Sunday Morning | Education for Adults

Soul Food: Feasting on the Wisdom of Others
A fall series of thought-provoking and inspiring video podcasts on a variety of topics. Faith stories of struggle, grace, hope, and love (laced with humor). Including:

• Learning to Walk in the Dark with writer and Episcopal priest Barbara Brown Taylor;
• Finding Faith Later in Life, columnist David Brooks;
• Spiritual Misfits: When Faith Doesn’t Always Fit, journalist-turned-pastor Jeff Chu;
• Separation of Church and Hate with comedian and broadcaster John Fugelsang
  Interviewers: Kate Bowler, Fr. James Martin, and John Dear. No preparation required.
  Facilitator: Jane Sobie
  Location: Room 127 | October 25 through November 15

On the Road to Empathy
“On the Road to Empathy” invites us to rediscover empathy as a deeply Christian practice. This four-session Fresh Outlook Bible Study by Rev. Robyn Michalove uses stories from Luke and Acts to explore how empathy is formed through encounter. Together, participants will examine blind spots, listen with curiosity, and practice holding one another’s stories with care.
Facilitators: Richard Howerton and Joe Blankinship
Location: Ardmore Room | October 25 through November 15

The Present Word Class, Sundays, 9:30 a.m. (Room 124 and Zoom) – All are invited to share in the Present Word Sunday School Class.

• Explore the Bible as the primary source for understanding our Christian faith and the changing needs of the church;
• Respond in faith and love to God’s love as revealed in Jesus Christ;
• Confront the concerns of the gospel to include our personal faith, values, relationships, and social responsibilities.

The fall study will focus on the stories of Joshua, Judges and Samuel. Join this class in person or via Zoom. Zoom link is shared weekly in the Sunday morning email from Highland. Facilitators: A Wide Variety of Class Members and Guests from the Congregation

Lectionary Café, Location: Salem Room
The Lectionary Café is a warm, welcoming gathering of folks seeking to engage more deeply into the Lectionary text (scripture focus) for each Sunday. The group shares an informal and lively discussion which seeks to draw deep connections between God’s intentions for our daily lives and our practices for a more faithful life together. This class is a wonderful way to get the most from the Sunday sermon. Facilitator: Mike Culler

Parents’ Coffee & Conversation, Parents of Children and Youth, Location: Room 126
After getting children and youth settled into their Sunday school classes, parents are invited to gather in Room 126 on the first floor for coffee and conversation. We know life can be filled to overflowing at times. This is a place to relax, knowing your children are being cared for and a great time to get to know other parents while comparing notes on the joys and challenges of parenthood. Parents with children and youth of all ages are welcome. Come for the conversation and enjoy our fresh, fair-trade coffee!

Little Steps, Big Faith: How the Science of Early Childhood Development Can Help You Grow Your Child’s Faith
From brain science to language development and social skills, we’ve never known more about how children’s minds develop in the first five years of life. Yet with all the information available, Christian parents may find themselves confused about how to apply these learnings to daily life with their children. In Little Steps, Big Faith, early childhood expert Dr. Dawn Rundman navigates the research to arrive at surprising insights about how very young children experience God, and how parents can use science to teach faith. This Class will take place in Highland’s Chapel located on the first floor.
Facilitators: Melanie Adams, Haley Chapman, Wendy Eppley, Heather Ferguson, Jan Morgan and a panel of guests.

Coming November 29 – December 13 for Advent:

Christmas in the Four Gospel Homes
How might a house look for Christmas based on what each Gospel says about it? In Christmas in the Four Gospel Homes, beautiful illustrations from architect Kevin Burns reimagine each of the four Gospels as a house, which the church visits at Christmas. In each section, Cynthia M. Campbell reflects on the distinctive perspective of the birth of Jesus or the incarnation offered by each Gospel. Christmas in the Four Gospel Homes creatively reimagines the season and inspires new and exciting reflections for Advent.
Join us for this insightful look into the writers of the nativity story.
Books available in the Gallery Hall, $15.
Facilitators: Randy Harris, Debbie Layman, and Heather Ferguson
Location: Ardmore Room