Blacknall has a large variety of Sunday morning classes and fellowship groups for adults that meet between the two worship services.  Some focus on teaching, others are more focused on building friendships, and others are in the middle! Classes begin between 9:45 and 10 a.m. and are not separated by age – all are welcome to attend any class. Visitors are welcome to come and “taste” a class and decide if it’s for them! We would love to have you visit!  Many also have opportunities for meeting up outside of Sunday morning.

If you have questions about Adult Sunday morning classes at Blacknall, please contact ( karl.umble@gmail.com; 402-6856 ) or  Pastor David Dunderdale (286-5586, ddunderdale@blacknall.org)

Bible Class — Fellowship Hall:  Tracing the Themes of the Bible  - This year we will be studying the Old Testament. Beginning in Genesis and working our way through to Malachi, we will study the major themes, ideas, and people that appear in each book and discuss how each of the biblical books fits into the larger biblical story. A major emphasis will be placed on tracing the threads that tie the Old Testament together and the ways in which the Old Testament both points toward Jesus and remains vital to our life as faithful followers of Christ.  Contact: Tim Wardle (tsw4@duke.edu), who currently teaches courses in biblical studies at Wake Forest University.

Christians in Action (CIA) — Choir Room (Off the Commons downstairs near nursery):  We use an open discussion format (think: big circle). Our ‘center of gravity’ tends toward young married couples but includes singles and other ages. We cycle through units (Scripture vs. practical living) lasting 6-12 weeks. Bagels and coffee feed our discussion! Currently studying. The book of James. We look forward to great discussion. See also: http://christiansinaction.wordpress.com Contact: Mark Hayes (mrcommodore@yahoo.com, 919-641-1777)

Crossroads — Room 403: We will begin the Fall session with a careful walk through Paul’s epistle to the Philippian church.  We will be exploring how faith and the life of Christ in the community is an antidote to cynicism and disillusionment in our life together. We will be discussing how there is to joy in our life of faith, even amidst times of trial and conflict with the world.  We hope to conclude this study by the end of October or midway through November. Come join us for a lively and engaging discussion.  We welcome all questions and points of view.   Contact:  Brian Free (919-206-4116) or Bisharah Libbus (BLibbus@gmail.com)

Faith Seeking Understanding — Room 401: We will engage in an exploration of Pain, Suffering, Evil and the Goodness of God. Using Scripture and using the guidance of C.S. Lewis’s, The Problem of Pain and Os Guinness’s, Unspeakable, as well as a variety of other commentators, we will explore this topic that so tests the limited perspective and limited powers of understanding of human beings.Contact: Lowrie Beacham (lbeacham@mebtel.net, 919-304-7172)

Growing in Grace — Upper Room (405): This is an intergenerational class that focuses on systematic study of the scriptures. This fall we will be studying selected Psalms. Our primary purpose in this study is to help each of us to gain a fuller understanding of the God that we worship.  We will have discussion, skits, lectures and audio-visuals to enhance our learning experience.  In addition, we will have a social dinner this Fall. The class meets in the Upper Room. Contact: Paul Immanuel (paul@americanseniortechnology.com)

Heart of the Matter — Room 404: The Christian life is not primarily an intellectual exercise, and it’s not even about what we do for God. God’s desire is for our hearts. This open discussion is about drawing closer to the heart of God, discovering the passions he has put in our hearts, and learning how He is speaking to us today. Contact: Mike Huff (coachhuff@msn.com, 919-309-4404)

Community Class — Room 402: We hold an ongoing discussion of varied topics regarding life together & the practical implications of Scripture in Christian community and culture. Currently: We are discussing The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis, drawing inspiration from the book and related Scripture. We will attempt to illustrate a landscape of our journey to heaven. Contact: An Nguyen (nguyenan@aol.com, 919-614-4847) or Rudy Renfer (919-942-1157)

Post-College Fellowship (PCF) — Community Room (201): Margaret Frothingham and Margot Hausmann will lead a study written by Sally Breedlove: Tell Me a Story, Tell Me the Truth:  Seeing God through the Parables of Jesus. Each week we’ll have a parable or several similarly themed parables to read and discuss together.  Please join us!   Contact: Rachael or Sean Baker (rachaelovesean@gmail.com, 919-323-2519)

College Group — Parlor: We will be focusing on the Sermon on the Mount by looking first at the text and then considering contemporary “applications” (a poem, article, song, piece of artwork, etc.) to foster discussion and integration. All college students and recent graduates are welcome!  We will also have monthly lunches after the 11am service at the Ruth house.  Contact: Elizabeth Eichling (elizabeth.a.eichling@gmail.com) or Andrew Ruth (andrewdruth@gmail.com).