Adult Christian Education
For additional information on these and other Christian Education Opportunities, please contact: Kathy Paquette, Chair of Adult Christian Education Ministry, khesspaquette@aol.com or 803.802.0754
All Church Read
The Sunflower by Simon Wiesenthal
A professor at Union Presbyterian Seminary once asked, “How does forgiveness take place?” He answered, “Someone has to absorb the pain, usually the victim.”
The Book
The Sunflower chronicles the journey of forgiveness Simon Wiesenthal undergoes as he struggles to forgive after surviving incarceration in four different Nazi concentration camps during WWII. It is our hope that small groups, small study groups, Sunday school classes and individuals will participate this spring. The Adult Spiritual Formation Committee will provide curricula for group study.
To order through the church, email Kim Lee, kim@smpchome.org.
The Ethics of Forgiveness
The schools would fail through their silence, the Church through its forgiveness, and the home through the denial and silence of the parents. The new generation has to hear what the older generation refuses to tell it.
—Simon Wiesenthal, quoted in the introduction of the Sunflower
The Purpose
The Adult Spiritual Formation committee endeavors to bond SMPC’s various and diverse group studies through a common faith narrative. To that end, we encourage all study groups, Sunday morning and throughout the week, to traverse together through the ethics of forgiveness this spring.
Conversation Opportunities
These are being scheduled and will be announced in January.
Harmon-Brame Lecture Series We have invited Dr. Oscar Lansen, Senior Lecturer; Director of Undergraduate and Honor Studies; and Director of War, Genocide & Humanright Learning Community at UNCC as our guest lecturer.
Lecture One: In the Shadow of Memories
Thursday, March 1, 7 pm in Mecklenburg Hall
Lecture Two: The Holocaust
Thursday, March 8, 7 pm in Mecklenburg Hall
Lecture Three: Life in Despair
Sunday, March 11 at 9:30 am in the Commons
Lecture Four: Reconciling the Past and the Future
Thursday, March 22, 7 pm in Mecklenburg Hall
Sunday Mornings:
It Takes More Than One: The Value of Community
What does it mean to belong to the community of faith that is South Mecklenburg Presbyterian Church? Why are we here, and what is God calling us to do? To help us all better answer these questions, we are offering a 4-week series of special worship and learning opportunities.
* On Sunday, Jan. 29, in worship, Matt will highlight the joys, challenges and opportunities of living in community.
* On Sunday, Feb. 5, in Sunday school at 9:30 am, Kim Lee will lead us in an examination of three key Christian practices: worship, prayer and study.
* On Sunday, Feb. 19, in Sunday school at 9:30 am, Rich Fuller will help us explore our faith stories as they relate to stewardship: the giving of our money, time and talents to God.
* Sunday, Feb. 26, in Sunday school at 9:30 am, Nancy Metzler and the Membership Committee will help us identify ways in which our participation in the work and ministry of the church may be increased and made more meaningful. Join us as we journey together through this series. All members and guests are encouraged to attend. Questions?
Contact Nancy Metzler, nancy@smpchome.org.
SUNDAY MORNINGS (9:30-10:30 am):
Adult Lectionary Bible Study Class
Sunday Mornings, 9:30 am, Room 302
Join us for a deeper study of the scriptures chosen by our ministers. We will approach the text from its historical setting, often with the eyes and ears of the first hearers, then consider how it applies to our 21st century lives. What in the world has changed? What has not? Whether you are a biblical scholar or a novice you can enjoy this class.
For more information, contact: Gwen Volker at gkmvolker@gmail.com
All Things Considered Room 201
* Jan. 29: Jerry Hawver and Kathy Paquette
Jerry and Kathy will lead a discussion on various issues relating to Christianity in China, the USA economic ties with China, and the educational system there. Join us as we study some of the past, the present, and the future of China and its impact upon the United States.
For more information, contact: Heather Russell, hrussell70@gmail.com or 704.910.5000
JOY Sunday School Class
Sunday Mornings, 9:30 am, Room 301
Calling all seniors to join us! No prizes … No discounts … No “Early Bird Specials.” However we do have the very best ***star teachers! Our class is addictive with no after effects other than the desire to keep coming back plus we follow an agenda that will knock our socks off. Once you come, you’ll get it – you’ll want to be a part of it and won’t want to miss a single class. We meet every Sunday following the 8:30 am worship service in the Chapel, Room 301. Grab a cup of coffee (or tea) and a muffin at the Coffee Grounds and join us. We would be so JOYful to see you!
Teachers: Mary Ann Christian, Dixie & Dave Lindquist, and Tommy Sinclair.
For more information, contact: Mary Ann Christian at MAChris1@carolina.rr.com
or 704.544.5327
Sunday Afternoon
Inquirer’s Class
You are invited (especially if you’re a visitor or new member) to participate in an Inquirer’s Class. Dr. Brown will lead this class, which will take a brief look at the history, beliefs, and structure of the Presbyterian Church, answer questions relating to membership, and explore how the Spirit of God uses our gifts to form community. We will serve refreshments and childcare will be available.
If you have questions or would like to attend, contact: Nancy Metzler at nancy@smpchome.org or 704.544.0404, ext. 103
Throughout the Week
Tuesday
Invitation to Romans: A Short-Term Disciple Bible Study
Tuesdays, January 10-February 28; 9:30 am-11 am, Room 201
The book of Romans is arguably the most influential book of the New Testament for Christian theology. In this 8-week study, we will explore some of the major themes in the book of Romans, with a focus on Paul's emphasis on communal salvation; the centrality of God's righteousness; and the relationship between Jews and Gentiles and the relationship of both to God. Come join us as we are challenged by God's Word and our conversation. Sign up at the Activities Table or email Rev. Katie Harrington, Katie@smpchome.org.
Thursday
Men’s Group
Thursday mornings, 6:30 am, Room 201, Starting August 4th
Calling all Men of the Church!
We meet every Thursday morning at 6:30 am at the church. Coffee and
Krispy Kremes are served. We welcome anyone to come join us for the
coffee, the fellowship and possibly the opportunity to learn something
about yourself. Our discussion will be based on a book by John Eldredge entitled Wild at Heart. The author explores masculinity and what it will take for men to
restore their passion for adventure in their life in the world and the church.
Come join us anytime! For more information contact: Russ Wenner at Russell.m.wenner@gmail.com
Disciple I –
Becoming Disciples through Bible Study
Thursdays, 9:45-11:45 am, (September 15-May 10)
This is a 34-week study that begins in Genesis and ends in Revelation. Come, read, taste and see that the Lord is God! As Eugene Peterson writes, “When we submit our lives to what we read in Scripture, we find that we’re being led not to see God in our stories but to see our stories in God’s.” The cost for the book is $35. Childcare will be provided by registration. Kim Lee will facilitate.
If you have any questions or to register, please contact Kim at kim@smpchome.org or 704.544.0404, ext. 117.
Food for Thought Book Group
Thursday, February 2 6:30 pm Session Room
Mudbound By Hillary Jordan
In 1946, LauraMcAllan, a college-educated Memphis schoolteacher, becomes afarmer's wife when her husband, Henry, buys a farm on the Mississippi Delta, a farm shenicknamesMudbound. Laura has difficulty adjusting to life without electricity, indoor plumbing, readily accessible medical care,andherracist father-in-law. Her days become easier after Florence, the wife of Hap Jackson, one of their black tenants, becomes more important to Laura as companion than as hired help. Catastrophe is inevitable, though, when two young WWII veterans, Henry's brother, Jamie, and the Jacksons' son,Ronsel, arrive, both battling nightmares from horrific experiences, and both unable to bow to Mississippi rules.
Please feel free to join our group at any time during this year! For more information or to order a book, contact: Kathy Paquette at khesspaquette@aol.com
Please feel free to join our group at any time during this year! For more information or to order a book, contact: Kathy Paquette at khpaquettewh@aol.com
Adult Spiritual Formation Committee and Taskforce Members:
Kathy Paquette, Chair
Gwen Volker, Session Liaison
Paul Basquin, Guy Gosnell, Jerry Hawver, Leisa Lackey, Belinda Shearer
For our book study classes, books will be made available to those for whom this cost is prohibitive. For information on any programs in our Adult Ministry, please contact: Kathy Paquette at khesspaquettewh@aol.com or 803.802.0754
Links of Interest
Presbytery of Charlotte
The Presbytery of Charlotte is the 4th largest presbytery in the denomination. Located in the Southern Piedmont region of North Carolina between the mountains and the coast, The Presbytery of Charlotte serves seven counties: Anson, Cabarrus, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Richmond, Stanly, and Union, which include: 133 Churches (1 in Chesterfield Co., SC); 39,923 Members;291 Ministers and 46 Educators.
www.presbyofcharlotte.org
Presbyterian Samaritan Counseling
A ministry of hope and healing.
Providing pastoral counseling, psychotherapy and clinical assessment for individuals, couples and families since 1973. Serviced also include vocational counseling, substance abuse assessment and follow-up counseling, clergy and congregational counseling and consultation, and educational programming,
www.presbyteriansamaritan.org
Presbyterian Church (USA)
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), with denominational offices in Louisville, Kentucky, has approximately 2.3 million members, more than 10,000 congregations and 14,000 ordained and active ministers. Presbyterians trace their history to the 16th century and the Protestant Reformation. Our heritage, and much of what we believe, began with John Calvin (1509-1564), whose writings crystallized much of the Reformed thinking that came before him.
www.pcusa.org
Presbyterians Today Magazine
Making the church’s witness relevant to today’s Presbyterians.
www.pcusa.org/today/
Presbyterian Outlook
Its principal activity is the publication of The Presbyterian Outlook magazine.
www.pres-Outlook.org
The Christian Century
The on line newsletter for church leaders.
www.christiancentury.org
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