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.
Associate Pastor
901-726-4681 ext. 235
sdorrien@idlewildchurch.org
Looking Inward, Moving Forward: An Anti-Racism Journey
Sunday Mornings: 9:40 – 10:40 OR Wednesday Evenings: 7:30 – 8:30
This study continues with the question, “How is my racial identity shaped and reshaped by the history I have learned the circumstances I have encountered in my life?”
From there it moves into conversation with our racial identity, and finally, how we are called to act as Christians shaped by repentance and the freedom to love our neighbors as ourselves. What does that look like at Idlewild? This conversation is about being formed as disciples of Jesus Christ who eagerly and faithfully follow in his way of righteousness and peace.
Join us on Zoom on Sunday Mornings
Join us on Zoom on Wednesday Evenings.
If you are asked for a passcode, enter 522995
Faith and Function Class – Ancients Texts for Today’s Questions
Sunday Mornings: 9:40-10:40
This season, the Faith and Function Class explores Biblical stories of both great loss and renewed life and examines what they meant not only thousands of years ago, but also what they mean in this time and in this place.
Conveners: Daniel Edwards, Minna Glenn, Judy Holland, Jimmy Humphreys, and Mary Edith Walker.
Health Equity Learning Series
2nd and 4th Sundays @ 4 PM
Health and Wholeness is a theme with deep roots in the Judeo-Christian tradition and scriptures, as is equity. Come and learn from Rhodes College instructors about health equity in our society and in our world, drawing connections to our shared faith as you do.
How to participate:
-Watch lectures by Rhodes professors on your own time
-Meet via Zoom for a Q&A follow-up with the professors on the Second and Fourth Sundays from 4- 5 p.m.
Parents and Mentors of Confirmands
Last Sundays @ 7 PM
This class is specifically intended for parents and mentors of this year’s Confirmation Class, but anyone interested in a brush-up on Christian Doctrine is welcome to attend!
The Psalms are a collection of prayers that give us language to express a wide range of human emotions. The contemplative prayer class would typically meet in-person on Sunday mornings. While the church continues to meet virtually, they continue to hold silence together, guided by the podcast which is typically updated every Thursday.
Tuesdays from 9:00-10:00 a.m.
Spring Study: Starting May 4. N.T. Wright’s commentary: Paul: The Prison Letters-Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. (available through Amazon)
Conveners: Ted Mealor and Jim McClanahan
4th Sundays at 8 PM
January 24: Grief 101–Being and Parenting In The Midst of Pandemic and Other Loss with Angela Hamblen-Kelly
February 28: A Theology for Pandemic Living with Rev. Sara Dorrien-Christians
March 28: Holy Week Faith Formation @ Home with Marjorie Reynolds
April 25: Faith & Creativity with Lauren Cannon
May 23: From Color-Blind to Race-Conscious Parenting Part II. Facilitated by Dr. Ron Serino
4th Thursdays at 2 PM except where stated.
January 28 Selection: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time by Mark Haddon
February 25 Selection: Caste by Isabel Wilkerson
March 25 Selection: The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd
April 22: Selection: The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
May 27: Selection: Code Name Helene by Ariel Lawhon
Facilitators: Joyce Webber and Dana Brandon
Thursdays April 15 – May 20 at 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Unraveling Revelation
The book of Revelation is surely the most often mis-interpreted book of the Bible. We will read it, not as a sneak peak into the end of the world, but, as Gail R. O’Day puts it, as “the way the affairs of the world look when viewed through the eyes of God.” Please plan to join us on Thursday mornings.
Facilitated by Mary Edith Walker.
