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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
ADULT CHURCH SCHOOL CLASSES
All classes are open and visitors are most welcome! Classes meet Sundays from 9:40 to 10:40 a.m. Most classes meet September through May.
Two adult classes, LeMaster and John Knox, will continue regular schedule throughout the summer.
2008 Summer Series: The Thoughtful Christian
Explore ways to live faithfully in the Thoughtful Christian summer series for adults. Each Sunday morning from May 24 to August 31, the classes offers different topics and leaders, 9:40-10:40 in the Harlan Room. Click here to see the complete summer Christian education brochure (PDF).
With fascinating subjects such as Honoring the Sabbath, Introduction to the Koran, What Is the Soul?, Local Food: Global Good and Archaeology and Christian Faith, summer Sunday mornings offer something for everyone.
On July 13, don’t miss our special guest speaker the Reverend Daniel Izquierdo Hernandez, moderator of the Presbyterian Reformed Church of Cuba.
Please note: Two classes, LeMaster and John Knox, will continue their regular schedule throughout the summer. All other classes will resume in September.
Regular Adult Church School Classes
All classes are open and visitors are most welcome! Classes meet Sundays from 9:40 to 10:40 a.m. Most classes meet September through May. Two adult classes, LeMaster and John Knox, will continue regular schedule throughout the summer.
A Covenant Conversation
The Truth Shall Set You Free: Scandalous and Liberating Truths of the Christian Faith
Led by the Reverend Dr. Kendra Hotz
Jones Bldg Room 304W
Through honest engagement with serious questions of faith, we find ourselves again liberated by truth. The class has discussed many topics including poverty, predestination, science and creation, how the bible was formed. Class leader Kendra Hotz is Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Rhodes College, and author of What Do Our Neighbors Believe?
The Big Questions
Nine A.M. Discussions about Three A.M. Questions
Jones Bldg. 301W
(does not meet in the summer)
Ever stared at the ceiling at 3:00 a.m. and wondered why you’re here? Ever sat in a church pew and thought “Well, I’m not sure I believe that.”? Want to start asking the questions about faith you never thought a good Christian would? Well, all questions are welcome in this class that affirms that asking questions is an integral part of deepening our faith.
Big Questions welcomes all young adults. Each week is self-contained and requires no preparation. Facilitated by Associate Pastor Casey Thompson and Parish Associate Anne Apple. For more information contact Casey Thompson at casey@idlewildchurch.org.
Covenanters Class
Jones Bldg. 111E
This is a long-standing adult education class that deals with traditional subjects of Christian faith including Bible study, doctrine and theology, church history and ethics. This class encourages lively discussion and dialogue among its participants.
John Knox Class
Sanctuary Bldg. Conference Room
What does the Bible say? What does the Bible mean? How does the Bible apply to the way we live today? This intergenerational 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
An in-depth, teacher-led Bible study for adults, with strong teaching and careful textual analysis of books of the Bible. Led by Lewis Donelson. Class contact: Tom McKnight, 682-7460, nolatom@bigfoot.com.
Pathfinders Class
Jones Bldg. 302W
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 its ongoing attempt to bring God’s peace to bear on current issues, the Peacemakers Class looks at the quality of American life, the church and environment, initiatives abroad, and U.S. foreign policy.
Stephen Class
Jones Bldg. 306W
The Stephen Class welcomes anyone interested in reading and then exploring what has been read in discussions with others. Loosely and broadly interpreted, the class focuses on literature that is a combination of “old time religion and modern fiction.” Class members select the books to read, and the schedule is adjusted to fit the difficulty of the book. The objective is to create a lively exchange about the content of texts read and the implications of this content. There are no “prerequisites” for the class.
The reading assignment for each Sunday meeting averages about 50 pages. As a new text is introduced the class decides on the natural breaks in the text for the next Sunday’s reading assignment. Even though a text may be underway, there is ample opportunity to get caught up and to participate in the discussions.
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 has a new website just for class members at http://hometown.aol.com/horselovers/timothy.html/.
Inquirers Class
Jones Bldg. 313E
This four-week series is for persons who want to know more about Idlewild Church or may be considering membership. Pastors and members talk about what it means to be a Presbyterian, as well as provide information about our many ministries and activities.
Topic include: What It Means to be Presbyterian (theology and history), History of Idlewild, and What It Means to Be a Member of Idlewild, with A Tour of Idlewild.
The series is led by Idlewild pastors and members. To find out when the next Inquirers Class meets please call the church office at 726-4681.
STUDY & ACTIVITY GROUPS
Most study groups meet regularly September-May. For more details please call the church office, 726-4681.
Amazing Grace Women's Study Group
Sanctuary Bldg., Conference Room
Thursday 9:30–11:00 a.m.
Mary Allison Cates and Corinne Nienhuis, conveners
This informal group for young women meets weekly for Bible study and spiritual formation, providing a relaxed and caring environment for fellowship and theological reflection. Child care is provided.
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. The class is led by the Reverend Dr. Brooks Ramsey. The class is currently focusing on Studies in Ethics and Virtues.
Men's Friday Bible Breakfast
Sanctuary Bldg., T.K. Young Room
Friday 7:00–8:00 a.m.
This group for men of all ages has a new meeting day and a new focus beginning in January. Meet on Thursday mornings for a Bible study led by the Reverend Dr. Denton McLellan and based on scripture from the lectionary for that week. Everyone can know in advance what the Sunday scripture will be and prepare for insight, reflection and some surprises in the Bible passages. Don’t worry, the cuisine is still the same – Faye’s famous breakfast buffet for just $5!
Natural Spirituality
Sanctuary Bldg., Conference Room
2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 2:30-4:00 p.m.
Corinne Nienhuis, convener
This discussion group for women meets twice a month to explore ways of getting in touch with one’s spirituality through dreams and other less traditional means. At its first meeting in the fall the group will select a text, workbook, or set of tapes for study and reflection.
Presbyterian Women
PW Circles meet the first Tuesday, October–May, for Bible study and fellowship. (Locations are announced in the bulletin each month.) This year’s focus is For Everything, A Season: A Study of the Liturgical Calendar, a Horizons Bible Study by Kathleen Long Bostrom.
A lunch gathering and program are held at the church on the third Tuesday of January, April and May. Make new friends and study the Bible! All women of the church are encouraged to join Presbyterian Women.
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 upcoming OWLS trips and events.
August 12 |
Tour Davies Plantation. (Adm. $4)
Leave church at 9:45 a.m. Catered lunch at the Plantation. |
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, to become involved in ChristCare.
Thirteen new ChristCare groups begin in September
Click here for complete details and schedule information for these groups beginning in September 2008. Groups are limited in number, so please sign up as soon as possible to be sure you have a place.
| Group Focus |
Group Leader(s) |
Practicing Our Faith |
Gayle Walker |
Men in Mid-Life |
Steve Haynes |
Spiritual Formation and Prayer |
Keith and Katie Cole |
Challenges and Rewards in Young Relationships |
Lara and Gwin Scott |
Seekers and Skeptics |
Janet Schaller |
Work/Life Balance |
Melanie and Sam Stewart |
Addiction Concerns |
E.J. Baird |
Hot Topics |
Steve and Maury Tower |
Not Embarrassed Strumming “Kum Ba Yah” |
Steve Berger |
Parenting Young Children |
Catherine and Blake Schuhmacher |
Families in Transition |
Alyce Haynes |
Conversations in Community |
Sharon Thompson |
Theology and the Arts |
Corinne and Art Nienhuis |
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 Always Welcome!
For music program information 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 14, 2008.
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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