Learn

Faith Formation

Winter Sunday Morning Classes

"This Chair Rocks"
Three Sundays, February 10-24
9:30-10:30 AM
Downstairs Classroom (Room 104)
Peg Lewis, Leader

There is an incessant barrage of messages from every corner that consigns the "no longer young" to the margins of society. Older adults internalize these and other messages and can contribute to their own disenfranchisement.

All "isms," whether they be racism, sexism, heterosexism, ableism, or other forms of prejudice, create layers of oppression in the lives of individuals and groups. They are reinforced by society through economic, legal, medical, and other systems. One form of discrimination that we are often less aware of is ageism. Join Peg Lewis for this two-Sunday series as we explore what ageism is and what its impact is on people of all ages. The conversation will be based on the book This Chair Rocks by Ashton Applewhite, but class participants do not need to purchase or read the book. Leader Peg Lewis is a certified gerontological counselor and has a Masters in Theology.

"From Pancakes to Ashes"
Sunday, March 3, 2019
9:30-10:30 AM
Downstairs Classroom (Room 104)
Pastor Kim Wells, Leader

What’s that dirt on your forehead? And why are you telling me I’m returning to dust? Join Pastor Kim at 9:30 AM next Sunday, March 3, for an exploration of Ash Wednesday, which we will observe in worship at 6 PM on March 6. We will look at its scriptural basis, its meaning in theological perspective, and its application in spirituality and practice, with the goal of deepening our understanding of our dependence on God in both life and death.

"Vincent van Gogh: Theologian with a Brush"
Five Sundays, March 10 to April 7
9:30-10:30 AM
Downstairs Classroom (Room 104)
Rev. Dr. Charles Davidson, Leader

Adults and youth alike are invited to participate in this special series of five seminars during Lent. Charles Davidson will lead us in an experiential encounter with Vincent van Gogh as we examine together the profoundly theological and spiritual dimensions of his life and art. Through some of his most evocative paintings, as well as in his own words, Vincent will speak to us of our life in Christ. A retired Presbyterian pastor and pastoral counselor, Charles was the Darrel Rollins Professor of Pastoral Theology, Care, and Counseling at Virginia University of Lynchburg. He is the author of Bone Dead, and Rising: Vincent van Gogh and the Self Before God (Cascade Books). Information about the book is available at charlesndavidson.com along with links to purchase it at a discount from the publisher, from Amazon (new & used), and from independent bookstores. It is not necessary to purchase or read the book in order to participate in the seminars.

Lenten Small Group Study

Entering the Passion of Jesus: A Beginner’s Guide to Holy Week
by Amy-Jill Levine, Professor, Vanderbilt Divinity School
Six Tuesdays in Lent, March 12-April 16
7:00-8:30 PM in the Narthex
Peg Lewis, Leader

Join us at 7:00 PM on Tuesdays, March 12 through April 16, for a six-week small group study of Entering the Passion of Jesus: A Beginner’s Guide to Holy Week, by Amy Jill-Levine, Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Vanderbilt University Divinity School. Peg Lewis (MAT, Fuller Theological Seminary) will facilitate this group as we deepen our understanding of the great risks Jesus took during his final days. As we learn about his story through book study, video, and discussion, we will be invited to consider the risks that God might be calling us to take. Please sign up on the sheet in the Narthex and note if you would like us to purchase a book for you. Or, email Peg Lewis or call her at (828) 702-0161.

Contemplative Formation

Lectio Divina & Group Spiritual Direction
Six Tuesdays in Lent, March 12-April 16
5:45-6:45 PM
The Sanctuary
Pastor Kim Wells, Leader

There are two kinds of reading– one is for information, and the other is for formation. Reading for information is like reading a newspaper, filling our mind with the facts. Reading for formation, though, is like reading a love letter – we savor every word, allowing what we read to deepen our relationship with the one who writes to us. When we read the Bible for formation rather than simply for information, we read it in a holistic way that allows our relationship with God to deepen, and we are formed by our encounter with God through scripture. Meaning “spiritual reading” in Latin, lectio divina is a simple, facilitated group process that invites participants to contemplate how God is speaking to them personally through scripture. All are welcome, and no experience is required!

Children, Youth, and Families

Our children and youth participate in the whole, intergenerational life of the church, including our worship, education, outreach, and fellowship ministries. Our children and youth are especially beloved participants in our Sunday morning worship services and often have leadership roles.

Since we are a small church, our approach to ministry with children and youth is mostly intergenerational rather than age-specific. Throughout the year, we participate in activities specifically for children and youth along with other churches in our Presbytery as well as at the nearby Montreat Conference Center.

If you are a family with children and/or youth and have a bit of a pioneering spirit, we would love the opportunity to work with you to incorporate your family and your family's needs and gifts into the intergenerational life of our church!

For more information about opportunities for children, youth, and families, contact Pastor Kim.

Women's Circle

SPIRITUALITY CIRCLE
Last Thursdays, 2:00 PM in rotating members' homes

HORIZONS STUDY GUIDE
Though no longer officially part of Presbyterian Women, this circle is using the PW Horizons study guide:
God's Promise: I Am with You.
You can purchase it from the Horizons website.