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Spring 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 March 10 click Membership in the menu.
(2) Click Sign Up Now to join the Spring 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 March 26 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 April 2. 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
- March 10 Sign-Up for Spring Session opens
- March 24 Soft deadline for sign-up (people can continue to sign up after this as long as there is space)
- March 26 Members receive email with access to Member Dashboard for Zoom registration links
- April 2 Soft deadline for registration on Zoom for Zoom courses
- April 7 Spring Session begins
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.
Down My Favorite Rabbit Hole
Just as Alice followed the White Rabbit and ended up in Wonderland, so our teachers often find themselves pursuing something totally unexpected, and we all discover a world of wonders we never knew about. Join some of our most popular teachers as they go from yearning to learning. Among other adventures, we’ll learn about famous shipwrecks and the artists and scientists who accompanied Napoleon into Egypt and created a new archaeology. Coordinated by Deb Gants. Recorded. Class begins at 9:30.
Pine Straw Basket Weaving (Beginning)
Allow Janice Wooten, avid crafter who wins ribbons at the State Fair for her baskets, to introduce you to what could be the least expensive craft you have ever done. You will end up with a beautiful, functional handmade basket to fill with goodies. All you will need are long-needle pine straw, raffia, a needle, and a drinking straw. 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 in this opportunity unique to our Center. Class begins at 9:30.
The World’s Religions: An Exploration of Faith and Culture
Embark on a thoughtful journey through the world’s major religious traditions with Don Campbell, whose master’s in divinity and experience in parish ministry and hospital chaplaincy make him an ideal guide. He covers Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and others. He takes a balanced approach to understanding how diverse beliefs and practices express humanity’s enduring search for purpose and meaning. The course is designed for learners of all backgrounds—both religious and non-religious. Recorded. Class begins at 10:30.
The Power of Your Personal Story
We will tell stories of our own adventures, families, communities, friends, and travels. Hear interesting, humorous, and sometimes moving experiences, and get to know each other better. Led by Dr. Mac Brown, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Education, USC. Class size min. 5, max. 10. Class begins at 10:30.
Girls’ Singing Groups: When Music Was Real Music
Remember the great music of the Andrews Sisters and the McGuire Sisters? It's time to bring that back because there won’t be vocal harmony groups like that again. Join Sandy Olson for a chance to tap your toes and sing along to some of the best music from the 40’s to the 70’s. You'll hear not only wonderful music, but also fascinating back stories behind the groups. Class begins at 10:30.
Secrets of the Temple: The Templars, the Grail, and the Search for Hidden Knowledge
Journey into the mysterious world of the Knights Templar—warriors, mystics, and the guardians of one of history’s most enduring enigmas. This course explores the Templars’ true historical role, their suppression, and the rise of myths linking them to the Holy Grail, Freemasonry, and hidden spiritual lineages. Popular teacher Edwina Winter will uncover how the secrets of the temple continue to shape modern imagination and the enduring quest for sacred wisdom. Recorded. Class begins at 11:30.
Tom’s Terrific Trivia Challenge
A fun competition with your Shepherd’s Center friends awaits as we assist each other in emptying all the mental clutter stored in the dustbins of our brains. Trivia aficionado Tom Kuhn will challenge your wits and tickle your funny bone in this fast-paced team quiz covering a wide range of topics. Class begins at 11:30.
Look Good, Feel Better
Having worked in senior care for many years, Cindy Johnson realized that many seniors are now aging in a more intentional way. Let her share with you her new perspectives on prevention and wellness. Explore how small changes can make big differences. Share your health and beauty ideas. Become more confident as you strive to reach your wellness goals. Class size minimum 5. 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.
Continuing Spanish
¡Hola amigos! ¡Si hablas un poco de español, esta clase es para ti! Using a textbook, we will learn grammar and vocabulary, practice our 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.
Let's Play Mah Jongg
Enjoy playing this ancient and fun tile game with friends. Cathie McCarley, coordinator. Class 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 2
This class covers three sessions (Winter, Spring, and Fall) to prepare you to join our Continuing Spanish group. Anyone interested in starting with this session is invited to contact Diane Kuhn, retired language teacher, who will be happy to help you. Contact her through the Center office. 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.
Bell Ensemble
Secular, 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.
Crochet: Happy Hookers
We are a 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. Come join us for loads of enrichment and fun. Beginners are welcome. Class begins at 11:30.
Beginning-Intermediate Bridge
Enjoy friendly games and hands-on teaching from Judy Johnson, assisted by June Cook. 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
Led by experienced quilter Judie Travis, members will work on a quilted garment of their choice, a bag using hardware and zippers, the twister ruler patterns, and French braid techniques. Members will also have a magazine challenge (come to find out what that is!). Members must have basic quilting experience and must bring your own machine, all supplies, tools, and fabrics. Class size limit 18. Class begins at 1:30.
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.
WEDNESDAYS VIA ZOOM ONLY:
Intermediate-Advanced Spanish
Dr. David P. Hill, Professor of Spanish Emeritus, USC, guides us in conversation practice, cultural readings, and grammar review. Class is conducted entirely in Spanish. Class begins at 11:00. Class limit 12 devices.
THURSDAYS:
Nine Bloody Days: The Starkweather/Fugate Spree Murders
In 1958, Charles Starkweather, 19, and his 14-year-old girlfriend, Caril Ann Fugate, terrified citizens of Nebraska and Wyoming with ten brutal murders in nine days. When they were arrested, Fugate claimed to be a hostage, not an accomplice. Starkweather disagreed. Tom Brawner, retired lawyer, will explore the murderers, their motivations, their victims, and the response of the legal system to these senseless killings. Class begins at 10:00.
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, USC, 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, fiction and non-fiction. First up is a new novel receiving a lot of buzz: The Correspondent, an epistolary novel by Virginia Evans about a life preserved through letters and the power of finding solace through literature and connection with people. The next books, in order, are: Memory Wall, a short-story collection by the incomparable Anthony Doerr; Your Guide to Not Getting Murdered in a Quaint English Village, laugh-out-loud ‘travel guide’ by Maureen Johnson and Jay Cooper; Born Bad, historian James Boyce’s exploration of the philosophy of original sin; and Names by Florence Knapp, a novel that follows three alternate timelines based on a mother’s choice of names for her son. 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.
Cover watercolor by Marianne Johnson.