Academy Classes
The Academy at Myers Park Presbyterian Church, beginning its sixth year, differs somewhat from traditional Bible study or Sunday School classes.  The schedule and topics are more varied.  Members and nonmembers explore faith and spiritual matters in an open setting with weekly classes in four subject areas – Bible, theology and history, Christian living, and spiritual growth.  Classes are taught by clergy, seminary and university professors, and community experts. 

Register for Academy classes here. 

Foundations For Faith
Those of you who are interested in more of a challenge should consider a Foundations for Faith class.  These 12 core courses focus on Christian beliefs and prepare you for a journey into deeper discipleship.  They are open to everyone – church members and friends as well as community neighbors – and are offered in a repeating cycle so that they can be completed within a three-year period.  The 12 classes, by category, are as follows:

Bible – Introduction to the Bible, Old Testament Overview, New Testament Overview, How the Bible Came to Be

Theology & History – Basic Christian Beliefs, Basic Presbyterian Beliefs, Overview of Church History

Christian Living – Discipleship 101, Missions 101, Christian Ethics in Everyday Life

Spiritual Growth – Prayer: Practicing the Presence of God, Habits for Spiritual Growth

In addition to open enrollment, we are offering a certificate track for those who commit to completing all 12 core courses.  Once enrolled in the Core Club, we will track your enrollment and attendance.  When you complete the core courses you will receive a Foundations for Faith certificate of completion and suitable recognition.  Some of the advanced courses offered by The Academy in coming years will require Foundations for Faith certification as a prerequisite.

Sundays, Sept. 26-Nov. 21, 9:45-10:45 a.m. (nine weeks)
Overview of the Old Testament
Discover the big picture overview of the Old Testament stories and characters.  Sessions include:
1. Course Introduction                      4. Out of Bondage                            7. Division and the Rise of Prophecy
2. Making of the Hebrew Bible        5. Promise and Problem in the Land   8. Exile and Response
3. The Creation Story of Israel          6. Israel has a King                            9. Restoration and Renewal

Teachers: Rev. Hunter Roddey, chaplain, Presbyterian Hospital - Matthews.
Rev. Susan Roddey, pastoral counselor, Counseling Center of Charlotte
Text: Invitation to Old Testament, $12.

Sundays, Sept. 26-Oct. 10 (Part 1), Oct. 24-Nov. 7 (part II), 12:15-2:15 p.m. (six weeks)
Bridges Out of Poverty Part I – Bridges Out of Poverty Part II
Gain insight into the survival-based world of poverty and its impact on learning and decision-making; find out the hidden rules and assumptions of social class; and learn impactful strategies. Teachers: Wanda Anderson, senior social worker on the staff of the Robinson Rehabilitation Services, LLC; Rev. Dr. Paul A. Hanneman, program director of the Urban Ministry Center. Text: Bridges Out of Poverty, $20.

Sundays, Sept. 26-Nov. 21, 12:15-1:30 p.m. (nine weeks)
First Light - Jesus and the Kingdom of God
Ponder the great questions.  Why Jesus?  Why now?  Why you?  This video-based discussion group focuses on the significance of Christ in today's world using the work of noted scholars Marcus Borg and Dominic Crossan.  On-location video and commentary are included in each session.  Text available for $5 in class.  Teacher:  Rev. Von Clemans,

Sundays, Nov. 7 & 14, 12:15-1:45 p.m. (two weeks)
Cuba: Power, Politics and Presbyterians
Discuss the church in today’s Cuba, its survival during Castro's regime, the coming challenges, and how God is at work.   Teachers: Dr. Reinerio Arce, president, Matanzas Evangelical Theological Seminary and head of the Presbyterian Synod of Cuba; Dr. Richard Boyce, professor, Union Seminary at Queens University; and Dr. Dag Mossige, political science professor, Davidson College.

Wednesdays, Sept. 29-Nov. 17, 12-1 p.m. (eight weeks - Uptown location)
Living a Life of Love: Christian Ethics for Everyday Practice
Explore how faith can and does affect our relationships, our work and our daily choices in this uptown Bible study with real world applications.  Teacher: Rev. Dr. Millie Snyder, executive pastor.

Wednesdays, Sept. 29-Oct. 20, 4-5 p.m. (four weeks)
How the Bible Came to Be: Why These Books and No Others?
Learn more about the history of the Bible and how and when books were written and collected to create today’s Bible.  Teacher: Rev. Dr. Charles MacDonald, Presbyterian pastor (retired).

Wednesdays, Sept. 29-Nov. 17, 4:30-5:30 p.m. (eight weeks)
10 Best Parenting Ways to Ruin Your Child
Consider a fresh approach to parenting in this lighthearted, but insightful, series of classes where we examine the actions of our children, our response as parents, and the impact of our behavior on our children's health and well-being. Teacher:  Rev. Von Clemans, associate pastor for adult education.  Text: 10 Best Parenting Ways to Ruin Your Child, $10. 

Wednesdays, Sept. 29-Oct. 20, 5-6 p.m. (four weeks)
Bible Stories Your Parents Never Told You – Youth Class
Discover the weird and fascinating world of the Bible; learn about some of its wild and crazy people; and gain a new understanding of God’s purpose for them, for you and for your faith.  Teacher: Rev. Michelle Thomas-Bush, associate pastor for youth ministry. Text: Awed to Heaven, Rooted in Earth, $15.

Wednesdays, Sept. 29-Oct. 20, 6-7 p.m. (four weeks)
I Can Hear You Now: Christian Meditation
Find new ways to give God your undivided attention and have real, personal conversations despite the business of life.  Teacher: David Houle, Christian meditation practitioner.

Celtic Spirituality: Trendy Fad or Helpful Resource?
Discern how Christians and 21st century Presbyterians can learn from ancient Celtic art, architecture and writings.  Teacher: Rev. Dr. Diane Mowrey, chaplain, Irwin professor of bible and professor of religion, Queens University.

Psalms and the Self
Focus on our personal expression of gratitude, praise and pain in this study of selected biblical psalms. Teacher: Dr. Karl Plank, J.W. Cannon Professor of Religion, Davidson College.

For Better, For Worse. . .Thriving at Marriage: 0-6 Years
Renew your understanding of your wedding vows in this unique class – designed for those who have been married six years or less – that focuses on male/female differences, communication, family systems, forgiveness and commitment.  Teacher: Rev. Dr. Steve Eason.

Wednesdays, Sept. 29-Nov. 17, Feb. 2-Mar. 12, Mar. 16-April 13, 6-7 p.m. (sixteen weeks)
Finding Your Place in God’s Mission: Perspectives on the World of Christian Movement
Discover how God can use you in today’s world in this in-depth, life-changing Perspectives workshop designed by the U.S. Center for World Mission.  Teacher: Rev. Dr. Bob Breed, associate pastor for outreach.

Wednesdays, Sept. 29-Nov. 17, 7:15-8:30 p.m. (eight weeks)
Overview of the Old Testament
See course discription above. 

Singing is Good for the Soul
Explore how singing can enrich the body, mind and spirit as we learn proper breathing, pitch, harmony and reading music.  Teacher: Dr. Rob Frazier, director of music ministries.

Wednesdays, Oct. 27-Nov. 17, 6-7 p.m. (four weeks)
Urban Leadership Academy: Community Organizing and Non-Profit – Youth Class
Learn how to move from charity to justice, volunteering to serving, sympathy to compassion, and activity to transformation.  Together with fellow high school youth, we will discover how to follow Christ and serve alongside our urban neighbors.  Teacher: Jody Strange, director of CROSS Missions.  Cost: $20, to be donated to CROSS Missions.

Jesus and the Lotus
Open your body, mind and spirit in this Christ-centered yoga class appropriate for beginners and seasoned students.  Classes focus on scripture and related mantras and are designed to give you physical and spiritual fulfillment. Teacher: Carol Barry, certified by National MS Society and Yoga Alliance. Requirements: Bring a yoga mat or blanket.

Revisiting the Roman Catholic Church
Discuss what differentiates Protestant and Roman Catholic churches on hot topics such as celibacy, abortion, divorce, contraception, Mary and even purgatory. Teacher: Dr. Jack Fenlon, former Roman Catholic priest and current elder at Myers Park Presbyterian Church.

The Problem with The Romans
Partner with other individuals  – college students through retirement age – who have questions about faith and morality and learn how to share your beliefs.  The book of Romans will be our guide.  Teacher: Rev. Dr. Charles MacDonald, Presbyterian pastor (retired).

For Better, For Worse . . .Thriving at Marriage: 7+ Years
Renew your understanding of your wedding vows in this unique class – designed for those who have been married seven years or more – that focuses on male/female differences, communication, family systems, forgiveness and commitment.  Teacher: Rev. Dr. Steve Eason.

Wednesdays, Oct. 27-Nov. 17, 7:15-8:15 p.m. (four weeks)
I Can Hear You Now: Christian Meditation
Find new ways to give God your undivided attention and have real, personal conversations despite the business of life.  Teacher: David Houle, Christian meditation practitioner.

Contacts:

   Von Clemans, Associate Pastor for Adult Education
   704.927.1275 or evc@myersparkpres.org

   Gena Koehler, Administative Assistant
   704.927.1275 or adulteducation@myersparkpres.org