Home | What We Believe | Worship | Education | Outreach | Facilities

Education at Virginia-Highland Church

We have many opportunities available for children and adults to learn about progressive Christianity and the values we embrace.

Adult Sunday School
Two adult Sunday School classes are available on Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM.
Thomas Class
The Thomas Class engages the Bible and Christian tradition critically, using the most recent scholarship available. Topics of study have included the Gnostic Gospels, the last days of Jesus' life, early Christian beliefs, and the Old Testament. This class meets on the bottom floor of the church in the Library. Donuts are usually provided, but bring your own preferred morning beverage.
Beacon Class
The Beacon Class follows the lectionary and studies a different scripture each week. The scripture is discussed in terms of its historical and Biblical context, its possible interpretations, and its meaning for our daily lives. This class meets on the second floor of the church in the Beacon Classroom. This class is taking a break this spring and will have a planning meeting for the future on June 15.

Children's Ministry
Children are welcome in the nursery and children's classroom from 9:30 AM until the end of worship. Our children's minister, Clary Gardner, who is trained and experienced in children's ministry, provides a mix of play, crafts, and lessons in Christian topics that is suitable for all ages. We generally have a small but mixed age group that has a lot of fun and usually leaves with a craft worth showing off. We'd love to have your kids join us for the fun.

Coffee and Questions
Every Third Tuesday night at Java Vino, a coffee and wine bar in Virginia-Highland, some of us gather at 7:30 PM to discuss Christian topics that we are curious to know more about. This guided but very open discussion can be serious, irreverant, moving, and/or meditative, but is always fun. Topics for discussion have included the Trinity, Jesus' relationship to God, good and evil, sin and salvation, and many more. Java Vino also has a menu of sandwiches, salads, soups, and appetizers, and many of us have our dinner there or a cup of coffee or glass of wine, but no purchase is necessary to participate.

Lunch and Questions
After church every Sunday, several of us have lunch together at a local restaurant. This is a great time to discuss questions that arose during the Sunday School, Worship, or Sermon for the day. We generally have at least one theologian along, and often the pastor, so it is a nice informal atmosphere for finding out more about things that are on your mind. Gather in the narthex after Worship and someone will let you know where we are going to eat.

Food and Fellowship
Once a month, generally on the first Wednesday of the month, we gather together for a bring-a-dish supper in the Social Hall. Often there are speakers on a topic of interest, and at other times we discuss church business or just enjoy a meal together. Topics are publicized in the newsletter and on the website for upcoming suppers. During holiday months, we often have a party instead of or in addition to our suppers at someone's home or in the social hall. These will also be publicized in the newsletter and on the website.

Kaleidoscope
Every summer, Virginia-Highland Church offers a week of half-day Vacation Bible School for ages 5-12. We always focus on some aspect of the environment and our activities, including Bible stories, crafts, games, gardening, and of course, play, reflect that theme. We hope to instill in children a sense of caring and responsibility for our natural world while having a great time. The program is free and will be held on July 7-11, 2008. Registration information will be available in the newsletter and on the website in the next few weeks.