Every Sunday morning from 9:30-10:30am, adults have an opportunity to grow in faith by learning about God’s love and grace. We ascribe to the communal aspect of learning and transformation through meaningful relationships.

2018-2019 Faith for a Lifetime

Our 2018-2019 theme for spiritual formation is the evolution of our faith throughout our lives. Throughout life we grow.  Our bodies grow and change.  Our minds change — we know more and more (and forget more and more), and we think differently as we appreciate complexity and nuance.  

This year at NDPC, our theme is “Faith for a Lifetime.” Throughout this year in worship and education, we will explore the blessings and challenges of faith at every age and stage of life.  Together we are learning and living a faith that sustains us for a lifetime…and beyond. 

Our Current Offerings:

FAITH AS RESISTANCE AND HOPE

Being Presbyterian means discerning and speaking what God is doing in our time. This class will examine four 20th century documents from the Book of Confessions: the Barmen Declaration, written in resistance to the rise of Nazism in Germany; the Confession of 1967, written to reflect on U.S. political and cultural changes; the Brief Statement of Faith, written upon reunification of two Presbyterian de- nominations in 1983; and the Confession of Belhar, written as a response to racial divisions in South African apartheid in 1982. Each expresses resistance to broken- ness and hope for God’s future. How do they speak to us today?

Dates: September 16, 23, 30; October 7

Facilitators: Jennifer Ayres, Sarah Erickson, and Joanna Adams

Location: Parlor

CREATION CARE: DRAWDOWN II

God calls us to be stewards of our environment. The rapid rise of greenhouse gases threatens our planet in terms of temperature, weather stability, and sea level rise. Last year, we looked at the Paul Hawken’s book, Drawdown, which presents 100 practical ideas to reduce greenhouse gases. This year, we’ll think together about two of the top ten ideas: reducing food waste and eating a plant-rich diet. How can we alter our food habits to live more lightly on the earth while fostering community? With a mix of outside speakers and discussion, we’ll consider actions.

Dates: September 16, 23, 30; October 7

Facilitators:Dabney Dixon and Lisa Whittle

Location: Large Classroom

 

CRAFTIVISM and LITURGICAL ARTS

You’ve seen God work through the hands of others to serve food or fold laundry for our neighbors, but did you know God can work through our hands to do good in this world while we craft? Join us for two distinct flavors of crafting— ‘Craftivism’ and Liturgical Arts—on Tuesday evenings. Activism has never looked so beautiful.

Dates and Times: 1st & 3rd Tues, 7pm (Craftivism); 2nd & 4th Tues, 7pm (Lit. Arts)

Facilitators:Ellen Gadberry

Location: Large Classroom

 

WIRED WORD: BREAKING NEWS AND THE GOOD NEWS

In this year-long class, we digest breaking news with scripture and hope through the national curriculum, “The Wired Word.” Each week, we will explore a current news story through the lens of a relevant scripture text and the insights of the group. No advanced reading is required. Join us to become a community of regulars — or drop in whenever you can!

Dates: Sept 16, 23, 30; Oct 7, 14, 21, 28; Nov 4, 11, 18; Dec 2, 9, 16

Facilitators:April Biagioni, Jesse Bowen, Claudia Brogan, Bob Goggins, Shelly Roberts, Bob Way

Location: Library

 

INQUIRER’S CLASS

If you are considering becoming a member of NDPC, please plan to be part of this opportunity to learn more about what makes this church unique and how you can be a part of its ministry. This class will explore the benefits and responsibilities of membership at NDPC, learn about the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the wider church, develop friendships with other new members, and listen to others’ faith stories.

Dates: November 4, 11, and 18

Facilitators: Pastoral Staff and Engagement Committee

Location: Pastor’s Study

 

OLD TESTAMENT 101: WHAT SAY THE PROPHETS?

Need a brush up on your Old Testament? Don’t quite remember who the Proph- ets were, much less what they were saying BC? Join us for 5 weeks leading up to Advent as we explore the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel. Each week, we will view a 25-minute DVD lecture from The Great Courses series and have a facilitated discussion. We promise you’ll walk into Advent better prepared.

Dates: October 14, 21, 28; November 4, 11

Facilitators: Elise Ledbetter and Ginny Bowen

Location:Large Classroom

POOR PEOPLE’S CAMPAIGN: A NATIONAL CALL FOR MORAL REVIVAL

Come explore the fundamental principles of the revived Poor People’s Campaign, which has historical roots in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s last major initiative be- fore his assassination. Over 5 weeks, we’ll learn about the history and current in- carnation of the campaign, review each of the key moral agenda items—Systemic Racism, Poverty & Inequality, Ecological Devastation, and the War Economy & Militarism—and end by discussing a call to action for supporting this campaign in Georgia. We’ll use video clips, readings, and dialogue to tie this back to our faith.

Dates: October 14, 21, 28; November 4, 11

Facilitators: David Wilkes and David Lewicki

Location:Parlor

CREATING A CULTURE OF GENEROSITY

What does a Culture of Generosity look like? Where do we see it in our everyday lives? How does a generosity mindset benefit both the community and ourselves personally? How do we cultivate it? Join us as we explore these questions using readings from Diana Butler Bass’s new book, Grateful, and other texts. We’ll discuss and use exercises to dive deeper into the topic together.

Dates: November 18; December 2, 9, 16

Facilitators: Roberta Goldbaugh

Location: Parlor

THE THEOLOGIES WE SING

Each of the four week classes will explore an element of the hymnody represented in Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal. By the course’s end, learners will be better able to identify the theological, historical, and sociocultural elements present with- in the Church’s song. We’ll also sing several less-familiar hymns together, hopefully walking away with new insights and new ways to praise God in song!

Dates: November 18; December 2, 9, 16

Facilitators: Alexandra Mauney

Location: Large Classroom or Choir Room (TBD)