Learning Hour is held every Sunday between services at 9:45 am for adults, youth and children as well as an inquirer's course. Also look for more learning opportunities such as bible study and movie disucssions througout the week.

Classes offer the opportunity for expanding the faith for Trinity members of all ages. Join us, one and all, for another exciting year of learning and growth.

Lenten Book Study
Pastor Mark Stanley will be leading a book study during Lent. Beginning on Wednesday, February 24th and continuing on successive Wednesdays through March 24th, the group will meet at 11:00 a.m. to study the book, “Life of the Beloved” by Henri J. M. Nouwen. Please sign up and indicate if you would like to have us order your book. All are welcome!

Adults

Hashing It Out: A New Learning Hour Opportunity for Young Adults
(Room 206)

Hashing It Out is a new Learning Hour opportunity for PC@TPC and other young adults, in which we’ll tackle a different social, moral, and/or theological issue each week and explore the ways that our faith influences—and is influenced by—the decisions we make and the positions we take.

Lecture Class (Fellowship Hall)

Rabbi Philip Bentley’s Lenten series on the Psalms continues throughout the month of March. Often, when we think of the disciplines of Lent, we think of “giving something up.” Another way to approach Lent is to “take something on,” and certainly the study of Scripture is an area in which we can all benefit from a renewed sense of focus and purpose. Make plans to join us for Rabbi Bentley’s series of Psalm studies; we’re sure to receive fresh insights into God’s Word.

• Feb. 21, Psalm 91
• March 7, Psalm 27
• March 14, Psalm 32
• March 21, Psalm 126
• March 28, Psalm 22

On Feb. 28, Rabbi Bentley will be conducting Purim services at Agudas Israel Synagogue. In his absence, Jack Presseau will lead a program entitled "Christians Connecting with Jewish Festivals."

Issues and Concerns (Lounge)

This class discusses a variety of theological, ethical, and current events topics. The class is facilitated by Marian Lowry and Sue Hammer.

Weekly Bible Lectionary Text (Trinity Room)

You are invited to study the Bible using the weekly Lectionary Text, with open discussion of beliefs and opinions. The class is facilitated by Jim Kisner.

Confirmation Class

Trinity’s Confirmation Class begins March 7 and runs until Pentecost, May 23. The young people who will be participating will be learning more about what it means to be a Christian, a Presbyterian, and a full, participating member of Trinity Church. Their studies will be focused on the answer to question 4 of The Study Catechism:

“By the Holy Spirit, I am made one with the Lord Jesus Christ. I am baptized into Christ’s body, the church. As a member of this community, I trust in God’s Word, share in the Lord’s Supper, and turn to God in prayer. As I grow in grace and knowledge, I am led to do the good works that God intends for my life.”

As described in our church’s constitution (Book of Order W-4.2003), the Confirmation process culminates in examination of confirmands by the Session and their commissioning as active members of the congregation. This isn’t the end of the story, of course, and confirmands aren’t expected to achieve full Christian maturity by the end of the class! In fact, who among us could ever make such a claim? And for that reason, here’s an invitation to you:

Would you like a “refresher course” on the faith of the church? Would you like to get to know some of Trinity’s young people a little bit better? Would you like a challenge? Then join the Confirmation Class! That’s right: adult members of Trinity are invited to join the confirmation class as participants (with no rights or privileges that aren’t enjoyed by the young people—sorry). See Dwight Christenbury for more information.

Youth Class
Grades 6 - 12

MIddle and High school youth will meet in the newly personalized youth lounge (room 108). The Youth Learning Hour focuses on spiritual growth, using the series Companions in Christ.

Children
Age 3 to Grade 5

For Children, Learning Hour classes will be offered for the following age levels:

• Three- and Four-Year-Olds
• Kindergarten to Grade 2
• Grade 3 to Grade 5

Children's Learning Hour Teachers Needed:
The Christian Education Ministry is seeking Trinity members with a love for children and an interest in sharing their faith and wisdom through teaching. We have exciting new curriculum and growing enrollment - no experience required! If you’re interested or would like more information, please call or e-mail Dwight Christenbury (692-6114, ext. 113; dc.trinity@mac.com).

Inquirer's Class

Are you looking to find out more about our church? How we are organized, what our "ministry" structure is? More about Presbyterians, what we believe, and why? The Inquirer's class will be offered monthly and will help you learn how you can participate in our church community and become a member when you are ready.

The class will meet during the Learning Hour (9:45 - 10:45) on February 7, 14 and 21 and is open to visitors and members, newly joined, and longtime members alike. Contact the church office (692-6114) if you have questions.

More Learning Opportunities

Moms and More

Join this group of Christian women who want to strengthen their faith and their families for fellowship and learning. Meeting are Wednesdays during the Friends of Jesus childrens program. This fall we will continue a study of The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian. Contact Deanna Bennett with questions.

Two Thousand Years Film Discussion Series Continues

Have you ever wondered how the church we know and love came to be? This year’s Wonderful Wednesday program will continue (roughly once a month) a recurring film discussion series, Two Thousand Years: The History of Christianity. Each episode, beautifully filmed and thought-provoking, covers a century of the history of Christianity in about 25 minutes, leaving plenty of time for discussion.

Join us as Jauary 13, March 10 and April 14 as we continue the series in 2010.

As you can see, we’ll be taking this journey at a leisurely pace! So mark your calendars and plan to join us for dinner, a movie, and some good conversation (dinners, 5:30 to 6:30; film series, 6:30 to 7:30). If you can be there every time, that’s the best way to get the “big picture”—but if not, please come when you can; each episode stands alone and is interesting in and of itself.

The Center for Ministry and Leadership Development at Union-PSCE

Presbytery of Western North Carolina