Sundays, January 4–April 26 at 10:05am

Several of our clergy lead engaging Sunday school classes each week during the fall semester. From deepening our understanding of Scripture to crafting a faithful patterns with our families, we offer a broad and exciting range of classes to foster learning and growth on Sunday mornings. Newcomers are welcome in our classes at any time!

 

Adult Confirmation & Anglican Christianity

Led by the Rev. Dr. David Barr

Hampton Hall

When you become a confirmed Episcopalian, you step into one of Christianity’s largest global traditions. To be confirmed is not only a way to visibly affirm one’s place within the people of God across the globe and time, it is also a way of receiving a whole new story—a rich inheritance of theology, worship, song, and liturgical practice. In short, it is a way of being Christian that has endured for many centuries and has given hope and endurance to millions. We invite you to attend classes with us this winter and spring and to consider whether you are being called to make an outward commitment of your faith through confirmation. We welcome people from any faith tradition, even Episcopalians simply looking for a refresher on the Anglican faith.

To learn more or to register for confirmation, click here or contact Martha Rodes at 615-385-2150 x 249.

The Great High Priest & the Promise of God

Led by the Rev. Zachary Berry

Johnson Hall

Dive into Hebrews chapter by chapter—one of the most powerful and theologically rich books in the New Testament. Together we’ll explore faith, apostasy, how New Testament writers read the Old Testament, and the stunning priestly ministry of Christ. This class will be impactful for seasoned students of Scripture and first-time readers alike.

 

Theology in the Gallery: Exploring Shalom in Color & Form

Led by Dr. Christina Carnes Ananias with the Rev. Joe Ananias

Legacy Hall

This Spring, the Bradford Gallery is premiering a new exhibition of colorful and joy-filled paintings by the artist Joel Schoon-Tanis. Our class will take these riotous works as points of departure for spiritual and theological reflection. The paintings, which sometimes take a child’s-eye-view, center on the concept of shalom — the peace and wholeness that only God can give. The paintings explore shalom in various ways, from references to the Edenic shalom of Genesis to Jesus’ description of shalom in his parables of the kingdom. Join us as we consider God’s promise of shalom in color and form.

 

Parenting Series: The Voice of the Heart

Begins January 11

Led by the Rev. Sarah Puryear

Dandridge Hall (upstairs)

This semester we’ll begin by reading The Voice of the Heart by Dr. Chip Dodd and considering the ways that our God-given emotions allow us to connect more fully to ourselves, each other, and God. This book focuses on eight core emotions and invites us to learn from and respond to them in healthy and wholesome ways. Join us as we discuss what this means for our children. Our class includes time for teaching, conversation, and fellowship with other parents.

Seniors & Grandparents Forum

Led by the Rev. Richard Kew

Room 218

The Seniors and Grandparents Forum is a setting in which we can explore the opportunities and challenges for ourselves and our families in this later chapter of our lives. We meet for fellowship and conversation. This is sometimes hilarious and sometimes serious, but it is always a rich environment that seeks to ask and answer questions Christians find ourselves dealing with in our golden years. Whether you come once in a while or every week, you are always welcome.

Christ: The Power of God

Led by the Ven. Dr. Martin Odidi

Room 202

The Apostle Paul preached Christ to the Gentiles as the power of God. What does this mean for us today, and how does this enhance and enrich our daily walk in the faith as Christians?

 

Ethics, Theology & Conversation

Facilitated by Church Members

Conference Room (upstairs)

ETC is a discussion-based class for those who prefer lively group conversation on Sunday mornings. To examine the changing religious landscape of the country, we will start the semester with the late Phyllis Tickle’s book The Great Emergence: How Christianity is Changing and Why and end by considering the book America’s Best Idea: The Separation of Church and State by Randall Balmer.