Young Adult Ministry
Young Adults make up nearly a third of the membership at Idlewild Presbyterian Church. (Visit our facebook page to see who you might be sitting with on Sunday mornings). From worship to talking God at the pub, from dissecting the Big Questions of our time to contemplating scripture to serving our community, there’s a lot to do here that can draw you closer to God.
For more info about young adult opportunities at Idlewild contact:
Casey Thompson
Associate Pastor for Congregational Life
726-4681 ext. 18
casey@idlewildchurch.org
Sunday Morning Classes
These classes are designed for young adults but open to anyone. Regular classes meet Sunday from 9:40 to 10:40 a.m. from September through May. Visitors are most welcome!
THE PRODIGALS: Luke from the Underside
Jones Bldg. 303W
For people who don't do faith like others do faith. Anne and Casey bring their imaginative and playful reading styles from the Big Questions class to the Gospel according to Luke. Join them if you're interested in interpreting scripture in a new way, if you're interested in laughter, if your're interested in getting slapped upside the head from God when you least expect it. No experience necessary, but participation is. Designed for young adults. Open to everyone. Led by Anne Apple, Parish Associate, and Casey Thompson, Associate Pastor.
PATHFINDERS
Jones Bldg. 303W
Open dialogue in a warm and friendly environment is encouraged. The Bible is studied in relation to theological and current religious issues, civic and ethical concerns in our community and issues related to parenting. Primarily folks in their 30’s and 40’s, mostly with children.
A COVENANT CONVERSATION
Jones Bldg. 302W
The Bible Says What? This class reads the Bible together with the aim of understanding how the historical contexts in which its stories arose affect its meaning for today. They ask three questions together: What did it mean when it happened? What did it mean when it was written down? What does it mean now? Open to all. Some young adults are regular attendees. Led by Kendra Hotz, Department of Religious Studies, Rhodes College.
Offerings During the Week
THEOLOGY ON TAP
Come join in the age-old tradition of young adults enjoying a good conversation over a good drink. No theological training necessary. All viewpoints welcomed! Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month, 8:00 p.m. at Zinnie's East.
DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDIES
Interested in a long-term, in-depth study of the Bible? Disciple is the way to go. Mixing scholarship with wisdom for living, the disciple program takes you through the Bible over a nine-month period. These intergenerational groups welcome young adults. For details about Disciple study groups contact Gayle Walker at gwalker@idlewildchurch.org.
Fellowship Opportunities
DINNER GROUPS
Both young adult specific and intergenerational, meet either monthly or quarterly for food and fun (one even has childcare available!). Some meet in-home but most are in restaurants. Great way for new folks to meet some people! Contact Casey at casey@idlewildchurch.org if you are interested.
YOUNG PROFESSIONAL WOMEN
This informal group for young women in their late twenties/early thirties meets monthly for Bible study and spiritual formation, providing a relaxed and caring environment for fellowship and reflection. Location and times changes. Contact Gayle Walker at gwalker@idlewildchurch.org for more information.
MOMS WITH YOUNG CHILDREN CHRISTCARE GROUP
Another informal group of mothers with young children that meet twice a month for fellowship and study. Recently, this Christcare group has studied parenting, marriage, and prayer. An open group. Contact casey@idlewildchurch.org for more information.
Serving God and Your Community
Idlewild has multiple ways to serve God and your community. For a brief description of each, visit here.
Two outreach ministries in particular are well suited for young adults to try their hand at:
MORE THAN A MEAL (MTAM)
A typical Thursday evening at MTAM begins when guests join members in setting up tables and making coffee. Members and guests then sit together at circular tables and are served dinner. Everyone participates in a program which consists of singing and prayer using written prayer requests of both members and guests. MTAM guests often volunteer to read scripture, make announcements, sing, or recite original poetry. Members can choose to sit and talk with guests or to serve the meals. Every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. (A worship service for guests and workers is held at 5:00 in the Trippeer Chapel, too.)
TUTORING AND MENTORING at Idlewild Elementary
Idlewild Church has been an adopter of Idlewild Elementary, a neighborhood public school, for several years. Several members regularly tutor early elementary students in reading and math. Others mentor students with great leadership potential who need a little more direction.
Interested in serving some other way? Contact our Associate Pastor for Outreach, Margaret Burnett, at margaret@idlewildchurch.org.
IDLEWILD ADULT CHOIR
Do you enjoy singing? New choir members always welcome! The Adult Choir, which participates in worship each Sunday, rehearses Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.
For more info please contact Ted Gibboney, Director of Music Ministry, 726-4681, ext 12, gibboney@idlewildchurch.org.
WEDNESDAY EVENING LIVING AND LEARNING (WELL)
Wednesday Evenings Living and Learning (WELL) at Idlewild Presbyterian Church is designed to offer individuals and families a wellspring of options for deepening their relationships with God and one another. Participants may select from various offerings that accommodate a wide spectrum of interests and schedules. Courses change approximately every six weeks, allowing adults to alternate between study and discussion groups, recreational, and arts and crafts classes. Activities for children and youth are consistent week-to-week, with changes for special events.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
Idlewild also offers a host of other opportunities for involvement. From our pottery studio (open Wednesday nights during WELL) to our photography class (also during WELL) to our recreation program, young adults are involved in a variety of ways at Idlewild. If you need help discerning your place, call Casey at 901.726.4681 ext. 18 or email him at casey@idlewildchurch.org.