Adult Christian Education 

Adult education at Central provides opportunities for adults to grow in faith, connect through a small group and learn about the issues of the day.

The purpose statement reads:
Because discipleship, growing in faith and service of the Lord Jesus Christ is a life-long journey, Central’s Adult Christian Education Program will provide opportunities for members to:

1. explore and engage the content of the Gospel message through study and spiritual practices;
2. become acquainted and proficient with the language and concepts of Christian belief;
3. develop a Christian worldview and value system;
4. affirm and articulate personal faith in relationship to the theological heritage of the church;
5. apply the faith to the everyday events of their lives, the issues/concerns of our community, and the wider world.

Opportunities are offered throughout the week. Please check the announcements page for times and places.

Sunday Morning

Adult Bible Study

9:00 a.m. • Led by Val Smith, begins September 7

The class is informal, come and go as your schedule allows. Topic will be The Book of Confessions.

Community Spotlight   Complete Schedule
September 14 - Serving the People of Berlin, El Salvador
Speakers: Central's Mission Team
Fellowship Hall • 9:00 am
Guest speakers include community leaders of local non-profit organizations and experts in many fields of interests. This informal gathering provides information on a different topic each week and speakers open a dialogue and answer questions from those in attendance. Please visit spotlight calendar (will be active in August) for information about this month's speakers and topics. 

Wednesday Morning Bible Study Groups

7:00 am Bible Study
You don't need to be a Bible scholar to participate and each group welcomes new participants.
Bible Study Group meets in the Fireside Room each Wednesday - led by the Reverend Dr. James L. Wallace, pastor.

The 10:00 a.m. group meets (between Labor Day and Memorial Day) in Room 112. The group focuses on texts from selected readings, studies and familiar stories in new ways.

Beginning September 10 - Studying Jubilee: Luke's Gospel for the Poor

Small Groups for Adults

Established groups you may want to look into include prayer groups, discussion groups, fellowship groups and exercise groups. Considered, but not established at this time are sporting teams…how about winter volleyball just for laughs and fun? Contact the church office by phone 279-3658 or e-mail  office@dmcpc.org about the group or groups that interest you!

The Book Group selects new titles each month and meets to discuss them in the homes of members of the group on the 3rd Thursday of the month. Contact Connie Voss, 457-7482 for more information about joining the Book Group.

Presbyterian Women meets on the 3rd Thursday at 12:00 noon most months for food, fellowship, mission work and a program. Donations to the Presbyterian Women by women of our church help fund May Baskets to shut-ins, local charities and international mission.

Centering Prayer meets in Cownie Chapel each Friday, at noon to practice group contemplative prayer. Led by Paul Witmer, more information is available by emailing: pwitmer@covenant-christian.org.

Knitting into the Mystery: The Board of Deacons is sponsoring a ministry by those who can knit for those who may need a lap blanket. Knitting directions and materials list provided by the church, prayers for peace and comfort are knitted right into the fabric by the knitter. For more information about this ministry please contact Ann Beneke, 288-5115, Sue Heggen, 222-5626, or Barb Getting, 987-5052.

Prayer Chain participants receive an e-mail or pick up a paper copy each week listing concerns of our congregation and visitors to pray for during the upcoming week. To join the group who are praying, or have prayers said on your behalf, contact the church office at 279-3658 or office@dmcpc.org

Pedalin' Presbyterians bike group meets May through October at 5:00 p.m. on the third Sunday of each month. A group gathers at the Park Avenue trail head of the Great Western Trail in Waterworks Park for a bike ride to Cumming and back.  Following the ride, they meet at Orlondo's Pizza & Pasta, (across the street from the trail head) for pizza and fellowship. You and your family are welcome to join in the fun. Questions? Please call Carl Voss at 282-5531.

Central's Committees and Boards offer an opportunity to help govern our congregation while meeting new friends and "rolling up your sleeves" for your church. Committees and Boards are responsible for specific tasks, and some are more time intensive than others. All are welcome to serve on any committee but  you must be ordained into service as a Deacon or Elder. Friendships and fun are often a part of doing the Lord's work for Central Presbyterian or for our community and world thru our congregation's mission work. The church office can get you in contact with the committee of your choice: 279-3658 or office@dmcpc.org

Additional Present and Planned Offerings:

Intergenerational Trips

                Intergenerational Music Trip (TBD)

JUSTFaith

                30 week study on the Christian justice tradition (proposed fall 2008) 

Member Trips

      Religious or Spiritual Component (ex. Sacred places, new Mellray Abbey; TBD/fall, 2008)

Pastoral Partners

        Training in Pastoral Care (fall of each year)

Retreats

         Women’s Retreat(s)

          Spirituality Retreat

Values and Commitments

 We affirm:

•  Bible study and theological inquiry will be rooted in the Presbyterian tradition.

  A relevant and formative connection between faith and daily life.

• Educational and spiritual development will include opportunities for members to
   become aware of human need and respond with mercy and justice.

• An understanding of other traditions, faiths and cultures.

• Learning that leads to a greater care of the earth, God’s creation and God’s people.

• An environment where communities of mutual companionship, support and spiritual care can develop.

• A well rounded program that meets the needs and provides opportunities for a diverse membership by providing ongoing classes, seasonal and short-term studies, small group participation and retreats, speakers and forums, and ongoing exploration of public/civic issues.

Planning and Leadership:  

The Adult Christian Education Program will be developed by the Christian Education Committee, consisting of members from the congregation, the Christian Education and Youth Director and the Pastor. The chair of the committee will work with the CE Director to facilitate meetings.

The Christian Education Committee will coordinate its activities with the following committees: Evangelism, Membership, World and Community Concerns and Worship.

Community Spotlight has its own planning committee of which the CE Director is a member and acts as communications coordinator.

A yearly calendar will be planned and evaluated, as needed. This calendar will be composed of ongoing and regular components of the Adult Ed. Program, priorities stated by the strategic plan Vision and Mission: Creating a Future Together, and other new or additional offerings as offered and supported by committee or church members.

The Christian Education Committee:

Siju Varghese, chair

Mary Gordon, CE Director; Jim Wallace, Pastor

Lynda Pitts, Jim Asklof, Mike Bassett, Cynthia Christy, Jeff Green, Bill King, Lynn Mankins, Bill Nellans, Jackie Romp, Jan Stewart Husby, Val Smith