Join us on Sundays at 9:45 am for Adult Faith Formation, currently meeting by Zoom. Find the link on our church webpage here.
Below are resources related to some past classes. We are transitioning away from posting class resources here, and invite you to look for some future class recordings on our FPCA YouTube page, under Playlists, Adult Faith Formation Classes.
Racial Justice Team Update
On February 14th, the FPCA Racial Justice Team provided a look at their work thus far together, and shared a number of local relationships and issues they are exploring that we might engage in as a congregation and as individuals. We are grateful for their faithfulness, and look forward to where we go next as a congregation committed to anti-racism. More info about the team and this work can be found on the FPCA website page here.
The Great Backyard Bird Count
On February 7th, Anna Vess and Esther Pardue helped us think about birds in new and fun ways, as we prepare to take part in an annual worldwide birdcount. Thanks to the Creation Care team of FPCA for connecting us with this project. You can find out more about how to participate in the February 12th-15th count here: Bird Count.
More Light Presbyterians
On January 31st we joyfully welcomed Alex McNeill, both to faith formation and to our pulpit in worship. Alex is a child of FPCA, and serves as the Executive Director of More Light Presbyterians. More Light is the organization working for full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ persons in our denomination, and, as you will learn in the class, is about so much more. As a congregation who has joined the More Light family we welcomed Alex to help us understand more about what that might mean for us.
Galatians Part 3
On January 24th, Mary led us in a discussion of Galatians chapters 5 and 6. Enjoy, as we wrap up our thought-provoking look at this important letter of Paul. Thank you Mary!
Galatians Part 2
On January 17th, Mary took us through chapters 3 and 4 of Galatians, with a great conversation ranging from early church theology and history to women’s ordination, and a look at some key concepts of Paul.
Galatians Part 1
On January 10th, Rev. Mary Miller Brueggemann began a three-part series on the book of Galatians with this look at chapters 1 and 2. We welcome Mary, who is ordained in the United Church of Christ, and lives in Black Mountain.
The Magi in Poetry and Art: Surprises along the Journey
On January 3rd, Bob White led us in a rich look at the story of the Magi. Through art and poetry, he illumined for us some surprises we might not have noticed, as we consider the meaning of the story this season.
Talking with Shannon Spencer
On September 27th, Shannon Spencer from Asheville Poverty Initiative joined us to talk about hunger ministries in our city. We are grateful for our partnership with 12 Baskets, and the ministry of API.
The Exodus Story in an African-American Poem
On September 20th, Bob White led us in a fascinating look at the life of Paul Laurence Dunbar, and in particular his dialect poem “An Antebellum Sermon.” The class gave us new insights into our preaching series on the Exodus.
Creation Care
On September 13th, Patrick and Cam shared some scripture and reflections about our call to care for creation. They also shared this video to help us consider the possibilities for a post-covid creation renewal.
Growing Your Resilience
For four weeks in August/September, Patrick is leading a four part series on Growing Your Resilience. Find the resources here.
Spiritual Wisdom in the Songs of Fred Rogers
On August 2nd, Jeremy led us in a class, from the piano of the sanctuary, exploring the faith of Fred Rogers, as seen through some of his beautiful songs.
Talking with Joseph Fox
On June 28th, Meagan Findeiss and Bill Lowery facilitated a conversation with Dr. Joseph Fox, from the Martin Luther King Jr. Association, who spoke with us about the Buncombe County Remembrance Project, and other local anti-racism work we might support as a congregation.
The Sin of Racism
On June 21st, Nancy Ramsay helped us look at the sin of racism into which we are all socialized. She used resources from Bobbi Harro (see below) to help us understand the cycle of socialization into racism, as well as the cycle of liberation, which provides some solid steps for change. Find more resources about racial justice, and join our challenge to learn and grow and advocate for change.
Decon-structing White Privilege
On May 31st, in response to the death of George Floyd and so many other people of color, and amidst riots across the country, we opened up some dialogue about systemic racism. Here’s the excellent 20 minute video we watched with Dr. Robin DiAngelo, the author of White Fragility. Find more resources about racial justice, and join our challenge to learn and grow and advocate for change.
Interview with Brian Combs from Haywood Street
On May 17th, Meagan Findeiss and Terry Beamer from the Mission Committee interviewed Rev. Brian Combs about Haywood Street Congregation. Hear him speak about the theological basis for how he does ministry, and where he sees glimpses of hope. This was a deep and meaningful conversation that helped spur thoughts on how to individually live out God’s call to discipleship in a time of social distancing.
Keeping Hope Alive
In April and May, Patrick Johnson led sessions related to the book by Lewis Smedes. Here are his slides with some wonderful practical ideas for us.
Growing Faith at Home 