Faith and Reason 
9 am to 9:45 am in the Large Classroom

The adult Faith & Reason class provides a Sunday morning educational opportunity to engage the evolving issues and imperatives of 21 st Century progressive Christianity. The format is short video/audio presentation followed by lively class discussion. Each session is facilitated by Bill Parton and/or a volunteer from the class. 

Podcasts and YouTube videos from a variety of sources have provided most of our material, with the Center for Action and Contemplation being the most common source.

In October 2023 we also began a series called Pub Theology that is sort of an extension of the Faith & Reason class. Meeting on Sunday afternoons once a month at The Dardanelle Club (Clarion Inn) in Russellville, we engage in lively theological discussions in a more relaxed and public setting.

Bill Parton, representing the Faith & Reason Class

Faith and Scripture Ministry
9:15 am to 10 am in our small classroom - On Summer Break until September 8, 2024

For the 2023 calendar year, we have studied the Gospel according to Luke. My references for our study include (but are not limited to) The Four Translation New Testament (King James, New American Standard, Williams – “In the Language of the People” – and Beck – “In the Language of Today”), La Sacra Bibbia: Edizione ufficiale della Conferenza Episcopale Italiana, and Biblia Sacra: Biblia Sacra Vulgata (Latin). We also draw on innumerable other sources, including online videos, historical works, legends, and literature. 

Our procedure has been for a volunteer to read a passage – ranging from three to a dozen verses – aloud, then to discuss its significance. For example, in considering Jesus’ sermon on the mount, we discuss the various possible meanings of terms such as “blessed” and “poor in spirit.” We also discuss the religious, historical, and political contexts of significant passages since Jesus conducted His ministry at a time when Jerusalem was the center of power for Judaism – dominated by the Sadducees and Pharisees of the Sanhedrin and ruled by the Romans. We enjoy open discussions as well as somewhat more formal “mini lectures.” 

Dr. Stan Lombardo

Sunday School Ages 6-11 years old - On Summer Break until September 8, 2024

We offer Sunday School during the school year at 9 am to 9:45 am for ages 6 to 11 in our youth room off Sutherland. Topics this Spring will be centered around the Eucharist, prayer, and getting to know the Episcopal Church.