January 11, 18, 25 and February 1 at 9:30 am

Thompson Parlor, Education Building Room 200

Teacher: Rev. Dr. Brian Lays

The Old Testament comprises roughly 3/4 of the whole Bible, but many Christians are much less familiar with it than the New Testament. Join us for this 4-week overview of the four major sections of the Old Testament: The Law (Torah), the History Books, The Writings, and the Prophets. This introductory class won’t presume any prior knowledge, and is meant to be a basic primer that hits the major themes of each section. Join us!

February 8, 15 and 22 at 9:30 am

Thompson Parlor, Education Building Room 200

Teacher: Dr. Henry Burt, Visiting Professor in Philosophy and Religion at Flagler College

Within the last decade, we have become increasingly digital selves with less capacity for attentiveness, self-integrity, and spiritual grounding. As teens and young adults explore who they strive to be, they face the threat of a lack in contemplation (a deficit in attention), social media influences (a deficit in self-authenticity), and a skeletal mainline Protestant church climate. 

This three-part series will address each of these themes in kind with an eye for how communities of faith can accompany church youth: the navigation and utilization of technology, the intersection of public theology and pop culture, and innovative congregational programming to foster meaningful, authentic relationships in the process of faith formation and identity development.

Henry Burt is a visiting professor in the Philosophy and Religion department at Flagler College and assists in the college's Center for Religion and Culture. He received a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary directly thereafter, after which he was ordained as a Lutheran (ELCA) pastor. While completing his PhD in the psychology of religion at Princeton Theological Seminary, Henry served congregations in Newark, greater New York City, Philadelphia, and Minnesota. His research focuses on religious caregiving approaches to fostering post-traumatic growth, particularly for those who have suffered from clinical-degree perfectionism.

February 8 - April 5 at 9:30 am 

Education Building Room 302/303

Teacher: Rev. Dr. John Ragsdale

For generations, the book of Genesis has been read as a collection of stories from various authors with different interests, borrowing from others. Only in the 17th century did some begin reading it as literally true. Both of these approaches preclude an appreciation of its greatness as literature and its rich exploration of life-enduring themes. We will use Marilynne Robinson’s Reading Genesis to look at the meaning and promise of God’s grace-filled covenant with humanity. This magisterial book radiates gratitude for the constancy and benevolence of God’s abiding faith. Be prepared to do a little reading (20+ pages a week), have open discussion, and see wonderful art.  

Copies of Marilynne Robinson’s Reading Genesis may be purchased through. Click here to purchase the book or you can purchase one from the church office for $20. 

Rev. Dr. John Ragsdale

After working in banking and finance for fifteen years, John responded to a call to ministry.  John attended Columbia Theological Seminary for his master’s and earned his doctorate from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. He served as the pastor of churches in Orange Park, Gainesville, Jacksonville, and Green Cove Springs, Florida, as the Executive Director of the Montgomery Presbyterian Center, and as Mission Coordinator for Leadership of the Presbytery of St. Augustine, retiring from full-time ministry in 2013. John and his wife, Sally, have two sons and live in Jacksonville, Florida, and Cashiers, NC.

March 1 - 29

Thompson Parlor, Education Building Room  200 at 9:30 am

This class will use Adam Hamilton’s The Walk to consider how we walk with Christ, daily follow him, grow in him, and faithfully serve him.

In the Gospels, Jesus modeled for us the Christian spiritual life. The apostles taught it in their writings. And the Church has, through the last 2,000 years, sought to pursue this Christian spiritual life. In The Walk, Adam Hamilton focuses on five essential spiritual practices that are rooted in Jesus' own walk with God and taught throughout the New Testament. In each chapter, Hamilton explores one of these practices, its New Testament foundation, and what it looks like to pursue this practice daily in our personal life and together in the life of the church.

April 12 - May 17 at 9:30 am

Education Building Room 302/303 at 9:30 am

Teacher: Emily Heeg

God has uniquely created each of us with strengths meant to bless the church and the world. This 6-week small-group experience will help you discover and deepen your understanding of your God-given talents through Living Your Strengths (Church Edition), a resource based on the Gallup CliftonStrengths assessment.

Together, we will:

Explore what Scripture says about gifts and calling.

Identify and celebrate our personal strengths.

Learn how different strengths work together in the body of Christ.

Discern how to use our strengths in church, family, work, and community life.

Create a personal statement of call rooted in our strengths.

Participants will take the CliftonStrengths assessment and use their results as a guide for conversation, reflection, and prayer. Each week will include Scripture, discussion, and practical activities that connect faith with everyday life

April 12 - May 17 at 9:30 am

Thompson Parlor, Education Building Room 200

Facilitator: Nancy Schneider

Could there be a connection between a beloved NYTimes best-seller and the letters of the Apostle Paul to the early churches? 

The Correspondent, renowned for its epistolary style, provides the framework for this interactive class that explores the relevancy of ancient truths about forgiveness and reconciliation; the need for human connection; finding joy and strength in adversity; and the power of leaving a legacy marked by love and honesty. Participants will find it helpful to have completed The Correspondent prior to the class and will need a copy of the book for ongoing reference. Scripture passages will be provided.

This ongoing class is designed especially for parents navigating the joys and challenges of raising children. 

January 11, 18, 25 and February 1 at 9:30 am

Intro to the Old Testament with Brian Lays

Thompson Parlor, Education Building Room 200

Teacher: Rev. Dr. Brian Lays

The parenting class will be joining this Old Testament review class on Sundays through Feb. 1.

The Old Testament comprises roughly 3/4 of the whole Bible, but many Christians are much less familiar with it than the New Testament. Join us for this 4-week overview of the four major sections of the Old Testament: The Law (Torah), the History Books, The Writings, and the Prophets. This introductory class won’t presume any prior knowledge, and is meant to be a basic primer that hits the major themes of each section. Join us!

6 weeks beginning Sunday, February 8th at 9:30 am

Living Your Strengths: Discovering Your God-Given Gifts

Education Building Room 306 at 9:30 am 

Teacher: Emily Heeg

God has uniquely created each of us with strengths meant to bless our families, the church and the world. This experience will help you discover and deepen your understanding of your God-given talents through Living Your Strengths (Church Edition), a resource based on the Gallup CliftonStrengths assessment.

First Sunday of Each Month

On the first Sunday of each month this class meets at Brew in 5 Points, just a one-minute walk from the church, for coffee and time together. 

Teacher: Clay Boone

Education Building Room 305 at 9:30 am

Looking for a place to grow in faith, connect with others, and dive deeper into Scripture? This welcoming adult Bible study meets year-round and explores the International Sunday School lessons in a friendly, conversational setting.