Christian Education for Adults
Adult Sunday School Classes meet each Sunday morning at 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM, September through May, in the Chapel building. All classes welcome visitors, guests, and new members.
Sunday School Classes
The Seekers
Room 201
February 1—15
The Gospel Truth of Social Justice, presented by the RCPC Justice Equity and Belonging Committee
In February, the Seekers class will be exploring Christ’s call to racial and social justice through scripture. In addition to David Dixon, we are excited to welcome two of Roanoke Justice Ministries leaders who will share the teaching on these three Sundays. On February 1st, Dr. David Dixon will have us read and discuss several excerpts from Dr. Martin Luther King’s letter from the Birmingham jail. On February 8th, our guest leader will be Pastor Vernie Bolden, Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, who will lead us using scriptures from Matthew 25 and Micah 6. And on February 15th, our guest leader will be Reverend Dr. David Jones, Williams Memorial Baptist Church, who will lead us using verses 16-19 from chapter 4 of Luke’s gospel. Please join us for an eye opening opportunity to learn how Christ calls us into action!
February 22—March 29
This American Gospel: Public Radio Parables & The Grace of God
Led by Andrew Whaley
For millions of listeners worldwide, the public radio program This American Life serves as an indispensable weekly reminder of what it means to be alive. The show has a rare gift for capturing the complexities of life, and in a very deep way does what radio has always sought to do: tell honest, entertaining stories with both humor and heart. With playfulness and wit, This American Gospel expounds parables of the paradoxical Christian message. Join Rev. Whaley for these weeks, as we hear these stories, connect them to scripture and the witness of the church, and grow to see God's grace alive around us in the ordinary moments of life.
Confessions of the Church
Led by Mike Lockaby - Room 101
Beginning January 4
Confessions of the Church: Nicene and Apostles Creeds
We are beginning to explore some of the basic creeds of the church, in their historical and biblical context and with regard to their meaning today. The Nicene Creed is the earliest confession of the whole Christian church about what it believes about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, their relationship to the world we live in, and God's plan for the world and us. The Apostles Creed is the final form of the ancient baptismal confession of Christians that God is their god, Jesus Christ is their savior, and the Holy Spirit is their guide. What do they mean, and why did they become so important, and why do nearly 2 billion Christians say them regularly? Are they truly biblical? Do they make sense in their original forms, or do we need to update the ideas to make sense in the modern way we think about our world and God? We'll look at these questions and more through the Spring.
Parent as a Verb
Room 102
This class will engage parents (who have the most important job in the world) around the numerous topics encountered through parenting. We will support one another weekly, as we strive to raise healthy, joyful children who are enriched by a life of faith. We will enjoy open discussion as we focus on family-centered practices, and as we build a community of parents, both future and present, within our church.
January 4 - 18 & February 1 - 8
Raising Awe Seekers by Deborah Farmer Kris
Led by Isabella Fagiani
In the Gospel of Luke, after Jesus forgives and heals a paralytic man, Luke sums up the experience of the crowd in this way: "Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.” Luke 5:26. This feeling of awe is repeated in the Gospels in response to what Jesus is doing. And it's a feeling we're instructed to have throughout the Psalms in response to God.
However, Deborah Farmer Kris, a child development expert, former classroom teacher, author, and parenting journalist says, "awe is perhaps the most overlooked and undervalued emotion. Yet once you know what to look for, you'll discover awe-inspiring moments every day. And finding and experiencing awe with kids helps them thrive."
If we want our kids to be able to see God at work in the world, we need to help them become awe-seekers. We'll work through Kris' book, "Raising Awe Seekers: How the Science of Wonder Helps our Kids Thrive" to explore seven of the most common sources of awe connecting these sources of awe back to parenting and faith formation. Kris' book is available on Amazon for purchase for less than $10 and is a great resource to have on your shelf.
February 15—March 22
Book Study, Habits of the Household: Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms by Justin Whitmel Earley
Led by Eric Kessler
Parent as a Verb, will be engaged in a five week study of Habits of the Household by Justin Whitmel Earley. Together we’ll explore simple, spiritually grounded rhythms that help families cultivate peace, connection, and grace in everyday life. Whether you’re new to the group or a regular, this is a wonderful opportunity to reflect, share, and pick up practical habits that shape our homes—and our hearts. All parents are welcome!
Discover RCPC
Led by Andrew Whaley - Room 202
Discover RCPC is a way to learn more about our life together as followers of Jesus. In these gatherings, we will get to know one another better. We will learn about how and why we worship and what is distinctive about being a Reformed Church. We will learn about how Presbyterians practice their life in covenant with each other, and we will learn the story specifically of the Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church: The Church of the Open Door.
January 11 - 25: During the Sunday school hour
(10:00 AM—10:45 AM)
February 1 & 8: Following the 11:00 Worship Service
(12:15 PM—1:30 PM)
April 12 - 26: During the Sunday school hour
(10:00 AM—10:45 AM)
Adult Small Group Bible Study
The Small Group lessons are based on the Sunday sermons and scripture. Being part of a Small Group is an experience rich in personal connection and spiritual growth. Small Groups discuss what is shared in worship, therefore the experience of worship is more deeply ingrained in our minds and hearts. As we contemplate it all together the concepts take root and our faith grows! For more informatoin or to sign up email Leigh Sackett.
Sermon Reflections:
Monday 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Thursday 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Additional Small Groups:
Women's Small Group on Tuesdays 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Men's Small Group on Mondays 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
20-Somethings Small Group on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Parents of Small Children Small Group on Thursdays at 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Presbyterian Women
Presbyterian Women is an organization for ALL women of Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church. Our morning meetings occur during the months of September through May on the second Tuesday of every month from 10:15 AM-1:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Women gather to sign cards for shut-ins, collect donations for Turning Point, and leave a least coin offering for worldwide missions. The business meeting starts at 10:15 AM followed by a Bible study led by Ruth Marple. This year the Bible study curriculum is “Let Justice Roll Down" God's Call to Care for Neighbors and All Creation by Reverend Dr. Patricia K. Tull. The morning ends with a time of fellowship over a delicious lunch provided by Lisa Goad.
This year PW is adding an evening circle to the options in addition to the daytime circle. The new evening circle will meet on the second Wednesdays of the month at 7:00 PM at RCPC.
In addition to the monthly morning meetings, a nighttime or weekend women's intergenerational event is offered on a regular basis to allow bonding and fellowship with the women of the church who work, have small children at home, or cannot attend morning meetings.
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Game Night at RCPC—Fellowship Hall
Friday, January 23 at 6:30 PM -
Line Dancing & Hors d’oeuvres—Fellowship Hall
Friday, February 20 at 6:30 PM -
Paint & Praise—Fellowship Hall
March: TBD -
Potluck Dinner & Steel Drum Concert—Fellowship Hall
Friday, April 17 at 6:00 PM -
Free Movie at Grandin followed by lunch
Saturday, May 16
Men of the Church
A men’s group has been meeting for several years from September through May for about an hour per week. Typically, the group is reading a book and taking time each week to check in with one another. Although most of the group attends RCPC, we have had others join us as well and they are welcome.
Young Adult Ministry
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Blue Ridge Axe Throwing & Dinner
Thursday, January 15 at 6:00 PM -
Mardi Gras Celebration at Alicha & Kristyn’s Home
Friday, February 20 at 6:00 PM -
E-Bike Tour with Roanoke Mountain Adventures
April: TBD -
Campfire Hangout & River Fun at Leigh’s Land
Friday, May 15 at 6:00 PM