Fall 2026 Course Offerings

Courses include a rich variety of activities and skills, as well as academic subjects, and all are taught by experts volunteering their time. Members may take as many as they choose for one membership fee of $45 and organization membership fee of $100.

Busy schedule? Many of our classes are recorded and available on YouTube for later viewing by members.

2026 Session Dates:

Winter: January 20 - March 12 
Spring: April 7 - May 28
Fall: September 15 - November 5
Click on the brochure cover to view the brochure centerfold schedule of classes.

Process to Sign Up & Register:

(1) Beginning August 18 click Membership in the menu.

(2) Click Sign Up Now to join the Fall Session electronically. You may choose as many onsite courses as you like. You will be contacted if a course is full.

If you prefer not to register online, click Mail-In Form and send it and your check to the office: 2600 Ashland Road, Columbia, SC 29210.

(3) By September 4 members will receive confirmation and password access to the Member Dashboard on our website and can begin registering with Zoom for as many courses as desired. On the Dashboard you can click on links to register for any and all courses you would like to take through Zoom. It will be helpful to teachers and hosts if you register by September 8. Call the Center office if you need help with Zoom.

To see updates, remember to clear your browsing-history cache before going to our website: shepherdscenterofstandrews.org

Key Dates

  • August 18          Sign-Up for Fall Session opens
  • September 1      Soft deadline for sign-up (people can continue to sign up after this as long as there is space)
  • September 4      Members receive email with access to Member Dashboard for Zoom registration links
  • September 8      Soft deadline for registration on Zoom for Zoom courses
  • September 15    Fall Session begins
Two older women are playing a guitar and singing.
A group of people sitting in chairs doing different exercises.

Onsite Courses

TUESDAYS: ONSITE AT ASHLAND UMC

Inclement Weather Policy: Whenever Lexington-Richland School District 5 makes any change to their schedule for inclement weather, the Center will be closed. Online courses will not be affected.

 Eight Books That Changed the World

Remember when a teacher claimed that this or that book started a movement or changed the world in some major way, and you read the assignment and went “Huh?” Let two retired English profs, Dr. Paula Ashley and Dr. Carol McGinnis Kay, grapple with trying to clarify what those earlier experiences may have missed. Some books may be familiar and some you never had in class. HYBRID: onsite and on Zoom. Class begins at 9:30.

Pine Straw Baskets 

Allow Janice Wooten, avid crafter who wins ribbons at the State Fair for her baskets, to introduce what could be the least-expensive craft you’ve ever done.  All you will need are long-needle pine straw, raffia, a needle, and a drinking straw in order to create a beautiful basket. Class size minimum 4, maximum 8. Class begins at 9:30.

Men's Corner

Here's an invitation from Larry Brown to all men to join in a shared dialogue about being an older man in today’s world. We’ve brought together some great Shepherd’s Center guys who share friendship, humor, and thoughtful discussion. Come see what we're about. Class begins at 9:30.

Rational Religion and Spiritual Science: A Bahá’í Perspective

Join Dr. Carolyn (Carey) Murphy as she considers the premise that a productive future for humanity calls for using rationality in religion and humility in science. Dr. Murphy is a retired earth-science teacher, author of Carolina Rocks! The Geology of South Carolina, and follower of the Bahá’í faith. Class begins at 9:30.

Continuing Spanish

Using a textbook, we will learn grammar and vocabulary, practice conversational skills, and divertirnos mucho (have a great time)! All students should have studied basic Spanish. The teacher is Dr. Peggy Hill, former university professor of Spanish. Class size limit 12. Class begins at 9:30.

World War I: From the Trenches to the Treaty

Learn the origins of the war, major military actions and innovations, and the nature of the “peace” treaty. Our teacher is Dr. Jack Meyer, veteran of the U.S. Air Force, who has taught European and military history and authored works on Napoleonic warfare and the Palmetto Regiment in the Mexican-American War. Class begins at 10:30.

Revisionist Christianity

Modeled after Malcolm Gladwell’s popular and thought-provoking Revisionist History podcast, Revisionist Christianity invites you to take a second look at Bible stories you thought you knew. From David and Goliath, to the widow’s offering, to the woman at the well and beyond, this class reexamines stories that are often overlooked and misunderstood. Taught by Rev. Jonathan Harris, pastor of our host church, Ashland UMC. Let’s give him a warm welcome! Class begins at 10:30.

Down My Favorite Rabbit Hole

Just as this whimsical doormat welcomes visitors into the Victoria & Albert Museum, we welcome you to sample the treasures from some of our most popular teachers as they explore the unexpected, from the Vikings to the latest social media scams. Coordinated by Deb Gants. Recorded. Class begins at 11:30.

Ultimate Decisions

People often plan for significant life events yet neglect to plan for the one inevitable--dying. This class, coordinated by Ken Corbett, offers expert guidance on planning well and in such a way that blesses the family left behind. We’ll hear from experts in the areas of faith, insurance, legal matters, funerals, and other end-of-life issues. Recorded. Class begins at 11:30.

Look! I Can Knit!

If you’ve never tried knitting--or tried and just didn’t ‘get it’--we’re here for you. You’ll make several small projects and learn good tips and tricks. Teacher Betsy Ford will contact you before class about the short list of items to bring. Class size limit 10. Class begins at 11:30.

Cake Decorating 101

Experienced cake decorator Janice Wooten will have everything you need on the first day to begin learning this fantastic skill. Class size limit 6. Class begins at 11:30. 

 

Line Dancing

Practice favorite line dances taught by Lynda Mixon. Come for good exercise and good company. Beginners are welcome. Class begins at 9:30.

Let's Play Mah Jongg

Enjoy playing this ancient and fun tile game with friends. Cathie McCarley, coordinator. Group size limit 16. Class begins at 9:30 and continues through 12:15.

Art: Perfecting Your Skills in Watercolor

This all-morning workshop allows students to work on their own projects at their own pace. They must supply their own materials, including water containers and paper towels. Experienced artist Dee Hansen joins at 10:00 to offer advice on techniques and materials. Open to students of all levels. Class size limit 15. Class begins at 9:30 and continues through 12:15.

Beginning Spanish 3

This is the third of three courses designed to prepare you to join our Continuing Spanish group. If you consider yourself a beginner or near beginner, please join our welcoming class taught by Diane Kuhn, retired foreign language teacher. Class size limit 12. Class begins at 10:30.

Chair Yoga

Cindy Smith, certified YogaFit instructor, leads this gentle form of yoga practiced sitting or standing using a chair for support. She teaches basic movements for total body stretching along with an emphasis on balance and core strength. Class begins at 10:30.

Strumming Fun Jam

Deb McMurphy leads a jam/play-along with limited instruction. Anyone with an instrument that is strummed, for example, ukulele, banjo, or guitar, is welcome to come enjoy playing together. Beginners are welcome to listen and sing along. Class size limit 13.  Class begins at 10:30. 

Crochet: Happy Hookers

We are a cordial group with varied skill levels who would love to help you perfect your enjoyment of crocheting. Kitsie Miller will have patterns to suit your requests. Beginners are welcome. Class begins at 10:30.

EZ Chord Slow Jam for Ukulele

Know a few chords? Join Deb McMurphy and friends and learn some more. We’ll play melodies as well! Class size limit 13. Class begins at 11:30.

Bell Ensemble

Both beginners and experienced players are welcome. Classical and sacred music will be performed at a level and speed determined by the players. Focus will be on development of artistic expression. Taught by experienced music teacher Joan Marco. Minimum class size 6; maximum 10. Class begins at 11:30.

Beginning-Intermediate Bridge

Enjoy friendly games and hands-on teaching from Judy Johnson. Class will review such basics as major and minor suit openings and responses, preemptive opening bids, overcalls, defensive play, and scoring. Class size limit 12. Class begins at 1:30.

Board Games with Friends

Join fellow members for an afternoon of laughter over popular board games. Coordinated by Dr. Carol McGinnis Kay. Class begins at 1:30.

Creative Quilting

Quilters experienced at any level work independently on individual projects with technical guidance from instructor Judie Travis and/or participate in optional lessons about quilted ponchos and sweatshirt makeovers. Making quilts for donations will focus on a Quilt of Valor. Participants must bring all equipment and materials for projects. Class size limit 20. Class begins at 1:30.

 

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A group of people are sitting in front of a screen.

Online Courses

COURSES OFFERED VIA ZOOM

CLASSES ARE ON WEDNESDAYS AND THURSDAYS. 

Getting Ready to Zoom: Zoom is an online technology ideal for distance education. To get started, type the word Zoom into the web browser on your desktop or laptop computer. At the Zoom website, sign up for the free basic service and download the app as directed.

Busy schedule? Most Zoom classes are recorded on YouTube for later viewing by members through the Member Dashboard.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

TUESDAYS HYBRID: ONSITE AND ZOOM

 Eight Books That Changed the World

Remember when a teacher claimed that this or that book started a movement or changed the world in some major way, and you read the assignment and went “Huh?” Let two retired English profs, Dr. Paula Ashley and Dr. Carol McGinnis Kay, grapple with trying to clarify what those earlier experiences may have missed. Some books may be familiar and some you never had in class. Recorded. Class begins at 9:30.

 

WEDNESDAYS:

Cold War: The 40-Year Chill

We’ll travel from the post-WWII division of Europe to the dramatic fall of the Berlin Wall. Focusing on high-stakes moments between the US and the USSR, we’ll use historical facts and our own lived experiences to examine the arms race, the space race, and the ultimate thaw. Taught by Dr. Lynn Zimmerman, who has spent years training teachers of English in countries formerly behind the Iron Curtain. Recorded. Class begins at 9:30.

Intermediate-Advanced Spanish

Dr. David P. Hill, Professor Emeritus of Spanish, USC, guides in conversation practice, cultural readings, and grammar review. Class is conducted entirely in Spanish. Class begins at 11:00. Class limit 12 devices.

THURSDAYS:

The Camden Massacre: Howard Unruh’s “Walk of Death”

After returning from combat in World War II, Howard Unruh endured numerous insults and indignities from his Camden, New Jersey, neighbors. He decided to settle the score. One day in 1949 he calmly walked down his street and shot and killed 13 men, women, and children--the first recorded mass murder in US history. This class will examine this horrific slaughter, backgrounds and motives, and the questionable legal disposition of the case. Taught by Tom Brawner, former attorney, non-profit director, and educator, who has been interested in true crime stories for most of his life. Class begins at 10:00. Recorded.

Creative Writing Group

Members share prose and verse, memoirs and fiction. Indulge your creativity, engage in a journey of self-discovery, or just enjoy listening as others share their efforts. Dr. Miriam Johnson, Professor Emerita of Social Work, provides optional writing prompts. Members unable to join online participate through exchanges of documents offline. Class begins at 10:00. Zoom participants limit 15.  

The Readers’ Circle

If you enjoy reading and talking about what you read, this is the place for you. We discuss books both serious and light. First up is Ann Patchett’s new novel Whistler, about bravery, memory, and the small moments that can define our lives. The next books, in order, are: A Far-Flung Life, by M. L. Stedman; A Three Dog Life, by Abigail Thomas; West with the Night, by Beryl Markham; Founding Gardeners, by Andrea Wulf; and The Buried Giant, by Kazuo Ishiguro. Teresa Brown, retired librarian, coordinates the Readers’ Circle. Class begins at 11:30.

 

Credits

Brochure Credits

Courses planned by Adventures in Learning Committee,

chaired by Diane Kuhn.  Brochure designed by Carol McGinnis Kay.