The goal of adult ministry is to form mature disciples of Jesus Christ in word and in deed. Through a variety of classes that incorporate a diversity of learning styles, adults at Idlewild come to know Christ’s love, peace, and justice through study of scripture, spiritual practice, literature, fellowship, and critical engagement with contemporary issues. At Idlewild, the questions are as important as the answers, and faith is understood as a lifelong journey.
We welcome local scholars to teach the Bible in its contexts: the stories, the writers, and as Christians today. We also study history and current event topics that are closely related to these Biblical lessons.
The Stephen Class will continue to study short stories in the Fall-Winter Term. We will finish reading modern short stories from the collection, The Best Short Stories of 2022: The O. Henry Prize Winners, Valeria Luiselli, editor. We will add to our reading the collection, A Swim in the Pond in the Rain, in which four Russians give a master class on writing, reading, and life, George Saunders, editor. Class members facilitate discussion of the short stories; this is not a daunting task—class members always have some reaction to a short story that opens it up for class consideration. There are no prerequisites except for a love of reading and a willingness to discover with others how a short story read in common and discussed in a class can lead us to consider “the big questions.”
Parents of littles and school-aged children come together to explore tenets of our faith and how to encourage faith formation in the home. Join us for discussion, deepening friendships, and prayer.
Through leader-facilitated discussions each week, we consider what it means to be a Christian in our often challenging, contemporary world. We will take turns leading the discussion. Open to all, drop-ins welcome!
Explore a tapestry of contemplative practices that require focus and attention while our minds are busy analyzing, asking questions, pondering, or listening. We weave lectio, visio, musica, and walking divina prayer practices through ancient and contemporary texts. If you’re unfamiliar with one or more of these, come and learn something new! Class begins promptly at 9:40 and drop-in visitors are welcome!
Join us on Sunday Mornings for our Summer Adult Forums. The speakers will start promptly at 9. Come early for coffee & conversations.
In-person participants can enjoy breakfast while discussing the Gospel of John in a small group. Participants are welcome to purchase NT Wright’s book to assist in study, but it is not required. The group is small enough to allow for significant dialogue among participants but also large enough to allow for only contemplative participation. Contact Charles Key for more information (voice or text at 901-481-3321 or email).
The class will choose selections for discussion and alternate between fiction and non-fiction. The assignment for each week will be one to two chapters. On June 4 we will begin discussing The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu: And Their Race to Save the World’s Most Precious Manuscripts by Joshua Hammer.
Each month we choose the book for the next month. We are always looking for new faces and hearing new views!
This Fall on Wednesday nights Pastor Mary will guide us in discussion on hope, resilience, and how to live as Christians in Anxious Times. We’ll have table discussion and reflection, as well as large group conversation. We’d love to see you there!
Disciples Bible Study is a comprehensive, participatory study of the Bible in a small group setting. Please contact David Zanca for more information (voice or text 901-484-5920).
This group is for all ages and for those who identify as women. Circles are at the core of our group and are a time for fellowship and Bible study. Small Group meetings are on the first Tuesday of the month, starting in October. Find more information here.
In-person friends can enjoy breakfast while discussing the Gospel of Matthew in a small group discussion. If you prefer, you can purchase N. T. Wright’s study guide to assist. The group is small enough to allow for significant dialogue among participants but also large enough to allow for only contemplative participation.
Email facilitator, Charles Key, with any questions.
The class will choose selections for discussion and alternate between fiction and non-fiction. The assignment for each week will be one to two chapters. We have some fun field trips planned for the spring. Join us!
The Idlewild Book Club reads a range of books from all genres. We encourage visitors, friends, and any book lovers to join us each month! We pick our books each month at our meeting. If you are interested in learning more, sign up for the adult newsletter or reach out to Joyce Webber.
Beginning September 6, join Jeanene or Pastor Mary for a time of group study of the week’s Narrative Lectionary passage. We’ll also spend some time sharing and praying together.
Your twenties and thirties are formational, scary, fun, and full of surprises. The Young Adult Ministry is here to walk with you and be a flexible space for support and encouragement. We provide several educational opportunities including book studies, Bible groups, and weekly Theology on Tap gatherings during the summer. Learn more about the Young Adult Ministry here!
