We will begin 2013 with a look back… far back in human time, although not by God's calendar. The physical death of Jesus and the formation of the Christian Church were a tumultuous time for new believers. What can we learn about ourselves and our church today from their experience? We will use the Book of Acts and readings from Paul's letters to explore these questions. Classes will be led by Jack Wallace and Ted Parks, but will rely on class interaction and input.  Join us at 9:30 on Sunday mornings in the fellowship hall.

Jan 13: We discuss what it means to be a Christian, going beyond the obvious answer – a follower of Christ. What are the characteristics of a modern day Christian? We look at how the disciples and followers in the Book of Acts first assumed the identity of a follower of Christ, and how this impacted their thinking and behavior. 

Jan 20 and Jan 27: How was the early church formed, and what were its characteristics? Building on the conversation from January 13, we'll contrast the early Church with the Church of today. Focusing on two stories from the Book of Acts, we will explore the identity of the early Church and ask about how we see ourselves as Disciples today.

Feb 3: We finish our "What is Church" program with a look at how early church leaders realized that Jesus’ return might not be imminent, and how that began to shape their thinking and planning. Are we now living in or approaching a post – Christian society? What current facts and trends indicate that, and what is the impact on the Church today?

Feb 10: Preston Taylor, a prominent African American leader in Nashville a century ago, was also a key figure among Disciples. Our guest speaker, Judge Rachel Bell will help us explore his life and what he says about Disciples identity. 

Please join us at 9:30 in the Fellowship Hall for the four Sundays of Advent (December 2, 9, 16, and 23) as we read and react to the devotions shared by the Elders and others.

Devotion authors and other special guests will reflect on the power of God's word during Advent.

We pray that this time together will enrich our community, build relationships, and focus our spirits for the Christmas season.

Please join us on Sunday, November 18 at 9:30 in the back of the sanctuary to learn more about Vine Street as Sacred Space. We'll begin in prayer and thanksgiving for our church home, then learn more about the theology of the space, and the history and design of the building. Don Zirkle will join us to share how the sanctuary impacts his own worship, especially given his own training and experience as an architect. Please join us for a special program! 

Please join us August 12 - September 29, as we reflect on Vine Street's story - including the larger historical and denominational narrative it is part of - with a view toward deeper ties to the community and a stronger commitment to the body of Christ as a witness to the world.

The series will look at Vine Street's past, present, and future, exploring not only how the early Disciples carved out their tradition on the American frontier, but at how the congregation weathered controversies some members still recall, such as racial desegregation and the Vietnam War. We will also think and talk about Vine Street´s continuing witness in a time when not only mainline, but evangelical Christianity seems on the wane.

All are welcome from 9:30-10:30 in the Fellowship Hall as Ted Parks and Jack Wallace lead an interactive discussion based on the book Renewing Christian Unity, authored by Vine Street’s own Gary Holloway and others.

Copies of Renewing Christian Unity are available at Vine Street for $15. Please contact Hope Hodnett at hope@vinestreet.org for details.

Session 1 - August 12
What Difference Does History Make?
Renewing Christian Unity, chapters 1-2
 
Session 2 - August 19
Stone and Campbell
Renewing Christian Unity, chapters 3-5
 
Session 3 - August 26
Permission and Prohibition
Renewing Christian Unity, chapters 6-9
 
Session 4 - September 2
Science and Revelation
Renewing Christian Unity, chapters 10-12
 
Session 5 - September 9
Ebony and Ivory
Civil Rights: How did Vine Street respond? What are the implications for today’s church?
 
Session 6 - September 16
War and Peace
The Vietnam War: Our stand then, our stand now. What is our identity? Are we relevant?
 
Session 7 - September 23
Conflict and Community
The place of GLBT people, immigration, and other issues that divide us today.
 
Session 8 - September 30
What Difference Do We Make?
Renewing Christian Unity, chapters 13-14. What are the causes of the decline in church participation? 

The goal of the class is for participants to reflect on Vine Street's story - including the larger historical and denominational narrative it is part of - with a view toward deeper ties to the community and a stronger commitment to the body of Christ as a witness to the world. 

This overall goal includes more specific objectives. After consistently taking part in the class, participants will be able to  

1. identify key leaders and evaluate foundational concepts in Vine Street's Stone-Campbell past;
2. analyze Vine Street's or the Disciples' response to pivotal social change; and
3. develop their own vision for Vine Street as it confronts today's challenges.