Adult Education

ADULT EDUCATION @ GRACE 



Faith formation is important for Christians of all ages, including adults. It shapes how we interact with God--and with our families, our communities, our workplaces, and the world. In addition, continued adult study models for the children and youth of the church that one's faith journey is never complete! Adults at Grace are encouraged to find regular opportunities to learn more, grow more, and reach deep.


Grace Presbyterian Church has a variety of opportunities for adults to grow in their faith, including weekly Sunday morning programming, midweek studies, and monthly groups. See below for current offerings. You can also check out our Adult Education Archives for highlights of previous studies.



	





	

		

	
WEEKLY OFFERINGS


OASIS (Adult Sunday School)


Leaders: Rotating

Every Sunday in Family Room (lower level) and on Zoom

9:00-10:00 a.m. 


This discussion-based class explores biblical and thematic topics, led by rotating leaders. Participants are encouraged (but not required!) to read texts selected for study and to bring their insights and questions to the group discussion. The studies for the current year (Fall 2024 - Spring 2025) are listed below.



	





	

		

	
Kingdom of God (Feb 2-Mar 9, 2025)


Facilitators: Tim Wilder

Sunday Mornings, 9:00-10:00 a.m., in the Family Room (lower level) and on Zoom






What do the Gospels have to say about the Kingdom of God? Hint: A LOT.  In fact, the Kingdom is the focus of Jesus' ministry.  It was the new world order he came to inaugurate, the impetus for many of his miracles, and the focus of much of his teaching, including the parables.  Join us to discover what pearls, buried treasure, mustard seeds, and day laborers can teach us about the way of life Jesus launched and invites us to participate in.  As our guide, we will use the easy-to-read book What If Jesus Was Serious about Heaven? by Sky Jethani.





	





	

		

	
Amos (Jan 5-Jan 26, 2025)


Facilitators: Tim Wilder

Sunday Mornings, 9:00-10:00 a.m., in the Family Room (lower level) and on Zoom






To kick off the new year, OASIS will offer a 4-week study around the book of Amos. Amos was a minor prophet with a message that has major implications for the church today, especially in its focus on the poor, the powerless, and justice. Newcomers are welcome, and since this is a new study and will be pitched at an introductory level, it's a great time to jump in! We will begin with an introduction to the prophets (e.g., who were they and what were they prophesying about??) and an overview of the book of Amos. Then we'll discuss a few chapters each week.





	





	

		

	
We Believe (Oct 27 - Dec 15, 2024)




Facilitators: Tim Wilder

Sunday Mornings, 9:00-10:00 a.m., in the Family Room (lower level) and on Zoom






A new 7-week study, We Believe, begins on Sunday, November 27.   We will be looking at one of the Church's most ancient statements of faith, the Nicene Creed, to better understand who we are and what we believe as Christians.  We will use a book by Marianne Micks called Loving the Questions, to explore not just what Christians believed in 4th century, when the creed was created, but some key questions the creed raises for Christians today.





	





	

		

	
Grace in Polarized Times (Sept 8 - Oct 20, 2024)


Facilitators: Amy Trawick, Marty Post, Tim Wilder

Sunday Mornings, 9:00-10:00 a.m., in the Family Room (lower level) and on Zoom










Join us starting on Rally Day as we begin a new 7-week study, Grace in Polarized Times. "Polarization" is a fancy word for "division," which the Bible talks about quite a lot. For instance, Paul tells us that Christ should not be divided but rather united in one body by their love for Jesus and each other. But, wow, that's hard when the other side is so crazy, right?! In the weeks leading up to the election, we explore why we are so polarized and grapple with the challenges of overcoming tribal instincts and living as God's people. Facilitators will mainly draw from two books: Truth over Tribe by Patrick Keith Miller and Keith Simon, and The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt.











	





	

		

	
Centering Prayer


Leader: Cindi Bryant

Every Monday on Zoom

7:00-7:45 a.m. 


Are you looking for a way to set everything down, turn off the chaotic and deeply troubling news of the world, and find a time and place to refresh your heart and spirit? Then join us for Centering Prayer on Monday mornings, beginning September 9. The Contemplative Outreach organization describes Centering Prayer as a “prayer that moves us beyond conversation with Christ to communion with God.” In this group you will find a loving community of seekers who wish to be refreshed in silence as we grow closer to God. Join us once, a few times, or every Monday to experience the love, hope, and healing that time in sacred silence provides to nourish our souls. All are welcome. For information, contact Cindi Bryant at: encbryant@msn.com.



	





	

		

	
Readings from the Heart: Experiencing the Bible through Lectio Divina




Leaders: Pastor Katie, Nelson Thurman, Cindi Bryant, Amy Trawick

Tuesdays from January 14 - March 11 (2025) on Zoom




7:00-8:00 p.m. 






Lectio Divina is an ancient practice of contemplating God's word in a way that is personal, imaginative, and prayerful. Let's see what it's like! The leaders will guide participants in getting out of our heads and into our hearts as we explore the meanings of specific Bible passages. Join us on Zoom every week or as you're able.





	





	

		

	
Firepit Theology: Burning Questions (Oct 1 - Nov 19; March 11-April 8)


Facilitator: Nelson Thurman

Every Tuesday @ 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. on the church’s front lawn

Join your friends at Grace (and invite a friend!) as we gather around a firepit for fellowship, roasting marshmallows (or whatever you want to roast), and discussion on the breaking news of the day, the messiness of everyday life, and living out our faith. During the Lenten season, we will focus on the sermons discussed the previous Sunday. Bring your questions, your wonderings, and a chair -- and enjoy a lively evening of conversation!



	





	

		

	
OTHER OFFERINGS





	





	

		

	
Parents' Friday Fellowship


Facilitators: Pastor Katie, John Ross




Runs in 6-week sessions (current session: Fri, Jan 24 through Fri, April 4)


Every other Friday evening, 6:00 - 8:00 pm at the Rosses' home


Grace parents of young children are invited to join at the Rosses' home to grow in faith and deepen in relationship while the kids enjoy supervised play. We start with a simple potluck at 6:00 pm, then send the kids downstairs to play with adult supervision while adults have discussion upstairs. We studied Woven: Nurturing a Faith Your Kid Doesn't Have to Heal From last fall and will focus on a biblical book this winter/spring.



	





	

		

	
Circle 6


Facilitators: Mary Helmantoler, Valerie Patrick




First Wednesday of the Month




10:00-11:30 a.m. in the Library/on Zoom


Circle 6 is a Presbyterian Women’s group that meets monthly for Bible study, fellowship, and special mission projects. This year Circle 6 is using the PW Horizons Bible study Let Justice Roll Down: God’s Call to Care for Neighbors and All Creation. Contact Mary Helmantoler for the study book and more information.




 



	





	

		

	
Men's Fellowship


Facilitators: Rotating leaders

Meetings: Second Saturday of every month @ 8:00a.m. in Wester Hall or a home




The men of Grace have a vibrant program that started over 20 years ago. On the second Saturday of each month, the men gather at 8:00 a.m. in Wester Hall for a delicious breakfast, a nourishing Bible study, and supportive fellowship. Watch for the announcements each month!



	





	

		

	




Grace 101


This class meets periodically to familiarize visitors and prospective members with key components of Grace Presbyterian Church. Topics cover faith journeys and spiritual gifts, Presbyterian beliefs and structures, and how to jump into Grace's missions and ministries.   If you are interested in attending one of these classes, please contact the church office (703-451-2900).



	







	

		

	









	

		

	

						

		


			

	

	

		

		Connect With Us
	

	





	

		

	
				
					
			

						
703-451-2900
					

	

	





	

		

	
				
					
			

						
manager@gracepresby.org
					

	

	





	

		

	
				
					
			

						
7434 Bath Street, Springfield, VA 22150
					

	

	





	

		

	
								
							
						
			
		
								
							
						
			
		
								
							
						
			
	

	







			

	

	

		

		Service Times
	

	





	

		

	
Adult Study 9:00 am

Worship Service 10:30 am



	





	

		

	





	

		

			
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