Foundations for Faith

Sundays, September 14–December 7

9:30–10:30 am in Room 307

This Sunday Group is primarily a Bible study class led by a rotating team of teachers. Teachers will lead sessions that focus on various themes, Books of the Bible, or other faith-based topics. The format includes lectures and lots of open discussion.

Sessions will be taught by Pam Hunter-Dempsey, Chalice Overy, David Walley, and Jim Jarrard. These four offer a rich mix of life experiences in theological study, teaching, parish leadership, and social justice activism — promising a rewarding, stimulating class experience.

There are no prerequisites for this class; no Bible study experience is necessary. We invite all ages, singles, and couples to join us.

-Steve Smith, Facilitator

AI and the Ethics of AI

September 14, 21, 28; October 5

9:30–10:30 am in Room 310

This four-week session will explore:

1. What artificial intelligence (AI) is today and what it might be in future decades.

2. The definition of machine learning — its history, technologies, and current uses.

3. A deeper look into the good, bad, ugly, and indifferent — responsible use of machine learning; and ways it has already been used to help and hurt, such as in the climate transition.

4. Most importantly: How our spirituality informs our feelings about AI.

Andrew Hurtzel will facilitate this session. Andrew and his family (wife Kelly, children Ari and Maya) joined Pullen recently. Andrew has a Master’s of Analytics from NCSU and has been AI-curious for over a decade. In his free time, Andrew camps, studies mycology, and tries to improve his musical skills.

-Nancy E. Petty, Pastor

What I Believe When it Comes to my Faith

September 14, 21, 28; October 5, 12

9:30–10:30 am in the Chapel

“Stories are the style and substance of life. They fashion and fill existence…If without stories we live not, stories live not without us.” –Phyllis Trible

When we share our personal stories of faith, we connect more deeply with one another. Another’s faith story can validate and challenge us to go deeper within our own story. Over the course of this series, five diverse Pullenites will share how their faith story began, how it has evolved, and where they are now in their journey.

-Nancy E. Petty, Pastor

Pullen 101

September 14, 21, 28; October 5, 12, 19, 26; November 2

9:30–10:30 am in Finlator Hall

Are you thinking about joining Pullen, or just want to learn more? Pullen 101 is a unique opportunity to hear from Pullen staff and members about our history, values, and the ways we put our faith into action. This intimate eight-week class gives you an opportunity to ask questions and get to know other people at the church.

Pullen 101 is for those who are new to the community, thinking about joining, or just want to get a better sense of who we are.

If you are interested in joining Pullen 101, please email Chalice Overy by September 2.

-Chalice Overy, Associate Pastor

Book Study Led by Amy Marschall

September 14, 21, 28; October 5, 12, 19

9:30–10:30 am in Room 308

Participants will read and discuss Srdja Popovic's book, Blueprint for Revolution: How to Use Rice Pudding, Lego Men, and Other Nonviolent Techniques to Galvanize Communities, Overthrow Dictators, or Simply Change the World (2015). As the title suggests, it's an engaging read.

Popovic was one of the leaders of Serbia's Otpor Movement, which ousted Slobodan Milosevic in 2000. Since then, Srdja has worked for the Center for Applied Nonviolent Actions and Strategies (CANVAS) and has inspiring stories to tell.

-Nancy E. Petty, Pastor npetty@pullen.org

Google and the Holy Spirit: The Life and Faith of Millennials and Generation Z

October 12, 19, 26; November 2, 9, 16

9:30–10:30 am in Room 310

During this Sunday Group, members of Pullen’s Young-ish Adults Group will share their life and faith experiences — what it is like to be Millennial or Gen Z living in today’s world. In addition to getting to know Pullen’s young adults, you will learn new ways of seeing the world, through their wisdom and insights, that you might not have considered. This session is an opportunity for our community to engage in meaningful generational conversations.

-Nancy E. Petty, Pastor