Adult Education

SUNDAY SCHOOL: 9:00 – 9:50 a.m. (September through May)

Carpenters: Rm. 319
Most of the adults in this class are singles and couples in their 30’s and 40’s. They are busy, active church members who often teach in children’s workshop rotation so the class is accustomed to a flexible, casual atmosphere. '07-'08 studies included: throught provoking video clips from the Nooma Series and topical lessons from the Thoughtful Christian.com. Summer Reading: Three Cups of Tea - see description below / for fall Sunday school discussion.

Christian Living: Room 323
Spring 2008 the class turns it’s focus to the book of Esther. Who are you when no one’s looking? When her people were threatened, Esther had to ask herself that question. Would she step out and risk her own life? Come discover, through Esther, how to face the challenges of a culture that too often rejects God. This class spans a wide age range and includes some of Starmount’s newest members as well as Sunday school veterans.

Friendship: Room 321 Present Word Curriculum
God, the People and the Covenant. Spring '08 quarter focuses on the covenant of God with the people of Israel. God’s faithfulness is shown throughout the monarchy, exile and restoration of the people to Jerusalem. This large class of (mostly) retired folks has a strong commitment to study, service and fellowship. Several devoted teachers lead the lesson weekly.

Seekers: Room 315
This group of “sandwich generation” professionals share the challenges of raising youth and dealing with issues of aging parents. '07-'08 studies included: Constantine's Bible, thought provoking video clips from the Nooma Series as well as discussion of the TV series Joan of Arcadia.

Three Cups of Tea
One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace
One School at a Time

If you’re looking for some excellent summer reading, stop by Sue’s office or the Carpenter’s classroom and pick up a $5.00 copy of Three Cups of Tea, by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. From the book cover, “In 1993 a mountaineer named Greg Mortenson drifted into an impoverished Pakistan village in the Karakoram mountains after a failed attempt to climb K2. Moved by the inhabitant’s kindness, he promised to return and build a school. Three Cups of Tea is the story of that promise and its extraordinary outcome. Over the next decade Mortenson built not just one but 55 schools. . . His is the uplifting story of a real-life Indiana Jones and his remarkable humanitarian campaign in the Taliban’s backyard.”
In the fall Starmount will have several opportunities for discussion of the exceptional book including the Capenter’s Sunday school class, a new book group and hopefully early in 2009 the author will visit Greensboro.

OTHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES:

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN’S CIRCLES:
Groups meet for Bible study and fellowship monthly, September through May, at various times and locations. More information.

MEN’S BIBLE STUDY:
7:00 A.M. Every Thursday in the Conference Room 402.

BUSY CHRISTIANS:
Busy Christians is starting another 6 week study: Jesus 101 – Jesus Sacred Friend. This is a perfect time to join this friendly, growing group of Christian women who meet weekly for fellowship, study, and prayer. No preparation required! Perfect attendance not expected! New and returning faces welcome. Please invite your friends and neighbors. Thursdays, 11:00 a.m. to Noon, April 10, 24 (no meeting April 17), May 1, 8, 15 & 22. Church Parlor. Contact Mary Palmieri 668-7211 for information.

CHRISTIANS TOGETHER:
Missing Sunday school? Need fellowship and Bible study? Out of town during the week? This group of singles and couples meets every other Sunday at 6:00 p.m. in member’s homes. Contact Jennifer or Drake Dowler 282-4887.

GRIEF SHARE:
A multi-week seminar and support group for people who are grieving. Contact Cynthia Pugh, Parish Visitor and Counselor for next class offering. Phone: 288-1290

 

 

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN (PW) Presbyterian Women

Presbyterian Women is a church wide organization that is open to all women who wish to participate.

 

 

Purpose
Forgiven and freed by God in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves:
•To nurture our faith through prayer and Bible study
•To support the mission of the church worldwide
•To work for justice and peace, and
•To build an inclusive, caring community of women that strengthens the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and witnesses to the promise of God’s kingdom.

PW is active in obvious ways, such as; cookies and punch receptions, coordinate flowers for the sanctuary, decorate the church for Christmas, clean the silver in the parlor and sanctuary, and provide care boxes to families during bereavement.

The less obvious is the focus on prayer, Bible Study, missions, social needs and caring for each other in God’s Kingdom.  Many “women” hours are behind these “gifts of women.”

Currently at Starmount, we have five circles with 85 active members that meet monthly.  We also have a care circle of women who may or may not attend a regular circle. This group helps out on an as needed basis for meals during sickness, deaths, births, etc.

The PW at Starmount continue to sustain the Birthday Offering, the Thank Offering and Least Coin. Monthly offerings are taken to support both local and global missions and are based on pledges. With pledges, donations and memorials PW gave over $5000 to missions last year.

Some projects we espouse or help mission with are; the Triad Health Project (AIDS) “Higher Ground” lunches, Mary’s House, Greensboro Urban Ministry, Salvation Army, Prayer Shawl Ministry, Pound Cakes for Ham’s Restaurant Free Christmas Dinner, Bach’s Lunch (a free lunch concert 5 days in March, open to the community), Joining Hearts and Hands, Angel Tree, Refugee Family, Sell fair trade coffee, and GIHN.  Some circles sponsor families that have ongoing needs with the hope of improving their lives.

The circles offer Bible study each month from September to May.  There is a yearly retreat, which is also a time for Bible study and sharing.

Hopefully, this gives you a good picture of what PW does.  If you would like more information about how you can become a part of PW, please call the church office. (336) 299-8131.