This class, oriented toward parents of school age children and teens, will be taking a deep dive this Fall into a rich resource exploring some of the essential teachings of our faith using the book Flourishing on the Edge of Faith by Andrew DeCort PhD. Books for all participants will be provided by the Adult Ministry committee. 

Contact Liz Forney Liz.Forney@gmail.com 

if you have any questions. 

The United States, the richest country on earth, has more poverty than any other advanced democracy. Why? Why does this land of plenty allow one in every eight of its children to go without basic necessities, permit scores of its citizens to live and die on the streets, and enable its corporations to pay poverty wages?  We will explore these questions, first as Jay Sanderford leads us in a consideration of Matthew Desmond’s book, Poverty, by America.  Desmond’s book exposes the realities of poverty in America through compelling individual stories.  He gives us a compassionate way, as people of faith, to imagine solutions to a morally urgent problem.  Presentations from four respected Charlottesville community leaders will then immerse the class in the most pressing local matters.  Eddie Howard, Executive Director of Abundant Life Ministries; Kelly Eplee of Habitat for Humanity; Jane Colony Mills, Executive Director of Loaves and Fishes; and Judy Smith, the former Executive Director of the Child Health Partnership.  A special conversation about poverty, race and hope through the lens of Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman will be led by Gordon Lindsay.  The class’s goal is to find a path to faithful action and advocacy. 

“For nothing will be impossible with God.” [Luke 1:37]   Faith does not make things easy; it makes them possible.  What does faith look like when things are not easy?   Have you ever found yourself saying " What about faith NOW?"  We will be looking at the six essentials of faith:  love, presence, grace, hope, gratitude, and purpose as described in Savannah Guthrie's newest book, Mostly What God Does.  We will also explore Kate Bowler's emotional and inspiring story of finding faith in God, in family, and in oneself through her experience of surviving stage 4 cancer.  We'll reference her two books, Everything Happens For a Reason: (And Other Lies I've Loved) and No Cure For Being Human (And Other Truths I Need to Hear).   What are these "Lies" and "Truths" and how do they help us answer the question "What About Faith NOW?"  Purchase of the books mentioned is not necessary. 

Join the pastors and the Deacons’ New Member Team Sunday mornings for a time to learn more about the life, governance, and community service at First Pres. Open to all current and prospective church members. Sessions are held on September 15, 22, and 29. The last session will be before the joint worship service on October 6 as new members are received by the Session.   

Contact: New Member Committee chair Brooke Lambert brookem.slp@gmail.com