Winter 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? Most Zoom classes are recorded 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 January 1 click Membership in the menu.

(2) Click Sign Up Now to join the Winter 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 January 13 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 January 15. 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

  • January 1          Sign-Up for Winter Session opens
  • January 6          2026 Kickoff Brunch with onsite registration
  • January 13        Soft deadline for sign-up (people can continue to sign up after this as long as there is space)
  • January 13        Members receive email with access to Member Dashboard for Zoom registration links
  • January 15        Soft deadline for registration on Zoom for Zoom courses
  • January 20        Winter 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.

The Curious History of... 

Join Dr. Carol McGinnis Kay to learn the history of some things we use every day without even thinking about their origins. For example, the course will start with the history of nutmeg, a spice now readily available at any grocery store. Nutmeg was once worth more than its weight in gold, and the search for it shaped history in surprising ways. Other subjects will be events probably never covered in history class, such as the sinking of the Nazi Titanic.  Class begins at 9:30. [NEW: Carol will repeat this class on Zoom on Thursdays.]

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. Janice will email specifics before class starts. Class size minimum 4, maximum 8. Class begins at 9:30.

Men's Corner

Here's an invitation to all men from Larry Brown and friends to join in a shared dialogue about being an older man in today’s world. Our first sessions of Men's Corner brought together some great Shepherd’s Center guys who share friendship, humor, and thoughtful discussion. Hope you will join us and see what we're about in this opportunity unique to our Center.  Class begins at 9:30.

The Power of Your Personal Story

Everyone has a story to tell and here’s an opportunity to share yours. 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 minimum 5, maximum 10.  Class begins at 10:30.

Ten Unsolved Mysteries of the Hidden World HYBRID

Follow Deb Gants, retired English teacher, through a fascinating set of questions. Did you know that The Hanging Gardens weren’t in Babylon? Or that the Dead Sea Scrolls weren’t all that was found at the site? Or that new startling information has recently come to light about Stonehenge?  Class begins at 10:30.

Aging in the Grace of God

This Bible study led by Dr. Paula Ashley, who has completed three of four years of the Episcopal Church’s program “Education for Ministry” and whose personal journey has been ecumenical, will address aging head on. Members will be encouraged to understand aging as a vital and positive stage in our spiritual journey. A participant guide will be provided free of charge by Paula’s church, the Episcopal Church of St. Simon and St. Jude, one of our sponsors. Participants should also bring a Bible. Class size minimum 5, maximum 20.  Class begins at 11:30.

The Great American Songbook HYBRID

Larry Brown, another popular teacher and man who wishes he’d had a career in the movie business, will explore classic American music from the 1930s, '40s, '50s, and '60s that endures across time and culture. This class will bring a lot of that great music and its composers to life through extensive use of video and audio. Get ready for a real treat!  Class begins at 11:30.

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. 

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.

Crochet: Happy Hookers

We are a group with varied skill levels who would love to help you perfect your enjoyment of crocheting. This session Kitsie Miller will have crochet patterns for lots of flowers, Valentine’s Day, and St Patrick’s Day. Come check us out!  Class begins at 11:30.

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.

Beginning Spanish 

Do you want to get started in Spanish or reconnect after not using what you learned long ago? Let Diane Kuhn, retired language teacher, help you learn conversational vocabulary and basic grammar. Class size limit 12.  Class begins at 10:30.

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.

Creative Quilting

Under the guidance of award-winning quilter Judie Travis, expand your knowledge of quilting. It's much more than lap quilts and table runners. Classes will cover a broad range of topics, such as getting to know your machine, learning what else you can do with your fabric, and best ways to use up your scraps. Some classes will require sewing; others will be demos. Participants are welcome to bring projects for independent work as time permits. Work on charity quilts and Quilts of Valor is ongoing. Participants provide their own equipment and materials. Class size limit 18.  Class begins at 1:30.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Online Courses

COURSES OFFERED VIA ZOOM

MOST COURSES ARE ON THURSDAY. EXCEPTIONS ARE TWO HYBRIDS (THAT IS, ONSITE AND ONLINE) ON TUESDAY AND TWO CLASSES ON WEDNESDAY.

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:

Ten Unsolved Mysteries of the Ancient World 

Follow Deb Gants, retired English teacher, through a fascinating set of questions. Did you know that The Hanging Gardens weren’t in Babylon? Or that the Dead Sea Scrolls weren’t all that was found at the site? Or that new startling information has recently come to light about Stonehenge?  Class begins at 10:30.

The Great American Songbook  

Larry Brown, another popular teacher and man who wishes he’d had a career in the movie business, will explore classic American music from the 1930s, '40s, '50s, and '60s that endures across time and culture. This class will bring a lot of that great music and its composers to life through extensive use of video and audio. Get ready for a real treat!  Class begins at 11:30.

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.

Jefferson, Burr, and the Plot to Steal the West  

Aaron Burr is remembered now mostly for killing Alexander Hamilton in a duel. In his time, however, he was equally known as the former vice president who plotted to steal much of the Louisiana Purchase lands and set himself up as the Emperor of Mexico and the new West. Join Tom Kuhn, former archaeologist, teacher, and historical novelist, as he explains this challenge for President Jefferson and ways in which this struggle set precedents about the nature of the presidency that still reverberate today.  Class begins at 9:30.

 

THURSDAYS:

The Mysterious Demise of Col. Hogan: The Bob Crane Murder 

Bob Crane, star of the hit TV series Hogan's Heroes, was charismatic and popular, especially with women. Behind the scenes, however, Crane developed a risky obsession with filming his sexual liaisons. Yet no one was prepared when, on Sunday, June 29, 1978, police found Crane’s shirtless bludgeoned corpse sprawled across a bed in Scottsdale, Arizona. This course, led by Tom Brawner, retired lawyer and true-crime enthusiast, will explore this unsolved murder, its victim, and suspects.  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.  Class begins at 10:00.  Zoom participants limit 15.

The Curious History of . . .  

Join Dr. Carol McGinnis Kay to learn the history of some things we use every day without even thinking about their origins. For example, the course will start with the history of nutmeg, a spice now readily available at any grocery store. Nutmeg was once worth more than its weight in gold, and the search for it shaped history in surprising ways. Other subjects will be events probably never covered in history class, such as the sinking of the Nazi Titanic.  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 Beth Faison.