Adult Education

SUNDAY SCHOOL
10-10:50 a.m. Sunday mornings
 
THE THOUGHTFUL CHRISTIAN/CONTEMPORARY EVENTS
Library: This class will utilize The Thoughtful Christian curriculum (an ecumenical resource approved by our denomination) and other sources to explore how our Christian faith speaks to various contemporary issues/events and other topics. Class materials will typically be available in the eNews on the Thursday before the class. We will engage in prayer, study, and loving dialogue. Led by Jeff Paschal and Kit Schooley

COFFEE & CONVERSATION 
Parish Associates' Office: Grab a cup of coffee in the hall and make your way to the Parish Associates' office. There’s space to talk about what’s on your mind, or pose questions for discussion. Group-led with Rebecca Conway as facilitator
 
GENESIS: Sacred Stories of Beginnings NEW!
Westminster Room: In this adult education class, we will read the entire text of Genesis, discuss its historical context, and try to discern its teachings for the ancient people of Israel, as well as for both Jews and Christians of today. Please bring your Bibles and join us in the Westminster room as we explore this first, and foundational, book of our Bible.
​Taught by Dr. Fred Beck, Parish Associate

Ruth Lamb Enrichment Series
MEN’S BOOK STUDY
All men are invited to join Mark Schumacher for Book Study. The Wednesday morning group meets at Panera (across the street) from 7-8 a.m. each week. The Thursday evening group meets at the church from 6:30-7:30 p.m. The book the groups study change regularly, so contact Mark Schumacher for up to date information. Participants can either order a book on their own or buy one that the church orders. If you have any questions contact Mark Schumacher.
  
SPECIAL CLASSES
Small groups meet for Bible and book studies throughout the year to explore biblical, theological, spiritual and ethical topics. If you are interested in forming a small group study, contact Dr. Jeff Paschal.
The Ruth Lamb Enrichment Series is made possible by a gift from the estate of Ruth Lamb who died in 1997.  Ruth and her husband Jack (who died in 2016) were long-time members of Guilford Park.  Over the years, Ruth’s gift has provided a variety of faith programs for GPPC as well as our community. The Adult Education Committee (chair, Donna Schumacher) is beginning the process of determining the topic for the Ruth Lamb Enrichment Series for the Fall of 2020. The committee is requesting input from the congregation, session, and church committees for the topic that will highlight the event.
 
Below is a history of the past programs that Ruth Lamb’s gift has funded:
2001 Dr. Isabel (Izzie) Rogers was the keynote speaker and spoke on Living the Reformed Faith in Today’s World.  Dr. Rogers was a former Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
2002 John Bell, a musician and congregational song leader, based in Scotland in the Iona spiritual community led this event.
2003 Rodger Nishioka, an associate professor of Christian education at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA led this series.  He presented several programs to address the issues of what our church will look like in five years.
2004 This weekend included a wide variety of arts opportunities in which members could participate. Among the activities were hand bells, rhythm and drumming, pottery, woodcarving, fabric art, and dance.
2006 Fil Anderson was the leader and the theme was, Fuel for the Road of Life.
2008 Drs. Beverly and Tom Rodgers presented An Enrichment Event for Couples entitled, Making Love Work.
2010  Marjorie Donnelly, M.Ed.  presented an Enneagram workshop. The Enneagram is a tool for spiritual self-discovery and change.
2012  The Reverend John Fife, Presbyterian minister, human rights activist, and former Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) presented, Voices of Immigration: Listening for Christ.
2015 Dr. Roger Nishioka, Professor of Christian Education at Columbia Theological Seminary was the speaker. He presented a workshop on Passionately Engaging Faith in the 21st Century.
2017 Gene Nichols, from the UNC Law School, presented a program on Childhood Poverty.

    Ruth Lamb Enrichment Series Suggestion Form

    This form will be in the bulletin and on the table in the Gathering Space this week.

    See box opposite for “Description of the Ruth Lamb Enrichment Series” and a list of past programs. Funding is available. Depending on the cost of the speaker, the event can be one, two, or three weekend days. It will be held at Guilford Park.
    Please leave this form in the office or place in collection plate.
    DEADLINE: October 15 at 5:00 p.m.