Adult Formation
All Year
Education for Ministry helps participants answer the question, “What does life mean in relationship to God and my neighbor?” The course, which meets weekly, September to May, on a weekday morning, requires a year-long commitment. Designed by the University of the South School of Theology at Sewanee, Tenn., EFM includes Bible study, church history, and discussion of views of theologians. It also helps participants define their personal theological view and exercise their call to minister to the world. For more information, contact Libby Haile at 336-314-1022.
There are two adult Sunday school classes: Sunday Conversations that meets in Broome Hall and the Haywood Duke class. Both are open to all Holy Trinity members and visitors.
SUNDAY CONVERSATIONS Sundays 10:15 a.m. - 11 a.m., Broome Hall
This class welcomes adults of all ages, with or without children, single or families. During the year, classes will combine spiritual learning, Christian formation, parent or adult development, Bible study, and community building. While this class may have some didactic learning, it is intended to be experiential and interactive with time for conversation and community. We begin each week with coffee and light refreshments.
We will kick off the year on Sep. 8 with Coffee and Guided Conversation to build connection and get participants’ ideas and goals for Sunday Conversations. On Sep. 15, we begin the Richard Rohr/ Work of the People's series, Resurrection Now. Rohr says, “God comes to us as our lives,” so it is also true that wherever we go, there is also the gift of God. During this series, we will watch a short video exploring pertinent topics that are applicable to our faith and our lives. This will be followed by table reflection and a different spiritual practice each week such as the Examen, Lectio Divina, and Breath Prayer.
Watch the ePistle and Bulletin announcements as more plans unfold for the year.
HAYWOOD DUKE CLASS Sundays 10:15 a.m. - 11 a.m., Haywood Duke, on the dates listed.
Bearing Witness: Fr. David Umphlett will lead participants through Bearing Witness, which is a video-based program that shares the stories of people living in Palestine and Israel and the remarkable ministries of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem that bring hope and healing in this volatile part of the world. Sep. 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6
Three Modern Christian Poets: This brief series will feature three major poets of the modern era who struggled with faith and spirituality, ultimately finding ways to embrace spiritual uncertainty through the art of verse. Poetry can sometimes seem either too easy or too difficult—a Hallmark Card or a locked box with hidden meanings inside. Professor Tony Cuda will offer keys to reading the poems of T. S. Eliot, W. H. Auden, and Countee Cullen that make their work accessible, compelling, and memorable for students of all ages. Oct. 13, 20, 27
Fresco Paintings with Fr. Umphlett: Join Fr. Umphlett for a discussion of the fresco process and tradition. Learn about the well-known frescoes in the mountains of North Carolina painted by Ben Long beginning in the 1970s and continuing into the new millennium. On Saturday, Nov. 9, we will enjoy a day trip to West Jefferson, NC, Glendale Springs, NC, and Wilkesboro, NC to visit Mr. Long’s frescoes in situ. Sign up information will be available closer to the date of the day trip. Nov. 3
A Racially Informed History of the Episcopal Church: The Beloved Community Commission will present a series covering the history of racial injustice and inequity in The Episcopal Church at the national, diocesan, and local levels, including Holy Trinity. This series will feature guest speakers from the diocese and from other Episcopal churches in the area who have experience raising racial awareness within their own congregations. Nov. 10, 17, 24
Let’s Talk about Death: Preparing for a Good Death and Life: This course promotes an increased understanding of topics related to death and dying. The goal is to increase knowledge and confidence around the subject of death. This class welcomes all ages: 65+ or younger who may have a friend or an elderly parent approaching the end of life. Presenters: Mother Sarah Carver, Linda Snow, chaplain, and invited speakers. Jan. 12, 26, Feb. 2, 9
Intergenerational Service Day: Details TBA, Jan. 19
A Racially Informed History of the Episcopal Church: The Beloved Community Commission will present a series covering the history of racial injustice and inequity in the Episcopal Church at the national, diocesan, and local levels, including Holy Trinity. This series will feature guest speakers from the diocese and from other Episcopal churches in the area who have experience raising racial awareness within their own congregations. Feb. 16, 23, Mar. 2
Lenten Art & Music with The Rev. Dr. Jerry Beavers: During this series, we will be looking at how artists have portrayed some of the events of Holy Week and Easter, and how theology has influenced art and how, in turn, the art has influenced the Christian faith. Looking at paintings and noticing how the artists interpretated scripture will help us enrich our own understanding of the events around Easter. Mar. 9, 16, 23
Intergenerational BCP: The Rev. Dr. Louis Gallien will lead this series about how to read and utilize the Book of Common Prayer across generations for daily spiritual exercise. Mar. 30, Apr. 6, 13
Intergenerational Reading the Bible: The Rev. Dr. Sandie Gravett will lead discussions about how to read scripture from Anglican Tradition. Apr. 27, May 4, 11, 18