CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FOR ADULTS

Growing in faith is a lifelong process, evolving as we experience more life, as we face more challenges, as we see more evidence of God's mercy, grace, and love. We offer a variety of ways to live and grow in faithful community with one another.

ADULT OFFERINGS

ALL of our Adult Ed offerings are designed for dropping in whenever you can, with little or no prep. Attend all classes in a series or just one or two and still be enriched.

 

GROWING WITH FAITH 2024-25 CALENDAR

Mondays: March 10, March 17, March 24, March 31, April 7, April 14

Lent Book Study in-person 2:00 PM-3:00 PM

Lent Book Study Zoom 6:00 PM-7:00 PM

 

"Hard & Holy Work" discussion on Mondays Join Rev. Nicole Chapman-Farley on Mondays during Lent for a discussion of Hard and Holy Work: A Lenten Journey through the Book of Exodus. We'll gather from March 10 to April 14. In-person sessions are from 2:00 to 3:00 PM, and Zoom sessions are from 6:00 to 7:00 PM.

 

In the book, Pastor Mary Alice Birdwhistell and Hebrew Bible scholar Tyler Mayfield reflect on the brave action of the midwives Shiphrah and Puah and other faithful women in Exodus, Moses’ awakening to the plight of the Hebrew people, Moses’ life-changing encounter with the burning bush, the Israelites taking the risk of crossing the Red Sea, and more―alongside numerous contemporary stories―to help readers to see anew and contemplate how God is calling them to respond to injustice in our world. Email Megan to sign up.

Lent lunchtime/early evening offering

Wednesdays: March 5, March 12, March 19, March 26, April 2, April 9, April 16

Zoom 12:00 to 12:30 PM or 6:00 to 6:30 PM

 

"Lent of Liberation" discussion on Wednesdays Join Pastoral Resident Alex Barnes for a Lent lunchtime/early evening offering on Wednesdays from March 5 to April 16. We will meet on Zoom from 12:00 to 12:30 PM or 6:00 to 6:30 PM to explore questions from the devotional Lent of Liberation: Confronting the Legacy of American Slavery.

 

Each session includes a testimony from someone who escaped slavery via the Underground Railroad, a Scripture passage, and a reflection connecting biblical and historical themes. This devotional reflects on Lenten themes of exodus, redemption, discipline, and repentance. Email Megan to sign up.

 

Watch for additional offerings as the year progresses!

SMALL GROUPS AND BIBLE STUDIES

WOMEN'S MINISTRY

Our Women's Ministries are dedicated to bringing Women of Christ together in fellowship with one another.
 

The Women's Ministry Board sponsors spring and fall retreats, as well as seasonal worship opportunities such as the Ecumenical Advent Service led by women in ministry. Come to our retreats or join or ministry board! Reach out to Rev. Amy Heinrich to learn more.

EMAIL

WOMEN’S DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY

Thursdays (weekly) 9-11 AM in the Conference Room
Contact: Jan Ellen Shawgo through the church office. 847-362-2174

 

We begin our new program year on September  12th with the study, Context by Josh Scott. This year we'll also be studying Questions Jesus Asked by Magrey deVega, Finding Jesus in the Psalms by Barb Roose and Half Truths by Adam Hamilton.  You can explore these studies on the Amplify website. If you cannot commit to a full year, you can join us for any of these studies.  Each study is 5-6 weeks long.  Contact Jan Ellen Shawgo through the church office for more details.

WEDNESDAY MORNING BREAKFAST & BIBLE STUDY

Wednesdays from 7:00 - 8:30 AM on Zoom

Contact: Carol Braunschweig through the church office. 847-362-2174


This fall we are using “The Wired Word,” which is a weekly Bible lesson centered on
relevant lessons pulled from weekly news and delivered via email. The lessons
confront news events with Scripture and create a unique opportunity for robust
discussions

WOMEN'S CIRCLES

Our Women's Circles gather once a month (September through May) for a Bible or book study, fellowship, and prayer. These groups are devoted to nurturing and caring for one another. Women of all ages are encouraged to participate! 

Ruth Circle
3rd Tuesday

7:15 AM in homes

Polly Vente

Esther Circle
4th Tuesdays

7:00 PM Dougherty Room

Stephanie Hamrick

Hannah Circle 
2nd Fridays  

9 AM in homes

Liz Tanner

Lydia Circle
1st Fridays  

1 PM in homes

Patti Hudak

Rebecca Circle
4th Monday

7 PM in the Parlor   

Jessie Pazdell

Please email Michelle for the group leaders contact information.

MEN’S SOUNDING BOARD

2nd & 4th Saturdays, 7:30 am to 9:30 AM ( In Person & Zoom)

Contact: David Heusinkveld through the church office. 847-362-2174

 

Join us on the 2nd & 4th Saturdays, 7:30 am to 9:30 AM (In Person & Zoom) for study, conversation, and prayer as we explore passages of scripture, passages of life, contemporary issues, and literature for men. Our goals are fellowship, and to learn and grow in our Christian faith. For inspiration we typically rely on a book selection and cover a chapter per session with discussion leadership rotating among members. If this sounds like something you might enjoy, we'd welcome having you join our conversation and fellowship.

 

MEN’S ZOOM BIBLE STUDY

Tuesdays, 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
Contact: Brian Tischendorf through the church office. 847-362-2174

Join the Men’s Zoom Bible Study for weekly fellowship, prayer and topical Biblebased
lessons. We are a locally-led group with members from several different states
and churches. We gather in person quarterly for a fellowship lunch. No homework!

RESOURCES

LIBRARY

The church library is a valuable resource for books and other materials used in our adult and children’s faith formation  programs. Drop by anytime the building is open and take a look at the wide range of offerings. Small groups may reserve the library for meetings through the church office.  The library is open to suggestions for books on specific topics, or by particular authors. (read more)

SPIRITUALITY ROOM 210

The Spirituality Room, located on 2nd floor of the Faith Formation Wing in Room 210, is open for individual use whenever the doors of the church are open. Small groups are encouraged to schedule the use of the room through the church office.

INQUIRER'S CLASS

Explore what Presbyterians believe, what is distinctive about our Reformed heritage, and why our church is governed the way it is.  This is a wonderful way to get to know our staff better and gain a deeper understanding for our priorities and passions, our ministries and missions.  If you are curious, this class is for you! 

 

Our classes are designed for those who are seriously considering joining the church as active members, those who need a refresher course, and those who are searching and discovering God’s leading in their lives. If at the end of the inquiring process you want to become an active member, there are simply two requirements—professing Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and baptism. We recognize all Christian baptisms. However, if you haven’t been baptized, a baptism date will be scheduled during a Sunday morning worship service.

EMAIL MICHELLE
SIGN UP FOR OUR NEXT CLASS