Lake Nokomis Presbyterian Church: Study & Learning

Adult Education - Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m.:

October and November: Saving the World... God's work? Ours? maybe ours, with God's help and guidance. Look at examples of past civilizations as we read/explore together Jared Diamond's books Collapse (book form) and Guns, Germs, and Steel (using DVD).

Opportunities for study at LNPC include Sunday morning classes, occasional book or movie discussion groups, a Presbyterian Women's circle, study segments of overnight youth events, and an intergenerational All-Church Retreat at Clearwater Retreat Center each year.

Sunday mornings are for learning as well as worship, with learning opportunities for all ages at 9 a.m., prior to the 10:30 worship service. Often, the two hours are tied together in various ways.

Children in the pre-school and elementary groups use hands-on learning to explore the scripture around which the worship service is created each Sunday morning, using the curriculum "Seasons of the Spirit."

Classes do not meet during the summer months.

Older elementary and junior high youth are currently on hiatus. Historically, their study prepares them to confirm their baptismal vows through a series of classes and activities on Sunday mornings. Individualized instruction offers both a course of study suited to the learner, and the supportive interaction of group discussion and activity. Topics include Presbyterian worship, sacraments, polity, and beliefs; a survey of the Christian bible; elements of Christian life and spiritual practice; and a variety of other questions raised by the youth themselves.

Adult education, including any high school youth who wish to participate, focuses on various topics, ranging from Bible studies to current issues of social justice.

Past topics for adult education include:

Viewing and discussion of the video series "Battle for the Bible" - a look into the religeo-politics of the Reformation era.

Exploring the Jewish roots of Christianity,including an introduction to the Torah taught by Paul Capetz of United Theological Seminary, a discussion series guided by Bill Moyers' videotapes on "Genesis: A Living Conversation," a series on the current conflict between Israel and Palestine led by both Presbyterian and Jewish leaders in the community.

Exploration of basic Presbyterian belief, guided by the book "Christian Doctrine" by Shirley Guthrie and led by theologically trained teachers from the Twin Cities Presbyterian community, including Paul Capetz of the United Theological Seminary faculty.
Viewing and discussion faith topics as presented in PBS series videotapes, including "Faith and Doubt at Ground Zero" and "Martin Luther."
"Body Prayers" Stretching, walking, washing, relaxing, feasting & fasting, all as forms of prayer.
"Faith Stories & the Inviting Church" invited participants to articulate their own faith stories, the stories of the faith and of the congregation, and explore how we might share those stories within the wider community.

The fourth Wednesday of many months during the year is devoted to study for the Presbyterian Women of LNPC. The group uses the Bible Study of Presbyterian Women/PC(USA), which in 2007 is "In the Beginning: Perspectives on Genesis."

The All-Church Retreat takes about half of the worshiping congregation to Presbyterian Clearwater Forest near Garrison, MN, for an intergenerational weekend of worship, fellowship, learning and fun! Topics in recent years have included the Christian Mystics, Images of God, Creativity and Community. The next retreat will be held Spring 2008.