Adult Learning & Fellowship
The goal of Adult Education at the Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville is to help each person grow in faith, know the Bible better, think more seriously about core beliefs, and do all of this in the company of fellow Christians.
Knowledgeable leaders guide Sunday morning adult education classes. Small group studies provide opportunities to dig deeper into a topic while getting to know others better. Annual men’s and women’s retreats held off-site are times of fellowship, worship, laughter and spiritual growth. Fellowship groups foster connections and nurture Christian friendships. Through each offering, we invite you to explore how we are called, equipped and sent into the world as God’s people.
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Christians and Rhetoric in an Election Year
In an election season, rhetoric matters. We hear super-charged messages all around us. How can we process what we hear, become aware of how language can be used to manipulate us, and arrive at a deeper understanding? Further, as Christians, what we say and how we say it matters. How do we speak the truth in love – to those who agree and those who do not? This two-session class addressed these issues and more.
Our teacher was Dr. Kevin Dean, Professor in the Communication Studies Department and Director of the Honors College at West Chester University. Dr. Dean describes himself as a political and communication junkie; over the years he has coached students who have distinguished themselves at the National Forensics Championships. The recorded program from October 18, 2020 is available here, and the program from October 25 will be available very soon.
Making Sense of the Sermon on the Mount
Christians have long puzzled over why the Sermon on the Mount seems to ask us to do what is impossible. Who does not get angry? How can we love our enemies or our neighbors as ourselves? This two-session class looked at what Christians down through the ages have made of Matthew, chapters 5-7, and then offered some suggestions as to what lessons we can take away for ourselves.
Our teacher was Dr. Dale Allison, a distinguished Professor of New Testament at Princeton Seminary. He has been called “the premier Matthew specialist of his generation in the United States,” and has written books on the Sermon on the Mount. He is an ordained elder in the PC (USA).
The recorded program from October 4, 2020 is available here, and the program from October 11 will be available very soon.
One Day Retreat led by
Rev. Dr. Janet Macgregor-Williams
Date: Saturday, February 11 9am-3pm
Location: PCOL
Cost: $10 (to cover the cost of lunch)
To Register: Email Margaret Brungard (mbrungard@pclawrenceville.org
When we read the Bible, it is often the voices of the men who wrote it that we hear; but there are women in Scripture as well. They are wives, mothers and daughters, victors and victims, women who change the course of important events, and women who are powerless to affect even their own destinies. There are 137 named women in Scriptures, many of whom are overlooked; and then there are those who are not even given a name. We will meet a woman who courageously stands up for their people; a woman who partnered with their spouse in a ministry of hospitality; and a woman shunned, even by her own people. Come and meet some of the women in Scripture and hear their stories. There will be time to participate in small groups as we connect our story with their story. Then together we will write midrash as we explore the context and emotions behind the ordinary people in the Scriptures, and give them voice.
Men’s Retreat 2023
Dates: Friday, March 5 through Sunday, March 7
Location: Camp Johnsonburg
Cost: $200 (includes lodging and meals)
Register On Realm https://onrealm.org/
We’re back! Join us for a relaxing and meaningful weekend of fun and fellowship. This year’s theme is “The Chief End of Humanity: Rethinking Vocation and Calling.” Regardless of whether we are 25 or 75, a pastor or a businessman, we all question our purpose in life. What does it mean to be called by God? What role does our job play in living into that calling? Is there a difference between my job and vocation? These are the types of questions we will think through together at this year’s Men’s Retreat! If you have any questions, please contact Jeff Vamos (jvamos@pclawrenceville.org) and Nelson Steinert (nelson.steinert@ptsem.edu).
Women’s Retreat
Dates: Friday, April 28 through Sunday, April 30
Location: St. Joseph’s By the Sea Retreat House
Cost: $325 (includes lodging and meals)
Registration information to come in the spring
Save the date for a meaningful weekend of study and fellowship at the beach! Theme and details will be shared closer to the event. If you have any questions, please contact Margaret Brungard via mbrungard@pclawrenceville.org
Small groups provide opportunities for fellowship, study, prayer, sharing and discussion. Below are ongoing groups open to new participants.
Women of the Word (WOW)
The Women of the Word Bible study group is starting a new study. This is the perfect time to connect with women who laugh, study, pray, share and laugh some more. We meet by Zoom from 7:00-8:30 pm on the dates below. If you are interested, please email Louise Johnson (ljohnson@pclawrenceville.org ) for more details.
The book of Psalms is at the very center – the very heart of the Bible. It has functioned in the life of God’s people as a hymnal, prayer book, confessional, teaching tool and daily guide for millennia. It contains expressions of anger, grief, and pain as well as expressions of joy, deliverance, thanksgiving and deep faith. During this 3-session study, we will explore our own honest conversations with God.
November 10 – Psalms of Disappointment and Distress (Psalms 13 & 30)
November 24 – Psalms of Thanksgiving (Psalm 100)
December 8 – Psalms of Praise (Psalms 146 & 148)
Deborah Circle of Presbyterian Women
The Deborah Circle meets the first and third Thursday of each month from 1:30 – 2:30 pm in the church lounge for Bible study, discussion and sharing. New participants are welcome. For a schedule of meeting dates and curriculum, please contact Jill Cifelli at jcifelli@pclawrenceville.org.
Men’s Bible Study
The Men’s Bible Study gathers twice a month from 9:00 – 10:15 am in the church lounge. Men enjoy sharing, study and fellowship. New participants are welcome. For a schedule of the meeting dates and curriculum, please contact Jeff Vamos at jvamos@pclawrenceville.org.
Soul Food Bible Study/Fellowship Group (Coed)
Soul Food is a combination Bible Study and Fellowship Group. It meets the first Saturday of each month from 6:00 – 7:30 pm in the church lounge for a simple potluck dinner followed by a Bible study. Leadership rotates among participants. New participants are welcome. For a schedule of the meeting dates and curriculum, please contact Louise Johnson at ljohnson@pclawrenceville.org.
Soul Food Bible Study/Fellowship Group (Coed)
Soul Food is a combination Bible Study and Fellowship Group. It meets the first Saturday of each month from 6:00 – 7:30 pm in the church lounge for a simple potluck dinner followed by a Bible study. Leadership rotates among participants. New participants are welcome. For a schedule of the meeting dates and curriculum, please contact Louise Johnson at ljohnson@pclawrenceville.org.
Create and Relate
Create and Relate is a crafty group of women who meet each Monday morning from 10:00 am – 11:30 am in the church lounge to do handwork and to enjoy fellowship. They raise money for missions each year by selling their handiwork at the Fall Fest and at the Christmas Mission Boutique. New participants are always welcome and members attend as they are able. No skills are necessary; some create, some relate, and many do both! For more information, please contact Andrea Rabitz at rabitz@princeton.edu.
Please find here archived videos, handouts and other materials from past PCOL Adult Education programs.
Video Lessons of Faith
For Challenging Times
Since the COVID-19 pandemic first disrupted all of our lives in March 2020, the staff and leaders of PCOL have generated scores of short videos with “encouraging words” to help us through these times. PCOL’s Adult Education Committee has been inspired by these lessons of faith, which can be useful at any point in one’s life – especially when times are difficult. Read more…
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