All adults are invited to the following adult education programs. No registration is needed unless otherwise noted. Meeting rooms will be listed in the Westminster Updates in the weekly worship bulletins. Contact Director of Adult Education and Women's Ministries Clara Beth Van de Water at 703-549-4766 ext. 120 for further information.

January and February Adult Classes

Classes meet from 9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. unless otherwise listed.

Three new classes for adults will be offered in January and February on Sunday mornings. We are offering an eight-week Biblical study of Galatians, a five-week series on pain and suffering, and a three-week series on human communication. Come to any of the classes as you can: no registration necessary.

GALATIANS: Charter of Christian Liberty

Jan. 8 - Feb. 26, Westminster Room

The Rev. Dr. A. Katherine Grieb, Professor of New Testament, Virginia Theological Seminary

This course will explore Paul's letter to the Galatians, who were Celtic Christians in Asia Minor. It is one of the most important sources for Paul's thinking on the "truth of the gospel,” and the distortions that threaten Christian liberty. Written in white hot anger, Paul is not diplomatic, but is theologically brilliant and right on track. Dr. Grieb will take us beyond a traditional reading of Galatians (aka Martin Luther), to a deeper understanding of the social structures of Paul's mission versus a rival opposing mission. Come learn about the apostle Paul and the work of God in Christ from a Biblical scholar and Episcopal priest with a Ph.D. in theology from Yale University and a law degree from Catholic University, whose courses are always appreciated at WPC.

The Windings and Turnings of Humanity: A Series on Pain and Suffering

Jan. 8 - Feb. 5. Haverkamp Room

Mrs. Amey Upton, Wesley Theological Seminary Graduate

There can be learning and healing in experiences of pain and suffering. Come to a conversation with Westminster member Amey Upton, who recently finished her Master of Divinity degree at Wesley Seminary. Amey will share what some major theologians and contemporary writers say about the pain, suffering, and injustices we have to bear as part of life. We often feel abandoned by God when it comes to some of our windings and turnings along life's path. Our growth in grace has its ups and downs, which make us feel lost at times, help keep us humble, and continually offer challenges throughout our lives. Amey led a prayer class last winter which was very well received.

The Intricacies of Human Communication

Feb. 12 - 26, Haverkamp Room

Dr. Raja T. Nasr, Professor of Education, Marymount University

Come to a series of presentations on human communication and its many intricacies by Westminster member Dr. Nasr, who knows much about its variety, having been born in Jerusalem and lived in Lebanon. Dr. Nasr holds a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. The topics are "Human Communication Revisited"- Feb. 12," The English Language: A Fascinating Story"- Feb. 19, and "The Communication of Humor"- Feb. 26.  Throughout the series, Raja will emphasize this great wonder of God's creation: the human ability to learn and use communication systems. Raja taught a popular course on the Middle East last winter.

Reformed Institute Programs

The Reformed Institute was created in 2003 to address a growing need among Presbyterian churches in the Washington DC area – to celebrate, support and enhance understanding of the Reformed (Presbyterian) heritage. For more information, please visit www.reformedinstitute.org or their Facebook page. 

The Reformed Institute's 9th Annual Convocation

One God, Many Faiths: Reformed Theology Engages Religious Pluralism

Sat., Jan. 28, 9:30 a.m. - noon

Stone Hall, National Presbyterian Church, DC.

The presenter is Dr. Richard Plantinga, Professor of Theology, Calvin College. All adults are invited; there is no fee to attend.

A Confessional Church: The Book of Confessions of the PC(USA)

Alternate Saturdays beginning Feb. 4,  9:45 a.m. – noon

National Presbyterian Church, DC. 

Brochure/registration forms are in WPC foyer literature rack and online at www.reformedinstitute.org. Course fee is $75; contact Clara Beth Van de Water to arrange a $50 reduced fee. 

DISCIPLE course with Larry Hayward