Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

TRYON—The Historic Good Shepherd Episcopal Church is set to offer two exciting classes for those interested in French culture and self-analysis using a tool known as the Enneagram.

The first class is a French language and gastronomy course led by Dr. Cathy Jones, a professor emerita of French and Italian at Converse University. The class, scheduled for Saturday, January 27, at 11 a.m., will focus on building French vocabulary related to food and teach participants how to purchase and order food in francophone parts of the world. Participants will also learn how to read recipes from French-language cookbooks. 

During the class, Dr. Jones will share the interesting history of the Roman-era cake featured during the Saturnalia, which transformed into an Epiphany cake in France and a King Cake in New Orleans. Participants will also be able to make the cake and sample their creations. 

According to church officials, the French course is the first of a series of flash French courses offered in the future.  

The second class is a three-week course on the Enneagram led by Dr. Rev. Aloha Smith. It will be held on three consecutive Wednesday afternoons from 4 to 5:30 p.m., starting on February 14. The Enneagram is a tool used in religious and secular settings to help people better understand their strengths and weaknesses. Dr. Smith has focused on the Enneagram in his work in Vancouver and California. The class is open to all, including those new to the Enneagram. 

There will also be a Zoom option for both classes. There is a $15 cost for each class.

Good Shepherd Episcopal Church is located at 814 Markham Rd. in Tryon. For more information, visit goodshepherdtryon.org or call 828 329-2217.