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.
The 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 less
We will continue our engagement with words in selected modern short stories from two different volumes: Margaret Atwood’s Old Babes in the Woods and editor Valeria Luiselli’s The Best Short Stories of 2022: The O. Henry Prize Winners. Everyone who likes to read, buy a copy and join us!
We invite parents of infants to fifth graders to come together to explore the theme of faithful responses to our children’s difficult questions. Join us for discussion, a deepening of friendships with one another, and prayer.
This team-led, discussion-oriented class is open to all those who are parenting teens and/or young adults. Topics vary from week to week; drop-ins and newcomers are always welcome.
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!
We weave lectio, visio, musica, and walking divina prayer practices through the daily lectionary. If you’re unfamiliar with one or more of these, come and learn something new! Drop-in visitors are encouraged.
This study is a comprehensive, participatory study of the Bible and what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ in a small group setting. The Fall semester will be the Old Testament.
The classes will vacillate between in-person at the church and virtually on Zoom. A complete schedule will be provided to each registrant.
This course will include short weekly readings and facilitator-led weekly classes (75 minutes each) lasting 25 weeks. Registration is on Realm and if you have questions, please reach out to the Rev. Mary Gale.
The Idlewild Men/s Bible Study meets each Tuesday morning at 9 am. Currently, there are options to participate in person in Montgomery Hall or to join the group by Zoom with about half choosing each method. For those participating in person, the church provides coffee and breakfast for a small fee.
The group is currently studying the gospel of Matthew. As has been the practice in the past, participants can purchase N. T. Wright’s study guide to assist in their study. The group is small enough to allow for significant dialogue among participants but large enough to allow for only contemplative participation as well. We are fortunate to have two excellent and very qualified leaders in Ted Mealor and Jim McClanahan who offer significant insights into the passages under study for each week. This is a perfect opportunity for spiritual growth regardless of one’s biblical knowledge.
Email facilitator, Charles Key, with any questions.
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.
