A Word from the Adult Education Committee
Greetings friends and members of Pinnacle Presbyterian Church. We are excited to present to you the Adult Education schedule of classes for winter/spring 2012. Through surveys, meetings, and listening to the congregation, we have assembled a program that is practical to the needs of our life, yet also stretches us to think more deeply about our Christian journey and culture. Below is the mission statement of our educational program:
The mission of Pinnacle Presbyterian Adult Education is to:
- Assist and challenge adults to continue growing and living as disciples of Christ
- Provide opportunities for spiritual development and personal growth
- Respond to individual, family, and congregational issues, needs, and concerns
- Encourage adults to identify, develop, and exercise their spiritual gifts
All Adult Education offerings will be integrated with the larger mission of the church.
The Adult Education Committee and Staff of Pinnacle Presbyterian Church are presenting a wide variety of topics for winter/spring 2012. We have many talented people in our congregation and in the surrounding communities who are willing and more than able to facilitate these subjects. We hope that our schedule of classes will enrich your understanding of topics that interest you, strengthen your faith, and stimulate your love of learning. We encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities. Try something new, and bring a spouse or friend along with you on the journey.
We look forward to an exciting year of learning opportunities. Contact any member of our committee with questions or ideas.
| Susan Adkins | Jim Davis | Dave Schaller |
| Ken Brousseau | Marti King | Lisa Wills |
| Warner Davidson | Bruce Porter | |
| Ruth O'Brien, Session Representative | ||
| Shelly Core, Liaison | ||
Winter/Spring 2012 Sunday Adult Classes
Winter/Spring 2012 Classes
Theology On Tap
John Rosenfeld
Second & fourth Tuesdays, 6:45 p.m., O’Donoghue’s Irish Pub
A social fellowship group of men in their 30’s – 50’s. Discussions will include religious issues, theology and various cultural topics. There’s nothing like a good pint and “good craic” (conversation), as they say in Ireland! For more information e–mail John Rosenfeld at rosenfeld@netzero.net.
Meaning & Motherhood
Rev. Kristin Willett
Second & fourth Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m., Fellowship Hall Room 2
Meaning & Motherhood is a fellowship group for mothers with young children. It incorporates devotional time along with prayer and conversation, a place for mothers to share their experiences, find support, and explore God’s meaning in their lives. Mothers may drop off their kid(s) in the Sanctuary nursery and head over to Fellowship Hall for some conversation and snacks. For more information e–mail Rev. Willett using the staff email page.
Men’s Fellowship Breakfast
Paul Rooker
First & third Thursdays, 7:30 a.m., Chapel Library
Continental breakfast is served for $5.00 per person. No reservation is required. The group typically focuses on a book that raises everyday issues in light of the Christian faith. This is a great opportunity to meet other men in the church and share insights and fellowship. Dr. Wesley Avram is the pastoral contact.
Conversation Uncorked
Rev. Sarah Johnson
First Monday, 7 p.m., Collins’ residence, Scottsdale
Conversation Uncorked is a time of fellowship, support and rejuvenation for women. The group meets on a monthly basis to share their lives and explore God’s involvement over a glass of wine or other beverage. Contact Rev. Johnson for location details using the staff email page.
Women’s Book Group
Sue Larson
Second Monday, 10 a.m., Chapel Library
Using a selected list of fiction and non–fiction books, one is chosen for each month to be read by the members and discussed. Membership is open to all – just come join us. If you have any questions, call Sue Larson at 480.585.9141.
S.A.G.E. (Senior Adults Gaining Enrichment)
Bill Noyes
Wednesdays, Noon, Chapel Library
S.A.G.E. is continuing its study and discussion of a variety of topics. This group enjoys study, fellowship, sharing, and a delicious lunch. All are welcome. Cost for the lunch is $5. Dr. Wesley Avram is the Pastoral contact.
Being Presbyterian
Shelly Core, Rev. Sarah Johnson, and Rev. Kristin Willett
Sundays, Jan. 8, 15, & 22, 11:15 a.m., Office Conference Room
What is unique about being Presbyterian? How do we do our work “decently and in order?”
On Jan. 8, Shelly Core: Our Book of Order spells out who we are, what we believe, and how and why we worship in beautiful language. Learn more about our roots.
On Jan. 15, Rev. Sarah Johnson: n introduction to The Book of Confessions, which contains 11 confessional statements beginning with the Nicene Creed, written in 325, and concluding with A Brief Statement of Faith composed in 1983. This book and the Book of Order make up the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
On Jan. 22, Rev. Kristin Willett: Learn what it means to be reformed. The Church is faithful to the mission of Christ as it proclaims and hears the Word of God, administers and receives the Sacraments, and nurtures a covenant community of disciples of Christ.
Discovering the Power of Positivity
Dr. Beth Cabrera
Sundays, Jan. 8 & 22, 11:15 a.m., Chapel Library
Positive psychology is a new and exciting paradigm that emphasizes human strengths and the power of positive emotions. Recent scientific discoveries have demonstrated that positivity enhances mental functioning, strengthens relationships, and improves physical and psychological health. The best news is that realizing these benefits in order to thrive is within your control. Scientists have identified proven strategies that you can use to boost your positivity. The conversation will focus on the many benefits of positivity and some specific steps you can take to increase positivity.
The Bible Jesus Read
Susan Adkins
Wednesdays, beginning Jan. 11, for eight weeks, 6 p.m. Fellowship Hall, Room 2
In The Bible Jesus Read, award–winning author Philip Yancey combines scholarship and insight to bring new light to old material and stimulate new thought and further study. The Old Testament is God’s biography, the story of His compassionate encounters with people and also a prequel to the story of Jesus. Yancey serves as guide and interpretive leader of this eight–session study which uses video and group discussion to explore five segments of the Old Testament: Job, Deuteronomy, Psalms, Ecclesiastes, and The Prophets.
Join us for this 8 week study as we explore The Bible Jesus Read. Contact Susan Adkins at polksusan@hotmail.com or 602.569.1156 to sign up and for information.
The Phoenix Affirmations Follow–up
Dr. Wesley Avram
Sunday, Jan. 15, 11:15 a.m., Chapel Library
The Phoenix Affirmations is a set of 12 principles published in 2006 by a group of clergy and lay people from Phoenix in an attempt to articulate the broad strokes of an emerging stream of thought interpreting Christian faith. Incubated from the organization No Longer Silent: Clergy for Justice, the Affirmations became the basis of Crosswalk America, a 2,500–mile walk across America of a small group seeking to raise awareness of the Affirmations. Hailed as the principles of a new Reformation and nailed to the doors of various denominational headquarters, the Affirmations offered a Progressive view of a new Christianity alongside views being offered from Evangelical and other Christian circles in these days of tumultuous change. Both controversial and unifying, the Affirmations provide a helpful launching pad for discussing the contemporary church. Dr. Avram will set the Affirmations in context, offer his own response, and invite discussion. The Phoenix Affirmations are available online.
PPC Guided Campus Tours
Carol Minchew, Jane Barber and Weldon Minchew
Sundays, Jan. 15, 22 & Feb. 12, 11:15 a.m.
Whether you are new to Pinnacle Presbyterian Church or have been attending for some time, chances are there are some areas of the campus that are unfamiliar to you.
On Jan. 15, Sanctuary: Join long–time member Carol Minchew as she takes you to areas of the Sanctuary that you may not know even exist. Learn about the symbolism of the cross sculpture. Meet your guide by the sculpture.
On Jan. 22, Pinnacle Presbyterian Preschool: Jane Barber, a PPP teacher, guides you though the preschool, shows you the creativity of its students and describes the philosophy of its teaching methods. Meet your guide at the flagpoles
On Feb. 12, Memorial Garden: Weldon Minchew leads you behind the wooden gates and along the tranquil stream in the beautiful Memorial Garden. Weldon played a major role in making the Memorial Garden a reality. Meet your guide at the flagpoles.
Ladies’ Bible Study: Behold Your God
Gena Brown
Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 17, 10 a.m., Chapel Library
“To come alive spiritually we must meet God. To live abundantly we must know God.”
You are welcome to join the ladies’ Bible study in pursuit of these ideals as we embark on a 13–week study called, Behold Your God: Studies on the Attributes of God by Myrna Alexander.
In order to consistently lean on God alone, we must know Him, and to know Him, we must know what He is like. Each lesson teaches us about the various attributes of God in such areas as love, supremacy, sovereignty, omniscience, and holiness. We will learn how to apply this knowledge to daily living.
The study kicks off with an organizational luncheon on Tuesday, Jan. 10, at Grayhawk Country Club at 11:30 a.m. Study books ($10) will be available, and questions will be answered at that time. Please call Jan Premo (480.563.4778) or Gena Brown (480.451.7613) for more information.
The Presbyterian Book Table
Sundays, Jan. 22, March 25 & April 29, 11:15 a.m., Sanctuary Patio
Most of the time our generation of churchgoers does not pick a church because of its denomination. We pick a church home because it feels right. As a result, sometimes we don’t really know what it means to be Presbyterian. The Presbyterian book table gives you an opportunity to read for yourself what it means to be Presbyterian. The book table will be on the Sanctuary Patio every Sunday that new members are welcomed into the church.
Maestro! – Greatest Conductors of All Time
A Time Out for the Arts event
Brent Hylton
Monday, Jan. 23, 7 p.m., Chapel
Who needs conductors? The question is not quite as ridiculous as it might seem. Many leading orchestras, and a fair number of less accomplished ones too, can quite easily navigate their way through even the most complex works without anyone waving a baton in front of them. Where maestros earn their respect is in turning an adequate performance into something really special. Their knowledge, preparation, artistic vision and leadership are all important, but above all, they are there to inspire. Who are the top maestros? Join Pinnacle’s music director, Brent Hylton, for his insight into this fascinating topic.
Eclipsing Empire
Rev. Bill Kirk
Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 24, for 12 weeks, 7 p.m., Teen Center
Join preeminent New Testament scholars Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan on location in Turkey as they trace the Apostle Paul’s footsteps throughout the Roman Empire. This 12 session DVD study explores fresh insights into Paul’s message of the Kingdom of God, its challenge to Roman imperial theology, and the apostle’s radical relevance for today. It was filmed in high–definition across Turkey, Greece and Italy. The participant guide was written by John Dominic Crossan. Contact Rev. Bill Kirk for more information at 623.748.3985.
Crisis Management & Religious Considerations Dr. Barry Goodfield
Sunday, Jan. 29, 8:45 a.m. & 11:15 a.m., Chapel Library
Religious persecution is not about religious differences, but our reaction to the differences in others. Crises that occur between individuals and groups are often predicated on the use of faulty logic crisis management. Therefore, the primary function of those involved in conflict resolution should be education and intervention. The roots of some conflicts between groups begins at the knee of well meaning parents. The doctrine of exclusivity, faulty logic and mutually reinforced insane actions on the part of the parties involved in the conflict perpetuates crisis in religions. Violence is often seen as “proof” of commitment to various religious doctrine. Crisis management is difficult, as often those charged with negotiating with warring factions are viewed as “sell–outs”, yielding to pressure, losing contact with their people or having been out foxed when they take a more reasonable approach to the difficulties.
Dr. Goodfield is an international lecturer, author and noted radio and television personality. He is Founding Director of the Goodfield Institute in Glendale, Arizona and the Netherlands.
The Gospel According to The Beatles
A Time Out for the Arts event
Brent Hylton
Monday, Feb. 6, 7 p.m., Chapel
On Feb. 9th, 1964, the Beatles, with their Edwardian suits and mop top haircuts, made their first American television appearance – live – on The Ed Sullivan Show. A record setting 73 million people tuned in that evening, making it one of the defining moments in television history. Nearly 50 years later, people still remember exactly where they were the night The Beatles stepped onto Ed Sullivan’s stage. The genius of The Beatles and the American institution that was The Ed Sullivan Show combined to create one of the most defining and indelible moments in the history of music, television and pop culture, in fact making an impact on the world that will never be duplicated. Join Pinnacle’s music director, Brent Hylton, for an evening in which we will discuss the impact of The Beatles – not only on rock and roll but on all of Western culture.
The Role of Faith and Prayer in Health and Healing: What Does Science Have to Say?
Harold G. Koenig, MD, MHSc.
Thursday, Feb. 9, 7 p.m., Chapel
Dr. Koenig will provide a background on the situation with regard to religion and health care in the U.S. and around the world, noting the high prevalence of spiritual needs in medical settings and the current divorce between religion and medicine. He will then examine the role of religion in coping with illness and other life stress. He will overview the scientific research on the relationships between religion, mental health and well–being, and also explore the relationships between religious involvement and physical health and longevity. Finally, he will present a model that seeks to explain how religious involvement affects health. This material will help to answer the question, “What influence does my religious faith play in my health and wellness?”
Dr. Koenig is board certified in general psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry and geriatric medicine. He is Director of the Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health at Duke University Medical Center, and has published extensively in the fields of mental health, geriatrics, and religion. He is considered one of the world’s top experts on religion and health.
Find Your Joy by Identifying Your Gifts and Passions
Rod Houston
Sundays, Feb. 12 & 19, 11:15 a.m., Office Conference Room
In each of us is a joyful authentic Self waiting to be released. Part of finding this person is to identify and understand our God given gifts, passions, and style. Rod Houston will help you find your gifts, passion, and style through what is taught, discussion, and some simple tests. Come for lively discussion and lots of fun in the journey to finding your joy. For more information, contact Rod at 480.471.8482.
The Thoughtful Christian
Monthly Publication
Bible study should be timely. It should stimulate our thoughts about Christian values and how they relate to today’s world. The Thoughtful Christian is a web–based resource center designed to stimulate discussion about today’s world and our faith. Selected articles from The Thoughtful Christian will be available in the Chapel or Sanctuary narthex or visit them at thethoughtfulchristian.com. Contact Marilyn Sorenson at marilyn.mjs@gmail.com for any articles you would like to receive at no charge.
Tallulah Project
Saturday, Feb. 25, 10 a.m., Pinnacle Presbyterian Preschool
The Tallulah Project is a mosaic tile mural that creates a passageway depicting landscapes of Arizona and how they are transformed by water. The word Tallulah is Native American meaning running water. All of the clay tiles have been handmade by children and adults of our Pinnacle Presbyterian Church and Pinnacle Presbyterian Preschool community. You, too, can be a part of this wonderful project. It is fun and easy to make clay tiles. This year Pinnacle families will make water and leaf tiles to continue the arroyo that will flow past the Atelier. Leaf tiles are only $10 each. To order your family water tiles or to sign up for one of our workshops, please contact the preschool office at 480.585.9448 ext. 2.
Understanding Islam Through Its Jewish and Christian Roots
Dr. Alan Stone
Sunday, Feb. 26, March 4 & 11, 11:15 a.m., Chapel
On Feb. 26: This 45–minute session is a comparison of the three religions, their similarities, their departures from each other, and what we can learn from each other. Click to download a PDF of this class’s slides.
On March 4, Holy War: A 45–minute romp through the clashes between the West and radical Islam. From the crusades into this century, Christians and Muslims have pitted forces against each other, creating strange myths and even stranger justifications. The role of religion in making war may point to sources for reconciliation. Click to download a PDF of this class’s slides.
On March 11, The Modern Clashes: A 45–minute lecture on contemporary problems between the West and Mideast, beginning with the Iranian revolution, terrorism and the Arab Spring. Click to download a PDF of this class’s slides.
Lenten Series: Five Solas
Pinnacle Pastors and Staff
Sundays, Feb. 26, March 4, 11, 18, & 25, 11:15 a.m., Chapel Library
The Five solas are five Latin phrases that emerged during the Protestant Reformation and summarize the Reformers’ basic theological beliefs in contradistinction to the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church of the day. The Latin word sola means “alone” or “only” in English. They articulated five fundamental beliefs of the Protestant Reformation, pillars which the Reformers believed to be essentials of the Christian life and practice. Join Pinnacle Pastors as we explore Sola scriptura (“by Scripture alone”), Sola fide (“by faith alone”), Sola gratia (“by grace alone”), Soli Deo gloria (“glory to God alone”), and Solus Christus or Solo Christo (“Christ alone” or “through Christ alone”) during this season of Lent.
How Women Pray
Parris Richie
Thursdays, March 15, 22, 29 & April 5, 6:30 p.m., Office Conference Room
Why are there so many stories that revolve around women in the Bible? These stories, and the attitudes they express, are an important window into the soul of Israel. The text we will be using is Reading the Women of the Bible by Tikva Frymer–Kensky. We will continue our study with Victims. Please bring your Bible to class. Contact Parris Richie at 480.551.6855 for more information.
Reversed Thunder – The Revelation of John & the Praying Imagination
Shelly Core
Wednesdays, beginning March 21, for 10 weeks, 6 p.m., Fellowship Hall, Room 2
Have you become immersed in interpretations of the varied and even gross symbolisms in the Book of Revelation? Have you missed the introductory statement that it is “the revelation of Jesus Christ”? He gave His revelation, His last words, through the listening ears and the seeing eyes of His devoted friend, St. John, theologian, poet, and pastor. Eugene Peterson, author of The Message translation of the Bible, has caught the sweep and practicalities of Revelation through his insights into Jesus’ last words, His ultimate words, on such subjects as the church, prayer, evil, politics, and heaven. Jesus’ call for us in the here and now is to worship God and to this theme we can respond, “Amen.” This book invites repeated reading, always with an open Bible, time for meditation, prayerful worship. “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” Contact Shelly Core using the staff email page or 480.488.8912 to sign up and for book ($10) or for more information.
Paths to Human Understanding
Dr. Barry Goodfield
Wednesdays, beginning March 21, for five weeks, Sanctuary Adult Ed classroom
Led by our own Dr. Barry Goodfield, an international lecturer, author and noted radio and television personality, this course will examine our personal world in which we all live, our daily reality, our conscious and unconscious thinking, and the challenges with which we are confronted in these trying times.
An introduction and preview will takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 29 in the Sanctuary Adult Ed classroom. What a great day to take a leap forward in personal understanding. The first meeting is for two hours and will preview the short course topics followed by a discussion. It is a chance "shop before you buy."
All of the following five meetings will be from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Sanctuary Adult Ed classroom. Each evening will begin with a presentation on a timely topic that affects us all followed by an in–depth discussion:
| March 21 | You and the you that the world sees. A look at yourselves and our observable coping strategies as seen in our non–verbal language. |
| March 28 | Tools for better stress management |
| April 4 | Coping strategies for handling teenage children and other alien species |
| April 11 | Fighting fair: How to get your point across and still remain married |
| April 18 | How to become an even better “lie detector” |
This is not a therapy group, but it is a group involved in a deep therapeutic dialogue with each other. Openness, honesty, directness, and clarity are the objectives of this program. Moreover, it must be fun too. After al, it is about us and all the dumb, funny things we do as people!
Walk the Labyrinth
Good Friday, April 6, Noon – 9 p.m., Sanctuary Patio
Labyrinth walking is a form of meditation that involves walking on winding pathways drawn or laid on the ground. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth has only one path leading in and out, with no intersecting paths or dead ends. Labyrinth walkers follow the labyrinth path from a specified beginning to a well–defined central area and back through the same path to the exit. They might pray, reflect on life, consider a particular problem, or seek spiritual guidance as they move along the curving trail. Their aim is not to reach the finish, but to become immersed in all aspects of the walk and, potentially, to experience some degree of personal transformation.
A labyrinth will be set up on the Sanctuary Patio on Good Friday from noon until 9 p.m. It will be candlelit from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Come experience this contemplative practice as we journey through the season of Lent.
Hijabs, Abayas, Shalwar Gameez, Stilettos and Victoria’s Secret: Women Around the World Have More in Common Than You Think!
Roselyn O’Connell
Sunday, April 15, 11:15 a.m., Chapel Library
Women are reaching for empowerment in the Middle East and all around the world. As an expert speaker and trainer for the U.S. State Department, Roselyn O’Connell worked with women in Jordan, Iraq, the West Bank, Brazil, Pakistan, Trinidad/Tobago Ghana and Namibia to develop advocacy, networking, organizing and political campaigning skills. She will share the stories, hopes and dreams of women who are eager to be full participants in their countries’ social and political life. Their struggles are individual, yet a common theme runs through each narrative and at times reflects experiences of women everywhere. Ms. O’Connell is the former president of the National Women’s Political Caucus and a 2004 congressional candidate.
Monteverdi’s “Vespers”
A Time Out for the Arts event
Kira Rugen
Sunday, April 22, 3 p.m., Sanctuary
Let’s set the scene. It’s 1610. Claudio Monteverdi is 43-years-old and in a bit of trouble. He has been roundly criticized for his contrapuntal unorthodoxies and he is in financial strife, in danger of being a has–been. He needs a new job, and a job like the maestro di cappella at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Venice would be just fine. Being the master of music at a major cathedral would look very good on his curriculum vitae. And so the Vespers is born… choirs reverberate from galleries and soloists echo from all directions with daring stereophonic effects. It is sacred music of the highest degree, but also high theatre. It is the junction between Renaissance restraint and Baroque splendor. And it could well have been Monteverdi’s audition piece for the job of St. Mark’s. Join Kira Rugen, Director of Children’s & Youth Choral ensembles at Pinnacle, and doctoral candidate at Arizona State University, along with ASU’s Solis Camerata, as they present Claudio Monteverdi’s timeless masterpiece, Vespers of the Blessed Virgin.
Fall 2012 Classes
Fall 2012 classes will be announced in September 2012.