Sunday Classes for Adults

     We have two Sunday morning adult class options, and special additional topics/classes from time to time.  Members and visitors are equally welcome to participate in these classes.  You do not need to register in advance, and you do not need to commit for any length of time.  Unless noted, there is no fee for most of our classes.

The Wired Word - as of March 21, 2021 - At Home ONLY

Lectionary Bible Study - By Zoom ONLY

Making Sense of the Bible - By Zoom ONLY

The Present Word - In Person Class resumes May 2, 2021 - Currently Temporarily Cancelled

Exploring Faith Series - To Be Scheduled

Heidelberg Catechism Study/Discussion Group - Series Completed (may offer this again in the future)

The Present Word

Sundays at 9:00am in The Upper Room

In-Person -Currently CANCELLED - will resume May 2, 2021

     This adult class uses a traditional Bible based curriculum entitled The Present Word, which is supported by a number of denominations included the United Church of Christ, Presbyterian, Lutheran, and others.  This is a more traditional curriculum designed for adult study.

     With advance notice, there are electronic resources available for the visually impaired to be able to follow the curriculum along with the class.

     This class meets on Sundays at 9:00am in "The Upper Room", which is the Conference Room on the second floor (there is an elevator available).  Please follow the COVID-19 Safety Guidelines for Sunday School when participating.

The Present Word Overview

     Through the exploration of biblical text, adult study groups are invited into a deepened relationship with God.  The Present Word engages participants in an experiential style of learning—connecting faith and life.

     The Present Word is an ecumenical Bible Study endorsed by mutliple denominations, including the UCC, for its theological soundness.  There is also a computer software available for this curriculum to assist the visually impaired more fully participate in this study.

The Wired Word

At Home ONLY - As of March 21

Previously Sundays from 9:00am-9:45am

     This adult class follows a discussion based format.  This class uses The Wired Word curriculum, which encourages discussion about faith and scripture as it relates to a current topic that was in the news within the past week or two.

     The teacher receives the lesson electronically at the end of each week for the upcoming Sunday.  Class members (and anyone else potentially interested in the topics) can also receive advance copies of the lesson, which includes: summary, links to media reports on the topic, related Biblical passages, and discussion questions.

     We were using a hybrid model for participation, where you could join in person or join the discussion from the comfort and safety of your own home via Zoom.  However, as of March 21, 2021, we are now only offering this resource for at home study.

For Zoom: - Cancelled

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86089807220?pwd=eStWa0ZZK0hOTVdwU0pjZlMrdk5ydz09

 or call 1-646-558-8656 (NY); or 1-301-715-8592 (Germantown, MD)

Meeting ID: 860 8980 7220
Passcode: 195152

 In-Person: - Cancelled NO In-Person Until Further Notice

Due to COVID-19 the in-person option for this class is cancelled.

The Wired Word Overiew

The Wired Word class, involves discussion and Bible study around the a different weekly topic.  The topic is based on something that was in the news within the past week or two.

Recent & Upcoming Lessons:

The class lessons are generally updated on Thursday for the upcoming Sunday.  Below are links to view/print the lesson in pdf form. 

       Coming Soon: The Wired Word for Sunday, April 18, 2021

           Topic: TBD

       The Wired Word for Sunday, April 11, 2021 - At Home ONLY

           Lesson Discussion Sheet:  Accepting or Rejecting the COVID Vaccination

       The Wired Word for Sunday, April 4, 2021 - At Home ONLY

           Lesson Discussion Sheet: Stuck in the Suez Canal

       The Wired Word for Sunday, March 28, 2021 - At Home ONLY

           Lesson Discussion Sheet: Violence Against Asian Americans

           Additional Discussion Sheet: Reparations by Jesuits

       The Wired Word for Sunday, March 21, 2021 - At Home ONLY

           Lesson Discussion Sheet: New World Map

       The Wired Word for Sunday, March 14, 2021 - Zoom ONLY

           Lesson Discussion Sheet: The Pope's Visit to Iraq

       The Wired Word for Sunday, March 7, 2021 - Zoom ONLY

           Lesson Discussion Sheet: Capitol Invasion - Responsibility & Repentance

       The Wired Word for Sunday, February 28, 2021 - Zoom ONLY

           Lesson Discussion Sheet: Hit Hard by Winter Storms

       The Wired Word for Sunday, February 21, 2021 - Zoom ONLY

           Lesson Discussion Sheet: Caricature of Others Thrown by Niceness

           Alternative: Giant Snow Drawing

       The Wired Word for Sunday, February 14, 2021 - Zoom ONLY

           Lesson Discussion Sheet: How the Pandemic Affects Faith

        The Wired Word for Sunday, February 7, 2021 - Zoom ONLY

           Lesson Discussion Sheet: Milky Way Family

     The Wired Word for Sunday, January 31, 2021 - Zoom ONLY

           Lesson Discussion Sheet: The Hill We Climb

           YouTube Video: Poet Amanda Gorman reads “The Hill We Climb”

           Transcript: Father Leo O'Donovan's Prayer for the President & Nation

       The Wired Word for Sunday, January 24, 2021 - Zoom ONLY

           Discussion Sheet: The 2020 Word(s) of the Year

       The Wired Word for Sunday, January 17, 2021 - Zoom ONLY

For this Sunday, The Wired Word has sent us primary and secondary discussions based on the Wednesday, January 6, 2021 riots in Washington D.C.  Jon Henning, the primary teacher of the Present Word class, will be leading this Sunday's Zoom Wired Word discussion.

    Primary Lesson Topic:

Words Have the Power of Life and Death, Senate Chaplain's PrayerReminds Us

           Additional Lesson Topic:

               Clean Up after the Capital Riot

      The Wired Word for Sunday, January 10, 2021 - Zoom ONLY

           Discussion Sheet: Motives Behind Christmas Crimes: Destructive Blast & Vaccine Sabotage

      The Wired Word for Sunday, January 3, 2021 - Class CANCELLED

           Discussion Sheet: Some Congregations Are 'Zoomed Out' on Virtual Worship

All virtual and in-person classes for all ages are cancelled for Dec 27 & Jan 3.  However, you can of course use this lesson for reflection and study at home.

            Lesson in pdf format: The Wired Word for December 27, 2020 - Class CANCELLED

                Topic: Online Bible Searches on Fear, Justice, and Healing Soar in 2020

All virtual and in-person classes for all ages are cancelled for Dec 27 & Jan 3.  However, you can of course use this lesson for reflection and study at home.

            Lesson in pdf format: The Wired Word for December 20, 2020 - Zoom ONLY

                Topic: Two Planets Align December 21: The Christmas Star?

            Lesson in pdf format: The Wired Word for December 13, 2020 - Zoom ONLY

                Topic: Japan's Practice of "Jishuku," Credited with Limiting the Spread of COVID-19

            Lesson in pdf format: The Wired Word for December 6, 2020 - Hybrid

                Topic: Two-Shot Vaccines Pose Challenges for Inoculating America

            Lesson in pdf format: The Wired Word for Novemer 29, 2020 - CANCELLED

                Topic: 2020 Brings Boozy Twists on Advent Calendars and Wreaths

            Lesson in pdf format:  The Wired Word for November 22, 2020 - Hybrid

                Topic: No "Normal" Thanksgiving This Year, but Maybe in 2021

            Lesson in pdf format:  The Wired Word for November 15, 2020 - Hybrid

                Topic: All-Black Rowing Team Inspires Hope for Healing Wounds & Relationships

            Lesson in pdf format:  The Wired Word for November 8, 2020 - Hybrid

                Topic: Jeff Bridges’ Lymphoma Diagnosis Causes Him to Appreciate His Mortality

            Lesson in pdf format:  The Wired Word for November 1, 2020 - Hybrid

                Topic: Pope Calls for Civil Unions for Same-Sex Couples

                Sunday classes for all ages resume this week

            Lesson in pdf format:  The Wired Word for October 25, 2020 - Hybrid

                Topic: I Don't Have a Personal Relationship With Jesus

            Lesson in pdf format:  The Wired Word for October 18, 2020 - CANCELLED

                Topic: Openness About Miscarriage Helps Others

                Indvidual Study ONLY this week

                Due to building renovations, Sunday classes for all ages are CANCELLED for October 18.

            Lesson in pdf format: The Wired Word for October 11, 2020 - Zoom ONLY

                Topic: Heart Language: Why have the Bible in Sign Language

            Lesson in pdf format: The Wired Word for October 4, 2020 - Hybrid Class

                Topic: Amy Coney Barrett, Catholic & Originalist, Nominated to Supreme Court

                Hybrid: Meet in person or via Zoom

            Lesson in pdf format: The Wired Word for September 27, 2020

                Topic: Middle East Peace Pact

                Hybrid: Meet in person or via Zoom

           Lesson in pdf format: The Wired Word for September 20, 2020

                Topic: Wildfires & Spiritual Dryness

                Hybrid: Meet in person or via Zoom

           Lesson in pdf format: The Wired Word for September 13, 2020

                Topic: Darkness & Light

           Lesson in pdf format: The Wired Word for September 6, 2020

                Topic: Conspiracy Theorists Quoting the Bible

           Lesson in pdf format: The Wired Word for March 22, 2020

                Topic: Being the Church During the Pandemic

Exploring Faith Series

Sundays at 9:15am (six week series, offered about twice a year)

    The Exploring Faith Series is a "Faith 101" class, where we explore the basics of Christianity, the Bible, and the United Church of Christ.

     Although this is also our New Members Class, long-term members, recent members, visitors, seekers, and the simply curious are all invited, and there is no pressure to join the church upon completion of the class.

     The next series is scheduled to begin on Sunday, October 16 at 9:15am.

    During this series of learning more about God, the Bible, the UCC, and Christian discipleship.  This series is offered approximately twice a year, depending on the need and interest.  This class is especially helpful for new members and those considering membership - without any pressure to join the church.  This class is also open to members, visitors, seekers, and those who are just curious about St. Paul's or the UCC.
    The series will be led by Pastor and will cover such topics as....
       (1)    Why and how do we as Christians use the Bible
       (2)    How and why we worship in the way that we do
       (3)    Prayer practices
       (4)    Baptism and Holy Communion
       (5)    Who is God and what is the Trinity
       (6)    History, structure, creeds, and statements of faith of the UCC
       (7)    Learning about the Spiritual Gifts God has given each of us
       (8)    The Mission & Vision of St. Paul’s UCC
       (9)    The new SafeConduct policies processes within St. Paul’s UCC
       (10)  and more....