Gilead...In the Bible the city of Gilead is recognized as the birthplace of the prophet Elijah, the scene of mighty battles, and many other events.  In Genesis, the "balm of Gilead" and its healing properties are mentioned in stories about Joseph.  Centuries later, the prophet Jeremiah asked God "Is there no balm in Gilead?"  You might know the lyrics to the hymn, "Balm in Gilead".  We all have heard of Gilead and its fame for restoring body and soul.That is why in 2004 I wanted to read the Pulitzer prize winning novel of the same name, Gilead.  Unfortunately, I never did.  So, when one of our newer NPC members, Arlin Larson, shared that he had taught a class based on the book, my interest was piqued.  I am happy to announce that Arlin has agreed to lead a 6-week class on the book starting Febuary 3rd,  2025.  Below is his summary of the book and to whom it will appeal.   "Marilynn

This Sunday our class begins a new 10-week study based on the book “Being Presbyterian in the Bible Belt: A Theological Survival Guide for Youth, Parents, and Other Confused Presbyterians”.  We will meet in the Hannah Fellowship Annex at 9:00 am each Sunday.  Books will be provided at no cost.Personally, I am hoping that this book and our discussions will equip me to address faith questions that my curious, non-Presbyterian grandkids have asked me.  Recently, my very liberal adult granddaughter, who was raised in the Unitarian Universalist tradition, asked me if Presbyterians had confession similar to Catholic confessions. That one was pretty easy for me to explain. I had a harder time responding to her cousin, my very conservative adult granddaughter who was raised in a large evangelical church, when she confided that she couldn’t understand why Presbyterians baptize babies before the children had the ability to personally accept Christ as their s