Breaking News and the Good News: Join us as we engage breaking news with scripture and hope through the national curriculum “The Wired Word.” This ongoing discussion class will explore a current news story each week through the lens of a relevant scripture text and the insights of the group. Join us to become a community of regulars — or drop in whenever you can!

Dates: September 17, 24; October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Nov. 5,12, 19; Dec. 3, 10.

Facilitators: Briana Patterson, Rick Neale, Bob Goggins, and Lee Nichols.

Location: Library. 

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 provide participants the opportunity to explore the benefits and responsibilities of membership at NDPC, learn about the PCUSA and the wider church, develop friendships with other new members, and listen to others’ faith stories.

Who are we as Christians in our modern context? Why is it difficult to be religious in the modern world? This class explores the work of contemporary political and religious philosopher, Charles Taylor. A Charles Taylor reading guide, How (Not) to Be Secular (by James K.A. Smith), will be available for purchase but is not considered required reading.

Dates:  September 17, 24; October 1, 8 (9:30-10:30am).

Facilitators:  David Lewicki and Paige Maconochie.

Location: Large Classroom.

Humans are inherently sexual beings—made by God with innate desires that express themselves in toddlers and teenagers alike. In this class, we will explore the relationship between that inherent sexuality and our Christian faith. We will review basic concepts about gender identity, sexual orientation, and sexual behavior that will complement the conversations NDPC youth will have later this year using the Our Whole Lives (OWL) curriculum. This class is designed for anyone who wants to prepare to engage intentionally—or unintentionally—in a conversation with a child about sex and sexuality. Learners should leave the class feeling more prepared to serve as an ‘askable adult’ at NDPC and at home. Remember—there are no stupid questions!

Dates: September 17, 24; October 1, 8 (9:30-10:30am).

Facilitator:  Ginny Bowen.

Location: Parlor.

If you desire to see the living God face to face, seek God not in abstraction but in human love.  There are many ways to love one another in life.  Committed partnership is one way and one that brings unique challenges and particular joys.  Join other couples at NDPC on October 13-15th for a special retreat out-of-town to focus on couplehood as a spiritual path.  Rev. Beth Waltemath will facilitate this retreat with structured exercises from the IMAGO therapy curriculum for churches called “A New Way to Love: Living God’s Purpose for Your Partnership.” There is limited space and a registration fee of $150, so contact [email protected] or speak to Beth Waltemath or Ginny Bowen if you are interested. A registration link is available on the website or through the Communicator.  There is a limit to 8 couples so registration will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.  You will be contacted if you are waitlisted.   

Date: October 13-15^th 

Location: Hayesville, NC

Wondering how to answer your child’s question about God in a developmentally appropriate way?  Stuck in a rut with disciplining your child and wanting to keep a vision of them as a kind and compassionate adult?  Anxious about reading the Bible with your child and wishing you know what stories to edit and explain?  Thirsty for celebrating life’s holidays and rites of passage with more depth and meaning?  Join other parents through a monthly small groups in the intimacy of our homes to discuss resources on faithful parenting and share about what is working and what is not.  

Date: Saturday: September 30th at 7:30 pm at the Biagionis. Email [email protected] for information.