ADULT EDUCATION @ GRACE
Faith formation is important for Christians of all ages, including adults. It shapes how we connect with God--and how we interact 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 & BI-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. Offerings for Fall 2026 are highlighted below. Last year's OASIS offerings can be found here(opens in new tab).
SCHEDULE FOR FALL 2026
The Good News in the Gospel of Mark (Sep 20 - Nov 8)
Facilitators: Tim Wilder and others
What really is the Good News that Jesus came to proclaim? What were Jesus’ own priorities? It’s always good to go back to the gospels and remind ourselves what Jesus himself was focused on. (Spoiler alert: Based on his own words and actions alone, it wasn’t primarily saving souls for the afterlife.) Starting with a kick-off with Tim Wilder on September 20 (the week AFTER Rally Day), the Sunday morning adult class OASIS will spend 8 weeks looking in a fresh way at Jesus and his message.
Wealth and Poverty (Nov. 15 - 29)
Facilitator: Lisa Kenkeremath
There are about 1000 billionaires in the U.S. today, while a growing number of Americans struggle to stay in the middle class. Americans are living in a new Gilded Age, but the wealth of the railroad magnates and other "robber barons" of the late 1800s and early 1900s doesn't compare with the wealth of today's economic elites. Great divisions of wealth were the reality of Bible times, and questions of how wealth should be thought about and used, as well as what provisions should be made for the poor, form a central theme of both Testaments. A 3-week class on Wealth and Poverty in the Bible, led by Rev. Dr. Lisa Kenkeremath, will examine biblical attitudes and practices, with a consideration of how the biblical writers may speak to our current moment.
Advent Lectio Divina (Dec. 6 - 13)
Facilitator: Cindi Bryant
During Advent, we’ll use Lectio Divina to explore special passages in the Bible.
Centering Prayer
Leader: Cindi Bryant
Every Monday on Zoom
7:00-7:45 a.m.
SPECIAL SERIES: God & Country
As the nation continues to commemorate its 250th-year anniversary, Grace invites the congregation and the community to join us in conversations about what it means to love both God and country, without confusing the two or diminishing either.
I. Presentation: What is Christian Nationalism and Why Isn't it Okay? (On Zoom; September 29, 2026; 7:00-8:30pm)
The Rev. Jimmie Hawkins, a longtime voice for justice and current Director of Advocacy and Witness for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), will discuss his new book In God We Trust: The Origins of Christian Nationalism. Rev. Hawkins will define Christian Nationalism and explore its theological dangers. The presentation will be followed by a Q & A.
II. Book Club: How to Be a Patriotic Christian (On Zoom; 3 sessions: 10/13, 10/27, 11/10; 7:00-8:30pm)
Following our conversation with Jimmie Hawkins, the church and community are invited to go deeper together in a book club exploring Richard Mouw's book How to Be a Patriotic Christian: Love of Country as Love of Neighbor. Mouw asks how Christians might hold genuine love of country alongside honest reckoning with its flaws, without slipping into either idolatry or cynicism and while putting their faith first. Participants will read designated sections of the book prior to each meeting. Bring your questions and your own wrestling; this is a space for thoughtful, grace-filled discussion, not easy answers. Meg Rogers and Linda Hitchens will lead the discussion.
Firepit Theology: Burning Questions
Facilitator: Nelson Thurman
Every other Tuesday: 10/6, 10/20, 11/3, 11/17; 7:00-8:30pm; Church lawn
Grace offers Firepit Theology seasonally, in the fall and spring. Join us around the firepit for fellowship, roasting marshmallows, and conversation about living out our faith in everyday life. We'll tackle ideas presented in the previous week’s sermon and some of the hot topics of the day.Bring a chair, a friend, questions, thoughts, ideas-- and enjoy a lively evening of conversation!
Parents' Friday Fellowship
OTHER OFFERINGS
Circle 6 (P
resbyterian Women)
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 United Through Christ, Bound to Each Other (First Corinthians). Contact Mary Helmantoler or the church office for the study book and more information.
Men's Fellowship
Facilitators: Rotating leadersMeetings: 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).
