by Gloria Colvin, Chair of Lay Academy Committee
Education is an important part of Trinity’s program, and our Lay Academy offers classes on many different topics. Most of the classes take place on Wednesday evenings at 6:30, but this fall, there will be several classes meeting at other times. Dinner is available on Wednesdays prior to the classes. Sign up for any of the classes and dinner here.
With the upcoming election in November, being informed about some of the issues facing elected officials at the local, state, and national levels is critically important. In a special session on Sept. 7, Trish Neely, president of the Tallahassee League of Women Voters, will explain the amendments that will be on the ballot.
The Informed Voter class is intended to help us better understand the issues at stake. Beginning September 14, the class will meet in person and on Zoom to hear from speakers on changes in voting laws in Florida; education issues at the state and local levels; research on gun violence and affordable housing (local issues that Trinity and other Tallahassee congregations have identified as crucial for our city); the Florida United Methodist Conference’s work on child advocacy and racial justice.
If you enjoy crafts, consider the Hats and Mats classes, which are each three weeks. Nancy Lachance will lead participants in using a loom to make hats that will be distributed to homeless people, individuals going through chemotherapy, and others needing warm hats. In the Mats class, Rose Glenn will guide participants in making mats from plastic bags for homeless people. There are roles in this process for people who can crochet or want to learn how, as well as for cutting the bags and making “plarn.”
They say it takes a village…come join our Parenting Village! This is a great time to get to know other parents at Trinity and have some discussion and support time. Bring your guitar and enjoy some casual playing time with other Trinity musicians in the Guitar class. Bill Fritchman leads a Men’s Group that combines Bible study and fellowship. On Thursday evenings, be part of Becoming Fit Outdoors and join Jaqui Griffith as she leads hikes on various Tallahassee trails.
Two Disciple Bible classes are being offered on Monday evenings. One is a Disciple Fast-Track class that focuses on the Old Testament and lasts for 12 weeks. The other class, Disciple – Under the Tree of Life, will be taught by Rev. Bob Gibbs and runs through May. Participants in this class must have completed Disciple 1.