Faith Formation classes are every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Regular Worship times are Sundays at 8:30 a.m. in the McBrier Chapel and 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary. The theme for this year is “Walk the Walk.” Here’s a look at the new programming year 2019-2020 and the schedule of classes this fall:
Pre-K through 5th Grade: Each week, children from the age of 4 through the 5th grade will gather together in the Reed Chapel for music with Mr. Montgomery Service from 9:30-10:00 a.m. This fall, they will learn the Books of the New Testament through song, music they will sing for worship with the adult and youth choirs, and the music for our annual children and youth led Christmas service in December. From 10:00 -10:30 a.m., children will experience important stories of the Bible through activities such as art, cooking, technology, and more through the Spark Bible Curriculum in the Jr. High Lounge!
Middle School: Join us every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in the Sr. High Lounge for Echo the Story! If you are in 6th-8th Grade, you will love digging deeper into Scripture by watching videos and journaling your way through the Old and New Testaments. Highly-rated by our Faith Formation teachers and students, this is a series you don’t want to miss as you read the stories like never before.
High School: You never know what topic you will discuss in this class on any given Sunday! For students in 9th-12th grade, we will look at how knowing the story of our faith applies to the rest of our lives. Nothing is off limits in this class. This year we will be taking a crack at The Reason for God series by Tim Keller, T.B.D. (Think. Believe. Do.) Series: Bible, Mission, Salvation, and more. See you in the Campus Ministry Office!
Adults: This year there is something for everyone! From our classes that last all year long to our new short rotation class, we will be covering a variety of topics.
*Pastor’s Class ~ meets every week in the Fidelis Room. Pastor Chris will be kicking off the fall with a study of the Book of Revelation. This is a discussion-based class that involves some video from time to time.
*Exodus: From Slavery to Covenant Relationship ~ Bill Holmes is back teaching this lecture and discussion-based class in Room 313. Based on the work of Eugene Peterson and others, Mr. Holmes wants to change your perspective on this Old Testament book.
*The Challenge of Paul ~ Join Rob Baker as he dives into the world of the Apostle Paul through the work of John Dominic Crossan. This class will explore who the Apostle Paul was, what world he lived in, and what message he sought to bring through video lectures by Crossan and material from Crossan and N.T. Wright. Rob Baker has everything you need to be a part of this discussion group.
Rotation Class:
The Christian Education Committee believe that there was something missing from our menu of Faith Formation classes. More often than not, our three Faith Formation classes for adults last longer than two months on one topic and if you miss a month, you feel out of the loop! So, this year we are trying a new class that changes topics every 6-8 weeks for those of you who may be able to only spend a short time in Faith Formation each fall and spring.
* Faith & Finance: You Can’t AFFORD To Miss This! ~ a class taught by Greg Cooper will explore how to faithfully save, spend, and give generously by using passages from Scripture to lead the discussion and think differently about the one thing we use everyday–$$. Side-note: Greg has been binge-watching Undercover Billionaire that was filmed right here in Erie…I wonder how this will factor into the class! September 15-October 27*
Dialogues ON: Refugee Crisis: A new series from Sparkhouse explores controversial topics through DVD and discussion. Seph Kumer, the Director of Community Engagement will lead us through this difficult conversation that involves more than just politics—who really is my neighbor? November 3-December 15
Women & The Word: This diverse group of women meets every Tuesday beginning September 10 at 7:00 p.m. in the parlor. This year we will kick off our discussion on Texts of Terror from the Bible based on the work of Phyllis Trible. In this study, we will explore the stories from Scripture that contain violence against women & children. How do we faithfully read them? Why are these stories included in our Holy Scripture? Where is God? There is nothing to prepare—just bring a Bible and a friend for an evening filled with meaningful discussion. Snacks and drinks are welcome, but not required!
Wednesday Morning Bible Study: Join us every week from 10:30-11:30 a.m. this fall for a study of Revelations beginning September 11. Each week we will start our time together with a Psalm as we continue our reading of the Book of Psalms and then dive into the Book of Revelations. On September 18, we will welcome P.C.(USA) Peacemaker Moon-Sook Lee, an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea (PROK). She has been an active ecumenical advocate for gender justice including the full participation of women in the church, and in society, the eradication of sexual violence and sex-trafficking, ecological justice, and peace and reconciliation on the Korean peninsula. We will spend our hour together exploring peacemaking—come with open minds and lots of questions for our peacemaker!
Connections Dinners: Every Wednesday starting September 11 from 5:15 to 7:00 p.m., enjoy a meal prepared by Jackie Jones complete with a salad, entree and dessert. Join us as we gather around tables with our families, Gannon students and friends in the community. This is an inter-generational event. Every week, there will be a presentation, service project, or discussion to deepen our lives of faith!
Friday Men’s Group: The men meet at 7:00 a.m. in the First Covenant Parlor. Usually this group focuses their discussion around a book. Call or text Seph Kumer at 814.566.0287 for more details.
