Adult Christian Education and Nurture
Adult Ministries at Idlewild Presbyterian Church encompass a great variety of opportunities for study, fellowship and spiritual development. For more information about adult ministries and Christian education at Idlewild please contact...
Gayle Walker
Associate Pastor for Adult Ministry
726-4681 ext. 46
gwalker@idlewildchurch.org
Short Stories of Southern Literature and Christianity
Wednesdays, March 3-31
9:30–11:00 a.m.
Room 301W (Jones Bldg.)
Taught by Jim Cole
All are invited! This course features a series of short stories from the amazing authors of our “Christ-haunted region.” The study book is The Signet Classic Book of Southern Short Stories, edited by Dorothy Abbott. (The book (1991 ed.) is available from Amazon for $8.95.)
While the focus of this anthology is not Christianity as such, it includes stories from lesser known writers contributing to the undercurrents of southern literature. The book does have two real classics, Flannery O’Connor’s “Revelation,” and William Faulkner’s “Dry September.” In addition to the anthology, the readings will be supplemented with O’Connor’s classic, ”A Good Man is Hard to Find,” Faulkner’s “Shingles for the Lord,” Lee Smith’s “Tongues of Fire,” and Doris Betts’ “This is the Only Time I’ll Tell You.”
SPECIAL STUDIES
A Photographic Journey into Faith – January 13-April 14, 2010
Explore the many connections between faith and photography, refine your photography skills, and relate photography to your journey of faith. The class, taught by Dr. Matt Mathews, will meet Wednesdays, 6:00-7:30 p.m., with three Sunday afternoon excursions. Click here for details. THIS CLASS IS FULL.
NOTE: Student photos are posted online, with works from different students each week. Click here and check back often to see more photos.
Disciple Bible Study: Old Testament and New Testament Survey – Sept. 16-May 19
A structured, intensive study in which participants read approximately 70% of the Bible. Taught by Rev. Casey Thompson, will meet 6:00–7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Disciple Bible Study: Jesus in the Synoptic Gospels – Sept. 13-May 19
A structured, intensive study of Matthew, Mark and Luke, with related readings in John. Taught by Dr. Robyn Gibboney, this class will meet 8:30–10:00 a.m. on Sundays.
ADULT CHURCH SCHOOL CLASSES
All classes are open and visitors are most welcome! Classes meet Sundays from 9:40 to 10:40 a.m.
Click here for the complete winter/spring 2010 Christian Education brochure.
A Covenant Conversation
The Truth Shall Set You Free: Scandalous and Liberating Truths of the Christian Faith
Jones Bldg Room 304W
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.
The Big People
Jones Bldg. Room 301W
This class is designed for young adults, but welcomes everyone. This year the class is looking at illuminating personages of scripture—the Big People, if you will. Participants will still be reading in the unique “big” style, bringing imagination, prayer, role play and dialogue to our scripture reading. Facilitated by Associate Pastor Casey Thompson and Parish Associate Anne Apple. For more information contact Casey Thompson at casey@idlewildchurch.org.
This year’s focus is on the lives of six major spiritual ancestors—Jesus, Mary, Jacob, Sarah, John the Baptist, and Hannah—with brief forays into the lives of 12 more: Gamaliel, Prisca, Eve, Hagar, the Tenth Leper, Noah, Joseph, Shaphan, the Sons of Thunder, Deborah, Miriam, and Anna.
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.
SPECIAL NOTE: On January 17, Dr. Scott Morris, director of the Church Health Center, will be our guest when, with Pastor Steve Montgomery, he leads a special discussion of THE MED crisis.
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 website: 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 111E
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
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
This is an in-depth, teacher-led Bible study with strong teaching and careful textual analysis of books of the Bible. This fall the class continues a study of the book of Judges. Led by Lewis Donelson.
Inquirers Class
This four-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, Casey Thompson and Jim Eikner.
If you would like to attend the next Inquirers Class please contact Fred Toma, 274-8546 or fredericktoma@bellsouth.net.
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STUDY & ACTIVITY GROUPS
Most study groups meet regularly September-May. For more details please call the church office, 726-4681.
NEW! Wednesday Morning Study
Harlan Room, Sanctuary Building
Wednesday, 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Explore the Christian faith in a new Wednesday morning adult study beginning September 16. The class will focus on five distinct theological and artistic perspectives throughout the year. From November 18 to December 16 the focus is Celtic Christianity, led by Ernest Kelly. Class meets 9:30-11:00 a.m. in Room 301.
Amazing Grace Women's Study Group
Conference Room, Sanctuary Building
Thursday, 9:30–11:00 a.m.
Young women meet weekly for Bible study, theological reflection, and fellowship in a relaxed and caring environment. The resource for study will be selected by the group at the first meeting. Conveners: Mary Allison Cates and Corinne Nienhuis.
Thursday Morning Bible Study
Sanctuary Bldg., Parlor
Thursday 10:00 a.m.
In a congenial and welcoming atmosphere, adults of all ages connect Bible study with their daily lives.
Led by the Reverend Dr. Brooks Ramsey and Pastor Steve Montgomery.
Men's Friday Bible Breakfast
Sanctuary Bldg., T.K. Young Room
Friday 7:00–8:00 a.m.
Parish Associate 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
2nd and 4th Monday, 2:30–4:00 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 previous week’s Sunday bulletin.
This year’s study guide is Jubilee! Luke’s Gospel for the Poor by Dale Lindsay Morgan. 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
The OWLS Book Club meets in the Church Parlor 10:30–12:30 on the 4th Tuesday. Bring a sandwich for lunch and join the discussion.
To find out what book the group is reading call
Regina Benson, 458–2970.
Disciple Bible Studies
Three new Disciple groups began in Fall 2008. The Disciple planning team invites you to prayerfully consider participation in one of these transformative Bible studies in the future. Details will be posted when new sessions are scheduled. Click here for the Disciple info sheet (PDF). For more info and to register please contact Gayle Walker, 726-4681 or gwalker@idlewildchurch.org.
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 Corinne Nienhuis, 726-4681 or corinne@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
- Third Sunday Eat-Out Lunch: Jody Hunter, 682-2297, or Betty Galloway, 758–9070
The Idlewild Adult Choir
New members are welcome in Idlewild's choir. Rehearsal is Wednesday evening at 7:30, plus Sunday morning before 11:00 worship. Contact Director of Music Ted Gibboney, 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.
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 nas 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!
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