Sunday Morning Christian Education

2025 Adult Education Track

The Bible With and Without Jesus

Fall 2025

We are happy to announce a six-week class based on The Bible With and Without Jesus: How Jews and Christians Read the Same Stories Differently, by Amy-Jill Levin and Mark Zvi Brettler. This class will be taught by FVPC member Paul Vlajcic and will begin on Sunday, September 7. We will meet in the Conference Room at 9:00 am.

Paul will lead us on a guided tour of the most popular Hebrew Bible passages quoted in the New Testament to show what the texts meant in their original contexts. He will then show how Jews and Christians, over time, understood those same texts. Passages include the creation of the world, the role of Adam and Eve, the suffering servant of Isaiah, the book of Jonah, and Psalm 22, which contains the words, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me,” Jesus quoted as he died on the cross.

Comparing various interpretations – historical, literary, and theological - of each ancient text, the class will offer deeper understanding of the original narratives and their many after lives. It will show how the text speaks to different generations under changed circumstances, and so illuminate the Bible’s ongoing significance. By understanding the depth and variety by which these passages have been and can be understood, we will further see the Bible as a source of inspiration for all to read.

Although a book is not required for this class (there will be some videos shown), if you would like to order a copy of The Bible With and Without Jesus, please email Susan Strasser by August 15, as she is coordinating a group order. The cost per book is $18.00. If you prefer to obtain your own copy, the book is available through Amazon or other online book retailers.

(Posted 7/16/25. Source: Susan Strasser’s 7/16/25 email.)

Our Voices

October 19-November 30

Following our Fall 2025 book study, the always-popular “Our Voices” adult education series returns, meeting in the Conference Room at 9:00 am. Each week, a speaker will share their expertise and experience, offering their insights in a wide variety of topics. Watch the church publications for details as they become available.

(Posted 8/26/25. Source: Minutes of the August 10, 2025 meeting of the Adult Ministry Committee.)

Enneagram One-Day Workshop

This one-day workshop will take place on October 18 in the Great Hall, 8:30 am-4:00 pm. The workshop is designed to help participants discern their Enneagram number through a combination of videos, workbook exercises and discussion. Breakfast will be provided, and we will include a break for lunch. This session is designed to be a first step on the Enneagram Journey, and the day will include time to discuss options for continued exploration. We encourage you to invite a friend to join you for this workshop!

The cost for the workshop is $20.00 for the workbook. Questions? Please email Enneagram leaders Laurie Musielak or Becky Pearce. To register for this workshop, email Laurie by September 26, 2025.

Organizers for this event: Laurie Musielak and Becky Pearce

(Updated 9/15/25. Source: 9/15/25 meeting with Laurie Musielak.)

Presbyterian Women

All women of the church are invited to participate in a Presbyterian Women (PW) circle, which is affiliated with the PC(USA) national Presbyterian Women organization. The Sewing Circle meets on Monday mornings. The Knitting Circle (those who do all forms of handwork are welcome) meets in the afternoon on the second and fourth Mondays of the month.

Contact the church office to be put in touch with a current Circle leader.

Congregational Revitalization through Community Organizing

Through our membership in the Fox River Valley Initiative we have access to training that will teach us how to build meaningful relationships and have purposeful conversations as we seek to love, grow, and serve together. We also have the opportunity to participate in events to educate ourselves and help make our community a better place. Contact Pastor Michelle to learn about the next FRVI actions or meetings.