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 Present Word - In Person Class - as of December 13, 2020 - Cancelled
The Wired Word - By Zoom - as of December 13, 2020 - Zoom ONLY
Heidelberg Catechism Study/Discussion Group - Online ONLY - Beginning May 17, 2020
The Present Word
Sundays at 9:00am in The Upper Room
In-Person -CANCELLED - as of December 13 - Until Further Notice
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
Zoom ONLY - As of December 13 - Until Further Notice
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 are using a hybrid model for participation, where you can join in person or join the discussion from the comfort and safety of your own home via Zoom.
For In-Person: - CANCELLED Until Further Notice
This class is being held in the old social hall on the first floor of the church building. Please follow the COVID-19 Safety Guidelines for Sunday School when participating in person.
For Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86089807220?pwd=eStWa0ZZK0hOTVdwU0pjZlMrdk5ydz09
or call 1-301-715-8592 (Germantown, PA)
Meeting ID: 860 8980 7220
Passcode: 195152
The Wired Word Overiew

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 January 31, 2021
Topic: TBD
The Wired Word for January 24, 2021 - Zoom ONLY
Lesson Topic: The 2020 Word(s) of the Year
The Wired Word for 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:
Congressman Kneels to Clean Up Mess After Capitol Riot
Lesson in pdf format: The Wired Word for January 10, 2021 - Zoom ONLY
Topic: Motives Behind Christmas Crimes: Destructive Blast and Vaccine Sabotage
Lesson in pdf format: The Wired Word for January 3, 2021 - Class CANCELLED
Topic: 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.
Exploring Faith Series

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....
For more information, contact the church office at 610-621-5770 or office@sprucc.org.
Standard Overiew
Standard Lesson Quarterly® is a richly resourced adult curriculum based on the International Sunday School Lessons (ISSL)/Uniform Series. Reliable Scripture exposition, culturally relevant examples, and timely discussion questions engage students and give the Bible lesson meaning in their everyday lives. Using the Holy Bible as a basis for study, students survey the Bible in a six year cycle.
This is the curriculum that was previously used by the class that is now using The Present Word.