A little history on the beginning of the Adventurers Sunday School class at WPC…

A special thanks to Ann Kilpatrick and John Shelley, whose memories and recollections were instrumental in formulating this brief history of the beginnings of the Young Adult class, which became the Adventurers. After first coming to WPC, Mike Anderson suggested a young adult group would be good for the church.  The original meeting in Mike and Joanna’s home included Marc Watson, Jeff Blalock, Steve Payne, Cindy Rapp, Linda Zahn, Alison Taylor, John Shelley and Ann Kilpatrick.  The first classes and social events included their spouses, Gingie Watson, Miki Payne, Jim Rapp, Richard Zahn, Zach Taylor and Mary Sue Shelley.  This group was soon joined by the Wally and Christy Johnson, Bill and Ginger Johnson, Ed and Beth Wells, and Bob and Betsy Thorpe.

John Shelley, a member of the Pastor Nominating Committee, recalls that “I was fortunate to be involved in the call of Mike and Joanna Anderson to Westminster in 1977-78.  As the youngest member I was associated with other committee members, including Pat Evans, Rowland Denman, Stanley Lee, Mrs. Portman, Jack Roach and Ed Miller to name a few.  Mike determined after our discussions that a young adult class was needed to boost the enthusiasm at the church…..and asked me to help with such a project.  Obviously Hersh was and will always be the reason for the success of the Adventurers culture.”

Ann adds that, “Hersh’s willingness to teach our class for quite a few years was a huge help in setting our class up for longevity and meaningfulness to members, encouraging feedback from the group as opposed to a lecture or monologue.”  “Warren Pickering was a guest leader when Hersh wasn’t available.”

It is interesting to note that originally, the class was set up as the Young Adult Sunday School class, (after college through age 30’s).  Happily we have extended that age to include our current ages, and the classes held around the holidays include current members, guests, parents and our grown children home for a visit.  One of the great joys of this class is that it grows and changes, just like a natural family.

The Adventurers Class celebrates a 30-year anniversary this year.  In true Adventurers fashion, the class will celebrate its birthday with another of its “now famous” get-togethers.

In the early 1980’s 3 class members, Miki Payne Farris, Ginger Shaw and Cindy Rapp, were instrumental in the beginnings of what is now ICS, Infant Crisis Services.  Miki has been the ICS Executive Director since its inception.  ICS will be relocating when their new facility on North Lincoln is finished.  It will be substantially larger than its facility on N. W. 39^th just east of Pennsylvania.

To join our 9:30-ish AM Sunday morning discussions, come to the Lower Level and around the hall to the northeast corner of the building.  These instructions will change this summer, as the church construction begins downstairs.  Or just ask at the front desk, where we are meeting.

Contact us for more info