Adult Education at Westminster
2025-2026 ADULT EDUCATION FORUM
Sundays, 11:15 a.m. - 12 noon
Parish Hall
Cruising the Aegean with Paul and John September 21, 28
Enjoy reflections on the lives ministry journey of Paul and John of the New Testament in Istanbul, Pergamon, Ephesus, Patmos, and Athens discovered on an Aegean Sea cruise last spring. Led by Dr. Todd Knox
When Jesus became God October 5
A discussion around the book, "When Jesus Became God" by Richard Rubenstein and the historic controversy around Arianism in the early church. Led by Jim Parker
The Scope Trail 100 Years Later October 12, 19
On the 100th anniversary of the Scopes Trial, we will reflect on it's meaning and it's lasting impact on the church as well as science. Led by Dr. Aaron Berkowitz
Refugees and the Bible November 2
The Bible presents a consistent message of God's love for and the expectations of God's people to care for the refugee and foreigners, to have a "heart for the stranger." Led by Dr. Vena Long
Innocence Project November 9
This class will learn more about the Illinois Innocence Project, it's affiliation with UIS and their most recent work. Led by Stephanie Kamel, J.D., Executive Director
Heartland HOUSED November 23
This class will learn more about Heartland HOUSED, a Springfield nonprofit organization dedicated to ending homelessness in Springfield and Sangamon County and their most recent work. Led by Rev. Dr. Josh Sabo, Executive Director
Prisons and Prisoners in the Bible and Illinois November 30
Scripture speaks of numerous individuals being imprisoned as well as the responsibility of followers of Jesus to those who are imprisoned. We will sketch a brief history of incarceration in the western world and its development specifically in Illinois, outline briefly the current status of Corrections in Illinois, and how the Church can impact those incarcerated as well as those who work in this setting.
Led by Michael Long, Ordained Minister and current Warden at Logan Correctional Center.
Relational Ministry in Asheville December 14
Join the 2025 Mission Trip team as they discuss the relational ministry they participated in Asheville NC. Led by Rev. Sarah Bishop and 2025 Mission Trip team
The Joy of Camping December 21
This class will talk about the theological roots of sleep away camps for children and the impact it has on faithful people today specifically Kristiana's experience at Presbyterian Camp Henry last summer. Led by Kristianna Eastvold
Hope In Dark Times January 4
A class exploring the history of World War Two Prisoners of War who were imprisoned around the United States, including working Carol's father's cotton farm in rural Arkansas. Led by Carole Kennerly
Listening For God January 11
An invitation for the congregation to join in a season of prayer and spiritual discernment with training on intentional listening from Community Organizing and beginning the WPC mission study. Led by Rev. Dr. Anne C.S. Marshall and Dr. Aaron Berkowitz
Stories of Hope with Pre-1900's African American music January 18
Join Dr. Berkowitz as we hear African American music and the stories of hope, sustaining love of God and its endearing impact on our world today. Led by Dr. Aaron Berkowitz
Understanding Psychological Defense Mechanisms February 1
This class will psychological defense mechanisms which are unconscious psychological strategies that protect individuals from anxiety and stress.. Led by Dr. Brian Richardson
The Potawatomi Trail of Death February 8
The historical impact of the Native American tribe, the Potawatomi, forced removal from Indiana and Illinois will be explored in detail. Led by Dr. George Godfrey
The Underground Railroad February 15
An explorative discussion the Underground Railroad and the interesting stops in Illinois, including Jacksonville, IL. Led by Dale Rogers
Christian Traditions of Lent February 22
An interactive discussion on Lenten history and traditions. Led by Rev. Sarah Bishop
Law and Faith March 1
This class will explore the historic impact the Christian faith had on American Law. Led by Jack Sherrick, J.D.
Women and the Law March 8
Using the scholarship of the book, "Equal: Women Reshape American Law," this class will learn more about the history of women who sought legal degrees. Led by Jack Sherrick, J.D.
Women and STEM March 15
Exploring recent scholarship and interesting books of the untold stories regarding women's impact on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Led by Dr. Vena Long
Women and Literature - Jane Austin March 22
This class will discuss the legacy of women in literature, especially Jane Austen following her 250th anniversary of her birth. Led by Dr. Katie Carlson-Eastvold
Mary Magdalene, The Tower March 29
An exploration and discussion of the forgotten and blurred Biblical history of Mary Magdalene and recent scholarship to reset her place as The Tower, a faithful follower of Christ. Led by Dr. Richard Leary
The Spiritually of Gardening April 12, 19, 26
These classes will explore how gardening becomes a form of worship, meditation and a pathway to understanding life's cycles. Led by Dr. Katie Carlson-Eastvold
Theology of Disability May 10
This class will explore how traditional Christian thought and attitudes about disability are challenged by viewing disability as an ordinary aspect of life and a source of theological insight. Led by Dr. Aaron Berkowitz
Sundays, 11:15 a.m. - 12 noon
Parish Hall
Cruising the Aegean with Paul and John September 21, 28
Enjoy reflections on the lives ministry journey of Paul and John of the New Testament in Istanbul, Pergamon, Ephesus, Patmos, and Athens discovered on an Aegean Sea cruise last spring. Led by Dr. Todd Knox
When Jesus became God October 5
A discussion around the book, "When Jesus Became God" by Richard Rubenstein and the historic controversy around Arianism in the early church. Led by Jim Parker
The Scope Trail 100 Years Later October 12, 19
On the 100th anniversary of the Scopes Trial, we will reflect on it's meaning and it's lasting impact on the church as well as science. Led by Dr. Aaron Berkowitz
Refugees and the Bible November 2
The Bible presents a consistent message of God's love for and the expectations of God's people to care for the refugee and foreigners, to have a "heart for the stranger." Led by Dr. Vena Long
Innocence Project November 9
This class will learn more about the Illinois Innocence Project, it's affiliation with UIS and their most recent work. Led by Stephanie Kamel, J.D., Executive Director
Heartland HOUSED November 23
This class will learn more about Heartland HOUSED, a Springfield nonprofit organization dedicated to ending homelessness in Springfield and Sangamon County and their most recent work. Led by Rev. Dr. Josh Sabo, Executive Director
Prisons and Prisoners in the Bible and Illinois November 30
Scripture speaks of numerous individuals being imprisoned as well as the responsibility of followers of Jesus to those who are imprisoned. We will sketch a brief history of incarceration in the western world and its development specifically in Illinois, outline briefly the current status of Corrections in Illinois, and how the Church can impact those incarcerated as well as those who work in this setting.
Led by Michael Long, Ordained Minister and current Warden at Logan Correctional Center.
Relational Ministry in Asheville December 14
Join the 2025 Mission Trip team as they discuss the relational ministry they participated in Asheville NC. Led by Rev. Sarah Bishop and 2025 Mission Trip team
The Joy of Camping December 21
This class will talk about the theological roots of sleep away camps for children and the impact it has on faithful people today specifically Kristiana's experience at Presbyterian Camp Henry last summer. Led by Kristianna Eastvold
Hope In Dark Times January 4
A class exploring the history of World War Two Prisoners of War who were imprisoned around the United States, including working Carol's father's cotton farm in rural Arkansas. Led by Carole Kennerly
Listening For God January 11
An invitation for the congregation to join in a season of prayer and spiritual discernment with training on intentional listening from Community Organizing and beginning the WPC mission study. Led by Rev. Dr. Anne C.S. Marshall and Dr. Aaron Berkowitz
Stories of Hope with Pre-1900's African American music January 18
Join Dr. Berkowitz as we hear African American music and the stories of hope, sustaining love of God and its endearing impact on our world today. Led by Dr. Aaron Berkowitz
Understanding Psychological Defense Mechanisms February 1
This class will psychological defense mechanisms which are unconscious psychological strategies that protect individuals from anxiety and stress.. Led by Dr. Brian Richardson
The Potawatomi Trail of Death February 8
The historical impact of the Native American tribe, the Potawatomi, forced removal from Indiana and Illinois will be explored in detail. Led by Dr. George Godfrey
The Underground Railroad February 15
An explorative discussion the Underground Railroad and the interesting stops in Illinois, including Jacksonville, IL. Led by Dale Rogers
Christian Traditions of Lent February 22
An interactive discussion on Lenten history and traditions. Led by Rev. Sarah Bishop
Law and Faith March 1
This class will explore the historic impact the Christian faith had on American Law. Led by Jack Sherrick, J.D.
Women and the Law March 8
Using the scholarship of the book, "Equal: Women Reshape American Law," this class will learn more about the history of women who sought legal degrees. Led by Jack Sherrick, J.D.
Women and STEM March 15
Exploring recent scholarship and interesting books of the untold stories regarding women's impact on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Led by Dr. Vena Long
Women and Literature - Jane Austin March 22
This class will discuss the legacy of women in literature, especially Jane Austen following her 250th anniversary of her birth. Led by Dr. Katie Carlson-Eastvold
Mary Magdalene, The Tower March 29
An exploration and discussion of the forgotten and blurred Biblical history of Mary Magdalene and recent scholarship to reset her place as The Tower, a faithful follower of Christ. Led by Dr. Richard Leary
The Spiritually of Gardening April 12, 19, 26
These classes will explore how gardening becomes a form of worship, meditation and a pathway to understanding life's cycles. Led by Dr. Katie Carlson-Eastvold
Theology of Disability May 10
This class will explore how traditional Christian thought and attitudes about disability are challenged by viewing disability as an ordinary aspect of life and a source of theological insight. Led by Dr. Aaron Berkowitz
THURSDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY
Thursdays, Sept.-May, 5:45 - 6:45 p.m.
The Thursday Night Bible Study begins Thursday, September 11, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. in the Second Floor Classroom. This year’s curriculum will be "A is for Alabaster” by the Rev. Dr. Anna Carter Florence, Professor of Preaching at Columbia Theological Seminary. Books will be available Homecoming Sunday and in the Church Office. New members are welcome!
Thursdays, Sept.-May, 5:45 - 6:45 p.m.
The Thursday Night Bible Study begins Thursday, September 11, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. in the Second Floor Classroom. This year’s curriculum will be "A is for Alabaster” by the Rev. Dr. Anna Carter Florence, Professor of Preaching at Columbia Theological Seminary. Books will be available Homecoming Sunday and in the Church Office. New members are welcome!
APOSTLES READ LIBRARY BOOK GROUP
FOURTH TUESDAY OF THE MONTH, 6:00 – 7:00 P.M.
The Apostles Read Library Book Group meets the Fourth Tuesdays of each month from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the Ziegler Library. New members are always welcome! Led by Dr. Aaron Berkowitz.
FOURTH TUESDAY OF THE MONTH, 6:00 – 7:00 P.M.
The Apostles Read Library Book Group meets the Fourth Tuesdays of each month from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the Ziegler Library. New members are always welcome! Led by Dr. Aaron Berkowitz.
BAY WEEKEND
November 15-16, 2025
The Bay Weekend was established in 1974 by the family of Frances and Ed Bay with the formation of the Frances M. Bay Lay Education Fund. This fund has provided the Westminster congregation and community with educational weekends for over 40 years. We are grateful to the Bay Family whose generosity and legacy have nourished our faith for more than four decades, and for the Westminster Endowment Fund which has also contributed to these endeavors. Click here to learn more about Bay Weekend 2025 Click Here for a link to Bay Weekend History.
November 15-16, 2025
The Bay Weekend was established in 1974 by the family of Frances and Ed Bay with the formation of the Frances M. Bay Lay Education Fund. This fund has provided the Westminster congregation and community with educational weekends for over 40 years. We are grateful to the Bay Family whose generosity and legacy have nourished our faith for more than four decades, and for the Westminster Endowment Fund which has also contributed to these endeavors. Click here to learn more about Bay Weekend 2025 Click Here for a link to Bay Weekend History.
THE ZIEGLER LIBRARY
The Ziegler Library consisting of an adult library and a children’s library is one of the church’s greatest assets. This library, created in 1973, has books for the entire congregation. The collection contains reference materials and a varied collection of books for reading enjoyment. The Library is located on the second floor up the stairs from the south door to the sanctuary. The Children’s Library is also on the second floor in the second grade classroom.
Library Hours
Monday - Friday 8am- 5pm *Library open during meeting hours after 5pm. Check the online calendar.
Sunday 8am-noon