Adult Classes

Christians and the Common Good: Seeking the Flourishing of the City

Location: Fellowship Hall

God commanded His exiles in Babylon to “seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you… for in its welfare you will find your welfare” (Jer. 29:7). This biblical idea of a “common good” shaped Christian (especially Catholic) social teaching. It emphasizes the vital role of families, churches, and local organizations in working for the good of communities — especially of the vulnerable — in ways that benefit all. In this class, we’ll explore the scriptural and theological basis of the common good and hear from Blacknall folks who seek the common good of Durham and other communities around the world. This is our latest class in our “30s, 40s, & Friends” group.

Leaders: Warren Kinghorn, Trig Steinbrenner, and Mary Taylor

Martyrs of the Church: Ancient and Modern

Location: The Choir Room (Room 103)

In this class, we’ll explore the lives of the martyrs of the church and ask what they have to teach us about the church’s ongoing proclamation of the gospel to the world. We will study early narratives that circulated among churches in the second and third centuries and also the lives of modern martyrs such as Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Oscar Romero, and Lin Zhao. Across time and space, their examples will encourage us and help us glimpse the call to discipleship in our own lives today.

Leaders: Jack Bell and Jillian Marcantonio

Word Alive

Location: Community Room (Room 201)
The Gospels record that Jesus’ followers often “said to one another.…” They listened to Jesus, but also worked out what He meant among themselves. Our class does the same. Each week, we read a chapter of the Bible and come ready to discuss:

• The main theme of the chapter.

• What God was like in that chapter.

• How we can apply that same idea in our culture.

This spring, our class will listen to God’s voice to us through 1 and 2 Timothy.

Leaders: Michael Whisenhunt and John Hamilton

The Psalms as a Guide to Life

Location: Room 402

At the center of the Bible is the Book of Psalms and its 150 prayers. In Psalms we see the whole range of life experience brought into the presence of God, and we learn what it looks like to be fully present to God and fully present to the world that we live in. 

Join us this spring as we consider “the prayerbook of the Bible,” and how some of the most-read and best-loved Psalms can teach us about who God is and how to bring all that we are into the light of God. All are welcome!

Leaders: Chris Blumhofer and Don Grigg

Young Adult Fellowship

Location: Parlor (Room 215)

Join the Young Adult Fellowship this spring as we study 1 Samuel! We’ll journey through Israel’s transition from judges to kings, Samuel’s emergence as God’s prophet, Saul’s troubled reign, and David’s growth as a budding shepherd-king. Along the way, we’ll also see how 1 Samuel points forward to Jesus, the true and perfect King who fulfills God’s promises and reigns with righteousness, mercy, and faithfulness.

Leaders: Lydia Harrison and Caleb Rolling

Growing in Grace

Location: Zoom and Room 404

This online class meets on Zoom with current Blacknall members and brothers and sisters from other congregations. Together, we focus on in-depth study of the Bible with handouts, skits, and discussions. With a range of perspectives and experiences, our conversations transform us through a shared ministry of each other and with the Holy Spirit.

Leader: Paul Immanuel