RESOURCES FOR INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP STUDIES
The NPPC Resource Center has undergone some rearranging. You will now find the reference section with the large print books and adult curriculum in Room 108 at the back of the Resource Center. The Children’s Library on the left has been expanded, and new books have been added to the notebook catalog on the desk. Drop by and check out what these resources have to offer.
As you may know there is a new movie about Mister Rogers. You will find on the display counter a couple of his books with advice on parenting and activities for kids. The more we learn about this wise man the more we want to know. Remember he was an ordained Presbyterian minister!
Speaking of wise, we have President Jimmy Carter’s new book,
Faith
. He writes, “The issue of faith arises in almost every area of human existence, so it is important to understand its multiple meanings. In this book, my primary goal is to explore the broader meaning of faith, its far-reaching effect on our lives, and its relationship to past, present, and future events in America and around the world.”
Imagination is another important aspect of wisdom, and for that I recommend Maryville native, Shane Claiborne’s
Beating Guns: Hope for People Who Are Weary of Violence
. This is a provocative look at gun violence in America and offers a clarion call to change our hearts regarding one of the most significant moral issues of our time. Claiborne and his co-writer Michael Martin show why Christians should be concerned about gun violence and how they can be part of the solution. The authors transcend stale rhetoric and old debates about gun control to offer a creative and productive response.
Podcast Recommendations:
On Being’s
interview with Ta-Nehisi Coates titled “Imagining a New America” has much to teach us, as well as
On Being’s
Richard Rohr’s, interview, “Growing up Men.” You can find both of these and many others at
onbeing.org
.
SPECIAL EVENTS
CLIMATE SERIES. Following the special presentation on Sept. 29
th
by award-winning activist and public theologian, Jim Antal, author of
Climate Church, Climate World
, NPPC will host a more in-depth study. These studies will occur on Sundays October 6
th
-November 3
rd
in Eastminster Hall. The public is welcome so invite your friends!
CEMETERY TOUR Save the date for the second New Providence Cemetery Tour to be held Saturday, October 26
th
from 3-6 p.m. Registration will begin online on September 30
th
via the New Providence website (
http://newprovidencepres.org/cemeterytours
). Those attending will park at the church and catch a bus to the cemetery. Buses will leave every 15 minutes. There will be eight stops on the tour. The cost is $15 per person: proceeds will go to a fund to repair the cemetery retaining wall. For more information, contact Kate Clabough (
kateclabough@gmail.com
, 865-256-2329.
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
NPPC currently offers five adult Sunday school classes, and if you've never had the opportunity to check out what this exciting area of adult education ministry has to offer, I encourage you to come and give us a try. We have groups for a variety of interests, life stages, and learning styles, so come check us out! All classes meet on Sunday morning at 10 a.m. in the following locations:
Disciples - The Disciples class studies the four Revised Common Lectionary texts for the current Sunday with a focus on the context of the passages, the implications of the original Hebrew and Greek languages, the history of how these passages have been interpreted by the church over the centuries, and some questions designed to lead us into insights and appreciation for these scriptures. This class, which is currently using the Feasting on the Word curriculum and other lectionary-based resources, is led by a rotating team of teachers and meets in Eastminster Hall. Class contact is Jack Jackson.(
jjack9912@gmail.com
).
Faith and Culture - The Faith and Culture Class seeks God at the intersection of our faith and the issues of everyday living. Our discussion format allows an honest and meaningful grappling with theology and modern society. Through studies of challenging and spirit-uplifting books and other media, we expand our knowledge and understanding of God and ask the question: How does our life impact our faith and vice versa? We support and encourage one another in works of service. Our view of God expands with every conversation The class is currently studying
Holy Envy: Finding God in
it the Faith of Others
by Barbara Brown Taylor. Taylor recounts finding the sacred in unexpected places while teaching the world’s religions to undergraduates in rural Georgia, revealing how God delights in confounding our expectations. We meet in Room 109 in the back of the resource center. Class contacts are Bill Savell (
bjsavell@gmail.com
) and Teal Willoughby (
willow1teal@yahoo.com
).
Seekers of Seven - The Seekers cover a wide range of topics from the study of Scripture to books on theology, faith, and Christian responses to current issues. The class is taught by members and is primarily discussion-based. Currently we are listening to the NPR podcast
White Lies
. In 1965, Rev. James Reeb was murdered in Selma, Alabama. Three men were tried and acquitted, but no one was ever held to account. Fifty years later, two journalists from Alabama return to the city where it happened and uncover a story about guilt and memory that says as much about America today as it does about the past. The podcast weaves in the major events of the civil rights era along with the reactions of those living during this time. Most importantly the story causes us as a community of faith to consider where we fit in this story. The class meets in the Parlor and would love to have new folks join us any time. Class contact is Cynthia Freeman (
cpfree4@bellsouth.net
).
Pathfinders - The Pathfinders is a group of mostly 30s-50s who enjoy a conversation/discussion format, often focusing on the relationship between Christian teachings, scripture and current publications. The class meets in Room 202 in the Westminster Wing, and they are currently reading
What’s so Amazing about Grace?
By Philip Yancey. This topic of “grace” might be one that transcends many topics because of its relevancy not only in our daily lives but in the near and far world around us. Come and join us as we wrestle with tough topics in a messy, imperfect way. Contact person is Nick Bradford (
nickbbradford@gmail.com
)
The Rest of Us - The Rest of Us class is a diverse group of adults-single, married, young children at home, grandchildren, lifelong Presbyterians, new Presbyterians, and those still seeking. Through discussion and study, the class seeks to develop a faith that is active in our world. Our curriculum transitions between book studies, lectionary-based studies, and faith-related current event They are currently studying the online devotional
In the Presence of God
by Dr. R.C. Sproul. This class meets in Room 206 on the third floor of the main building. Contact person and teacher is Walt Greene. (
jenifer.greene69@yahoo.com
).
SMALL GROUP STUDY OPPORTUNITIES
The Women’s Study Group is currently reading
Grateful: The Subversive
Practice of Giving Thanks
by Diana Butler Bass. They meet on the second and fourth Mondays at 7:00 in the church parlor. All women of the church are welcome, and we urge you to come and bring a friend. Contact person is Renee Nasrollahi. (
reneenasro@aol.com
)
Men’s Study Group meets on Monday mornings at Vienna Coffee and continues their exploration of lectionary texts. The group is currently being led by individual members.
Men’s Square meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays in the youth room at 8:30 a.m. This group of men have an informal gathering for fellowship, Bible study, prayer and spiritual growth. Contact person is Bill White. (
laxbillw@gmail.com
)
Women’s Circle Bible Study is currently in a terrific study by Eugenia Gamble titled
Love Carved in Stone: A Fresh Look at the Ten
Commandments
. Join one of the women’s circles that meets each month and/or join Dr. Peggy Cowan on the 4th Wednesday of each month at 9:00 as she trains the circle Bible study leaders.
Pub(lic) Theology meets at the Public House on High Street. They gather at 5:30 and session begins at 6:00 for one hour. This is open to all interested folks and explores a variety of current topics. It is a free-wheeling discussion about current events, trends, personal experiences, and (most of all) how we respond to those as people of faith. This year Publ(lic) Theology has a slightly different structure: each month features a guest or two who will lead a discussion on “What I wish ______Knew about _____.
