Adults
Contact: Cathy Tamsberg
919.828.0897, x214
ctamsberg@pullen.org
Adult Sunday school is a vital part of the life of Pullen. Each Sunday morning, six adult Sunday school classes meet from 9:45–10:45 AM for fellowship and learning. Classes range in size from about 10 up to 35, each with its own format, topics, and teaching-learning approaches. All include significant class participation as Pullen people wrestle with what it means to be a progressive person of faith in today’s complex world.
Our seventh class, Pullen 101, is an introduction to the life and ministry of the church offered for eight weeks each fall and spring during the Sunday school hour. It is open to newcomers and members, welcoming all who want to learn more about who we are, where we have been, what we stand for, and how we envision Pullen’s future.
While worship anchors our life together as the Pullen family, there is no substitute for inspiring, challenging conversation about serious questions of faith within a small group. Adults are encouraged to visit several classes before choosing the one that fits their needs and preferred learning environment. Sunday school is an excellent place to get to know Pullen people as we seek to understand our place in God’s world.
Other opportunities for adult education include Wednesday Night programs, bible study, and the Pullen library.
Care of Creation Class
Room 309
Facilitator: Linda Rodriguez
Care of Creation is offering a new speaker series this fall entitled Creating a Just and Sustainable Community. Our current state of consumption is neither just, equitable nor sustainable, but how do we shape our lives to create a world that is more fair and more in harmony with Mother Earth? Pullen members with experience in the areas of Food for Everyone, the Morality of Money, Greening Your Home, Landscape & Lifestyle, and Lessening Your Carbon Footprint will be leading each session. For detailed information please see the schedule for these programs or contact the facilitator. Visitors are welcome as we learn how to create a community that is just and sustainable for all.
Grope Group
Room 310
Facilitators: Lamarr and Julie Cox
The Grope Group adult Sunday school class cherishes a tradition of intellectual curiosity, tolerance for diverse views, and a caring sharing of experiences and insights. Through group discussions of philosophical, psychological, theological, spiritual, social, and political issues and concerns, the class focuses on learning and personal growth. Various class members and occasional guests facilitate discussions. We will begin this Sunday school year discussing Robert Wright’s The Evolution of God. After that, we will discuss readings in a Great Books Series entitled Great Conversations 2. This includes articles by Dunne, Descartes, Dostoevsky, Poe, Planck, and others.
Reclaimers Class
Room 308
Contact: Tammy Cook
This class explores challenging questions about our faith. This fall we will study the book In Praise of Doubt. It addresses how you can keep your convictions without becoming a fanatic, as well as how to have civil discourse with people who have opposing views, which is a recurring theme in our class. We will then determine the topics to study based on the interests of our members. Sometimes class members lead discussions and sometimes we invite guests to lead us. Conversation is always interesting and newcomers are always welcome.
Discoverers Class
Room 306-307
Facilitator: Suzanne Newton
For the past three years, Discoverers have used for study and discussion DVDs from Living the Questions, a series featuring prominent theologians and thinkers on a variety of subjects. During winter/spring 2009 we began a 12-session DVD with Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crosson called First Light: Jesus and the Kingdom of God. We still have six sessions to go before finishing the topic, but will do a quick review of what has been covered so far. The first DVD can be checked out for viewing, and handouts are available for further reading, along with questions to use as guidelines for discussion. Class members will help with facilitation. Discussions are lively, fun and thoughtful. All are welcome.
McMillan Class
Room 312
Facilitator: Robert McMillan
The McMillan Class will begin the fall by considering the short story “The Devil and Daniel Webster.” Class members will discuss how it relates to the classic “Faust” story and the temptations of Christ in the wilderness. Then the class will study the letters of Paul. During Advent, O’Henry’s The Gift of the Magi will be the focus of consideration as it is every year. Class members will assist Robert McMillan in providing leadership for the group and in offering their insights as they explore these topics together.
Poteat Class
Room 311
Facilitator: Steve Holland
We continue our study of church history from the first century to the present. Currently, we are discovering the beginnings of religious freedom in the new country of America and the origins of denominations. Biblical and topical studies make of the rest of our schedule. There also will be guest speakers throughout the year. This is a class open to all ages and interests who enjoy learning and dealing with sometimes controversial themes of our heritage.
Pullen 101
Room 203 (Old chapel)
Contact: Cathy Tamsberg
Pullen 101 is an eight-week contract class designed to introduce new persons to Pullen and our ministry and mission. Topics include our identity, history, theology, worship, Baptist identity, structure, missions, and education. In each session, church members share memorable Pullen stories and explain why they are at Pullen. Information about how our church functions in its various ministry areas is also included. The class provides an opportunity to get to know Pullen people and staff. The fall 2009 series of Pullen 101 begins on October 4 and ends on November 22. The spring 2010 series runs from January 17 to March 7.