Shades Valley and Christian Education
Christian Education is an important ministry for any church community, but the Presbyterian Church has historically held Christian Education in especially high esteem. We believe that before we can fulfill the great commission we must first know what it is we believe so we can share that faith experience with others.
Our Sunday school ministry runs year-round. We have a group of special volunteers who provide a loving, caring and warm environment in which to learn about the love of God; to learn the stories of the Bible; and memorize certain responses and prayers, which are part of our normal liturgy for Sunday morning worship services. Sunday School classes meet from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15.a.m. All the classes welcome visitors and new members.
The Covenant Class: Teacher - David Orrell; President - Gayle Moore
The Covenant Class is a group of couples and singles from various denominational backgrounds, following a curriculum selected and approved by the class members and the Session, which leads them into a lively, in-depth, searching discussion of the Bible, current events and Presbyterian doctrine. The class is led by David Orrell.
The Fellowship Class: Teacher - Henry McPherson
A lively discussion class for all seeking to understand and grow in the Spirit and love of Jesus Christ as it applies to everyday life. The "Present Word" curriculum and other materials are used with discussions led by the teacher and other class members.
The Fidelis Class: Teachers - Dr. Evelyn Painter and Dr. Jennings Marshall; President - Bill Womack
The Fidelis Class is composed of couples and singles, all ages from 50 to 80+. It is a very caring, giving and cooperative class with wonderful teachers. The class uses the denomination's uniform lessons "The Present Word." They have a great piano, a great pianist in our organist Ty Thornton and sing two songs every Sunday. The members are generous and have done many worthwhile projects in the church.
The "Young Adult" class: Teachers - Phil Bowers, Mary Wyatt Bowers:
We meet every Sunday morning @ 9:30 in room 307. Our group is a mixture of young professionals consisting of lawyers, teachers, accountants, doctors and stay at home Mom's of which 4 are "preacher's kids" which adds another perspective in our lively discussions. Our group is very laid back, hence the reason we have 5 sofas in the room which give more of a small group atmosphere. We usually do a spring and a fall weekend camping trip at Tannehill State Park. We are currently using curriculum from "The Wired Word" which emails the teacher the lesson on Thursday which is based on current events and how they relate to the Bible. We also switch and watch various sermon series done by Adam Hamilton from the Church of the Resurrection in Kansas City, Kansas. Our classroom has flat screen TV and internet access by which we can stream various programs that are available on the internet. The class is taught by Phil Bowers with assistance from his wife Mary Wyatt. They bring a perspective from a couple who have raised two sons and stayed married for 34 years.
Trinity Class- Teachers- Larry Richardson and Jack Riley
The Trinity Class is made up of a uniquely diverse group of Christians seeking God’s guidance through engaging studies and spirited and loving discussion. With ages ranging from the 40’s to the 80’s, our members reflect a wide variety of philosophies and approaches to Christian life. The class is currently studying the “The Lord's Prayer" out of Winn's Book "A Christian Primer". Other Recent studies have included The Mighty Acts of God and Adam Hamilton’s The Journey and "Last Words from the Cross". Larry Richardson and Jack Riley are gifted teachers, working always to make sure every member is heard.
Youth Director: Jennifer English.
Our Junior and Senior High Youth meet every Sunday morning throughout the year from 9:30 - 10:30 AM. Their curriculum is youth friendly and enables them to explore the Bible as it relates to the challenges and issues they face as young people in an ever changing world. The message of the Gospel is what anchors us and here at Shades Valley Presbyterian Church we seek to disciple our youth so that as they are faced with decisions they have a better idea of what Jesus would want them to do. Our Youth are also mission-minded and sponsor various mission efforts each year. Among those is Greater Birmingham Ministry's food pantry, and our annual "Souper Bowl" fundraiser. Our annual trip to Six Flags during the summer is always a delight