education
Adult Sunday School Classes:
Germantown Presbyterian Church offers a variety of classes and educational opportunities to encourage spiritual growth and help you to live out your life as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
On Sunday, August 15, everyone meets in the Sanctuary at 9:30 a.m. Classes begin Sunday, August 22, at 9:30 a.m. (Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace at 9:00 a.m.)
Sunday Mornings at 9:00
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (please note earlier time)
Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace (210)
Financial Peace University is a thirteen-week course designed by Dave Ramsey, a national radio personality. By age 26, Ramsey had established a $4 million real estate portfolio, only to lose it by age 30. He has since rebuilt his financial life and now devotes himself to helping people understand the forces behind their financial distress and how to set things right -- financially, emotionally and spiritually. Financial Peace University is a biblically based financial accountability class that will incorporate a DVD session followed by small group discussion. Topics for learning and discussion will include: the nuts and bolts of budgeting, breaking the chains of debt, understanding credit bureaus and collection practices, the role of insurance in your financial plan and planning for retirement and college. More than one million families have attended Financial Peace University with amazing results. On average, they pay off $5,300 in debt and save $2,700 in just 90 days. The cost is $90.00 for materials. Scholarships are available. For further scholarship information, please contact Rev. Chris Ham at the church office. Led by Wendy and Jeff Robertson, this 1½-hour course uses video and small group components.
Free preview on Sunday, August 22. Class begins on Sunday, August 29.
Sunday Mornings at 9:30
Visitors are always welcome at Sunday School!
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Parents of Young Children –
The Life You’ve Always Wanted (208)
Join other parents of young children (nursery/preschool) as we explore together what it means to be husbands, wives, parents and children of God. This fall we are studying the book The Life You’ve Always Wanted by John Ortberg. In this study the class will ask the question, “What does authentic spiritual life look like?” Join in for lively conversation and understanding of how you can implement authentic spiritual disciplines in your everyday life. Join us for conversation, prayer and sharing as we journey down the road of being parents together. Coordinated by Robert Walker, the class will be taught this fall by Rev. Christopher Ham.
Hands and Hearts (209)
We work with our hands as we fill our hearts with the word of God, knitting caps, quilts and other items for the needy around the world and as close as Germantown. This fall we will knit together during intentional intercessory prayer and exploration of our faith in the face of life’s struggles. Facilitated by Elizabeth Boyd and Elaine Cates.
Discovering the Bible (211)
Have you ever wanted to read through the Bible but have not been sure how to do it? This class is for you! The class is a discussion of the weekly readings and the weekly events in our lives and how this daily devotion to God’s word lets us see his actions in our lives. New members are always welcome to join anytime! This class meets year-round. Led by Craig Russell, Suzanne Russell and Mary Rogers.
The Present Word– The Inescapable God (212)
The fall 2010 study focuses on the nature of God as the first Person in the Trinity. We’ll explore God in Old Testament texts that will include the Exodus narrative and the poetry of Psalms among many others. This class is an ideal fellowship and learning opportunity for established and new members alike. Each Sunday stands alone, so you may join for one Sunday or every Sunday! Taught by members of the class, leaders include: Jim Boyd, Beth Carter, Gray Carter, Vanessa Keith and Vi Olsen.
Hits from the 50’s and 60’s – Personalities of the Bible (214)
The Sandwich Generation, those born in the 1950’s and 1960’s, is the demographic for this ongoing Sunday School class that meets weekly to build community and relationships. This fall the class will focus on personalities of the Bible using relevant Scripture to guide class discussion. The class will look at the different personalities of Gideon, Jethro, David, Mary, Joseph, Saul and others and explore the impact they had in their time and today. The class leadership team will incorporate the elements of study, fellowship, mission and prayer. Teachers this fall are: Jill Crocker, Karen Fesmire, Tom Sauer, and Tom Scott.
Tuesday
SONrise MENistry
The first breakfast of the new church year is Tuesday, August 24.
For great food, great Bible study and great conversation, the Tuesday morning men’s group is the place to be. With a goal of helping men realize a renewal of the Spirit in their lives, this fall the men will study the books of 1st and 2nd Timothy and 1st and 2nd Titus. An early 6:30 a.m. start gets you out by 7:30. And for only $3 you get the best breakfast in town. The study is lead by GPC ministers. For more information contact John Colmer at 755-6961.
Presbyterian Women
There is a place in this group for every woman in the church. It provides opportunities for women, as individuals and in groups, to grow in the knowledge that they may understand and fulfill the particular responsibility they have in the family, in the congregation, in the community and around the world. For more information contact Barbara Craft at 850-5957 or JBCraft4@comcast.net. Circle meetings and gatherings meet the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. For a link to the Presbyterian Women page click here.
Wednesday
Wednesdays with Chris
This class will resume August 25. Join Associate Pastor Chris Ham on Wednesday mornings as together we study the Bible. We gather every Wednesday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. for discussion, learning and laughter. This class is open to all.
Wednesday Morning Christian Book Study 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Parlor
If you like to read and discuss what you read in a friendly, supportive group, you are invited to join Wednesday Christian Book Study. The group meets the first three Wednesdays of every month from 10:00-11:30 a.m. in the Parlor. The group meets September through May.
For more information about Wednesday Morning Christian Book Study, please contact one of the groups two conveners: Karen Lawhorn at 754-3640 or Klawhorn38@yahoo.com or Stephanie Wall at 754-6869 or stephaniewall@hotmail.com.
The first meeting will be on Wednesday, September 8.
Wednesday Night Discipleship 5:30 p.m. Warren Hall
Would you like to get to know more folks at the church through fellowship, friendship and prayer? Our Wednesday Night Discipleship program is for you. This is what WND is about: God transforming disciples through the power of the Holy Spirit in the midst of Christian fellowship. Join us Wednesday evenings on our journey of discipleship. Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. in Warren Hall, followed by a time of prayer and devotions. Starting at 6:15 p.m. will be a time for learning, sharing and growing as disciples of Christ; we end promptly at 7:00 p.m. Come for one session or all of them! You can make your reservations by calling the church office, 754-5195, or signing up on the friendship pad or online by clicking here. Dinner is only $5. For more information contact Noell Moseley at 757-9064 or noellm@southwindvets.com.
Fall Semester runs from September 1 – December 8
Fall Term 1: September 1 - 22, Corinthian Challenge. Paul writes to the church in Corinth about their differences and divisions within the body of Christ. It has been argued that the church today is equally as diverse. Join Interim Pastor Charlie Webster as he explores Paul’s letter and how it is relevant today.
September 29: Special report and update from PNC.
Fall Term 2: October 6, 13, Church in the World. Hear reports from the Brazil and Haiti mission teams. The church of Jesus Christ extends its reach to more than North America; in fact in the global south, the church is expanding the gospel of Jesus Christ in new and unparalleled ways. Join us for two nights of learning from two of our mission teams that have traveled in the last year to Haiti and Brazil. What did they learn in partnership with and from our brothers and sisters in Christ? How can we make an impact for Christ here in our community and the world? Are mission trips to foreign countries important?
Fall Term 3: October 27-November 17, Introduction to the Gospels. What are the major themes and importance of each of the four gospels? Why is it important to study them? What differences are there among the gospels? Do the differences and similarities enhance our understanding of Jesus? Join Interim Pastor Charlie Webster as he delves into each book of the canon in four weeks helping the participants understand the who, what, where and how of each book. Come prepared to talk, learn and ask questions about the four gospels.
December 1: Advent Introduction: The Mysteries of Advent. What is Advent? Why does it matter to celebrate Advent? In Advent we look back at the birth of the Christ child; we look forward with anticipation to his coming again; and we celebrate his work in the world today. What relevance does Advent have for us today as followers of The Way? What symbols are used in Advent to help us celebrate Jesus? Join Pastors Chris and Charlie as they help explain and discover the mysteries of Advent.
Wednesday Night Schedule
Wednesday night dinner is at 5:30 p.m. in Warren Hall or the Activity Center and the study begins at 6:15 p.m. in Warren Hall.
