IDLEWILD CHURCH ACTIVITIES

 The class meets on Wednesday mornings from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. in the Jones Building (the newer building) of Idlewild Presbyterian Church. Room 303 West.

 A nursery will be provided, as needed, to assist those with children. To register for childcare, please contact Brenda Harris, 726-4681 or mailto:brenda@idlewildchurch.org

 September 16 – November 4: Parables: Stories for Life, led by Martha Kelly. Most biblical scholars agree that the parables are among the most authentic words of Jesus. These intriguing, memorable metaphors were a favorite method of communication of Jesus. When we understand them at their most profound levels, the parables continue to startle, comfort, challenge and transform us. 

 Each student purchases a study guide for $16. The recommended Bible for the study is The New Interpreter’s Study Bible with the Apocrypha (Abingdon) which may be purchased at a discounted price through the church. To register and purchase study guide, please contact Brenda Harris, 726-4681 or brenda@idlewildchurch.org.

 November 18 – December 16: Celtic Christianity, led by Ernest Kelly. Along with Roman Christianity in the West and the Orthodox Churches of the East, Celtic Christianity once constituted a third distinct branch of the Christian world. During the darkest parts of the post Roman era, the island monasteries preserved classical and Biblical learning as well as their own rich heritage of Celtic legend and art. Their missions revived Christianity across northern Europe and even founded houses south of the Alps. Ultimately, after being hammered by the Vikings, they were absorbed into the powerful sphere of the Roman church. However,  they left a fine tradition of learning, humor and grace, along with a striking appreciation for the role of women.

 January 6–February 10: Jesus Through the Centuries Led by Dr. Lucie Bridgforth. "Each epoch has found its own thoughts in Jesus and created him in its own image," said Albert Schweitzer. For two millenniaJesus, far from being a static figure, has been “most variously” interpreted and understood. Drawing from the book Jesus Through the Centuries: His PLace in The History of Culture by Yale professor Jaroslav Pelikan, this class will examine the “kaleidoscopic variety” of artisticand literary portrayals of Jesus in historical context, ranging from 1st century rabbi to medieval monk to 20th century liberator. The book is available from Amazon (paper $12; illustrated hardback $25).

WE WILL NOT MEET ON FEBRUARY 17th.

February 24–April 14: Sowing Tears, Reaping Joy: The Bible and Braham’s Requiem. This study follows the famous “German Requiem” on a tour of Biblical prompts about death, grief, the brevity of life, and faith for here and hereafter. Through music and Scripture, we movefrom graveside to grieving, from the challenges of self reflection to new perspectives and hope beyond. Led by Don Monteith.

April 21–May 5: Short Stories of Southern Literature and Christianity. Flannery O’Connor once observed that while the South “is hardly Christ-centered, it most certainly is Christ-haunted.” See how this theme plays out in a selection of shortstories from O’Connor, William Faulkner, Lee Smith and others. Led by Jim Cole