Kirk Academy

We call our Sunday Morning Adult Education Classes—Kirk Academy. It is a forum in which we seek to deepen our understanding of the tenets of our faith and also seek out the ways in which our faith can inform our thinking about economic, social and political issues. Please join us in the Chapel at 9:40 a.m. for these opportunities to challenge and expand our thinking!

Chapel Series

Sept. 7The United Nations in the 21st Century - From peace-keeping forces to environmental concerns, the UN strives to be a center point around which we can all gather. Learn about its history, its role in conflict and in humanitarian concerns. Ask questions about its effectiveness and its future! Leader: Keith St. Clair, Associate Professor of Political Science, GRCC.

Sept. 14Spiritual Arts. Leader: Phil Schaafsma, owner of Eyekons Art Gallery.

Sept. 21 -
Oct. 5
The conflict between Israel and the Palestinians lies at the heart of the tension between the Arab countries and the west. This series of classes will help us understand the historical context as we seek to view this matter with the eyes of faith. Leader: Keith St. Clair

Sept. 21 -
Session 1
From the Birth of Zionism to the founding of Israel

Sept. 28 -
Session 2
The internal politics of Israeli society - ethnic/religious divisions

Oct. 5 -
Session 3
The Palestinians - occupied territory, internal politics and the challenges for a lasting peace.

Oct. 12-
Nov. 16
We’ll begin a 5-week series called Living Into Our Baptism. Our concern for teaching, training and bringing experiences into conversation with our faith are fairly clear when we think of our children and young people. The task of growing in understanding and deepening our faith can, however, be less evident for us as adults. This series will explore:

Oct. 12Session 1 Signed and Sealed...in what ways is our daily living a visible sign of invisible grace?

Oct. 19Session 2 Growing in the Life of Faith...as adults and families.

Oct. 26ALL CHURCH MINISTRY FAIR

Nov. 2Session 3 Faith in the “Real” World…stories of WPC members as they live out their vocation.

Nov. 9 & 16Session 4 & 5 Exploring the Practices of Faith that Ground Us...and that fit our personalities.

Leaders: Nancy Janisch, M.Div and Director of True North Ministries; Sherrill Vore, Minister for Christian Education, Jan Schregardus, PhD, LPC Professor of Psychology, Grace Bible College.