Lay Academy: Past Sessions
Lay Academy: A Series of Adult Education Classes
Spring 2023, April 19-May 10
Lay Academy is a series of adult education classes that is offered in the evening four times a year.
Gardening
Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Room 305 and Zoom
This class will explore topics related to gardening in North Florida with presenters from local community gardens, the UF/IFAS extension office, Native Nurseries, and members of the congregation with gardening knowledge. There will also be a session on eating a plant-based diet.
List of Sessions:
April 19 – Maisha Mitchell from Tallahassee Food Network
April 26 – Plant-based Diets: Linda Oaksford
May 3 – Gardening
May 10 – Native Nurseries – Design with Nature: Ecological Landscaping
Jody Walthall and Donna Legare
Learn how to convert a traditional landscape to one that has ecological function, using primarily native plants. Maintenance considerations will also be discussed.
Jody Walthall and Donna Legare co-founded Native Nurseries in Tallahassee in 1980. They combined their passions for native plants, nature study, planting for wildlife and organic gardening to model their store after a nature center rather than a traditional garden center. They are both graduates of the University of Florida’s School of Forest Resources and Conservation with majors in Wildlife Ecology. Jody worked as landscape designer and Donna managed the retail business at Native Nurseries until their retirement after 40 years, passing their knowledge to the younger generation who now run the business.
Parenting Village
Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
They say it takes a village…come join ours! This is a great time to get to know other parents at Trinity and have some discussion and support time.
Men's Group
Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Bill Fritchman leads a Men’s Group that combines Bible study and fellowship.
BFO- Becoming Fit Outdoors- Thurs at 6:00
This class runs 4/13-5/25
Those who take part in fellowship in Becoming Fit Outdoors hike on various Tallahassee trails. A weekly email goes out to those signed up with directions and meeting details
Winter 1 2023, January 11- February 15
Native Americans: Historical and Contemporary Issues
Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Room 305
This class will explore some of the historical and contemporary issues concerning Native Americans and ways Indigenous people are reconnecting with their traditions and responding to injustices.
List of Speakers:
January 11 – Dean Michel, FSU History Ph.D student and an enrolled member of the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe, will provide some historical perspective on Native Americans
January 18 – Susan Anderson, co-owner and operator of Native Naturals Gadugi Farm in Jefferson County and of Creek and Cherokee descent, will speak about how the colonized mind affects us all as people sharing native lands
January 25 – Dr. Tyler McCreary, Assistant Professor of Geography at FSU, will talk about contemporary land-back movements
February 1 – James W. Waters, a Ph.D. candidate in Religion, Ethics, and Philosophy at FSU, will talk bout “#NoDAPL: An Interreligious Case Study in Indigenous and Christian Eco-Activism.”
February 8 – Dr. Kristin Dowell, Assistant Professor of Art History at FSU, will speak about Indigenous art of North America
February 15 – Misty Penton, of Muscogee descent and daughter of Trinity member April Penton, will talk about Muscogee (Creek people) Natives in Florida: Past/Present/Future
Maker-Space
Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Join the Maker-Space to work on hats, mats, prayer shawls, or quilts while enjoying the fellowship of other creators.
Parenting Village
Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
They say it takes a village…come join ours! This is a great time to get to know other parents at Trinity and have some discussion and support time.
Guitar Group
Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Moor Hall
Bring your guitar and enjoy some casual playing time with other Trinity musicians in the Guitar class.
Winter 1 2023, January 11- February 15
Men's Group
Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Bill Fritchman leads a Men’s Group that combines Bible study and fellowship.
Becoming Fit Outdoors
Thursdays at 6 p.m.
Those who take part in fellowship in Becoming Fit Outdoors hike on various Tallahassee trails. A weekly email goes out to those signed up with directions and meeting details. ***Please note- this class begins on Thurs 1/5.***
Fall 2 2022 Session (Nov. 2-Dec. 7)
No classes will meet on Thanksgiving Week
Ukraine: An Overview
Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Room 305
Class participants will listen to speakers from Ukraine, explore Ukraine’s history and its conflicts with Russia, delve into its culture and arts, and learn more about the current situation in this war-torn country.
List of Speakers:
November 2
Family members recently arrived from Ukraine talk about their experience living in Ukraine and fleeing from the war that’s ravaging their country.
November 9
Leonid Makarov, a high school history teacher who taught for more than eight years in Ukraine before coming to the U.S. speaks about Ukraine’s history.
November 16
For this first part on Advent and Christmas, Nadia Ozerova shares information about ethnic traditions during Advent and Christmas in Ukraine.
November 30
A representative from the International Rescue Committee speaks about the organization’s work in settling refugees in Tallahassee.
December 7
For this second part on Advent and Christmas, Nadia Ozerova shares information about ethnic traditions during Advent and Christmas in Ukraine.
Hats & Mats (Combined)
Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Hats will be made to distribute to homeless people, individuals going through chemotherapy, and others needing warm hats. Mats are made 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.”
Come get some first hand experience with our Hats and Mats ministry! No experience needed…we will have some experienced hat and mat makers on site to help get you started.
Parenting Village
Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
They say it takes a village…come join ours! This is a great time to get to know other parents at Trinity and have some discussion and support time.
Guitar Group
Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Moor Hall
Bring your guitar and enjoy some casual playing time with other Trinity musicians in the Guitar class.
Men's Group
Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Bill Fritchman leads a Men’s Group that combines Bible study and fellowship.
Becoming Fit Outdoors
Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.
Those who take part in fellowship in Becoming Fit Outdoors hike on various Tallahassee trails. A weekly email goes out to those signed up with directions and meeting details.
Lay Academy: A Series of Adult Education Classes
Fall 2022 Session
Special Session on Ballot Amendments
One night only
Wednesday, September 7 | 6:30 p.m.
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. Trish Neely, president of the Tallahassee League of Women Voters, will explain the amendments that will be on the ballot.
Informed Voter Class
Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Room 306
This class is intended to help us better understand the issues at stake. 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.
List of Speakers:
September 14
Supervisor of Elections, Mark Earley, will speak about the changes in Florida election laws.
September 21
Joy Frank, former General Counsel for the Florida Association of District School superintendents, will speak about education issues likely being considered by the Florida Legislature in the near future and how last session’s laws on education are being implemented through rules and policies.
September 28
Gun violence is an increasing problem in Tallahassee and other cities. Learn about some of the programs that have been successful in addressing this issue from A. J. Mealor, a representative of the Capital Area Justice Ministry’s research group on gun violence.
October 5
The need for affordable housing in Tallahassee is a major concern and a complex issue. Bob Deyle will share some of the information gathered by the Capital Area Justice Ministry’s research group on affordable housing.
October 12
The Florida United Methodist Conference partners with Florida Impact to End Hunger to advocate for children experiencing hunger. Hear from Kelli Greene, the Advocacy and Community Engagement Manager at Florida Impact to End Hunger about the issue and some of their proposed solutions.
October 19
Issues of racial justice continue to impact many in our community, state, and nation.
Rev. David Williamson, Co-chair, Public Policy and Witness of the Bishop’s Taskforce on Anti-racism will discuss some of these issues and some of the ways in which the church is tackling them
Hats & Mats
Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Hats: 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.
Mats: 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.”
Parenting Village
Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
They say it takes a village…come join ours! This is a great time to get to know other parents at Trinity and have some discussion and support time.
Guitar Group
Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Moor Hall
Bring your guitar and enjoy some casual playing time with other Trinity musicians in the Guitar class.
Men's Group
Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Bill Fritchman leads a Men’s Group that combines Bible study and fellowship.
Becoming Fit Outdoors
Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.
On Thursday evenings, be part of Becoming Fit Outdoors and join Jaqui Griffith as she leads hikes on various Tallahassee trails.
Disciple Fast Track
Mondays at 6:30 p.m.
Ruth Ann High leads this study focused on the Old Testament. Buy the book here.
Disciple 4: Under the Tree of Life
Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Rev. Bob Gibbs will teach this class. Participants must have completed Disciple 1 previously. Buy book here.
Lay Academy- Spring 2022 (April 27- May 25)
BFO- Walking group (Thurs @ 6:30)- Cascades Park
BFO…Being Fit Outdoors! Come walk and fellowship with us each week at Cascades Park
Men’s Group (Wed @ 6:30)- in person
Bible study led by Bill Fritchman
Lay Academy and the Creation Care Ministry are pleased to co-sponsor One Book, One Church, a churchwide reading and discussion program of selections from Spiritual Ecology: The Cry of the Earth by Llewelyn Vaughan Lee. Rev. Bob Gibbs will lead discussions on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 beginning on April 27 and continuing through May 27. These will be offered as hybrid sessions, so participants can attend in person (Room 305) or by Zoom. To register go to: (I’ll have to send this link to you later.)
Sunday School classes and other small groups throughout the church are encouraged to read and discuss selections from this book. Discussion guides will be provided.
Parenting Village (Wed @ 6:30)- in person
It takes a village and we’d love for you to be a part of ours! Come spend some time with other parents as we navigate our way thru parenthood.
Lay Academy- Winter 3 2022 (Jan 12- Feb 16)
Scriptural Foundations for Justice- hybrid (in person or on Zoom)- Wed. at 6:30
See our schedule and list of speakers here.
***If you choose to join Scriptural Foundations for Justice via zoom, a link will be sent out each week to those who have signed up.
Come hear how the witness of Scripture lays the foundation for justice. The first 4 classes will be led by teachers from congregations in our community and the final 2 weeks will focus on community issues research in the Capital Area Justice Ministry.
Men’s group- in person at Trinity- Wed. at 6:30
Come join us for a time of study and fellowship.
Parenting Village- zoom- Wed. at 9:00
It truly takes a village and we’d love for you to be a part of ours! Put the kids to bed and come join us for some kid free time.
BFO Walking group- in person at Cascades Park- Thurs. at 6:15
Come join us for fitness and fellowship! Can’t make it by 6:15…no worries, another group will begin walking at 6:30 so join when you can.
Lay Academy- Late Fall 2021 (11/10)
Preparing for Christmas with St. Francis (Wed @ 4:00- Zoom)
This study, led by Rev Barbara Hynes, will explore through the lens of the life of St. Francis and personal sharing, the beginnings and variety of Advent traditions that through the ages have provided a pathway for people looking for signs of God’s love.
The Sights, Sounds, and Symbols of Advent (Wed @ 6:30- Zoom)
See our list of speakers and sessions here
A variety of speakers will help us prepare for Advent with presentations on the music and art of Advent, the meaning of the Chrismons that decorate the Christmas tree in the sanctuary, and the tradition of lighting Advent wreaths
BFO- Becoming Fit Outdoors (Wed @ 6:15- Cascades Park)
Our BFC program is going outside again! Come join Jaqui Griffith each week for fitness and fellowship.
Parenting Village (Wed @ 9:00- Zoom)
Put the kids to bed and come join us for some kid free time! It has truly taken a village this past year and we’d love for you to be a part of ours!
Lay Academy Fall 2021 (9/8–10/20)
The Lay Academy Committee has been hard at work, and this session has much to offer! Please see below for more information on each class.
This fall session will begin on Wednesday, September 8, and run thru Wednesday, October 20. (Please note that the Spiritual Gifts class will conclude on October 13). Due to the rise of COVID cases in Leon County, and out of an abundance of caution, our classes will either be meeting via Zoom or outdoors (please check the class description for location). Zoom links will only be sent out to those on the sign up, so make sure to reserve your spot.
Becoming Fit Outdoors 6:30 in-person at various locations, 10/20
Our BFC program is going outside this session! Come join Jaqui Griffith each week for fitness and fellowship. The first week will be at the Miccosukee Greenway (entrance off Miccosukee Rd).
Conversations on Race: Where Have We Been, Where Are We, and Where Are We Going in Tallahassee?
A variety of speakers from the Tallahassee community will lead us in examining our racial past and how we are confronting its legacy today and as we move into the future.
Watching the film “Invisible History: Middle Florida’s Hidden Roots” is recommended. The film is available on the Passport platform for WFSU supporters.
Please see our list of sessions and their descriptions here.
Parenting Village 9:00 on Zoom, 9/8–10/20
Put the kids to bed and come join us for some kid free time! It has truly taken a village this past year and we’d love for you to be a part of ours!
Spiritual Gifts 6:30 on Zoom, 9/8–9/13
Leaders: Steve and Diane Jacobs
We’ll start with definitions of spiritual gifts and the discernment process. Participants will be invited to explore their spiritual gifts and God’s calling as we build relationships, sharing our experiences and revelations. We will end with exploring how best to use our gifts individually and corporately to build up the body of Christ.
Virtual Mini-Lay Academy: 7 p.m., April 14 to April 28, 2021
Global Missions Trip
This spring we are excited to bring you a special mini Lay Academy session! These classes will focus on global missions and will be a prerequisite for those wanting to participate in the virtual mission trip with the ZOE team May 4th, 5th, and 6th.
All classes will be held via Zoom and the link will be sent out only to those on the sign up.
Please see our list of sessions and their descriptions.
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Climate Change: Climate Care
January 13–February 10, 2021
Register through Sign-Up Genius
Wednesdays, 7 p.m.
Description: What does current science say about climate change and its effects? What are Florida’s environmental regulations? How can citizens conserve, protect and recycle most effectively? How does the Tallahassee Green Faith Alliance promote and assist in the practice of sustainability? What are the spiritual relationships and responsibilities we share to care for the earth and each other? Experts on climate change and the care for our natural world will explore their responses to these questions and others relating to one of the most pressing issues confronting us as stewards of God’s earthly kingdom.
Please see our list of sessions and descriptions here.
At Home With Mista C- Prepare the Way of the Lord – Music and Worship at Trinity
January 19, January 26, and February 2, 2021
Register through Sign-Up Genius
7 to 8 pm
Ever wonder how music is chosen for worship? Then this is the class for you! Chris will discuss the purpose of music in worship and how we select music for worship. Q & A time will be included
Parenting Village
January 13 – February 10, 2021
Wednesdays at 9 p.m.
Put the kids to bed and come join us as we continue to navigate parenting in a pandemic.
November 11 – December 9, 2020 (no class Dec. 19): Register through Sign-Up Genius
Wednesdays, 7 p.m.
Wiatts’ Advent Study
Hard to believe that Advent season is right around the corner! To help you get into the spirit, we are offering a special short session of Lay Academy that will focus on preparing for Advent. We are excited to be offering a study that will be led by the Wiatts (and written by them too!).
Books for the Advent study: If you sign up for the Wiatts’ Advent study, please email either Nick or Amy to order a book. You will have the option of ordering an electronic copy ($5) hard copy that you would pick up at TUMC ($10), or you can have a hard copy shipped to your house ($15).
Parenting Village
A focus will be on the holidays.
Contact Amy Leach ([email protected]) or Nick Quinton ([email protected]) if you have any questions.
September 9 – October 28, 2020
Tuesdays
Things to Do At Home
At Home with Mista C (Tuesday 9/29 at 7:00 p.m.)
Our new Director of Music, Chris Titko, shares about his faith, his children, theater, movies and the arts in an interactive format. The class will conclude with your questions.
At Home with Marti Chumbler (Tuesday, 10/20 at 7:00 p.m.)
Come find your inner bread maker at this fun at home class! Marti will lead you on how to make a delicious loaf of bread. (Needed ingredients will be emailed to those who sign up.) our
Wednesdays
7:00 BFC Fit Mix
This class will be taught by our BFC Exercise team. During this session, this class will focus on strength training, stretching, and nutrition. If you are new to the BFC program, please email Beth Curry at [email protected] for a participation waiver.
7:00 Our Children – Our Future (Large Group Programs & Discussion)
Even before the COVID crisis hit, it’s been noted that there are two Tallahassees: one whose residents earn a living wage or are relatively affluent and another struggling with poverty and all of its effects. In Leon County, 43% of residents live at or below the poverty line, including over 3,000 children under the age of 5. Children living in poverty are at greater risk for academic, health, and safety issues. In this series we’ll hear from leaders of community organizations focused on addressing issues facing children and explore what a Children’s Services Council might do to improve the lives of children in our community. See list of sessions.
9:00 Parenting Village
Leader: Amy Leach
It takes a village…especially in the middle of a pandemic! Put the kids to bed and come join us for some well-deserved adult time.
April 22 – May 13, 2020
Special Topics Programs: Implications for Individuals, Church, and Society in Major Crises
Sept. 16-Oct. 21, 2015