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
September 13: Rally Day Intro Class led by Nancy Ayling
Join the Seekers Class on Rally Day for a time of fellowship and a lively look at one of the Bible’s most notorious villains—Jezebel
September 20—October 25: Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman, led by David Dixon (6-week book study)
The Seekers will explore Genesis 1–3, we will discuss the two creation stories—what leads us to understand them as two distinct accounts, as well as the differences in language and authorship. Genesis 3 covers the “Fall,” and we will explore the serpent, who is at fault, and other questions that arise as we look closely at the text and at ancient Jewish and Christian interpretations that continue to influence us today. For the Book of Job, we will explore the place of suffering in life, who is to blame, and, of course, the fascinating character of Satan.
November 29—December 20: Names for the Messiah by Walter Brueggemann, led by David Dixon and Nancy Ayling (4-week book study)
During Advent, the Seekers Class will spend four weeks exploring Walter Brueggemann’s Names for the Messiah.
Through the four royal titles found in Isaiah 9: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace, we will reflect on the hope of the promised Messiah and what these names reveal about Jesus and our lives today.
Christianity and the End of Life
Led by Andrew Whaley - Room 202
October 11—November 1
What happens when we die? What do we believe as Christians about death? Explore these theological and spiritual questions as well as learn from experts about palliative care at the end of life, funeral services, preparing wills and estates, and what goes into the Christian Funeral. Join Rev. Whaley and others from our community each week to look at our life and death with honesty and with hope.
The History of the Reformation
Led by Mike Lockaby - Room 101
Beginning September 13
This fall, we’ll journey back to one of the most fascinating and transformative periods in the history of the Christian Church: the Reformation. Through a video lecture series, lively discussion, and additional enrichment materials, we’ll explore the people, ideas, conflicts, and questions that reshaped Christianity and continue to influence the church today.
Parent as a Verb
Led by Will & Caitlin Smith and Matt & Lorin Walker - 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.​
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September 13—November 22
Parent as a Verb: Love Is a Verb
This fall, Parent as a Verb will explore what it means to practice God’s love in the everyday places where family life happens. Through Scripture, conversation, and thoughtful resources, we’ll consider the many ways love becomes more than something we feel—it becomes something we do. Together we’ll explore what it means to know that we are beloved, to make room for others, to love across differences, to repair when relationships are hurt, to tell the truth with grace, and to carry God’s love beyond our homes and into the world. Parenting is never a finished product. It is a verb—something we practice, learn, stumble through, and grow into together. Whether you are navigating young children or teenagers come join a community where we can learn from one another, encourage one another, and discover how the expansive love of God can shape the way we love the people entrusted to our care.
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.
September 13—27: During the Sunday school hour
(10:00 AM—10:45 AM)
October 11 & 18: Following the 11:00 worship service
(12:15 PM—1:30 PM)
November 1—15: During the Sunday school hour
(10:00 AM—10:45 AM)
Advent Creations
Led by Leigh Sackett - Fellowship Hall
November 29—December 20
An Intergenerational Adventure, led by Leigh Sackett in the Fellowship Hall. Parents and children, come join us as we make some memorable Advent gifts for our loved ones and those neighbors we are called to love out in our community.
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:
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Monday 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM​
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Tuesday 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
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Tuesday Women's 7:30 PM
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Wednesday 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
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Thursday 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Additional Small Groups:
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Parents of Small Children Small Group on every other Mondays at 6:00 PM
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Men's Small Group on Mondays at 7:00 PM
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20-Somethings Small Group on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 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. This year the Bible Study is entitled “United Through Christ, Bound to Each Other” by Rhonda Mawhood Lee. After Bible Study, we enjoy a delicious luncheon.
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The Evening Circle continues. They will meet on the second Wednesday of the month at RCPC after the Fellowship Dinner. The Night Circle will receive all of the RVPC PW emails.
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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Friday, September 4: Wine, Women, & Welcome to PW at Ellen Austin’s House
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Saturday, October 3: Presbytery of the Peaks Fall Gathering at Westminster Presbyterian in Lynchburg
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Saturday, November 14: Cooking for the Holidays Event
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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Saturday, September 19: Fall Party at Leigh’s Land at 6:00 PM
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Friday, November 13: Brewery & Card Games at 6:30 PM
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Saturday, December 12: Christmas Party at the Piersons' House at 12:00 PM