Young Adult Ministries
Young Adults make up a vibrant part of our community at Idlewild Presbyterian Church. From worship to talking God at the pub, from dissecting the Big Questions of our time to contemplating scripture to serving our community, there’s a lot to do here that can draw you closer to God.
For more info about young adult opportunities at Idlewild, or to receive the young adult e-newsletter, contact:
Casey Thompson
Associate Pastor for Congregational Life
726-4681 ext. 18
casey@idlewildchurch.org
Sunday Morning Classes
These classes are geared especially for "something" people—20 something to 30 something. Regular classes meet Sunday from 9:40 to 10:40 a.m. from September through May. All classes are open. Visitors are most welcome!
THE BIG QUESTIONS:
Nine A.M. Discussions about Three A.M. Questions
Jones Bldg. 301W
Ever stared at the ceiling at 3:00 a.m. and wondered why you’re here? Ever sat in a church pew thinking “Well, I’m not sure I believe that”? Want to start asking the questions about faith you never thought a good Christian could? Well, all questions are welcome here. From the big—What’s the meaning of life?—to the sticky—If God is good, why is there suffering in the world? or Why does Scripture seem to disagree with itself so often?—to the personal—How does God make sense for my life?
The Big Questions is a class that affirms that asking questions is an integral part of deepening our faith. Following a short devotion each Sunday, class discussions will make up most of our time together and will be generated from the questions of people in the class investigating their faith. Convened and taught primarily by Casey Thompson, Associate Pastor for Congregational Life, this class is designed for people in their 20–30s, whether married or single, parent or not.
PATHFINDERS
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. Primarily folks in their 30’s and 40’s, mostly with children.
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PEACEMAKERS
Sanctuary Bldg., Harlan Room
A mix of young folks and old. A forum to discuss how we can understand, nurture and sustain the experience of God’s wholeness, welfare, prosperity and safety, in ourselves, in Memphis and in our world. return to top
Offerings During the Week
Theology on Tap
Come join in the age-old tradition of young adults enjoying a good conversation over a good drink. No theological training necessary. All viewpoints welcomed! Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month, 8:00 p.m. at Zinnie's East.
Amazing Grace
This informal group for young women meets weekly for Bible study and spiritual formation, providing a relaxed and caring environment for fellowship and reflection. Child care is provided and babies on laps are okay too! Amazing Grace meets Thursday mornings, 9:30-11:00, in the Church Conference Room. Mary Allison Cates and Corinne Nienhuis, conveners.
Disciple Study Groups
Interested in a long-term, in-depth study of the Bible? Disciple is the way to go. Mixing scholarship with wisdom for living, the disciple program takes you through the Bible over a nine-month period. These intergenerational groups welcome young adults. For details about Disciple study groups contact Gayle Walker at gwalker@idlewildchurch.org.
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Fellowship Opportunities
Dinner Groups Both young adult specific and intergenerational, meet either monthly or quarterly for food and fun (one even has childcare available!). Some meet in-home but most are in restaurants. Great way for new folks to meet some people! Contact Casey at casey@idlewildchurch.org if you are interested.
O. H Melton Fellowship (Midtown) All men 25-45 are welcome. We meet once a month at the church for food ($5 lunch provided by Faye) and conversation about our lives. Steve and Casey host.
Booker Elliot Society (East Memphis) All men 25-45 are welcome. We meet once a month in the Back-room at the Half-Shell at Mendenhall and Poplar for good food and conversation about our lives. Casey hosts.
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ChristCare Groups
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Serving God and Your Community
Idlewild has multiple ways to serve God and your community. For a brief description of each, click here to read about our Outreach Ministries.
Two outreach ministries in particular are well suited for young adults to try their hand at:
More than a Meal (MTAM)
A typical Thursday evening at MTAM begins when guests join members in setting up tables and making coffee. Members and guests then sit together at circular tables and are served dinner. Everyone participates in a program which consists of singing and prayer using written prayer requests of both members and guests. MTAM guests often volunteer to read scripture, make announcements, sing, or recite original poetry. Members can choose to sit and talk with guests or to serve the meals. Every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. (A worship service for guests and workers is held at 5:00 in the Trippeer Chapel, too.)
Tutoring and Mentoring at Idlewild Elementary
Idlewild Church has been an adopter of Idlewild Elementary, a neighborhood public school, for seven years. About forty members regularly tutor early elementary students in reading and math. Others mentor students with great leadership potential who need a little more direction. There are also weekly readers for the kindergarten class.
Interested in serving some other way? Contact our Director of Lay Ministries, Jessica Scott, at jscott@idlewildchurch.org.
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Idlewild Adult Choir
Do you enjoy praising God in song? New choir members always welcome! The Adult Choir, which participates in worship each Sunday, rehearses Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.
For more info please contact Ted Gibboney, Director of Music Ministry, 726-4681, ext 12, gibboney@idlewildchurch.org.
Wednesday Evenings Living and Learning (WELL)
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.
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