Through Church School classes, special programs, inter-generational events, and discussion groups, Westminster provides opportunities for people of all ages to nurture their faith. The Church School, which meets from September through May on Sunday mornings, from 9:30-10:40 AM, is the heart of these efforts and provides classes for people of all ages.
Fall 2022 – Spring 2023
Tuesday Evening Bible Study
Would you have imagined that practicing Sabbath can be a lot of fun? Are you open to ways to have more celebration in your life? According Carol M. Bechtel, the author of this year’s Bible study Celebrating Sabbath, “Sabbath is not a burden, it is a blessing—a celebration that has the potential to reform and redirect all our ways of living.” Please join the Tuesday Evening Bible Study as we ponder and discuss the potential for Sabbath in our lives!
This year’s study begins on Tuesday, September 13 at 7:00 p.m. (and continues each second Tuesday through June). The group will meet by Zoom. The link will be sent through the eNews.
If you have questions, or would like a Bible study book, contact Lucy Burnette, or call the church office: (434) 293-3133.
Opening Doors
The Opening Doors Christian Formation Class welcomes all adults, especially adults with disabilities. Every Sunday throughout the year the class meets for Bible study, fellowship and snacks in a loving, welcoming, and supportive community environment. Emphasis is centered on the affirmation that every person belongs in God’s family and each is a reflection of God’s love. The class is delighted to have, and encourages participation, from all members of the Westminster congregation.
> Room 209 January-December 9:30 a.m.
Questions of Faith
The Questions of Faith Class meets Sundays from 9:30 am – 10:30 am in Room 208 and by Zoom. We discuss topics related to how our faith is – or is not – reflected in the current world around us, what our faith has to say about those circumstances present in the world, and how we might reform ourselves and the world. The class values wide-ranging discussion reflecting our understandings of science, economics, and social conditions in addition to theology. This fall we will feature two offerings:
- September 25 – October 30 we will be discussing the book, “Do I Stay Christian,” by Brian McLaren. This book explores troublesome topics about why the church in real life can be so different from the model held out in scripture – and asks whether, given the severity of the issues, it makes sense to remain Christian.
- The first section of the book explores arguments for why the answer to that question might be “No.” In light of historical and continuing issues in some quarters of Christianity with antisemitism, various manifestations of colonialism, white patriarchy, and the corrosive effects of money, some argue that Christianity is too broken to merit our continued attention. We will spend September 25 and October 2 on these topics.
- The second section of the book explores arguments for why the answer to the fundamental question should be “Yes.” Without denying the problems, or pretending that they are mere artifacts of history, we are called to repent, reform, and continue to try to follow Jesus. October 9 and 16.
- The third section of the book explores ways we can approach that call to repent, reform, and follow – practical steps to be more faithfully Christian. October 23 and 30.
- November 6 – December 18 we will be discussing issues in Gender Equity. This class will explore current issues regarding gender equity over six Sundays in November and December (there will be no class on November 27). The facilitators, Winston Barham, Sara Chambers, Helen Phillips, and Catalina Piatt-Esguerra, will lead conversations on gender identity, reproductive justice, women in politics, women in faith leadership, issues involving women of color, and gerontology. These discussions are designed to develop a heightened awareness of these issues, and a greater understanding of how we as Christians are called to level the playing field and nurture each other through these struggles. The goal is for everyone to cultivate deeper compassion for others. Here is the schedule for November and December.
- November 6 Introduction to six-week class by Winston, Sara, Helen, and Catalina
- Terminology of gender—BIPOC/BIWOC—Catalina
- Gender Identity. What do we mean by gender? – Winston
- November 13 Reproductive Justice
- Legal and historical background-Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization—Helen
- Christian Arguments for Personal Rights—Sara
- November 20 Women & Politics: Catalina will moderate a panel discussion of local individuals within/outside of the congregation
- November 27 No Class (There will be an all-church event)
- December 4 Women of Color & Intersectionality: Catalina
- December 11 Women in Faith Leadership—Sara and Helen will moderate a panel of women pastors
- December 18 Gerontology—Winston
- November 6 Introduction to six-week class by Winston, Sara, Helen, and Catalina
Faith and Family
Susie Bruce and Derry Wade are co-leading the Faith and Family Class this year: for the fall semester we will be focusing on two documentaries that we will watch together in segments and discuss. The first one, “Hiding in Plain Sight,” a Ken Burns film about youth mental health crises and solutions, features first-person accounts from people ages 11 through 27 and their caregivers. The second, “The Mask You Live In,” explores the definition of masculinity in the U.S. and its impact on people of all genders. We will also enjoy a couple gatherings we’re calling “Connections,” that will be a chance for us to catch up and talk about whatever comes to mind, led by Jessica Dimmick.
Fall 2022 Faith and Family Schedule (Sundays 9:30am-10:40am in the Upper Lounge):
25 September – Connections session
2 October – “Hiding in Plain Sight” (1 of 4)9 October – “Hiding in Plain Sight” (2 of 4)
16 October – “Hiding in Plain Sight” (3 of 4)
23 October – Hiding in Plain Sight” (4 of 4)
30 October – Connections session
6 November – “The Mask You Live In” (1 of 4)
13 November – “The Mask You Live In” (2 of 4)
20 November – Connections Session
27 November – All-Church Advent event
4 December – “The Mask You Live In” (3 of 4)
11 December – “The Mask You Live In” (4 of 4)
18 December – Connections session