A Word from the Adult Education Committee
Greetings, friends and members of Pinnacle Presbyterian Church. We are excited to present to you the Adult Education schedule of classes for the 2007–08 church year. Through surveys, meetings and listening to the congregation, we have tried to put together a program that is practical to the needs of our life, yet also stretches us to think more deeply about our Christian journey and culture. Below is the mission statement of our educational program:
The mission of Pinnacle Presbyterian Adult Education is to:
- Assist and challenge adults to continue growing and living as disciples of Christ.
- Provide opportunities for spiritual development and personal growth.
- Respond to individual, family and congregational issues, needs and concerns.
- Encourage adults to identify, develop and exercise their spiritual gifts.
All Adult Educational offerings will be integrated with the larger mission of the Church.
We hope and pray this will be a year of wonderful growth and learning for you at Pinnacle! If you questions please call Rev. Mac Schafer at 480.585.9448 x 205 or e–mail mschafer@pinnaclepres.org.
Dave Ropp, Chairperson
Joann Holloway
Richard Ebert
Sheila Whittington
Bill Kirk
David Schaller
Alan Stone
Robbie Fogle
Shelly Core
Mac Schafer, Staff Liaison
Studies Throughout The Church Year 2007–2008
Wednesday Night Bible Study: The Old Testament
Taught by Rev. Fran Park
6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Chapel Conference Room beginning September 12.
Wednesday Night Bible Study will focus on the continuing study of the Old Testament and our understanding of the history and community in which Jesus was nurtured and the expectations he fulfilled as God’s Messiah. Unless we have an appreciation and an awareness of that religious background we have difficulty comprehending what it is that Jesus came to transform for the welfare of all of God’s people. Enrich your faith journey by sharing in God’s word for today.
Lectio Divina: Sunday Morning Scripture Study
Facilitated by Rev. Mac Schafer
Every Sunday at 8 a.m. in the Parlor of the Sanctuary and at 8:45 a.m. in Room 2 of Fellowship Hall.
A study of the scripture text being preached on in worship allows people to discuss a passage before they hear a sermon preached on it. The study centers around three questions: 1. What word or phrase stands out to you from the scripture passage? 2. Is there a thought, image, feeling, memory, or question that arises from listening to the scripture text? 3. What is God saying to you through this scripture? All are welcome to join the study at any time. No Bible study experience is needed to participate. Childcare provided.
Middle East Discussion Group
Facilitated by Mr. David Schaller
The 3rd Thursday of the month beginning September 20th at 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall Room 1
Moslems, Jews and Christians peacefully coexisted for centuries in the land of Palestine. Today an eight meter tall wall separates communities as a physical reminder of broken relationships. Spray–painted on the wall are the words from John 11:35: “Jesus wept.” Over the next nine months this discussion group will read several books (most published in 2007) that offer great insight into the current situation. The first book the group will be reading is 'The Lemon Tree: An Arab, A Jew and The Heart of The Middle East' by Sandy Tolan. The discussion group will take place the third Thursday of each month beginning Thursday, September 20, at 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall Room 1. You can sign up for the class by calling the church office or visiting the sign up table on the West Terrace following worship on Sundays.
S.A.G.E (Senior Adults Gaining Enrichment)
Taught by Rev. Fran Park
Wednesdays at 12 p.m. in the Chapel Conference Room
S.A.G.E is continuing with its study of the Old Testament. The group is gaining insight into how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament law and prophecy. Under the leadership of Fran Park this group enjoys study, fellowship, sharing, and a delicious lunch. All are welcome. Cost for lunch is $5.
Mug ’N Muffin
Facilitated by Ms. Katy Schafer, MDiv.
The First and Third Wednesday morning each month at 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in Fellowship Hall Room 2
Mug ’N Muffin is for mothers of young children. It incorporates a devotional time along with time for sharing joys and concerns and keeping prayer journals. Moms gather to drink coffee, discuss relevant topics, dig into the Bible, pray for each other, and celebrate life together. Mothers may drop off their kid(s) in the sanctuary nursery and head on over to the Fellowship Hall for some quality women’s time. For more information call Katy Schafer at 480.513.0942. Mug ’N Muffin will begin Wednesday, September 5.
Men’s Fellowship Breakfast
Taught by Rev. Fran Park
At the Classic Residence 7501 E. Thompson Peak Parkway, Scottsdale
Date & Time To Be Announced
Breakfast is served. $15 per person. No reservation is required. The group will typically focus on a book that discusses the development of personal faith and discipleship. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet other men in the church and share fellowship.
Ladies Bible Group
Taught by Ms. Gena Brown
Tuesdays at 10 a.m. in the Chapel Conference Room
Starting Tuesday, October 2, the Ladies' Bible Group will learn about women of the Bible. God had a purpose for each woman in the Bible and also a purpose for each one of us. By studying the lives of these women, we can bring God into every area of our lives, build faith and character, and be led to God’s purpose. These women faced sticky problems and difficult situations just like we experience. No matter where we are in our lives, we can gain encouragement and wisdom from these women. They struggled through every sort of difficulty, yet most endured by faith. For more information, please call Jan Premo at 480.563.4778 or Gena Brown at 480.451.7613. To find out more about the group and to see the study syllabus, click here.
Labyrinth Walks at Pinnacle Throughout The Year
Coordinated by The Labyrinth Ministry Team
The Pinnacle Labyrinth is a copy of the one laid in stone on the floor of Chartres Cathedral in France. It is known as an 11 circuit labyrinth as there are 11 rings before reaching the center. The Labyrinth is often thought of as a pilgrimage and offers the seeker an opportunity to journey to the center , or place of illumination, and to follow the same path back out again. Labyrinths are seen to be metaphors for life and a tool for deepening our journey with God.
The following are dates and times the Pinnacle Labyrinth will be open for use:
| Sunday, Dec. 2, at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Advent Candlelight Walk | |
| Sunday, Dec. 9, at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Advent Candlelight Walk | |
| Sunday, Dec. 16, at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Advent Candlelight Walk | |
| Sunday, Dec. 23, at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Advent Candlelight Walk | |
| Monday, Dec. 31, at 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. | New Years Labyrinth Walk | |
| Sunday, Feb. 3, at TBA | Enneagram & Labyrinth Worship | |
| Sunday, Feb. 10, at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. | First Sunday of Lent Candlelight | |
| Sunday, March 16, at 6p.m. to 8 p.m. | Palm Sunday Candlelight Walk | |
| Monday, March 17, at 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. | Holy Week Walk | |
| Tuesday, March 18, at 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. | Holy Week Walk | |
| Wednesday, March 19, at 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. | Holy Week Walk | |
| Thursday, March 20, at 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. | Holy Week Walk | |
| Friday, March 21, at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Good Friday Candlelight Walk | |
The Presbyterian Book Table
October 7, November 4, February 3, March 2, April 6, May 4
After 9:30 a.m. worship on the West Terrace
More of the time our generation of church goers does not pick a church because of its denomination. We pick a church because it feels right. As a result, sometimes we don’t really know what it means to be Presbyterian. The Presbyterian book table gives you an opportunity to read for yourself what it means to be Presbyterian. The book table will be on the West Terrace every Sunday that new members are welcomed into the church.
The Parabola Discussion Group
Taught by Mr. Dave Ropp
September 9, December 2, March 2, and May 25 at 10:45 a.m. in the Chapel Conference Room
Parabola is a quarterly journal, one of the pioneering publications on the subject of myth and tradition. Every issue explores one of the facets of human existence from the point of view of as many of the world's religious and spiritual traditions as possible, through the prism of story and symbol, myth, ritual, and sacred teachings. Parabola offers contemporary essays and images as well as excerpts of wisdom from the great masters of years past. Past and present come together in the retellings of traditional religious, folk, and fairy tales from cultures both familiar and obscure. Parabola holds that the questions are as fascinating and thought–provoking as the answers, and we seek to open and sustain discussion of the oldest questions of all. Join Dave Ropp for discussions on Parabola’s various articles and themes. If you have questions call Dave Ropp at 480.585.0224. The September and March classes will be in the Chapel Conference Room and the December and June classes will take place in Fellowship Hall room 1. The June meeting time will be at 11 a.m.
The Thoughtful Christian
Articles Available in Narthex of the Sanctuary
Bible study should be timely. It should stimulate our thoughts about Christian values and how they relate to today's world. The Thoughtful Christian is a Web–based resource center designed to stimulate discussion about today’s world and our faith. Selected articles from The Thoughtful Christian will be available in the Sanctuary narthex or visit them at thethoughtfulchristian.com. Contact Shelly Core at score@pinnaclepres.org for any articles you would like to receive at no charge
Fall 2007
Find Your Joy: By identifying your Gifts and Passions
Taught by Mr. Rod Houston
Sunday, September 23, 30, October 7, 14
In each of us is a joyful, authentic Self waiting to be released. Part of finding this person is to identify and understand our God given gifts and passions. In this 4 week seminar, you will find your gifts and passions through what is Taught, discussion, and some simple tests. You will receive validation of this by interacting with the other members of the class. The instructor for the seminar is Rod Houston, who introduced the gifts program to 150 people in 15 classes in his last church. His journey with the gifts program spans 30 years and he has attended several different seminars on the subject. He promises lively discussion and lots of fun in the journey to finding your joy.
Family As Forming Center
Taught by Ms. Karen Spessard
Wednesday, September 26, October 3,10, 17 at 6 p.m. in Fellowship Hall 1
Parents join together in a four–week opportunity to explore and share the role of 'Family" in spiritual formation. We will use the book "Family the Forming Center" by Marjorie Thompson as our resource for discovery and discussion of forming a sacred shelter within the context of family life. You can sign up for the class by calling the church office or visiting the sign up table on the West Terrace following worship on Sundays.
A Labyrinth Retreat For Deepening The Christian Journey
Taught by Dr. Cheryl Cumbee & Ms. Claudia Johnson
Saturday, October 13 at 9 a.m. to 12 noon in Fellowship Hall
As Christians, we all need tools that assist us in deepening our Christian faith and spiritual journey: Walking the Labyrinth can be that helpful tool. The Labyrinth allows each of us to step back from the busyness of our life and reflect on how we are doing. This Saturday retreat is designed for first time Labyrinth walkers and for those who are experienced. Join Cheryl Cumbee and Claudia Johnson as they guide us in how to use the Labyrinth to give us greater insights into our life and faith. Ms. Cumbee & Ms. Johnson come to Pinnacle From Faith Counseling Center in Scottsdale. Cost for the morning retreat is $15 and continental breakfast is provided.
Love Divine! “Happy 300th Birthday Charles Wesley”
Taught by Mr. Brent Hylton
Monday, October 15, 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel
While history may have cast him in the shadow of his brother John, it was Charles Wesley who set Methodism to music and gave the church a song to sing. Celebrate Charles’ 300th birthday by exploring his character and faith through the many hymns he wrote for the world to sing. Free and open to the public.
Faithbooking & Signposts
Taught by Ms. Sheila Whittington
Wednesday, November 7 at 6 p.m. in Room 1 of Fellowship Hall
Signposts are answered prayers or significant events, which prove to be pivotal in the direction of our day–to–day living. At each signpost is an awareness of God's hand working behind the scenes, orchestrating a master plan and the gentle pointing of our family along a certain path to achieve His plan. A faithbook, simply stated, is the combination of journaling about our faith and the daily occurences of God's active participation in our lives, along with the photographs that help illustrate and reinforce spiritual memorials in our lives.
Iran 101
Taught by Mr. Babak Hobbi
Thursday, October 4 at 7 p.m. in the Chapel
Iran, as a land and a nation, has one of the oldest histories in the world, extending nearly 6,000 years. Throughout history, Iran has been of geographical and strategic importance because of its central location in Eurasia. In recent days, our news is loaded with the “latest” reports on Iran. “Iran 101” is a presentation and discussion facilitated by Babak Hobbi, an Iranian born American regarding Iran today – its culture, its people & more.
Women of The Bible
Taught by Ms. Parris Richie
Thursday, October 11, 18, 25, November 1, 8, 15 at 7 p.m. the Chapel Parlor
The focus of this Bible study is to build a relationship with God through the study of 13 women in the Old and New Testament. The text will be What She Said: Quotable Women In Scripture by Dale Lindsay Morgan. The thirteen women are: Sarah and Hagar, Miriam, Ruth and Naomi, Hannah, Elizabeth and Mary, Mary and Martha, Mary Magdalene, Huldah, and Esther.
Year of the Bible
Facilitated by Ms. Shelly Core
Sunday, November 11th at 1 p.m. in Fellowship Hall Room 1
Have you ever read completely through the Bible? If so, how long ago? If not, why? Psalm 1 invites us to thrill to God’s Word and chew on Scripture day and night. Actually 20 minutes a day is all that is needed. At this meeting we will discuss how to pick out a version of the Bible that “fits” and buddy up to encourage one another and hold each other accountable. Children can also participate. Join us as we take on the blessing and challenge of reading through the Bible in 2008.
Life After Loss: A Group For The Bereaved
Facilitated by Ms. Fran Wise
Sunday, November 18, 25, December 2, 9 at 11 a.m. in the Chapel Parlor
The holidays can be some of the more difficult times to get through when you have lost a loved one. As the Christmas season approaches consider joining experienced grief counselor Fran Wise for this four week group on living life as best you can after the experience of the death of a spouse or significant family member.
Making & Using Advent Wreaths
Facilitated by Ms. Shelly Core
Wednesday, November 28, at 6 p.m. in Fellowship Hall Room 1
Want to spend some quality family time during the hectic Advent Season? An advent wreath is a great way to keep our focus on the true meaning of the Christmas season. Families are welcome to come and make an advent wreath and share ideas about starting traditions where all can participate in the joyous celebration of this time of preparation of Jesus’ arrival.
Marriage As A Process Seminar
Taught by Gerry Blakeman
Wednesday, December 5 at 6 p.m. in Fellowship Hall Room 1
Gerry Blakeman, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, will lead a seminar on the six stages of development in a married relationship. Ms. Blakeman coordinates Marriage Preparation and Marriage enrichment at St. Patricks Catholic Church in Scottsdale. She also is office partners with Mr. Gary Doan, who has done many Marriage & Family seminars for us in the past.
Getting A Handel on Messiah: Part 1
Taught by Mr. Brent Hylton
Monday, December 10, 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel
Chances are you’ve heard Handel’s “Messiah” at least once, if not many times. Maybe you’ve even performed the work as have countless musicians around the world. After all, it’s probably one of the all–time favorite works in the standard choral repertoire. But if you thought you knew all there was to know about the great composer’s famous oratorio, think again! Many entertaining facts await your discovery as Brent Hylton takes you on a delightful romp through the pages of Handel’s masterpiece. Free and open to the public.
Get Out of My Life: But First Could You Drive Me And Cheryl
to The Mall? A Book Study for Parents of Teenagers
Taught by Rev. Kristin Willett
Thursdays, January 24, 31, February 7, 14, 21, 28 at 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Fellowship Hall Room 1
Do you feel as if your teen is speaking a different language than you are? Longing for those good ol’ days when they actually wanted to spend time with you? Does it seem that now you are lucky to get through the week without losing your voice? Teens today are experiencing the same developmental changes as those who have gone before, but they are doing so in a completely different cultural environment. Get Out of My Life: but first could you drive me and Cheryl to the mall? offers an informative guide to the changes your teens are experiencing and how their culture affects how these changes are expressed. The author is a practicing clinical psychologist and has worked in the area of adolescents for more than 30 years. Explore topics such as the Internet, drugs and drinking, homosexuality, and much more.
Spring 2008
Saving Jesus
Taught by Rev. Bill Kirk
Tuesdays for Eight Weeks Beginning January 22 at 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall Room 1
Saving Jesus is a revolutionary DVD–based small group exploration of Jesus Christ for the third millennium. Featuring leading religious voices of our day, the 12–week program includes a printable participant reader and a facilitator guide offering discussion questions. The basic format for each weekly 1 – 1-1/2 hour session includes conversation around the readings, a 20–minute video segment and guided discussion. Join Marcus Borg, John Dominic Crossan, Matthew Fox, Amy–Jill Levine, James Forbes and a host of others for a conversation around the relevance of Jesus Christ for today. Rev. Kirk is a Methodist minister recently retired from First United Methodist Church, Arlington Heights, Illinois.
I Can’t Sing! For Grown–Ups Who Can’t Carry a Tune in a Paper Bag…..But Want to Do Music with Young Children
Taught by Mr. Brent Hylton
Wednesday, January 30, 6:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall Room 1
A great class for non–musical adults who have children ages 2–6! The class will show how learning music is just a matter of putting together simple elements such as high and low sounds, basic rhythms and poetic words. If you can tap two spoons together, sway from side to side or twang a rubber band, you can have an exciting time sharing music with young children. The ideas are so much fun, everyone will want to join in!
The Enneagram And The Labyrinth
Taught by Ms. Karen Spessard
Sunday, February 3 at 11 a.m. in the Chapel Conference Room and Sunday, February 10 at 11 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
Two ancient tools of spiritual growth will combine in two classes, culminating in a walk through the Labyrinth. Based on nine personality types, the first class will provide an opportunity for participants to discover their own personality type using a brief self–inventory. Under the leadership of Karen Spessard, we will meet on two Wednesday evenings in January, 2008. Two books will be available for purchase for this class: "The Essential Enneagram" and "Walking A Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Practice."
Soul Feast: An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life
Facilitated by Rev. Ed Spence
Sunday, February 10, 17, 24, March 2 at 11 a.m. in Fellowship Hall Room 1
Are you aware of a hunger for greater depth and vitality in your faith life? You know there must be more to a life indwelt by the divine Spirit than what you have experienced, but you are not sure how to gain access to this deeper dimension of life. The primary intention of this study is “to speak to the spiritual needs and concerns of the ordinary person in the pew” as Marjorie Thompson states in her book Soul Feast. Join Rev. Ed Spence for this book study and exploration of the Spiritual Life. Ed is currently a staff Chaplain at Chandler Regional Medical Center and served 15 year as pastor at Chandler Presbyterian Church.
A Lenten Study: The Richest of Fare, Seeking Spiritual Security In The Sonoran Desert
Taught by Ms. Phillys Strupp, Rev. Mac Schafer and Mr. Dave Ropp
Wednesday, February 6, 13, 20, 27 at 7: 30 a.m. at various locations
To find a renewed sense of purpose in today’s world, the book The Richest of Fare by Phillys Strupp weaves together photos of the Sonoran Desert, scientific information, and spiritual insights to explore human relationships with nature, our own selves, other people, and God. This book study will be a perfect complement to the type of reflection we are called to during the season of Lent.
Resolving Conflict: For Marriages & More…
Taught by Ms. Kathy Infeld
Wednesday, February 13 at 6 p.m. in Fellowship Hall Room 1
In the grand history of marriage there has never been a relationship that hasn’t experienced conflict on some level! The question is how do we best deal with conflict when it arises? Join counselor Kathy Infeld as she shares her ‘three solution’ theory to best dealing with conflict in relationships.
Life After Loss: A Group For The Bereaved During Lent
Facilitated by Ms. Fran Wise
Thursday, February 21, 28, March 6, 13 at 7 p.m. in the Chapel Parlor
The holidays can be some of the more difficult times to get through when you have lost a loved one. As the Easter season approaches considering joining experienced grief counselor Fran Wise for this four week group on living life as best you can after the experience of the death of a spouse or significant family member.
What Does It Mean To Be Presbyterian?
Taught by Rev. Ken Moe
Wednesday, February 20, 27, March 5, 12 at 6 p.m. in Fellowship Hall Room 1
Did you come to this church from another denomination? Have you ever had that moment where you’ve said, ‘I’m Presbyterian and I do not even know what that means!’ What does PC(USA) stand for? If you’ve finally hit that point where you want to learn a bit more about the denomination this is the class for you. The class will be Taught by Ken Moe, Executive Presbyter of Grand Canyon Presbytery.
The Phoenix Affirmations: A Three Morning Holy Week Study
Taught by Rev. Mac Schafer
March 17, 18, 19 at 6:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall Room 1
The Phoenix Affirmations are a set of twelve theological principles put together by Dr. Eric Elnes and an ecumenical body of clergy from the Phoenix area in 2005. These Affirmations articulate what it means to live as a Christian seeking to embody Jesus’ great commandments to love God with heart, mind, soul, and strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself. Rev. Schafer was one of the ministers that helped craft the Affirmations and will facilitate holy week discussions about how they apply to our life as people of faith. A light breakfast will be provided with this study.
Gilbert & Sullivan 101
Taught by Mr. Brent Hylton
Monday, March 31, 7:00 P.M. in the Chapel
Long before Rodgers & Hammerstein or Webber & Rice, two men of extraordinary talent and imagination created a series of fourteen stage musicals that delighted the world. William Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan made musical theatre a key part of popular culture in Britain and America. After more than a century, the best of their shows are still entertaining audiences. Join Brent Hylton for an evening of witty, melodic G & S operettas that sparkle with melody and clever rhyme, ranging from fantasy to the realistic. Free and open to the public.