Session V: April 19 - May 17

Classes meet at 9:45 a.m.

BIBLE

Familiar Yet Strange: The Parables of Jesus
Teachers: Rev. Erin McGee and Katelyn Gordon
5 weeks, April 19 - May 17
Room B 104-106

Laborers in the vineyard, sheep and goats, and seeds – these are just a few of the images Jesus used in his parables about God and God’s kingdom. But what about the coin in the fish’s mouth, or the vultures? Those are parables, too, but you probably didn’t study those in your church school class while growing up. Even the familiar and simple can be deceivingly complex and sometimes unsettling. But through them all, Jesus’ plan remains the same: to turn the expected order upside down and to offer glimpses of the kingdom of God. Come join this lively study of the parables of Jesus. Each week, we will explore a different parable (or set of parables) and discuss its significance in its original context, its theological message, and its message to us today.

 

CHRISTIAN LIVING

When We Reat Out to God: The Ladder of Prayer
Teachers: Jack Gram and John Tirrill, Trinity members
5 weeks, April 19 - May 7
Room B112

This course is about the quest for an intimate relationship with God, something that changes and cannot be pinned down. Prayer has no standard form. It springs from the “ladder of perception,” which we know as Jacob’s ladder. Thus prayer continually changes as one advances on the spiritual journey. It eventually requires that one move beyond all techniques, all familiar forms, and all belief. True prayer can be very messy. Topics addressed in this course include prayer and children, asking God for stuff, neurotic prayers, requests for healing, divine and human neediness, divine conversation, prayer that blocks us from God, transformation, surrender, meditation, Christian mantras, silence, and allowing God to pray. Ultimately, prayer moves beyond a divine – human conversation and is a transforming experience where by God brings us fully into the realm of the Holy.

 

CONTEMPORARY ISSUES

 

Doing Justice: The Whys, Whats, and Hows of Presbyterian Advocacy in the Public Sphere
Coordinators: Bert Broadfoot and Bill Jordan, Trinity members
5 weeks, April 19 - May 7
Williams Hall C

Presbyterians are widely known for being engaged in caring for the world through the good deeds of our local and global outreach efforts, our disaster relief ministries and our significant financial support for mission. Throughout the Old and New Testaments, scripture reminds us that God asks not only for charity but also that we “do justice” – through our actions as individuals, our laws, and our ways of governance. Thus, the “separation of church and state” is not a call to remain uninformed and uninvolved in civic and political activities. As Presbyterians, we have throughout our history taken an active role as citizens and advocates, speaking out for God’s concerns in local, state, national, and international contexts. In this class we will explore the theological basis for our engagement in advocacy and in shaping public policy. We will hear from Presbyterians who are political leaders about the role of advocacy in their work, and how it is most effectively done. We will hear from the Presbytery’s public policy advocate about the issues that are on the Presbytery’s and our denomination’s agenda. We will also hear from several leaders in the community who have been effective advocates for the needs of those who are unable to speak for themselves.

 

 

THEOLOGY AND ETHICS

 

Armchair Theology for the Thoughtful Christian
Coordinator: Dale Hair, Trinity member
7 weeks, February 22 –April 5
Room B 110

“To be Christian at all is to be a theologian... As theologians we seek to understand what we believe about the Christian message of God, and how we as individuals and as a community are to live in light of that message,” state authors Howard W. Stone and James O. Duke in their book, How to Think Theologically. This course will focus on several of the great theologians of Christian history. How did their thinking influence the Church and our own reformed tradition? Come to listen, reflect, and engage in conversation. Novices are welcome – no prerequisites!

 

New! - Drop Everything and Drop In – A New Class for Young Parents and Couples
Room A 116

Looking for a way to make some connections here at Trinity? Interested in a place where you can make friends as well as engage your mind and spirit in conversations around faith and life? Too overwhelmed with the complications of babies, young children, work, or life to imagine such a possibility for you? We may have the answer.

Drop Everything and Drop In is a new class designed by and for those younger parents and couples in our community seeking a more enriching Sunday morning experience.

Acknowledging the unpredictability of life, this class hopes to provide a welcoming place for folks who have difficulty sustaining a sequential course of study by providing a more casual, fluid, and accessible format.

Each class will begin with coffee and fellowship followed by an offering of substance and follow-up discussion. Topics of interest will be generated by consensus of the group. Some of the options suggested: faith in the movies, art, and/or music; short, focused biblical studies; directed book discussions on subjects ranging from politics, current events, literature, life issues and challenges, and spiritual growth. The possibilities are as great as the interests and imagination of the group, as they shape their own course with generous assistance and support from the Adult Education Committee and Trinity’s abundant human resources.

The originating purpose of this new class is to provide a time and a place for those desiring meaningful fellowship to learn about faith and life – with the ultimate goal being for those still lacking a strong feeling of membership here to more comfortably drop IN and begin to “be” the church together.

Circle Bible Studies
Through Women’s Link, opportunities are provided for monthly small-group Bible study at different times during the day and evening. The study for 2007/2008 will be “Above and Beyond: Hearing God’s Call in Jonah and Ruth.” For information about participation, contact Bede Campbell at 404-495-8428.

 

Disciple Bible Study

Disciple II

Thursdays, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Leader: The Rev. Erin McGee, Associate Pastor for Ministry to Children and Their Families

Disciple II teaches Bible study skills that allow participants to delve deeper into scripture. This class concentrates on four books – Genesis, Exodus, Luke, and Acts. Erin McGee will lead this class on Thursday mornings. The class is open to those who have completed Disciple I or an equivalent in-depth Bible overview class.

Cost for Disciple II is $35 for the workbook. To enroll in the classes, contact Bede Campbell at 404-495-8428. There are a limited number of slots for the class.

Faces of Wisdom
Wednesdays, 7:00 - 8:00 a.m.
This is a lively, intergenerational group of women who meet from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. each Wednesday for breakfast and study. The group has chosen books by Barbara Brown Taylor, Dorothy Bass, Fredrick Buechner, Peter Gomes, Marcus Borg, Tom Long, and Michael Lindvale for their discussion in the past. All interested women are invited to come join us for food and stimulating conversation every Wednesday morning! For more information, contact Bede Campbell at 404-495-8428.

 

Novel Ideas
1st Thursday, 7:00 p.m., Chapel Parlor
Novel Ideas is a discussion group that is open to all booklovers. This group, which is led by various members, meets monthly on the first Thursday of each month (September – May) at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel Parlor to discuss the selection of the month. Contact Bede Campbell at 404-495-8428 for more information.

 

Nonfiction Book Group
3rd Thursday, 7:00 p.m., Chapel Parlor
The Nonfiction Book Group is open to all booklovers. This group, which is led by different members, meets monthly on the third Thursday of each month (September – May) at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel Parlor to discuss the selection of the month. For more information, contact Bede Campbell at 404-495-8428.

 

The Tent
2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month, 9:30-11:00 a.m., Room B110
The Tent derives its name from an ancient gathering place for women who share significant time together. The group meets from 9:30-11 a.m. on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month, beginning September 10. All are welcome; previous attendance is not required. Participants describe this program as “a place to be with other women who dig deep, ask tough questions, are willing to be vulnerable, and have a rollicking good time.” Others say, “Being in the Tent is like having a warm cup of tea and a good book that you can’t put down.” Please join us and bring a friend. For more information, contact Bede Campbell at 404-495-8428.

 

Young Women’s Small Groups
Twice a month

These gatherings of six or more women in their 20’s and 30’s meet twice monthly on week nights in members’ homes. Aiming towards providing a safe space for young women to connect genuinely with one another on their journeys of faith, the group discussion includes studying Scripture and other books upon a particular topic. With prayer, conversation, and plenty of laughter, we talk together about how our faith informs our daily life! Those interested in joining a group or learning more may contact Katie Givens Kime at 404-495-8444.

 

Young Men’s Small Groups
TBA

Group formations will begin soon. For more information, contact Katie Givens Kime at 404-495-8444.

 

These classes are designed for those who are considering membership at Trinity. Participants will gain insight into what it means to be Presbyterian, as well as get a taste of the life of this congregation, including introductions to the educational offerings, mission program, volunteer opportunities, and fellowship groups. For further information, contact Jeannie DuBose at 404.495.8429.

Spring Session

April 19, 26; May 3, 10