Adult Sunday School is held on Sundays after our worship service and generally lasts around 60 minutes. We discuss topics in scripture that are relevant to experiences in our lives, and engage together in many meaningful group discussions.
Our current series is Love in Action, led by our Music Director, Kayla Jarvis, and Pastor, Anthony Saturno. Jesus tells us that one of the most important commandments is to love our neighbors as ourselves. How do we love ourselves? How do we love our neighbors? For something that seems so simple, many of us struggle with the logistics. This is a study inspired by the philosopher bell hooks and her book: All About Love. bell hooks wrote of the power in community and faith, and questioned systems that keep us separated. Isaac Andrew Sanders, a PhD student in social work, created this syllabus with the intention of providing the knowledge to create better community in a world experiencing an epidemic of loneliness and isolation. This is a ten-week study that will really help us to remember, reflect and revive a love for our neighbors that borders on unconditional. Join us!
WEEK 5: AUGUST 30: How Do I Love Across Difference?
Overview:
It’s one thing to love people who look like you, think like you, and share your experiences. It’s another thing entirely to love across the lines that our society draws between us—race, class, gender, sexuality, disability, religion, nationality, political affiliation. bell hooks was unequivocal: “Beloved community is formed not by eradicating difference but by its affirmation.” Love that cannot cross difference isn’t love—it’s comfort. And comfort is not the same thing as connection. We’ll explore how power dynamics shape who gets to be loved and who gets to be left out, how to practice love without erasing difference, and why solidarity is a form of love in action.
Core Question: How do I love people who are different from me without being performative, paternalistic, or harmful?
Answer Preview:
By listening more than speaking. Educate yourself instead of asking marginalized people to each you. By showing up materially, not just emotionally. By being willing to be uncomfortable, to be wrong, and to be changed.
Our Children’s Sunday School meets following worship and runs for about 25 to 30 minutes. Children gather in three groups by age: kindergarten – 2nd grade, 3rd – 7th grade, and 8th – 12th grade, so that each child learns alongside others close to their own age. The children participate in the full worship service, and each week some of them help to lead parts of the liturgy. It’s important to us that our children feel they are a welcomed part of our worshiping community. Our current sermon series on Spiritual Gifts runs through Sunday, October 4th, and introduces our children to the unique gifts God has given each of them and how those gifts can be used to serve others and the church.
From time to time we will offer an Intergenerational Sunday School class, where all ages gather, frequently with crayons and scissors, following worship and coffee time, to investigate different topics. It’s amazing what you can learn from our young ones and what a role model you can be for them!
Join us here at New Hanover, on Tuesday, April 9, at 6:30pm, for bible study and fellowship. We continue our study of 1 Timothy. Following our meeting, we will head over to Marty's for dinner and more fellowship.
April 15 at 6PM
Join us for an informal time of yoga here at the church. We'll meet on the first and third Monday, in Hanover Hall, March 18 through May 20. The class starts PROMPTLY at 6 pm. All you need to bring is a yoga mat, and an optional water bottle. Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing.
Classes will include building strength in the core, balance in the body, and increasing flexibility and range of motion. Calm your mind, feel alive and revived.
There is no charge for the class. No experience is necessary. The class will be led by Carolyn Shute. For more information, contact Carolyn.
Join us here at New Hanover, on Tuesday, April 23, at 6:30pm, for bible study and fellowship. We continue our study of 1 Timothy. Following our meeting, we will head over to Marty's for dinner and more fellowship.
If you have a specific prayer request or praise to share with the congregation, information to include in congregational communications, would like to get involved at NHPC, or have a question please feel free to contact us: