Adult Sunday School Classes
SUNDAYS 9:45–10:45
Adult Danforth Sunday School Class
The Danforth Class is a lively, sometimes unpredictable group that explores the Social Gospel, Christian faith, and the challenges of living out Jesus’ teachings in today’s world. Helen Danforth was a Cornell professor and church member who followed social issues and raised their awareness in others. We try to do the same in our Sunday morning classes. Our conversations can be theological, social, political, or occasionally not very religious at all. We meet from 9:45 to 10:45 in the Danforth Classroom, Room 501, by the 5th level elevator entrance, sharing leadership and topic selection among the class members.
At the heart of our discussions is a simple question: How does a Christian who does not necessarily take the Bible literally move through the world and apply the teachings of Jesus to daily life? Jesus’ words, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me,” are an important guiding principle for our class.
In recent years, we have explored topics such as Christian Nationalism and its implications for the separation of church and state—a principle we strongly support (as did Thomas Jefferson). We often use videos as conversation starters, along with magazines, books, current events, and other resources.
The Danforth Class welcomes a wide range of perspectives. Over the years, our members have included Bible scholars and students, agnostics, atheists, conservatives, liberals, those who simply say, “I don’t know,” and just about every viewpoint in between. While some might describe us as “liberal,” that label doesn’t tell the whole story. We value thoughtful discussion more than political labels and recognize that each of us may hold both conservative and progressive views on different issues.
We often draw on the Wesleyan Quadrilateral—Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience—as we explore questions of faith and life.
If you are looking for a class where everyone agrees, this may not be the place for you! But if you are curious, open to hearing different perspectives, willing to wrestle with difficult questions, and comfortable admitting that some answers remain elusive, you may find a home in the Danforth Class.
Some of us have been asking those questions together since the early 1980s—and we’re still at it! We would love to have you join us.
Adult Chapel Sunday School Class
As the fall schedule returns to normal, you are invited to consider treating yourself to some intentional faith formation and exercise. The Chapel Class, many know this as “Pete’s Chapel Class”, will return to meeting each Sunday, with a location change for the class to the Balcony Room. The Balcony Room is located upstairs in room 507 just behind the balcony seating for the Sanctuary, and can be accessed by the stairs or taking the elevator to level 5.
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