Adult Classes
Check out our classes!
These are open to all in the community.
Please register online or call reception
for assistance at (352) 376-6615.
Upcoming Classes
Spanish for Lifelong Learners
A task-based, communicative class
Tues 9/15-12/29 | 5:15-6:15 PM
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This is a task-based, communicative class that includes both beginners and intermediate (and, at times, advanced) learners. Because it is task-based, each student can perform the task at his/her own level, using scaffolding resources as needed. The class focuses primarily on speaking, but tasks also include listening, reading and some writing. The class focuses on skills to function in a Spanish-speaking culture, and may be helpful to individuals planning on doing a mission trip to a Spanish-speaking culture.
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Bio: Jonita Stepp-Greany has served in the recent past as an educational consultant, providing professional development workshops to foreign language teachers. She was formerly the Spanish Language Program Director at Florida State University, where she supervised curriculum and instruction and taught Spanish, as well as a world language teaching methods course. Previously, she worked as a classroom instructor of French and Spanish in Alachua County and subsequently at UF’s P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School. She has been a content writer and reviewer for several foreign language textbook publishers and has published a number of her own articles in foreign language teaching journals.
Called to Journey, Called to Welcome
A Biblical Perspective on Immigration
Thurs 9/10, 9/24, 10/8, 10/22, 11/5, 11/19 | 9:30-11:00 AM
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Explore biblical stories of immigration while reflecting on their theological and practical implications for the church today through a curriculum developed by The United Methodist Church’s General Board of Church and Society. Class sessions will combine biblical reflection with thoughtful dialogue around founding American documents and UMC resources to develop a better understanding of the current challenges surrounding immigration in the United States.
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Bio: Eric L. Papaya is the Director of Faith Mission, a campus of Trinity United Methodist Church. Eric holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Ministry from Messiah University (2009), a Masters in Divinity from Emmanuel Christian Seminary (2013) and a Masters in Higher Education from Messiah University (2019). Prior to his role at Trinity, Eric worked in Africa for ten years in micro-finance, developing and teaching theological curriculum, and overseeing a network of church partnerships in Kenya, Malawi and Mozambique.
Beginnings and Blessings
A Study of Genesis 1-12
Wed 10/14-11/4 | 6:30-7:45 PM (Hybrid-Online & In-Person)
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Start where scripture begins: a good creation, a high calling, a tragic rupture, and a promise that reaches all nations. In four weeks, rediscover dignity as God’s image-bearers, learn wise rhythms of work and rest, confront destructive patterns, and step into a promise-shaped life that blesses others. Clear, hopeful, and foundational for everyday faith. Participants are encouraged to bring a bible.
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Bio: Brian Myers is a passionate student and teacher of Scripture. A longtime member of Trinity UMC, he has held numerous leadership and teaching roles and is currently Co-Lay Leader for the North West District of the Florida Conference of the UMC. He also hosts the Awaken To Grace podcast, produced by the Florida Conference of the UMC. He and his wife, Margaret, are the parents of two adult sons.
Hope for the Homeless is US
Gain a deeper understanding of homelessness
Wed 10/21 | 6:30-8:00 PM
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Gain a deeper understanding of homelessness and discover meaningful ways to serve those in need through a faith-centered perspective. This class will explore common causes of homelessness, challenge misconceptions, and examine what Scripture teaches about compassion, generosity, and action. Together, we will discuss practical ways individuals and churches can make a difference in the lives of those experiencing hardship. Join us as we learn how to respond with understanding, dignity, and Christ-like service to our neighbors in need.
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Bio: Fred Schilffarth has been working with the homeless since 2008, when he became the Director of Homeless Services at CCMI. In 2010, he founded “Friends of Lee County Home”, working on a street level assisting the homeless, providing education and referrals, and was the “go-to guy” to the homeless community. He started the shower ministry in June 2010 and was involved in the beginning of the homeless bicycle ministry at First Baptist Church of Ft. Myers. He was the 2011 recipient of the Dean Blietz Memorial Award and joined the Lee County Homeless Coalition Board in 2012, as well as the Family Health Services Board of Directors in 2013. Fred was a Lay Leader at St. John UMC. He has been a board member of Heartland Coalition for the Homeless since 2017 and served as the Chairman of the Central FL Continuum of Care in 2019. Since moving to Gainesville and rejoining Trinity UMC, he has volunteered with Gainesville Community Ministries, St. Frances House, and is a member of the Leadership Council of Alachua Continuum of Care and Board Chair of NHDC.
Contemplative Watercolor
Painting Fall Leaves
Wed 11/11 | 6:30-8:30 PM
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Join me for a one-time relaxing class experience to celebrate the rich color and infinite uniqueness of the leaves of autumn. No previous art experience necessary. We will start with a beginner’s overview of how watercolor paint, brushes, and paper can work together to create unlimited exciting possibilities. I’ll do a demonstration of a couple of ways I like to approach painting fall leaves, and then we’ll do some low-pressure guided practice. Last, we’ll turn on the relaxing music and unwind into a quiet time of reflection and just playing around with watercolor, letting creativity flow, and seeing what unfolds. Ages 16 and up welcome. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. $10 fee covers all your materials and is due when you come to class, either cash or Venmo.
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Bio: Melody Lozano is an award winning watercolorist whose luminous, rhythmic paintings have been exhibited in local, state, and international juried watercolor exhibitions. She credits her most important art education to her grandmother who first introduced her to the basics of watercolor but more importantly taught her to view the world with an artist’s eye. Melody enjoys living in the Gainesville, Florida area because there is no shortage of inspiration and beauty in the natural landscape. Melody’s artist statement is: “There are ordinary moments on ordinary days when suddenly a veil is lifted, and for a fleeting moment we catch a glimpse of abundant beauty, insight, or depth beyond words. My work is about awakening our attention to these moments in order to drop deeper into these spaces of expanded reality and divine resonance. My intention is to invite others to unlock the beauty and mystery hidden in their own everyday lives, and to be inspired to participate in their own wordless conversations with love and joy.”
