September 7 is the kick-off date for our new year of Adult Education. Starting with the fall quarter, we will have five Sunday morning classes meeting at 9:45 a.m. In addition, there will be three mid-week Bible studies.    Class descriptions follow below;

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES

Presbyterian 101 New Member class
What does it mean to YOU to be a "Presby" here? Upon what is your faith and belief based? From where have we come? Where are we going? How can we help build our faith community? Do you know you are a minister to over 24 agencies and institutions? New and not so new members, long-time members, and those who aren't sure, please come and help us find the answers!

Exploring Celtic Spirituality:
This class will look into the roots, theology, and spiritual practice of the Celtic tradition. Despite the attempted suppression of this tradition in the 7th century and following, it remains a vital expression of Christianity. We will begin with J. Philip Newell's Listening for the Heartbeat of God and move to other works. During each class we will experience Celtic worship practices. The class will be facilitated by the Rev. Dr. Fane Downs, who makes no claims to be an expert on the subject, but rather another explorer of the tradition.

The Confessions and Social Justice
One of the two major sections of the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)--our church--is The Book of Confessions. Currently there are eleven creeds, confessions and catechisms in that book. When Deacons, Elders and Ministers are ordained, they promise a special relationship that family of documents. But, what does that promise mean? Can, or maybe should, those creeds and confessions play any role in helping the officers and the rest of us understand the shape and content of our individual and collective witness in today's church and world? Led by Sam Junkin and Rob Lohmeyer, we will explore for the treasures and guidance buried in The Book of Confessions.

The Gospel of Matthew
This class is a comprehensive presentation of the life and teachings of Jesus. The class, led by John Wurster, will survey the whole gospel, noting Matthew’s particular structure and themes. The same class is offered at two times: Sunday mornings at 9:45 and Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m.

GriefShare
Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted (Matthew 5:4). GriefShare, a 13-week grief support group for anyone grieving the death of a loved one, begins on Sunday, Sept. 7. We will meet during the Sunday school hour from 9:45-10:45 a.m. in the MSS Building. Each week a separate topic in living through grief will be explored, so one may join the group at any time. The GriefShare time together includes a video presentation and group discussion. Participants will receive a workbook to help them each day of their journey in the grief process. Group facilitators are Meg Johnson, MSW, and Fred Kapelle, MSW. Materials are provided at no cost. Please join us. Invite a friend who is experiencing grief.

MID-WEEK BIBLE STUDY CLASSES

Men’s Weekly Bible Study and Breakfast
Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 16, there will be a weekly Men’s Bible Study at Riverhill Country Club. Doors open at 6:30 a.m. Breakfast ($7) will be served at 6:45 a.m., followed by a 15 to 20 minute lesson, and then table or group discussion. This is not primarily a lecture class, and group participation is encouraged. Until we know the size group to expect we ask that you make reservations with the church office for this class by noon on Monday each week. Please talk with Warren Ferguson for further information.

Women’s Weekly morning Bible Study
“Psalms of Ascent” Bible study by Beth Moore will be offered this fall, comprised of praise music, video, workbook, and small group discussion. The study will cover psalms that traveling pilgrims sang on the way to the Jewish festivals as key elements of worship. We will gain a new appreciation of the life of faith as we journey to greater fellowship with and worship of God. “Psalms of Ascent” Bible study, open to anyone wishing to join, will take place on Tuesdays, from Sept. 16—Oct. 21, at 10:00 a.m.—12:-00 p.m. in Schreiner Chapel. The workbook costs $12.95 and scholarships are available. Nursery will be available by pre-arrangement. If you have questions or to pre-register, call Roma Collins.

The Gospel of Matthew
This class, a repeat of the Sunday morning’s, is a comprehensive presentation of the life and teachings of Jesus. Led by John Wurster, it will survey the whole gospel, noting Matthew’s particular structure and themes. In addition to the Sunday morning session, this class will also be offered on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m., beginning on September 9.