September 14 - October 18, 2008
(Please consult individual course descriptions for times and starting dates.)

Click to Print Term 1 Registration Form

Creative Writing
Emily Dunlap
Tuesdays, September 23 and October 14, 4:00 pm
(Term 1 dates only; class continues through Term 5)
$15 members / $25 non-members

This class provides students with an opportunity to explore their creative gifts through writing. Assignments are given at each session and students are encouraged to share their work in class. The emphasis is on listening to your own creative voice. Aspects of creative writing such as description, use of metaphor, style, and voice are explored. Students are encouraged to enroll in the class and continue throughout the year. The class meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month throughout the year. Space permitting, students may enter after the class has begun with permission of the instructor prior to registration but they should note that material already covered will not be repeated. All new students must contact the instructor prior to registration.

Class is limited to 12.

One material fee is charged whether entry is in September or April.

The Old Testament: Pentateuch
The Rev. Paul Rock
Sundays, September 14 and 21, 9:30 am
Free

The first five books of the bible (Pentateuch) contain the fundamental stories of our Christian/Jewish faith. These stories serve as meta-narratives for our western culture, upon which we build our world views and perceptions of reality. Examining these stories from different angles will reveal other ways of perceiving and therefore, understanding, God and God’s heart for all of creation.

Reading Music
Dr. Don McManus
Sundays, September 14 to November 23, 1:15 pm in the Kirkland Chapel
(No admission after the second class meeting)
$15 members / $25 non-members

Students will develop basic knowledge of and some rudimentary skills with the piano keyboard as well as some modest vocal expertise in sight-singing and rhythmic reading. Each week will build on the prior in a progressive manner. Dr. Don McManus, the Bicentennial director of music ministries, will help students decode the encryption of musical notation and its related components. The class will continue through term three. Students separately purchase Rudiments of Music, fourth edition by Robert W. Ottman & Frank Mainous as a textbook and for written exercises. ISBN # 0131826557.

FAPC Yoga for the Mind, Spirit, & Body
Serena Soffer, Certified Instructor
Mondays, September 29 to October 27, 7:00 pm
$15 members / $25 non-members

A new pioneer class from FAPC that brings the body, mind and spirit together. Postures and poses are celebrated as a unique expression for each individual. Take the time to nourish your body, mind and soul. This class builds stamina and strength, as well as developing grace and flexibility. Open level for all students. Beginners and experienced participants welcomed. Nameste!

Congregational Tips for Supporting the New Senior Pastor
The Rev. Randy Weber & Sandy Lamb
Wednesday, September 17, 7:00 pm
Free

Please join Randy Weber and Sandy Lamb as they share their perspectives on what role the congregation can play in ensuring a smooth and successful transition for the Rev. Dr. Scott Black Johnston in his new role as senior pastor at FAPC. Each of the panel members brings a slightly different perspective in what they see as critical actions of early support. Ample time will be left for questions and discussion.

FAPC's History of Servant Leadership
Dale Hansen, Church Archivist
Wednesdays, September 17 to October 1, and Saturday, October 4, 7:00 pm
$15 members / $25 non-members

This class will provide information on some of the many servant leaders shaping FAPC’s 200 year history, including its senior and associate pastors, its lay leadership (key elders, deacons, and trustees), and other influential lay leaders. In addition, this class will cover some of the highlights-and “lowlights”-of FAPC’s history, seldom told and certainly not covered in our three published histories, hidden away and now retrieved from the archives-attend for more details! To round out our historical journey, Eric Daniels will conduct a walking tour of key sites in FAPC history within the lower Manhattan area on Saturday, October 4.

What We Believe
The Rev. Randy Weber
Sundays, September 21 to October 5, 12:30 pm
Free

Designed for persons interested in exploring the nature of Christian faith and/or membership in Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, the class will include a review of core Christian doctrine, key tenets of Reformed faith, as well as an overview of worship and the sacraments. It will include an in-depth look at Fifth Avenue’s history, mission and ministry to examine the meaning of faith and membership. The course also offers the opportunity to meet all pastors. Lunch and worship will be included. Those desiring to unite with the church will meet with Session members and be recognized by the congregation at the following Sunday worship service.

Jesus 101
Jacob Bolton
Sundays, September 28 and October 5, 11:15 am
Free

Who is Jesus? Lord and Savior? Is he a Servant Leader? Jacob Bolton will lead a two-session class sketching out a rough outline of who Jesus is, what he stands for, and why he is relevant today. This class will cover the basics of Christ, including his birth, death and resurrection, as well as his important teachings. It is designed for those who are new to a church, are rediscovering their faith, or just want to get a better sense of basic Christian theology.

Faith in Fiction
The Rev. Kate Dunn
Sunday, October 5, 12:30 pm
$5 for one session / $15 members / $25 non-members for the series (plus book fees)

How can one be a faithful servant leader in the context of a mainline church? What choices do Christians face when middle-class American values and Christians values conflict? Where does one turn when a missionary venture challenges one’s most firmly held spiritual beliefs? Explore compelling theological issues through the lens of literary fiction in a relaxed Sunday afternoon book club setting. Registrants will read the selected novels before the class, bring a lunch and come prepared to discuss reflection questions. Term I: Morte D’Urban, J.F.Powers, Elizabeth Hardwick, New York Book Review, 2000, $15, 10/5/08; Term III: Saint Maybe, Anne Tyler, Random House Publishing Group, 1992, $8, 1/18/09; Term IV: The Sparrow, Mary Doria Russell, Random House Publishing Group, 1997, $13, 3/15/09. The Rev. Kate Dunn will facilitate the conversation.

A Mission Trip to Haiti
Sally Harwood & Naomi Kroeger
Sunday, October 12, 12:30 pm
Free

This one-session class will explore the humanitarian issues facing Haiti today, including hunger, economic development, and political freedoms, and the role that the Christian church is playing in addressing them. It will look ahead to the upcoming mission trip to Haiti and describe the activities of the trip in detail. Whether you’re interested in the trip or in developing world social issues, you will find the class valuable.

Thomas Jefferson Visits FAPC
The Rev. Jack Van Ens
Sunday, October 19, 12:30 pm
Free

For the past 25 years, Presbyterian minister Jack Van Ens has entertained people by performing Thomas Jefferson's passionate quest for truth. Dressed in a 1800s costume and speaking with language of that time, Van Ens explores civic virtue, honesty, integrity, and provocative decisions that require sacrifice for the greater good. "What is moral governing? What are our responsibilities as citizens?" How can we cope with uncertainty as our nation ventures forth without knuckling to fear? Jefferson’s views on religion and its place in American society will be of particular interest to those attending this one hour performance. Jefferson wanted to protect the church from government encroachment as well as to protect politics from being controlled by religious power, topics as hotly contested today as they were at the founding of our church in 1808. Van Ens completed two Masters Degrees and a Doctor of Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary. For more information on Rev. Van Ens, please visit his Website at http://www.thelivinghistory.com/.

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