Associate Pastor for Adult Ministry
726-4681 ext. 46
gwalker@idlewildchurch.org
New classes and programs in January
Great new Sunday morning series, guest speakers and special series are scheduled for this winter. CLICK HERE to see the complete Christian Education brochure.
Progoff Journaling Workshop
Saturday & Sunday, January 28-29
at Idlewild Presbyterian Church
For men and women looking to deepen and nurture their inner lives.
Facilitating will be Dr. Ellen Faith, a professor at Christian Brothers
University. Dates are January 28–29: Saturday 8:30– 5:30; Sunday 1:30–5:30. Cost
is $150 (generous scholarships available). Sponsored by Idlewild and Calvary
Episcopal. Click the link on the left for details and a registration form.
New College and Young Adult classes on Sunday mornings
The fall, we are excited to announce a new College class on Sunday mornings, and a new Young Adult (21-40) study and fellowship group. Beginning Sept. 25, Dr. Steve Haynes will give a four-week course on The Bonhoeffer Phenomenon: Portraits of a Protestant Saint. We have two guest speakers this fall, the Reverend Joel Ortega Dopico, a Presbyterian pastor in Cuba, and Dr. Melinda Parsons, an art professor.
MORE INFO ABOUT THE NEW COLLEGE CLASS
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT ALL IDLEWILD'S FALL ADULT SERIES.
ADULT CHURCH SCHOOL CLASSES
Classes meet Sundays from 9:40 to 10:40 a.m. Most classes meet regularly from September through May; the John Knox and LeMaster classes meet throughout the summer too.
A Covenant Conversation
Jones Bldg., Room 302W
Through sustained—and often hilarious—conversation, the class discovers scandalous truth within seemingly prosaic and comforting truth. Conversations grow out of common readings that the class chooses collectively. Through honest engagement with serious questions of faith, we find ourselves again liberated by truth. The class has discussed poverty, predestination, the relationship between science and creation, how the Bible was formed, and many other topics. Learn to understand how the Bible’s historical context affects its meaning for today. Led by Kendra Hotz, Department of Religious Studies, Rhodes College.
Pathfinders Class
Jones Bldg., Room 303W
Open dialogue in a warm and friendly environment is encouraged. The Bible is studied in relation to theological and current religious issues, civic and ethical concerns in our community, and issues related to parenting.
Peacemakers Class
Sanctuary Bldg., Harlan Room
In an ongoing attempt to bring God’s peace to bear on current issues, Peacemakers Class looks at a variety of topics ranging from the roots of racism to a new creed for churches today.
Timothy Class
Sanctuary Bldg., Strock Room
Class members, professors and other guests lead discussions on social and theological issues in relation to Biblical text, with application to religious history, world religions, civic problems and broad ethical concerns in our world today. Timothy Class has its own website at www.idlewildtimothy.webs.com.
Stephen Class
Jones Bldg., Room 306W
No prerequisites—everyone who likes to read and explore is welcome. Lively class discussion focuses on literature that is a combination of times: class members bring “old time religion” to bear on themes in modern fiction (or vice versa), then ask where truth or redemption is to be found. You may begin the class anytime, even if you haven’t yet started the current book. As an added treat, when a novel has been made into a movie the class often enjoys a social gathering to see the film.
Covenanters Class
Jones Bldg., Room 106W
This class considers traditional subjects of Christian faith including Bible study, doctrine and theology, church history and ethics. Lively discussion and dialogue are encouraged. Contacts: Bob and Shirley Schroeder.
John Knox Class
Sanctuary Bldg., Conference Room
Meets through the summer
This is an intergenerational small group focusing on Bible study. What does the Bible say? What does it mean? How does the Bible apply to the way we live today? The group welcomes new members who want to study, share and discuss the great relevance the Scriptures have for us in living faithful Christian lives.
LeMaster Class
Jones Bldg., 114E
Meets through the summer
An in-depth, teacher-led Bible study with strong teaching and careful textual analysis of books of the Bible. Led by Lewis Donelson.
Inquirers Class
This five-week series is held 2-3 times each year for persons who want to know more about Idlewild Presbyterian Church or may be considering membership. Pastors and members talk about what it means to be a Presbyterian, and provide information about our many ministries and activities.
Topics include: What it means to be Presbyterian (theology, history), the history of Idlewild, opportunities at Idlewild, and a tour of the Church. Led by Steve Montgomery, Perre Magness, Anne Apple,and Jim Eikner.
If you would like to attend the next Inquirers Class please contact Anne Apple, anne@idlewildchurch.org or 726-4681.
STUDY & ACTIVITY GROUPS
Most study groups meet regularly from September through May. For more details please call the church office, 726-4681.
Wednesday Morning Study
301W, Jones Building
Wednesday, 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Explore the Christian faith in the Wednesday morning adult study. The class focuses on five distinct theological and artistic perspectives throughout the year, with each session led by a different teacher.
Amazing Grace Fellowship
The 3rd Thursday of each month
11:30 a.m.
Caritas Village Café
Women 30s to mid-50s, come and join Amazing Grace for lunch and fellowship at 11:30 a.m. at Caritas Village Café. No need to call ahead—whoever shows up is the lunch group. For more info contact Peggy McClure, peg.mcclure@gmail.com.
Men's Friday Bible Breakfast
Sanctuary Bldg., T.K. Young Room
Friday 7:30–8:30 a.m.
September-May
The Reverend Dr. Denton McLellan leads Bible study, based on the Sunday lectionary, for men of all ages. This is a wonderful opportunity for fellowship with other Idlewild men while enjoying a great breakfast buffet. Breakfast is $7.
Natural Spirituality
1st and 3rd Mondays, 1:30–3:00 p.m.
Conference Room, Sanctuary Building
This women’s discussion group meets twice a month to explore ways of getting in touch with one’s spirituality through dreams and other less traditional means. The study will be determined by members at the first meeting. Convener: Corinne Nienhuis.
Presbyterian Women
All women are invited to study circles and activities of Presbyterian Women! Presbyterian Women Gatherings, which include program and lunch, are at the church on the third Tuesday of September, January, April and May.
Presbyterian Women Circles meet on the first Tuesday, October–May, for Bible study and fellowship. (Times/locations are announced in the previous week’s Sunday bulletin.) Come and learn how, once Jesus enters a person’s life, nothing will ever be the same again.
OWLS (Older Wiser Livelier Seniors)
Older, Wiser, Livelier Seniors (OWLS) gather monthly for programs at the church or for day excursions to museums, parks, picnics and other adventures. Please call the church office, 726-4681, for more info on OWLS trips and events.
OWLS Book Club
4th Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Church Parlor
Bring a sandwich for lunch and join the discussion. To find out what book the group is reading call Regina Benson, 458–2970.
ChristCare Groups: Transforming Lives. Making Disciples.
ChristCare groups are small communities (5-12 participants) of faithful people who meet regularly to care for one another, to help one another grow in faith, and to support one another in Christian discipleship. Each gathering includes mutual care and encouragement, prayer and worship, relating of biblical principles to life, and service to others.
Although the interests of the individual groups are diverse — for example, spiritual formation, blended families, spiritual themes in movies, hot topics, relationships, spiritual discipline, theology and the arts, and men in mid-life — each ChristCare group includes prayer and worship, community building, Bible study, and outreach.
Contact Anne Apple at 726-4681 or anne@idlewildchurch.org for more information about ChristCare.
Dinner Groups
Some meet in restaurants (eat-out), some gather in homes (eat-in). All are wonderful ways to get to know others in the Idlewild church family. Please call the church office at 726-4681 for more info or contact the group organizers.
Third Friday Eat-Out: Ann and John Fain, 682–9813
First Friday Eat-Out: Carol Good, 726–4681
The Idlewild Adult Choir
New choir members are always welcome! Rehearsal is Thursday evening 7:00-9:00: 7:00-8:00 Worship rehearsal; 8:00-9:00 Concerts and Special projects, plus Sunday morning before 11:00 worship. Contact Ted Gibboney, Idlewild's Organist/Music Director, at 726-4681 ext. 12 or gibboney@idlewildchurch.org.
Wednesday Evenings Living and Learning (WELL)
WELL dinners and programs are held each week from September through May. CLICK HERE to see the 2011 fall programs.
Wednesday Evenings Living and Learning (WELL) at Idlewild Presbyterian Church is designed to offer individuals and families a wellspring of options for deepening their relationships with God and one another. Participants may select from various offerings that accommodate a wide spectrum of interests and schedules. Courses change approximately every six weeks, allowing adults to alternate between study and discussion groups, recreational, and arts and crafts classes. Activities for children and youth are consistent week-to-week, with changes for special events.
The Church Library
Idlewild's church library offers an extensive selection of books and periodicals available for loan and on-site study. Come and acquaint yourself with our broad collection of classic and contemporary reading materials, including Biblical study guides, theological texts, spiritual formation resources, and Christian fiction and non-fiction. The Library is open Sundays mornings, and on weekdays by appointment through the church office, 726-4681. Check it out!