Listening to Black Voices Book Group – Join us via Zoom at 7:00 p.m. December 17, as we continue reading and reflecting on the experience of our African American neighbors, and consider what our faithful responses might entail. In November we will discuss the first half (chapters one through three) of Blue Note Preaching in a PostSoul World, by Otis Moss III. If you are interested, please contact Randy Harris.
During the season of Advent we are offering an opportunity to join us as we read and study the book Calling All Angels: An Advent Study on Fearlessness and Strength. The class will be offered Sunday mornings, December 1, 8 and 15, 9:30 a.m., Ardmore Room and via zoom on Monday evenings, December 2, 9 and 16, at 7:00 p.m. The content of both class offerings will be the same. What would you do if you were not afraid? Life can be daunting, filled with uncertainty and fears. It wasnât any different two thousand years ago when Jesus was born. An aged priest is told he is about to become a father for the first time. A young woman is told she is going to give birth â outside the protection of marriage. A simple carpenter is asked to believe the impossible. A group of shepherdsâ night on a hill is interrupted by a bright host of angels in the sky. Yet, each of these encounters begins with the same refrain: do not be afraid. Those words, though, are not just words of comfort; they are an invitation and a calling from God. Books are available in the Gallery Hall ($15).
Thursday Morning Womenâs Study – Jesus for Everyone, Not Just Christians, by Amy-Jill Levine. Beginning November 21, 10:00â11:30 a.m., Ardmore Room. Why Jesusâs historic and cultural influence makes him fascinating, provocative, and relevant for everyone, not only Christians. Two thousand years after his birth and death, Jesus of Nazareth continues to be of vital interest. Yet much of the scholarship around Jesus focuses on his religious significance. Jesus for Everyone examines his most famous teachings from a fresh perspective, exploring how they have continued to shape ethics and civilization in the West for two millennia. Even for those who reject faith, Jesusâs life and his philosophy are important to study, writes renowned biblical scholar and author Amy-Jill Levine, because of the insights they hold for us today. Poring through scripture, analyzing what historical scholarship has revealed about Jesusâs views on a number of subjects including womenâreveals surprising messages sure to be fascinating to all readers. Placing Jesus of Nazareth within his historical context, Levine brings him vividly into focus and invites everyone from faithful Christians, agnostics, and the most committed nonbelievers to appreciate his lasting impact on the modern world. If you are looking for a fun, engaging group of women to study alongside while building lifelong friendships, please join us. For more information or to purchase a book for $10 contact Heather Ferguson.
New Matthew 25 Book Group – Beginning Monday, January 20 (3rd Mondays) 7:00 p.m. As we begin a new year of ministry together and enter a new season in our countryâs life, we seek to deepen our roots as a Matthew 25 congregation, focusing on building congregational vitality, dismantling structural racism, and eradicating systemic poverty. The first book for our new Matthew 25 Book Group will be You Are Changing the World: Whether You Like it or Not by David LaMotte. Kathleen Norris has written, âThis book serves as an antidote to the hopelessness so many of us feel about our world today.â If you are in need of an antidote, we hope you will join us. Reach out to Debbie Layman with questions or to sign up. The group will meet on the third Mondays at 7:00 p.m.
Spring Poverty Group – Beginning February 24 (4th Mondays), 7:00 p.m. Our spring Poverty Book Group book will be White Poverty by Reverend Dr. William Barber. Dr. Barber began the Moral Mondays movement in our state and now is co-chair of the Poor Peopleâs Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival. Bishop Michael Curry says of the book: Barber âraises his clarion voice to amplify the cry of Americaâs poor, especially the invisible majority of impoverished white Americans.â The group will meet for discussion on Mondays February 24, March 24, and April 28. Contact Debbie Layman if you have interest in joining the discussions.
Women’s Book Group: A new book group is starting for Highland women this fall. The initial book will be The Oak Island Book Club by our own Cameron Kent; the book is available locally at Bookmarks and The Book Ferret, as well as the public library. Contact Debbie Layman for more information or to sign up!
Parenting the Teen Years â Monday, December 2 (First Monday of the Month), 7:00 p.m. by Zoom Donât read the book! (Or do!) Parents are busy so we have designed a book club to fit your needs. Show up for one of these gatherings throughout the year as we share our parenting wins and woes, practices for faith formation in the home, and raising resilient youth, and grab a book to mark up and look through on your own time. (See email for zoom link)
