Category: Classes

Educational and spiritual growth opportunities

The Church of the Palms offers several educational opportunities to assist folks in their spiritual journeys.

Events are subject to cancellation; please confirm with the church office 623.977.8359.

MONDAY MORNING LIFELONG LEARNING (10 AM – 11:30 AM)

We begin 2020 on January 6 with something new for our Lifelong Learning Monday morning class. Jim Yang-Hellewell will teach this class, “The Challenge of Paul,” beginning January 6.

The apostle Paul is the second most important figure in the history of Christianity. We arguably know more about the historical Paul than we do about the historical Jesus. Scholarly ink abounds. And you may already have an opinion. Join us for a DVD / discussion-based class about this fascinating person. The DVD features the noted New Testament scholar, John Dominic Crossan.

Jim Yang-Hellewell is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div.) He has also studied at Boston College’s school of theology and Andover-Newton Theological Seminary. Jim chose to enter the field of social work and received a Master of Social Work degree from ASU. He practiced as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over thirty years with a focus on child and family issues, particularly issues of family violence. An Episcopalian, Jim has become a friend of COTP, attends services frequently, and regularly attends our Cosmic Christian group. We welcome him now as teacher.

MONDAY AFTERNOON LIFELONG LEARNING (11:30 AM – 1 PM)

“Living the Questions” led by Linette Stenberg.

FELLOWSHIP BREAKFASTS (2ND TUESDAYS at 8:30 AM)

Continental-style breakfasts follow a speaker and program. Bring a friend or neighbor. Freewill offerings accepted to defray the cost.

INCHWORMS (Tuesdays, 10 – 11:30 a.m.)

Currently reading and discussing Karen Armstrong’s book, Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life, led by Nick Nichols.

COSMIC CHRISTIANS (Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.)

This energetic group reads and discusses progressive theology
and its perspective on contemporary issues. Continued study of Becoming Wise by Krista Tippet. This class is led by Linette Stenberg.

JUMPSTART (Tuesdays, 3:30 p.m.)

Bring a light snack to enjoy. John Durbin, director of our Social Justice Action Team, leads this class that follows the weekly liturgy.

JACK EVANS PRESENTS: The Palms’ monthly film

Check the upcoming features here.

PALMS CINEMA

Check the upcoming features here.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON LIFELONG LEARNING (1:30-3 PM)

(currently on hiatus)

SUNDAY MORNING DISCUSSION (8:30 AM -9:30 AM)

Beginning February 9, 2020 Debby Stinton will facilitate our Sunday Morning Discussion. We will start with The Great Courses “Gnosticism: From Nah Hammadi to the Gospel of Judas” taught by Professor David Brakke from The Ohio State University.

Lifelong Learning – Mondays

Your Board of Lifelong Learning offers a class for ones who are wondering what it is that we call “Progressive Christianity” and/or might be questioning the things you were taught as a youngster. What are we “supposed” to believe? Would you like to explore all those questions you have with others who are asking similar questions? If so, you are invited to attend our new class offering, “LIVING THE QUESTIONS.”

This class is taught by Linette Stenberg on Mondays from 11:30 am to 1 pm. We watch and discuss the presentations on the DVD “Living the Questions” You’ll receive a handout packet of information about the content of the DVD and a bibliography of books that might interest you.

Memory and Faith Project Dementia Care and Education

Wednesday, March 13, 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Have you ever wondered if someone you love is facing Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia? Have you wondered how you might help the individual or family as they faced this?

Are you a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s and facing its many challenges, feeling alone, stressed, or experiencing burnout?

The Church of the Palms’ Faith Health Ministry is pleased to be one of the churches participating in the Dementia Care and Education Memory and Faith Project, an educational project designed to provide education and resources to churches across Arizona. The program is being offered in churches with the goal being to mobilize and educate faith communities, increasing awareness and understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and supporting those living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.

The Church of the Palms’ Faith Health Ministry will be participating in this project by hosting a series of five educational sessions. The programs are aimed at identifying signs of dementia, providing a support system incorporating family, friends and the faith community, and to assist caregivers in their difficult task. Topics being addressed in the series of programs include:

    • The ABC’s of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
    • Is it Alzheimer’s or Natural Aging
    • Brain Tune-up
    • Nutrition and Prevention of Alzheimer’s
    • Memory Screening

The first session will be held at the Church of the Palms on Wednesday, March 13, at 3:00 p.m. A second session is scheduled for Wednesday, April 10. The remaining sessions will be held in the fall after the summer travelers have returned. United Church of Sun City will be hosting sessions during the same time frame, allowing interested individuals to “make-up” a missed session.

New Member Information Session and Meet & Greet

Wednesday, November 28, 2018, at 3:30 pm in King Hall.

This session includes a brief presentation about The Church of the Palms, where we came from, and, most importantly, where we are going!

A delicious homemade dinner will be served after the presentation.

New members will be welcomed into the church on Sunday, December 2nd during worship.

This invitation is extended by the Evangelism and Growth Board to all visitors (whether new or long-time regular visitors).

The sign-up sheet is now on the opportunity table in the narthex.