Most classes are offered at 9:15 a.m. on Sundays during the school year, held in the chapel and via Zoom, with occasional exceptions.
To get on the e-mail list to get information about our Adult Education programming, e-mail office@westprespdx.org with your request.
Fall 2026
September 20
Our Adventure on the Camino
Beth Outterson and Jim Maddry
For 6 weeks in April and May 2026, Beth Outterson and Jim Maddry walked the historic Camino de Santiago, starting in St. Jean Pied de Port in France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The “French Camino,” as this route is called, is the longest and most popular camino. Beth and Jim will share some history of the Camino, why they wanted to embark on this adventure, the daily rhythms of life on the trail, their joys and challenges, and the hope-filled connections they made.
September 27
Solutions Not Shaming
Jan McManus, Executive Director of WeShine
Jan McManus will present information about the continuing growth in the homeless population in Portland and Multnomah County. She will explore what is working and what isn’t and why, and how members can support solutions that work to thrive and expand.
October 4
Update on Barbie’s Village and Other Initiatives
Future Generations Collaborative
The Future Generations Collaborative is a collective impact partnership between Native serving and Native specific organizations, institutions, governments, and community members. We do this through community engagement, re-indigenizing research and evaluation, strategic policy advocacy, and innovative education and technical assistance. Our focus is on the health and wellbeing of our people in the Urban Native community.
The FGC is very good at finding solutions to the challenges the Native community experiences. One solution to the houseless crisis in the Native community is Barbie’s Village- a tiny, tiny home village for houseless Native parents with small children.
October 11
Oregon Law Center’s Eviction Defense Project
Becky Straus, managing attorney at Oregon Law Center’s Eviction Defense Project
The Oregon Law Center’s Eviction Defense Project, which provides free legal help, information or referral to low-income tenants facing eviction and has assisted over 40,000 households since its start in early 2021. Becky believes in the work of EDP because it is a critical piece in an effective homelessness response system. When tenants have access to legal help, they are more likely to remain stable in their housing and avoid homelessness. Becky has been with the Oregon Law Center for over 11 years and before that led policy advocacy for the ACLU of Oregon.
October 18
Issues on the Ballot
League of Women Voters
A speaker from the League of Women Voters of Portland will be with us to explain the ballot measures on the November ballot and will take questions, so please bring yours! We will not be discussing candidates. This event is near the date when ballots will be mailed to registered voters. We are grateful for this help from the League.
October 25
PIRC Communications and Outreach Support
Emory Mort
Emory will discuss: different forms of immigration in the US system and Oregon specifically; how those systems and patterns are being altered in the past few years; how the Oregon-based organization PIRC’s work interacts with these patterns; Oregon’s unique state laws regarding recently-arrived neighbors; what we should continue to strive for in the future.
November 1, 8, and 15
History of the Presbyterian Church in America
The Rev. Dr. Donald K McKim, Honorably Retired Ministor of the Presbyterian Church (USA)
Dr. McKim has served as a pastor, seminary theology professor and academic dean, as well as an editor for Westminster John Knox Press and Congregational Ministries Publishing. He is the author and editor of over seventy books.
These classes will cover the history of the Presbyterian Church in America with a focus on the “major moments” in the Presbyterian experience and as applicable, what theological issues were at stake.
November 1 Colonial Presbyterianism
November 8 Presbyterianism in the 18th and 19th Centuries
November 15 Presbyterianism in the 20th and 21st Centuries
November 22
What Thanksgiving Looks Like Through a Native Lens
Christopher Cox, MS
Spoiler Alert: The origin story is not Pilgrims feasting with Native Americans.
Christopher Cox is a Haudenosaunee descendant who speaks and writes on reclaiming ancestral practices and reframing colonial narratives. He grew up learning tradition and practice from family and has spent years bridging ancestral wisdom with modern wellness as the founder of Longevity Bathhouse in Portland, Oregon.
In this class, Christopher shares what Thanksgiving looks like through a Native’s lens — the history rarely told, and the gratitude traditions that predate the holiday itself. Together we’ll work through a difficult story rewritten by lore and talk about how to support Indigenous communities this holiday season.
November 29
No class
December 6 and 13
Women of Advent
Claire K. McKeever-Burgett, author and spiritual leader and contemplative
As the Advent lectionary turns our attention to John the Baptist and Mary’s Magnificat, we’ll listen closely to the stories of Elizabeth and Mary – two women whose faithful witness made the gospel story possible. Together, we’ll rediscover how their courage, wisdom and prophetic voices reveal a God who works through unexpected people to bring hope, justice, and new life into the world.
December 20
Sharing Christmas Creches
Jesus was born in Bethlehem, but also in our own hearts and our own lives. Years ago (too many) we made space in Adult Ed for Westminster members to present their own families’ Christmas nativity scenes (aka crèches). Let’s do this again! This will be a “y’all come” type deal–we need an audience! After brief opening remarks, attendees will mingle and marvel and chat, or have a seat and enjoy the vibe. Please consider being a presenter! Presenters come a few minutes early and are not expected to speak.
Previous Class Recordings
The Adult Education Committee is pleased to offer recordings of many recent classes.
The recordings of classes from 2025-2026 season are available here.
The recordings of classes from 2024-2025 season are available here.
“Exploring Membership” Classes
Whether or not you’re ready to become a Westminster member, in our “Exploring Membership” classes you are invited to learn what it means to be Presbyterian and consider opportunities for spiritual growth and meaningful mission. These classes are generally offered in spring and fall, either on Saturdays or Sundays. Childcare may be available on request. There is no charge to attend, but advance registration is requested so we can adequately prepare. For more information, please contact Alaina Smith in the church office.
Church Library
Westminster Presbyterian Church has a library with a wide variety of books. You don’t need to be a church member to use the library. The library is located on the ground floor of the church near the 16th Street entrance. You are welcome to browse through the bookcases and table displays.
We recently updated and remodeled the library. It’s both an organized resource area as well as a place to meet in a cozy, relaxed atmosphere.
If you have any question, please contact the church office during weekdays at 503-287-1289. Please note that our library is no longer taking book donations.
Additional Opportunities
We have more educational activities offered in small-group settings, including a variety of book groups. Please check out our Community Life page for more information.