Fall 2017 Bible Study Catalog

Concord UMCClasses/Studies/Small Groups FALL 2017

“Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity withoutChrist. It remains an abstract idea, a myth which has a place for theFatherhood of God, but omits Christ as the living Son . . . There istrust in God, but no following of Christ.” (Dietrich Bonhöffer, TheCost of Discipleship)The mission of Concord United Methodist Church is “SharingChrist. Serving Others. Growing In Faith.”Sunday morning worship is the primary time in the life of the disci-ple where one remembers and reflects that they are each a belovedchild of God and each person can respond to such love and com-mune with God by a dedicated time of glorifying and worshiping HimChristian community.Becoming a faithful disciple begins in worship, but it is deepenedthrough dedicated discipleship to grow in one’s faith. It is a lifelongprocess in the context of Christian community that includes infor-mation (what we know), formation (who we are and are becoming),and transformation (how the world is changed because of who weare and what we do).To affirm the calling to discipleship, classes, studies and smallgroups are regularly offered to provide a framework for people tobecome deeply committed Christians through their head(theologically informed), heart (spiritual transformation) and hands(putting faith into action).In Acts 8:30-31 we read, “So Philip ran up to it and heard him read-ing the prophet Isaiah. He asked, \"Do you understand what you arereading?\" He replied, \"How can I, unless someone guides me?\"And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him.” As shown by thestory of Philip and the Ethiopian, we grow in our faith by learningtogether and the following classes/studies/small groups are offeredso that each disciple of Christ may come to a deeper and moremeaningful faith.. Our classes are open to members, visitorsand friends.Contact Glenna Manning, Pastor of Discipleship, for more infor-mation or to arrange childcare for any class/study in which youdesire to participate. ([email protected]) or 966-6728.

WHATS THE DIFFERENCE?At Concord UMC, we offer classes, studies and small group experiences. Tohelp you to understand the differences, between each of these, we offer thefollowing explanaƟon:Classes—Classes meet on a regular on-going basis or for a topical series, suchas weekly Sunday morning classes that meet from 9:50—10:45 or others thatmay be offered during the weekday. Classes may be grouped generaƟonallyor topically, though some classes are mulƟ-generaƟonal and study a variety oftopics. A full lisƟng of our Sunday morning classes are offered in a differentpublicaƟon and can also be found on our website (www.concordumc.com),while weekday classes are listed within this publicaƟon.Studies—Studies meet throughout the week and are short-term, lasƟng from4—12 weeks. The studies offered at Concord are offered in four differentseries: • Facing the Issues—Studies in this series tend to look at cultural and current issues as they relate to our spiritual life. • What About . . . ? - Studies in this series look at faith as pertaining to the quesƟons we may have about Scripture, conflicts in Scripture, var- ying religions or apologeƟcs (defense of ChrisƟanity). • Diving Deeper—Studies in Diving Deeper are focused primarily on Biblical study of Scripture, or around the themes of Scripture (e.g., forgiveness, grace, prayer, etc.) • Fresh Starts—For those who are new to the faith or those who feel they lack an understanding of the basic ChrisƟan tenets of faith, Fresh Starts provides a safe place to learn and to ask quesƟons about faith.Small Groups—Disciple-2-Disciple (D2D) - In a D2D group, persons seek tolive together in biblical community for the purposes of Christ-centered wor-ship, edificaƟon, relaƟonal evangelism, and discipleship. The goal of these lifegroups is to develop small communiƟes where people share their faith walkwith others as they deal with the various stages of life and give and receivesupport from one another. Groups meet twice a month and are available forwomen, men, couples, at a variety of Ɵmes throughout the week.

SUNDAYS CONNECT TO CONCORD If you are new to Concord UMC or have yet to connect to an adult Sunday morning class, join us for a six-week course taught by the pastors of Con- cord. In this class we will cover such topics as FoundaƟons of Methodism, Structure of the UM church, structure of Concord UMC, the primary teach- ings of John Wesley, and how to worship and live life in the community of CUMC. Offered at least twice a year from 9:50-10:45 AM, Room 202. UPCOMING DATES: September 10—October 15 , 2017 January 21—February 25, 2018 MONDAYSWHAT ABOUT . . . ? SERIES:TOPIC 1— WHEN THE WORDS OF JESUS DON’T MAKE SENSE (BYTALBOT DAVIS) You’re not alone if you’ve found some of what Jesus said to be perplexing and maybe even a liƩle uncomfortable. In this five-week study, we will study seek to beƩer un- derstand some of Jesus’ most difficult sayings, and how to take the words to heart and embrace a new way of life as a result . Led by Pastor Mike Stallings.MEETS: SEPTEMBER 11 - OCTOBER 9—ROOM 226— 6:30—8:00CLASS— TWELVE STEPS FOR CHRISTIANSThis class combines the pracƟcal wisdom of the twelve stepswith the spiritual truths of the Bible. This combinaƟon of re-covery and spirituality offers ChrisƟans an effecƟve way towork a tradiƟonal Twelve-Step program and name Jesus Christas their Higher Power. Facilitated by members of the 12-stepcommunity and Pastors Wil Cantrell and Glenna Manning .NEW CLASS BEGINS—OCTOBER 2—ROOM E-217—7:00—8:30

TUESDAYSDIVE DEEPER SERIES: LUNCH & LEARNBring your lunch if you desire and join with other adults for weekly study.SESSION 1FINDING GOD IN UNEXPECTED PLACES (BY PHILIP YANCEY)Traces of God can be found in the most unexpected places. Yet many Chris-Ɵans have not only missed seeing God, they've overlooked opportuniƟes to make him visible to those most in need of hope. In this enlight- ening book author Philip Yancey serves as an insighƞul tour guide for those willing to look beyond the obvious, poinƟng out glimpses of the eternal where few might think to look. In this text, from Ground Zero to the Horn of Africa, and each stop along the way reveals footprints of God, touches of his truth and grace that prompt readers to search deeper within theirown lives for glimpses of transcendence. Led by Pastor Glenna ManningMEETS: AUGUST 22—OCTOBER 3—11:30—1:00 ROOM 296SESSION 2CRASH TEST DUMMIES: SURPRISING LESSONS FROM THE BOOKOF JUDGES (BY TALBOT DAVIS)This study explores the stories of the judges from the perspecƟve of the Isra-elites' repeated failure to be faithful to God alone. Davis high-lights how the Israelites in Judges made the same mistake ofapostasy over and over again. Each Ɵme God delivered them,they eventually fell back into the predictable, tragic paƩern.We consider the shape that paƩerns of sin take in our lives, andhow God seeks to free us from them and empower us for faith-ful living. Led by Pastor Glenna ManningMEETS: OCTOBER 17—NOVEMBER 14—11:30—1:00ROOM 296

TUESDAYSDIVE DEEPER: LUNCH & LEARNBring your lunch if you desire and join with other adults for weekly study.SESSION 3—Advent studyBECAUSE OF BETHLEHEM LOVE IS BORN, HOPE IS HERE (BY MAXLUCADO)Because of Bethlehem, God knows what it is like to be a human. When we talk to God about our challenges, our struggles, and our tough Ɵmes, he understands, because he's been there. He's been here. Christmas begins what Easter celebrates. The child in the cradle became the king on the cross. Because he died, there are no marks on our record, just grace. Because of Bethlehem, we have the promise God is always near us . And long aŌer the Christmas guests have leŌ, the carolers have gone home, and the lights have come down, that promise endures. Led by Pas-tor Glenna ManningMEETS: NOVEMBER 28—DECEMBER 19—11:30—1:00ROOM 296 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul and spirit, joints and marrow, as it judges the thoughts and purposes of the heart.DIVE DEEPER: CENTERING PRAYERThis group studies and discusses the role of prayer and meditaƟon on our spir-itual journey, parƟcipates each week in a silent prayer session centered onGod, and engages in intercessory prayer for those in need. Led by Jack Wil-son.MEETS: EVERY TUESDAY, 5:00–6:00 PM, ROOM 131 (ongoing)

TUESDAYSFACING THE ISSUES SERIES:TOPIC 1—THE FUTURE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCHJoin Pastor Wil Cantrell as he leads a 3-week study of his new book, “Unafraidand Unashamed: Facing the Future of UnƟed Methodism.” In this study wewill explore the opportuniƟes and challenges facing our church, denomina-Ɵon, and society in the 21st century.MEETS: AUGUST 29 & SEPT. 5 & 12—6:30—8:00—ROOM 296TOPIC 2—RACISM AND RELIGIONFor this study we will explore the historical development and modern dayrealiƟes of race and ChrisƟanity in America. This class will explore how histori-cally a significant porƟon of churches were corrupted by economic incenƟvesinto teaching a racial worldview and how the church has also been at theforefront of the push for aboliƟon, civil rights, and racial equality. Led byPastor Wil Cantrell.MEETS: OCTOBER 17, 23, NOVEMBER . 6 & 13 —6:30—8:00ROOM 296 (EXCEPT FOR OCTOBER 17, MEET IN 226)DIVE DEEPER: DISCIPLE I—OLD TESTAMENT (DINNER & STUDY)Join in this updated study of one of the most popular andbest-selling Bible studies in recent Ɵmes. This 12 weekstudy helps parƟcipants to develop a deeper understand-ing of their faith by looking at the historic formaƟon of ourJudeo-ChrisƟan faith through context and culture. Led byexcellent Bible teacher, Rev. Jim Bailes.MEETS: AUGUST 22—NOV. 14—WORSHIP CENTER & E-1106:00 (DINNER) & 6:30—8:00 (STUDY) — (PLEASE PRE-REGISTER—WWW.CONCORDUMC.COM/EVENTS

TUESDAYSFRESH STARTS SERIES:SESSION 1—BASICS OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH (DINNER & STUDY)If you ever felt you were missing out in your understanding of the ChrisƟanfundamentals, this class is for you. Topics included in this class include, whyhave faith, who is Jesus and what is the significance of his death, why and howdo we pray, what is the work of the Holy Spirit, and what is the role of thechurch. Begin the evening with a free dinner and join Pastor Larry TroƩer inthis Ɵme of discovery.MEETS: AUGUST 22—SEPTEMBER 12 —6:00 (DINNER) 6:30—8:00 (STUDY) — WORSHIP CENTER & E-109. PLEASE PRE-REGISTER—WWW.CONCORDUMC.COM/EVENTS CLASS— FINANCIAL PEACE (DINNER AND STUDY) Financial Peace teaches God's ways of handling money. Through video teaching, class discussions and interac- Ɵve small group acƟviƟes, FP presents biblical, pracƟcal steps to get from where you are to where you've dreamed you could be. This plan will show you how toget rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely, and much more!This class 9-week class is led by Dennis Collins who has successfully led sever-al of these courses before. Join us not only for this class but also for a freedinner. To register & purchase kit, please go to this link—hƩps://fpu.com/1045799. (Note: The course costs $93 for the kit, but for those whocomplete the class, a $50 rebate is given by the church. )MEETS: SEPTEMBER 12 —NOV. 7—6:00 (DINNER) 6:30—8:00(STUDY) — WORSHIP CENTER & E-227.

TUESDAYSCLASS— GRIEF RECOVERY GROUP: MAKING PEACE WITHYOUR PASTSimply defined, grief is the normal and natural reacƟon to significant emo-Ɵonal loss of any kind. Loss includes death, divorce and relaƟonships, aswell as loss of job, home, lifestyle, health, finances, empty nest, addiƟon,and many others.How individuals handle grief can affect them physically and mentally, im-pacƟng decision making and emoƟonal reacƟons throughout his/her life.Some of the consequences of unresolved grief include health issues, an-ger, violence, abuse, addicƟon, withdrawal, depression, anxiety and sui-cide.To help persons cope with whatever may be a source of grief, we are offer-ing this six-weeks program let by CerƟfied Grief Recovery Specialist, JoyGaertner.Class is limited to 20 persons and costs $15 for the work-book. PLEASE PRE-REGISTER—WWW.CONCORDUMC.COM/EVENTSIntroductory session— Learn more about the class• October 3— 6:30—7:30—Room 293.Regular Group—Six Sessions—• October 17— November 28 (No class, October 31) - 6:30—8:30—Room 293

WEDNESDAYSDIVE DEEPER: Women’s Bible Study “Anointed, Transformed,Redeemed: A study of David” - (Shirer, Moore and Arthur) The messages presented are divided into three segments, two lessons from each author. Each segment focuses on the life of David at a different stage of his life: as a young man (sessions one and two by Priscilla Shirer), as a middle-aged man (sessions three and four by Beth Moore), and as a man facing the final third of his life (sessions five and six by Kay Arthur).You’ll laugh with them, cry with them, and learn to love God with them. Wewill spend Ɵme learning that even if we are flawed that we can sƟll be used byGod. Facilitated by Kim Mink.MEETS: AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 26- 5:30—6:30, ROOM 125DIVE DEEPER: Women’s Bible Study “The Family ofJesus” (Karen Kingsbury)We will spend Ɵme learning about the story of Jesusthrough the eye of his family. The characters in these shortstories were among those closest to Jesus--Mary, Joseph,Jesus' brother James, John the BapƟst, Zechariah, andElizabeth. Each has a compelling tale to tell. Kingsburyintersperses ficƟonal, emoƟonally gripping details anchoredin Scripture with historical and theological insights and quesƟons that willguide soul-searching and reflecƟon.The Family of Jesus not only provides a deeper understanding of the relaƟvesof our Savior, but also helps readers acquire tools that will draw them closerto Christ, to the Scriptures, and to each other. Facilitated by Kim Mink.BEGINS: OCTOBER 4, 5:30—6:30, ROOM 125

WEDNESDAYSDIVE DEEPER: FOOD FOR THOUGHTThe Food for Thought study offers a variety of topics within the context of TheUnited Methodist ChrisƟan Community. The diverse topics are Ɵmely issuesthat exercise the brain. This fall topics include Theological ABCs, The BeaƟ-tudes (Wm. Barclay), VocaƟons: Faith in Careers Series, and Origins/Singingof Christmas Carols (Advent Study) Led by Rev. Bill Kilday, LeAnn TroƩer,and Janie Wendelken.BEGINS: AUGUST 23, 6:00-7:00, ROOM E-109 (ONGOING)MEN’S PLAY & PRAYAdult men are invited to stretch your bodies and your spirit as you fellowshipwith men for informal games of pick-up basketball in our gym on Wednesdayevenings, followed by a brief devoƟon and prayer.BEGINS AUGUST 16: 6:30-7:30, GYM (ONGOING)And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by therenewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will ofGod is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

WEDNESDAYSDIVE DEEPER: ADULT STUDY—The Gospel According to DanielOŌen we read the book of Daniel in one of two ways--either as a book abouta heroic man whose righteousness should inspire us to keep the faith nomaƩer what our circumstances, or as a roadmap to the end Ɵmes that can,through careful study, perhaps tell us the day and hour (or nearly so) ofChrist's return. Both sadly miss the bigger picture, that God is the hero of thisstory and he is in the midst of his unrelenƟng plan to rescue his people fromtheir sin and its consequences. Te book of Daniel is, like all of Old TestamentScripture, poinƟng us toward the grace of God, ulƟmately revealed inChrist. Facilitated by Pastor Glenna ManningMEETS: AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 20 —6:30—7:30, ROOM 296

WEDNESDAYSDIVE DEEPER: ADULT STUDY—The Will of God & Is There More(Leslie Weatherhead)Join in the study of two ChrisƟan classics by Dr. Leslie Weatherhead., whichwill be studied together. The Will of God—During the tumultuous era of World War II, the city of London shaƩered under unrelenƟng bombs dropped by Nazi Germany. Millions of buildings were de- stroyed or damaged, tens of thousands of civilians were killed, and survivors were leŌ to ask: How can this destrucƟon be part of God’s plan? What is God’s will in all of this?AŌer City Temple in London was reduced to rubble, Rev. Leslie WeatherheadcraŌed five sermons on understanding the will of God to help his congrega-Ɵon endure religious doubt as their city—and church—crumbled aroundthem. Weatherhead’s sermons were eventually published as The Will of God,a resource that has sold more than a million copies and has been a lifeline forgrieving persons seeking to understand God’s purpose for their pain. We willimmediately move from the first book into the second, reflecƟng upon thisfirst text as we move forward.Is There More: Heaven, Hell, and the Eternal Life thatBegins Now— Think you know everything there is to knowabout the life that lies beyond this one? Think again. Ques-Ɵons about life beyond death are always with us. In this clas-sic volume, Leslie Weatherhead answers personal and im-portant quesƟons about heaven, hell, and the future God hasin store for us. Facilitated by Pastor Glenna MannningMEETS: OCTOBER 18—DECEMBER 6—6:30—7:30, ROOM 296

THURSDAYSDIVE DEEPER: Soul Sisters Women’s Study—Moses: In the Footsteps of the Reluctant Prophet It doesn’t get much more dramaƟc: rescued baby, life in the courts of Pharaoh, parƟng the Red Sea, leading his people out of Egypt…Moses’ life was one challenge aŌer the next, but alt- hough he resisted God’s calling, by the end of his life he suc- cessfully fulfilled the role he was given. Join award-winning author Adam Hamilton as he travels from Egypt to Mt. Sinai, the Nile, the Red Sea, and the wilderness exploring the sites of Moses’ life. As Hamilton shares historical informaƟon, archaeo-logical data, and biblical text, you’ll gain a beƩer understanding of Moses’significance in your life today, and you’ll discover how you, too, can turn yourown reluctance into boldness. Led by Joan De Tar.BEGINS: AUGUST 17 — 10:00—11:30 AM, ROOM 296All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching,rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so thatthe servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for everygood work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

FRIDAYSDIVE DEEPER: MOMS GROUP—Facilitated by Kim MinkThis is a group that exists to encourage and inspire moms to do more thanjust survive. This group provides weekly encouragement and support throughfellowship and studies relaƟng to their lives as mothers, wives, and women.Study “Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed: A study of David” -(Shirer, Moore and Arthur)The messages presented are divided into three segments,two lessons from each author. Each segment focuses onthe life of David at a different stage of his life: as a youngman (sessions one and two by Priscilla Shirer), as a middle-aged man (sessions three and four by Beth Moore), and asa man facing the final third of his life (sessions five and sixby Kay Arthur). You’ll laugh with them, cry with them, andlearn to love God with them. We will spend Ɵme learning that even if we areflawed that we can sƟll be used by God.MEETS: AUGUST 25—SEPTEMBER 27– 9:30—11:30 AM, ROOM296Study “The Family of Jesus” (Karen Kingsbury) We will spend Ɵme learning about the story of Jesus through the eye of his family. The characters in these short stories were among those closest to Jesus--Mary, Joseph, Jesus' brother James, John the BapƟst, Zechariah, and Elizabeth. Each has a compelling tale to tell. Kingsbury intersperses fic- Ɵonal, emoƟonally gripping details anchored in Scripture with historical and theological insights and quesƟons that will guide soul-searching and reflecƟon.The Family of Jesus not only provides a deeper understanding of the relaƟvesof our Savior, but also helps readers acquire tools that will draw them closerto Christ, to the Scriptures, and to each other.BEGINS: OCTOBER 6, 9:30—11:30, ROOM 296