SEEKERS/CITADEL CLASS Location: Room 36

The Latest on Galations (Sept. 7 – Oct. 14)  Recent currents of thought are shedding light on the study and interpretation of Galatians. Fresh studies on 1st century Judaism and the whole sphere of ancient Hebrew and rabbinic ideas helps us see Paul as a truly Jewish thinker. The latest opening of ancient texts helps us to know what the church fathers said about Galatians and Paul’s other letters in the New Testament. Finally, the contribution of Martin Luther, who called Galatians his “Katy,” (name of his wife), cannot be overlooked.
Leadership: Larry Sharp

Sharing African Stories With the Seekers  (Oct. 28) The Haymes feel they are seekers, seekers of God’s work and will for them. Who are our neighbors and how can we tell? As the stories unfold through the work of the Presbyterian Church in Africa, we will learn to listen to our hearts. 
Leadership: Cherry and David Haymes

Presbyterian Churches in the USA  (Nov. 4- 25) – In Fellowship Hall with Genesis II   
This course will cover the story of how the northern and southern branches finally reunited, and of how Presbyterian and Reformed communions have divided and reunited many times since the beginnings during the Protestant Reformation in the 1500’s. We will also talk about the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, including some interesting facts about NorthPark Church, which was for years the only northern Presbyterian church in this southern city.
Leadership: Larry Sharp

Missing the Cut: Why the Gnostic aren’t part of the gospels we know (Dec. 2–23) The class will take a look at the missing books of the Bible, some of the “gospels” that early Christians knew but which didn’t make it into the New Testament. We will consider particularly the Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of Judas, using Elaine Pagels’ and Bart Ehrman’s books as the basic references.
Leadership: Evan Thomas
(This class includes, in general, older adults (70+) 
       
ST. ANDREWS CLASS Location: Room 37

How We Got Our Bible: A History of the Old and New Testaments  (Sept. 9-29)
The class will review and discuss the origins, development and transmission of both Old and New Testaments. We will also trace the development of the Bible in English. If time permits, we may touch on the time between the testaments, non-canonical writings, and discuss ways of interpreting the scriptures in the Reformed Tradition.
Leadership: Walter Dunlap

The Old Testament: A Source of Wonder (Oct. 7-21) Amy-Jill Levine is a Jewish scholar who is the New Testament professor at Vanderbilt. Well-known for her Biblical scholarship and sense of humor, she will present in a dvd series an intriguing presentation of OT stories and how they tell us about the ancient Israelites and also about who we once were. These lessons will lead into the next study on Samuel.
Leadership: various class members

First and Second Samuel (Nov. 4 – Dec. 23) This will be a study of key verses from I and II Samuel. We will look at the history and theology of these two books of the Old Testament and try to connect this background with our own ethical and spiritual life.
Leadership: George Brashear and Marilyn Daily
(The class includes, in general, ages from mid-50’s to mid-70’s)   

GENESIS II CLASS Location: Fellowship Hall

Humor in the Bible  (Sept. 9 – Oct. 7) This class will have fun looking at the ironies and humor we sometimes miss in our Bible stories. The two main resources used for the class will be Elton Trueblood’s classic “The Humor of Christ” and Doug Adams’ “The Prostitute in the Family Tree.”
Leadership: Wayne Anderson

The War in Iraq (Oct. 14 - 21) The class will look at a brief history of the region now know as Iraq, and consider the various positions regarding our current military actions in Iraq and possible outcomes of U.S. efforts to turn the country into a stable government. A focus of class discussion will be to acknowledge the very divided viewpoints on this war and how we justify those viewpoints from a Christian perspective, rather than trying to come to agreement. Reading materials will be provided.
Leadership: Richard Snider

Hezbollah, Israel, and Lebanon (Oct. 28) This will be a brief review of the complicated pattern of religion, politics and recent history in the Middle East. What are the ethical and theological dilemmas in the conflict?
Leadership: Nick Harper

Presbyterian Churches in the USA  (Nov. 4- 25) – In Fellowship Hall with Seekers (Description is above under Seekers/Citadel Class)
Leadership: Larry Sharp

Marking Time: Growing Faith (Dec. 2-9) Our lives are frantic around holiday times….Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter. Secular and holy themes get mixed together and we often overlook God’s time of wonder and awe. Let’s spend two Sundays experiencing the story of our faith, so we can celebrate and rejoice in God’s great love for us.
Leadership: Sally Brown

Medical Ethics (Dec. 16) The complexities of medical care these days can be staggering. What ethical principles can help us in understanding the tough moral questions arising in contemporary medicine and health care?
Leadership: Dr. Reed Click

Caring for People with Alzheimers (Dec. 23) How do persons caring for those with Alzheimers disease care for themselves, and how can congregations support those who are responsible for that care?
Leadership: Nick Harper
(The Genesis II class includes, in general, ages 40 – 55+)

HORIZONS CLASS Location: Small Dining Room

Great Themes of the Bible (Sept. 9 – Nov. 18) This course is based on a new series developed by the PC(USA) on important themes and concepts in the Bible. The hope of the author, Professor Eugene March, is that his book will lead to a greater understanding of scripture, an appreciation of the relationship between Old and New Testaments, and a common foundation toward more faithful discipleship.
Leadership: John Miller, Sally Brown, Jann Treadwell
LIFE TOGETHER (Nov. 25 – Dec. 23) The class will be joined by Crossroads. Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s classic, “Life Together,” gives practical advice on how life together in Christ can be sustained in families and groups. The roles of personal prayer, worship in common, everyday work, and Christian service are presented in clear ways. The class will explore and discuss the concepts of Community, Prayer, Ministry, Confession and Communion.
Leadership: Anita Peterson                 
(The Horizons class includes, in general, mid-30’s – 50+)   

VISIONS CLASS Location: Room 35

(Note: For over a year Visions has departed from traditional lecture classes in favor of discussion-oriented sessions led by class members. The hope is to foster lively discussion, engaged study, connection of the material with our daily lives, and deeper connections with one another.  Our focus will be on Bible study and spirituality.  Reading material will be available for each study, but reading is not required for participation. Our flexible schedule is intended to allow discussion to expand around points of interest as we discover them.  Participants can receive schedule updates by attending, or by participating in our email group.  For information on the email group and how to obtain reading materials, contact class coordinator John Gattis:  john@fmi-dallas.com or 214.824.6021.)

The Book of Revelation  (Sept. 9 – Dec. 23) This discussion class will be delving into the mysteries of the Book of Revelation. While we will try to understand some of the extravagant images and symbols, we ultimately will wish to uncover the beauty and hope that God offers to us in his ultimate triumph over the evil in our lives and in the world.
Leadership: Keri and Shannon McCall
(This class includes, in general, early 30’s – mid-40’s)

CROSSROADS CLASS Location: Conference Room

Real Followers (Sept. 9 – Nov. 18) This book by the Rev. Michael Slaughter focuses on the importance of demonstrating our faith….not just replicating faith or proclaiming faith. The values he lifts up include community, pastoral and hands-on ministry, authenticity, and relational Christianity. We are challenged to be responsible ultimately to God for being carriers of God to others rather than relying on clergy to do that.
Leadership: Jann Treadwell, Ron and Judy Gordon, James Wilson   
(This class includes, in general, singles from ages 21-34)

Life Together (Nov. 25 – Dec. 23) The class will join Horizons in the Small Dining Room for this session.  Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s classic, “Life Together,” gives practical advice on how life together in Christ can be sustained in families and groups. The roles of personal prayer, worship in common, everyday work, and Christian service are presented in clear ways. The class will explore and discuss the concepts of Community, Prayer, Ministry, Confession and Communion.
Leadership: Anita Peterson                 
(This class includes, in general, those from ages 21-34)

THE LIVING BRANCHES CLASS Location: Bride’s Room

Many are looking for ways to deepen their relationship with God by practicing their faith in everyday life. For all of fall this class will be using Practicing Your Faith by Dorothy Bass and others. This multi-denomina-tional collection of topics show how we can shape a faithful way of life during challenging times at work, at home, and in the community. The book explores the stuff of everyday life, placing ordinary activities in a biblical and historical context, and discovering in them opportunities to realize God’s active presence in life.
Leadership: Bonnie Cavin

 “COME AND SEE” MEMBERSHIP CLASS  (Oct. 7 -  28) Location: Parlor

This course is designed for those who have recently united with NorthPark, those who are considering uniting with our congregation, and current members who may want a refresher course on what it means to be a Christian of the Presbyterian persuasion. Participants will get a general overview of the Presbyterian Church (USA), information about our beliefs and polity, as well as more information about NorthPark Presbyterian Church in particular.
Leadership: Dr. John Miller and Rev. Sally Brown



           
** For further information or questions, contact Jann Treadwell at jtreadwell@northparkpresbyterian.org