Faith Formation for Adults

Many of our adult classes are offered via a hybrid (on site/online) model. For more information or to receive the Zoom link for any of our adult Sunday or midweek classes, please contact Pastors’ Assistant Meredith Koliba in the church office.

Reformed and Always Reforming 

• (Trent Classroom/Hybrid)
• Tackling Reformed theological topics, Reformed and Always Reforming is a class that welcomes your questions and loves a good discussion. Join the group this fall as they journey through Field Notes for the Wilderness by Sarah Bessey—a timely, honest, and hope-filled companion for those navigating seasons of spiritual uncertainty and change. With warmth, wisdom and creativity, Bessey invites us to reimagine faith not as a destination, but as a living, evolving relationship with God and one another. This study will speak especially to those who love the church but carry questions, doubts, or longings for a more expansive discipleship. All are welcome.

The Open Door Class

• (Session Room/Hybrid)
• Join the Open Door class as they begin the fall with the book Science and Faith by John Haught. This book is structured around three ways of relating science and religion: conflict, contrast and convergence. The book looks at these three views on twelve different topics. The presentation of each view on each topic is written as if by a proponent of that view on that topic, presenting the view and defending it against the other two views. The Open Door class is known for their lively discussions, and this book will lend itself to many interesting classes.

Covenant Conversation

• (Reading Room/Hybrid)
• Fall 2025: The Historical Figure of Jesus by E. P. Sanders. Join the class this fall as they explore the historical world of Jesus of Nazareth: the man, his time, and his message. This engaging series invites us to encounter Jesus as He would have been seen in his own day-within the culture, politics, and faith of the first-century Judaism. They will examine:
  • What history can tell us about the life of Jesus.
  • How the Gospels came to be written.
  • What scholars agree on (and where they differ).
  • Why understanding the human Jesus deepens our faith in the divine one.
• Spring 2025: Breaking the Code: Understanding the book of Revelation by Bruce M. Metzer. REVELATION!!! OH NO! For most of us, Revelation is a closed book. We avoid it, thinking it too mysterious for us to understand. This book contains passages of great beauty and comfort. It is the last book of the Bible and as is true of all scripture, profitable for us to study and understand. In this study you will:
  • Learn how to read and understand the language and symbols of apocalyptic writing.
  • Move from confused to confident, anxious to assured, and intimidated to inspired as you study the end times.
  • Understand Revelation as the culmination of God’s great story.
  • Understand the message for 1st Century Christians.

Words on the Word

• (The Lemon Library)
• Adults see the world through the filter of life, their experiences and transitions. Those attending the Words on the Word class bring diverse perspectives rooted in a variety of backgrounds, including different religious experiences. This Sunday school class is designed to offer a deeper exploration and understanding of biblical texts using the Feasting on the Word curriculum. The class follows the lectionary readings for each Sunday, which are structured to guide participants through the Bible over a three-year cycle. This fall, the class will continue in Year “C” of that cycle, focusing each week on scriptures from both the Old and New Testaments. The class offers a meaningful way to engage with God’s Word, enriching faith by exploring and expanding on the scriptures shared in worship. So, dust off your nightstand or bookshelf Bible and explore it with others in this weekly adult Sunday school class.

Adult Coffee & Conversation

• (Café)
• This class is geared toward young adults and parents who seek to build community, engage in conversation, and continue learning. Although there is no strict curriculum or book to study, the focus will be on modern challenges facing parents, children, and youth. There is no carry-over from one week to the next, so if you miss a Sunday, you can easily jump right back in without missing a beat. Meeting on the days Adult Confirmation does not meet, a class schedule will be available on Rally Day at Picnic Sunday (August 24, 2025).

POP-UP Sunday School*

• (Fellowship Hall, *First Sunday of the Month)
• Gather the first Sunday of the month for POP-UP Sunday School. Drop in for an interesting topic or guest speaker. Topics will include updates from our mission partners, stories from the history of Second, religion in art, and other important topics facing the modern church.

Believing & Belonging (Hospitality Room, Seasonal)

• Fall Dates: September 21 & 28, 2025
• Spring Dates: TBD
• Join our ministers George Anderson and Elizabeth Link for a seasonal two-week class on what it means to be a Presbyterian, and what it means to be a member of Second Presbyterian Church. This is a great class for visitors and new members! Contact Connie Polly, Engagement Coordinator, with questions.

Confirm Not Conform for Adults (Café, Fall Series)

• Geared toward the parents of confirmands, this companion class will parallel parts of what our youth will be learning in confirmation this year, encouraging conversations at home. Meeting 6–8 times in the fall, participants will be invited to ask questions they have always wanted to ask and explore their faith from an adult perspective. The emphasis will be on building an authentic faith, and lessons will cover basics on the Bible, creeds, sacraments, and topics which may have been ignored or lost in the mists of time.

“The Bible in Black & White”

• See the dedicated Bible in Black & White dropdown below for more details on this year’s offerings. 

Men’s Bible Study

• (Thursdays, 7:15-8:15 a.m., Reading Room/Zoom)
• Beginning September 4, 2025, the Men’s Bible Study at Second meets weekly to read, pray, and be guided by the Holy Spirit as they faithfully interpret Scripture together for our day and time—right here in Roanoke. This fall, the class will be continuing their study of the Gospel of Luke.
• The Men’s Bible Study is committed to a careful, faithful reading of the text. Their approach is exegetical, letting the text speak to us rather than our manipulating the Word to our satisfaction. This practice has deepened our faith, strengthened our community, and most importantly, grounded us more firmly in the Word.
• Come participate and enjoy what Christ is saying to us through Scripture today. If interested, please reach out to Dave Speno (davidspeno@gmail.com) for information and to be added to the group email list.

Women’s Bible Study

• (Thursdays, 10:30 a.m., Session Room)
• Fall 2025: Beginning October 9, 2025. Jesus provided his disciples teachings for how to follow Torah, God’s word; he told them parables to help them discern questions of ethics and of human nature; he offered them beatitudes for comfort and encouragement. But sometimes Jesus spoke words that followers then and now have found difficult. He instructs disciples to hate members of their own families (Luke 14:26), to act as if they were slaves (Matthew 20:27), and to sell their belongings and give to the poor (Luke 18:22). He restricts his mission (Matthew 10:6); he speaks of damnation (Matthew 8:12); he calls Jews the devil’s children (John 8:44).
• Exploring The Difficult Words of Jesus by Amy-Jill Levine, we’ll learn how these teachings would have sounded to the people who first heard them, how they have been understood over time, and how we might interpret them in the context of the Gospel of love and reconciliation.

2PC Clubs provide our congregation with opportunities that encourage a sense of community and foster not only established friendships but new ones, as well. We are excited about our club options for the Second Presbyterian Church family this year! Clubs include: Lunch, Restaurant, Movie, Coffee, Morning Walking, Book, Roots and Wings, Parenting, and Pickleball. If you would like information on joining an existing club, please contact the church.

• Signup for 2PC Clubs 2025-26 by September 14, 2025.

The Bible in Black & White is a successful, collaborative Bible Study that began in 2022 and brings together people of diverse backgrounds and various congregations for a month-long Bible study, conversation and community building. Those who attend The Bible in Black & White are a unique community of people of different races and religious traditions. They gather to learn, but also to form relationships that promote healing within our community. The four-to-six-week study takes place every fall and spring in the Fellowship Hall of Second Presbyterian Church.

Fall 2025: Conversations That Change Us

• Wednesdays in October | 12:00 p.m. | Fellowship Hall
  What happens to faith when it becomes more about talking about Jesus than talking to Jesus? Do we risk reducing a living relationship to abstract ideas—Jesus becoming a topic rather than a presence? Does prayer drift into ritual, and ministry into duty, when it’s no longer rooted in communion with Christ?
  The Gospel of John resists such drift. It is a Gospel built on conversations—long, rich, and transformative ones. From Nicodemus under the cover of night to the Samaritan woman at the well, from a man born blind to Mary, Martha, and Pontius Pilate—Jesus doesn’t just talk at people, he speaks with them. And they are never the same.
  This October, the Bible in Black & White community will listen in on these conversations—and join them. Our hope is to encounter Jesus as we encounter each other, with open minds, honest hearts, and a willingness to be changed.
• Facilitators: Dr. Bill Lee, Dr. George C. Anderson, and ministers of other sponsoring churches.
• Sponsoring Churches: Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, High Street Baptist Church, Hill Street Baptist Church, Loudon Ave Christian Church, Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church, Second Presbyterian Church, St. John’s Episcopal Church

Spring 2026: “Like I Was Saying…” – Conversations Today

• Wednesdays in April (Beginning April 8) | 12:00 p.m. | Fellowship Hall
  This spring, the Bible in Black & White will pick up where our fall study left off. After exploring the long, layered conversations Jesus has in the Gospel of John, we will now turn to our own conversations—especially the ones we hesitate to have. What does it look like to speak truthfully and listen deeply in a divided world? Can Jesus teach us not only what to say but how to say it—with humility, courage, and love?
  Using Scripture as our foundation, we’ll also draw on other resources that help us navigate difficult conversations with grace—knowing when to speak, when to stay silent, and how to stay connected even when we disagree.
  Come ready to reflect, engage, and grow in the sacred art of conversation.

The Edmunds Lecture Series of Second Presbyterian was established in 1985 by S. Spencer “Buddy” Edmunds as a way of honoring his father’s commitment to joining scholarship with congregational life. Dr. Spencer Edmunds served Second Presbyterian as its Senior Minister from 1923-1941. The lectures continue to attract outstanding preachers and theologians to educate and inspire the Roanoke Valley.

Past lecturers include Peter Enns, Ben Witherington III, Bud Robertson, Walter Brueggemann, Barbara Brown Taylor, Miroslov Volf, N.T. Wright, F. Dale Bruner, Brian Blount, Eric Wall, Ted Wardlaw, and Ben Witherington, to name a few.

Original art has been produced for every lecture series since 1999, when Dr. Bud Robertson was the speaker. Each piece depicts the theme of the lecture the year in which it was commissioned. All the works can be found somewhere in the church facilities, with several them hanging in the hallway between the Associate Pastors’ offices. The hope is that the art collection of the church will inspire both memories and theological reflection.

The 2025 Edmunds Lectures will take place on November 10 & 11 and featured guest speaker Andrew Root, PhD. Andrew is the Carrie Olson Baalson Professor of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary, USA. He writes and researches in areas of theology, ministry, culture and younger generations. His most recent books are Evangelism in an Age of Despair (Baker, 2025), The Church in an Age of Secular Mysticisms (Baker, 2023), Churches and the Crisis of Decline (Baker, 2022), The Congregation in a Secular Age (Baker, 2021), and The Pastor in a Secular Age: Ministry to People Who No Longer Need God (Baker, 2019). In addition, he serves as theologian in residence for Youthfront.

The Edmunds Lecture Series is a biennial series hosted on odd-numbered years. Stay tuned for more information on upcoming lectures.

Evening VBS is an intergenerational, annual event at Second Pres, and it showcases special opportunities for education and growth for all ages. Evening VBS encompasses four evenings full of fellowship, learning and fun! Each summer, we host an invited speaker to speak for four nights about a specific topic or theme. The event kicks off with a dinner and program. Children (Pre-K–5th grade) enjoy a special parallel theatre camp, and childcare is available for any younger children attending.

Save the dates for Evening VBS 2026: June 7–10 (Sun–Wed)

2025 Recap:

• “Navigating the Wilderness” with Guest Speaker Dr. Ed McLeod
  From June 8-11, people of all ages joined us for Evening VBS. Guest speaker, Dr. Ed McLeod, helped us dive deeper in scripture and faith together while children enjoyed a parallel theatre camp and presented their original play, “Wilderness Way,” at the end of our time together.
  About the theme: The concept of wilderness can be a metaphor for the time when we move from old certainties to new certainties. During these four nights together, we considered the wilderness experience of the children of Israel, the experience of Job, and the writings of Brian McLaren (Faith After Doubt), Sarah Bessey (Field Notes for the Wilderness), and others to suggest that a dynamic and maturing faith will always have seasons that feel like wilderness wandering. Through it all, we can trust in God, our “very present help,” and discover a new place of deepening trust.

Each fall, women are invited for a weekend of refreshment and nurturing of faith and fellowship.

2025 Gals’ Gathering Day Retreat

• “Love’s Ancient Song: The Beauty and Wisdom of Song of Songs” | Saturday, Nov. 15 | 9AM – 4PM | Fellowship Hall
  Join us for Gals’ Gathering, a day-long women’s retreat of spiritual reflection, connection, and fellowship, right here at the church on Saturday, Nov. 15. Guided by Dr. Sarah Wiles, pastor of Blacksburg Presbyterian Church, we’ll explore the depth, poetry, and enduring power of love found in this unique book of the Bible. Cost is $35 (includes lunch & craft).
  Learn more and REGISTER by Sunday, November 9.

This event provides an opportunity for men of all ages to gather for a relaxing weekend of fellowship, build connection with one another and with God, and engage in discussion about work-life balance and what it means to be a Christian today.

2025 Men’s Retreat

• “Revelation and Reggae” | Fri-Sat, November 7-8 | Eagle Eyrie Conference Center
  Led once again by Rev. Chris Vogado, this year’s Men’s Retreat—November 7-8 at Eagle Eyrie in Lynchburg—will explore the Book of Revelation through the lens of Reggae music, as we look into the powerful imagery of Babylon as a symbol of injustice and spiritual resistance. We will trace how, through both prophetic visions and protest rhythms, scripture and song call us to live with integrity, courage, and honesty in the face of broken systems in hope for a better future. Expect honest conversations, soul-stirring music, and fresh insights into Revelation’s message. Cost is $75.
  Learn more and REGISTER by Friday, October 31.

(Wednesdays in Lent) – Kairos is an ancient Greek word that means “the right or opportune moment.” It has been used over the centuries to describe time for spiritual reflection, and even, to put it simply, “God’s time.” For the Wednesdays in Lent, we invite you to create space in your week to experience the Holy.

2025 Kairos Offerings: This spring, we offer a blended Kairos Lenten worship experience, with opportunities for worship in person and online. Ash Wednesday and Maundy Thursday services will be held in person at the church, and midweek Kairos video reflections will be made available online via YouTube channel and Facebook in the weeks between.

Journey with us this Lent for an exploration of the powerful and spiritual gift of wisdom. In this Kairos video series, members of Second Presbyterian Church share their personal reflections and insights from their life journeys. We hope these stories inspire you to open your heart, listen deeply, and pursue God’s gift of wisdom for your life. May this experience encourage you to reflect on the profound ways we learn from one another and grow in faith as a community.

The Trent Getaway Church Retreat at Eagle Eyrie Conference Center outside of Lynchburg, VA is a weekend of intergenerational fellowship which provides opportunities to study, worship, grow spiritually, make new friends, and enjoy time in recreation! A mere hour away from Roanoke, Eagle Eyrie provides accessible hotel style accommodations with a dining hall to meet all tastes and needs. Programs and activities are available for all ages.

• 2025 Trent Getaway
  • “Our Sacred Home” | August 8-10| Eagle Eyrie 
  • Guest Speaker: The Rev. Dr. Robert (Rob) McClellan, Pastor and Head of Staff of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Tiburon, CA
  • During the 2025 retreat with the theme, “Our Sacred Home,” we explored how everything—creation, nature, and our own lives—holds deep meaning and divine blessing. Through stories from the Bible and the wisdom of inspiring thinkers, we uncovered how God’s heartbeat vibrates through the very fabric of life. We talked about the goodness of creation, how Jesus shows us the way to truly see the world, and how we can heal our alienation and find balance. It was a wonderful time together, and we are looking forward to next year!