Short Term Studies
Back to the Basics: Exploring the Foundations of Faith
Mondays
Sep 28, Oct 5, 19, 26
12:00 pm, Zoom
Facilitated by Rev. Elizabeth Byrd
4 weeks
Whether you’re new to Peachtree Road UMC, returning to the church after some time away, or simply looking to strengthen or refresh your understanding of the faith, Back to the Basics is a welcoming and engaging lunch and learn class designed to explore the core beliefs and practices that have shaped Christians for generations. Together, we’ll examine foundational topics such as the Apostles’ Creed, the meaning and purpose of the sacraments, and the distinctive beliefs and heritage of Methodism. Participants will gain a deeper appreciation for what Christians believe, why they believe it, and how those beliefs can be lived out in everyday life. Join us as we rediscover the essentials of Christian faith and grow together in knowledge, understanding, and discipleship.
The Corinthians Conversation
Wednesdays, starting September 30
6:30 – 7:45 pm, Grace Hall
Facilitated by Dr. Elizabeth Arnold, Scholar in Residence, The Candler Foundry
5 weeks
In this course, we will explore the issues that the church in Corinth faced and the Apostle Paul’s conversations with them. We’ll also look at the particulars of the situations and how Paul consistently emphasizes the “big picture” – The Corinthians’ embodiment of Jesus. Finally, we will ask how the conversation between Paul and Corinth can offer support and guidance to the church in our context as the church navigates particular conflicts of the 21st century.
Sponsored by Deep Waters.
Encore! Designing a Meaningful Retirement
Sundays, Aug 30, Sep 27, Oct 18
5:00 pm, Hospitality Suite
Planning for retirement involves more than choosing a date. It also means making thoughtful decisions about where to live, how to navigate benefits, and how to prepare for the years ahead with confidence. This fall, Encore! will offer a three-part series designed to help adults and families think practically and purposefully about retirement. Each session will focus on a key area of planning, including downsizing, Medicare, and Social Security. Whether retirement is just around the corner or still a few years away, these conversations will provide helpful guidance for making informed decisions.
Aug 30 – Downsizing Done Right
Sep 27 – Demystifying Medicare
Oct 18 – Maximizing Social Security
Food for the Journey: A Guide for Spiritual Renewal
Mondays, beginning September 14
6:30 pm, C104
Facilitated by Rev. Darren Hensley
4 weeks
Throughout our lives, we all may experience periods of spiritual drought. Especially in today’s culture, we tire of the noise, cruelty, drama, interruptions, and sometimes even prayer. Occasionally, these encounters may lead to a languishing in our faith journeys. During this four-week study, we will read and discuss Tish Harrison Warren’s new book What Grows in Weary Lands: On Christian Resilience. Engaging in self-reflection and shared conversation, we will join Rev. Warren in exploring the wisdom and spiritual guidance offered by the early Christian Desert Fathers and Mothers. Together, we will discern resources, habits, and mindsets that provide a foundation for reclaiming hope, renewal, and holistic flourishing.
Galatians: The Fruitful Life
Wednesdays, starting September 9
6:30 – 7:20 pm, Grace Hall
Facilitated by PRUMC Clergy
3 weeks
What does it mean to live a truly fruitful life? Each week during the month of September, we will explore Paul’s letter to the Galatians and what it means to live a fruitful life. As a deeper exploration, we will follow the sermon series for the fall and spend time discovering how the message of Galatians challenges us to embrace the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. Join us as we examine the freedom, grace, and spiritual growth that come through a relationship with Christ.
Journey Together
Wednesdays, starting September 9
10:30 am, C106
Facilitated by Janice McGalliard and Rev. Leslie Watkins
Dive deeper into God’s Word, find practical ways to live out your faith every day, and connect with others in a supportive, welcoming environment. We will kick off the fall with a study of Adam Hamilton’s book, The Call: The Life and Message of the Apostle Paul, a six-week Bible study that retraces the historical journeys, early church ministries, and New Testament letters of the Apostle Paul.
Parents Night Out Series: The Anxious Generation
Sundays, Oct 4, Oct 18, Nov 1
5:00 pm, Grace Hall
Join us for a special Date Night Series for parents covering the book, The Anxious Generation, by Jonathan Haidt. Each evening begins with a 45-minute presentation and discussion offering practical insights and a biblical perspective on raising resilient, healthy children. Afterward, childcare will continue while parents enjoy a 90-minute date night in the community, complete with discussion questions to help continue the conversation.
Stepping Stones
2nd and 4th Thursdays, starting September 10
10:30 am, C104
The class members utilize the Upper Room Disciplines, A Book of Daily Devotionals, to structure the discussions. We follow a shared leadership model highlighting our faith journeys as it relates to the daily Upper Room offerings. This process allows us to not only discuss the scriptures referenced in the Disciplines, but it also leads us in discussing current and past events that have affected our faith
journeys.