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Adult Education Opportunities

The adult education programs of Fourth Church provide short-term and ongoing education for our members, friends of the church, and the wider community, through both in-person and Zoom options.

Video Archive of Past Adult Education Classes
Top Ten Bible Podcast

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Tom Are Bible Study
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CURRENT CLASS OFFERINGS

If you want to tap into the rich resources of previous classes, simply click on this link to find all the adult education classes that were recorded.

Spiritual Resources for Resilience, Respect, and Resistance:
A Workshop
Saturday, February 22
9:00 a.m. in Borwell Dining Room
Register

This Saturday morning workshop, led by pastoral staff, follows on the recently concluded Sunday morning class “Resilience, Resistance, Reconciliation: Being Church in Uncertain Times.”

Our time together will include guided meditations; teachings about how our bodies handle emotional traumas and the healing responses we can foster; and an introduction to the idea of “Micro Activism” and how we can have a positive impact on things we care about.

Book Discussion of James by Percival Everett
Sundays, February 16 and 23, March 2
11:00 a.m. in Borwell Dining Room and via Zoom
Register

Led by Jeff Doane, former Fourth Associate Pastor, and John Clum, retired Duke University English Professor.  

Percival Everett’s James is a critically-acclaimed and best-selling retelling of Mark Twain’s classic The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn through the eyes of the runaway slave, Jim. We will discuss how Twain’s Jim differs from Everett’s Jim, as well as the ways in which James turns Twain’s novel into a work that makes the reader examine their own feelings about race. How does this relate to us as members of Fourth Church?

Comparing the Gospels
Sundays, March 9, 16, and 23
11:00 a.m. in Borwell Dining Room and via Zoom
Register

Led by Matt Helms, Associate Pastor for Children, Family, and Welcoming Ministries

This class will explore each of the four Gospels, comparing and contrasting the unique lenses each writer brings to the life and teachings of Jesus, allowing us to expand our understanding of Jesus’ ministry. 

Arts and Culture: Flowers and Liturgy
Sunday, March 30
11:00 a.m. in Borwell Dining Room and via Zoom
Register

Led by Shawn Fiedler, Major Gift Officer
Joined by Will Nifong and Colin Collete, Mangel Florist Owners

During this season of Lent, flowers play a significant role in Christian liturgy.

Rev. Shawn Fiedler will lead this session as we discuss the symbolism of particular flowers in Scripture and Theology.

We will also be joined by Will Nifong and Colin Collete, owners of Mangel Florist, to discern what meaning congregants draw from floral displays during holiday periods as well as ordinary time. 

Videos of the Bible Study with Tom Are

During the pandemic, Tom Are wrote a short book, Joy Even on Your Worst Days, which he calls “a preacher’s read of Philippians.”

Using the book as a guide, in autumn 2024 Tom led us in exploring the letter of Philippians, the most joyful writing in the Bible even though it was written while Paul was in prison.

You can view the four presentations from the Bible study here:

Video of Session 1
Video of Session 2
Video of Session 3
Video of Session 4

Give Us Your Input

To make an inquiry for information or to send evaluative comments, or to suggest a future course offering, email the Adult Education office.

Recommendation Form for a class or speaker
Proposal Form to submit a class of your own for consideration

Staff/Contact Information

Matt Helms
Associate Pastor for Children, Family, and Welcoming Ministries
Email

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