Presbyterian Church Offers a Host of Community Classes

The Gilroy Presbyterian Church has long been a leader in serving
the people of South Valley. It has sponsored many informative and
helpful activities through the years, things such as an annual
health fair, speakers addressing senior issues, and a highly
regarded day camp for children in the community.
The Gilroy Presbyterian Church has long been a leader in serving the people of South Valley. It has sponsored many informative and helpful activities through the years, things such as an annual health fair, speakers addressing senior issues, and a highly regarded day camp for children in the community.

In addition to the normal Bible study and faith development classes offered to the membership, leaders of the church have been offering a series of adult education courses on a wide variety of topics; this program has been named Next Step.

Back in the fall of 2006 the program began with 10 classes, all meeting at the church on Wednesday nights and running for six consecutive weeks. This was followed by a second set of classes that began Feb. 28 of this year.

It has just been announced that the third session will begin May 2. According to Jon Voorhies and Vicki Minerva, members of the group which devised Next Step, the purpose of the program is to provide “quality education for adults in the community, to help them better understand the Christian faith.

“Our goal is to help adults develop a faith of substance and a heart to reach out and use their gifts for service to others.” These courses provide an open, comfortable, loving place for studying topics of interest to adults.”

Classes are held at the church, which is located at 6000 Miller Avenue and starts at 7pm, ending no later than 9pm. Free child care is available, and the only cost to participate is for materials needed in some classes. 

n Spiritual Gifts: Six sessions will teach about your gifts, talents, passions and energy as they relate to your place in God’s world. Pastor Jeff Holmes. $10

n Gardening for God: Four sessions provide practical horticulture information while you hear parables about gardening and learn more appreciation of nature. Burt Malech. Free.

n Teens: Hot Topics for Parents. The focus in these three sessions is on fostering open and healthy communication among family members through helpful strategies, covering topics such as conflict management, sex and drug use. Betsy Kieule. $16       

n Prayer: “I remember the first time I knelt down to pray. I didn’t know what to say. Knees on the floor – check. Elbows on the bed – check. Hands clasped – check. Eyes closed – check. Fast asleep – check! When I came to, I could hear God snoring! No, prayer doesn’t necessarily come naturally. Spend six weeks learning why, where, how, what, and when to pray. Tony Mannino. Free

n Keys to Building a Positive Relationship with Children: Six sessions teach how to open communication, set limits and acquire decision-making skills.  Discuss concerns with experienced parenting experts. Susan Silveira and Vicki Minerva. $15

For additional information, call Gilroy Presbyterian Church at 842-6000 or visit www.gilroypres.org.