Winter/Spring 2018 Bible Study Catalog

Concord UMCClasses/Studies/Small Groups WINTER/SPRING 2018

“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.

WHAT’S 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. DATES: January 21—February 25, 2018FACING THE ISSUES SERIESSeries # 1— Faith & War— How does a ChrisƟan make sense ofwar? What effect does war have upon those who serve? Come herethe stories of those who have addressed these issues from those whohave served in military service, from the Vietnam War to more currentconflicts. Meets for four weeks, beginning January 28. in Room 296from 5:00—6:00 and followed by a light dinner.MEETS: JANUARY 28, FEBRUARY 5, 11, & 18—5:00—6:00—Rom296.Series #2—Faith & ImmigraƟon - PoliƟcally, immigraƟon can be ahotbed of discussion. But what does immigraƟon look like from theeyes of the immigrant.? What is the role of the church in all issues ofimmigraƟon? Join Rev. Jim Bailes and members of the immigraƟoncommunity and those who work with this issues for a Ɵme of sharingabout this important issues in our culture, church and society. Meetsfor four weeks, beginning March 18 in Room 296 from 5:00 — 6:00 ,followed by a light dinner.MEETS: MARCH 18, 25 & APRIL 8 & 15—5:00—6:00—Rom 296.

TUESDAYSDIVE DEEPER SERIES: LUNCH & LEARNBring your lunch if you desire and join with other adults for weekly study.SESSION 1SINNING LIKE A CHRISTIAN: A NEW LOOK AT THE SEVEN DEAD-LY SINS (BY BISHOP WILLIAM WILLIMON) The seven deadly sins are a well-known topic, but, surpris- ingly, not much has been wriƩen about them in recent years from a serious theological viewpoint. Will Willimon's engag- ing book, which takes an unflinching look at the meaning and substance of sin, will be of great interest to ChrisƟans. Led by Kay Harper MEETS: JANUARY 16—FEBRUARY 13—11:30— 1:00 ROOM 296SESSION 2EMBRACING THE UNCERTAIN: A LENTENSTUDY FOR UNCERTAIN TIMES (BY MAGREYR. DEVEGA)Uncertainty can definitely be uncomfortable. Many ofus prefer stability and a predictable future to an un-known fate. We are wired to want to control our desƟ-ny.The reality is that in our fast-changing, unpredictableworld there are few guarantees in life. It's those whoare willing to embrace uncertainty and make the riskydecision to follow Jesus despite the many \"unknowns\"who will reap the greatest rewards.Embracing the Uncertain invites readersthis Lent to engage and wrestle with life’s uncertainƟes, not ignore them. .Led by Pastor Glenna ManningMEETS: FEBRUARY 27—MARCH 20 —11:30—1:00ROOM 296

TUESDAYSDIVE DEEPER: LUNCH & LEARNBring your lunch if you desire and join with other adults for weekly study.SESSION 3 FIVE PRAYERS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD (BY JEAN-PIERRE ISBOUT) From Ɵme immemorial, prayer has provided comfort in our darkest hours, sƟrred us to acƟon beyond what we thought possible, and shown us the way through seemingly insurmountable challenges. In this engaging tour of world history, author and historian Jean-Pierre Isbouts takes us on an inspiring tour of ten prayers that played a pivotal role in world events Led by Pas- tor Glenna Manning MEETS: APRIL 3—MAY 1 — ROOM 296DIVE DEEPER: CENTERING PRAYERThis group studies and discusses the role of prayer and meditaƟon on our spir- 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.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)

TUESDAYSWHAT ABOUT SERIES:WHAT ABOUT FAITH & SCIENCE?Join Pastor Mike Stallings as he leads a 5-week in-depth study on how faithand science can meet. Bring your quesƟons and be prepared for thoughƞuldiscussion as parƟcipants grapple with what the Bible says and what sciencesteaches.MEETS: JANUARY 16—FEBRUARY 13 —6:30—8:00—ROOM 296DIVE DEEPER: DISCIPLE I—NEW TESTAMENT (DINNER &STUDY) Join in this updated study of one of the most popu- lar and best-selling Bible studies in recent Ɵmes. This 12 week study helps parƟcipants to develop a deeper understanding of their faith examining the life and teachings of Jesus, the words of Paul and other books of the new Testament. . Led by excel- lent Bible teacher, Rev. Jim Bailes.MEETS: JANUARY 16—APRIL 3 —WORSHIP CENTER & E-1106:00 (DINNER) & 6:30—8:00 (STUDY)

WEDNESDAYSDIVE DEEPER SERIES: LUNCH & LEARNBring your lunch if you desire and join with other adults for weekly study.SESSION 1 SINNING LIKE A CHRISTIAN: A NEW LOOK AT THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS (BY BISHOP WILLIAM WILLIMON) The seven deadly sins are a well-known topic, but, surprisingly, not much has been wriƩen about them in recent years from a serious theological viewpoint. Will Willimon's engaging book, which takes an unflinching look at the meaning and substance of sin, will be of great interest toChrisƟans. Led by Bob Brooks.MEETS: JANUARY 17—FEBRUARY 14—11:30—1:00 ROOM 296SESSION 2EMBRACING THE UNCERTAIN: A LENTEN STUDY FORUNCERTAIN TIMES (BY MAGREY R. DEVEGA)Uncertainty can definitely be uncomfortable. Many ofus prefer stability and a predictable future to anunknown fate. We are wired to want to control ourdesƟny.The reality is that in our fast-changing,unpredictable world there are few guarantees in life.It's those who are willing to embrace uncertainty andmake the risky decision to follow Jesus despite themany \"unknowns\" who will reap the greatestrewards.Embracing the Uncertain invites readers thisLent to engage and wrestle with life’s uncertainƟes, notignore them. . Led by Pastor Glenna ManningMEETS: FEBRUARY 28—MARCH 21 —11:30—1:00

WEDNESDAYSSESSION 3FIVE PRAYERS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD (BY JEAN-PIERREISBOUT) From Ɵme immemorial, prayer has provided comfort in our darkest hours, sƟrred us to acƟon beyond what we thought possible, and shown us the way through seemingly insurmountable challenges. In this engaging tour of world history, author and historian Jean-Pierre Isbouts takes us on an inspiring tour of ten prayers that played a pivotal role in world events Led by Pas- tor Glenna Manning MEETS: APRIL 4—MAY 2 — ROOM 296DIVE 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. The winter/spring topics include CUMC Missions(Jane Currin), Study of Amazing Grace, Booktalk/Way Forward Update (WilCantrell), and a Lenten Study. Led by Rev. Bill Kilday, LeAnn TroƩer, and JanieWendelkenBEGINS: JANUARY 17, 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)

WEDNESDAYSDIVE DEEPER: ADULT STUDYSTUDY 1—CREED: WHAT CHRISTIANS BELIEVE AND WHY (by AdamHamilton) Adam Hamilton believes that powerful answers to many of our complicated quesƟons are contained in the Apostles’ Creed, an early statement of foundaƟonal Chris- Ɵan beliefs. In Creed, he explores not only what ChrisƟans believe, but also why they believe, and why it maƩers, which in turn leads readers to confront and examine their own core beliefs and go beyond reciƟng the Creed’s famil- iar words. Led by Pastor Larry TroƩer.MEETS: JANUARY 17—FEBRUARY 7 —6:30—7:30, ROOM 296STUDY 2 - RESTORED : FINDING REDEMPTION IN OUR MESS (by TomBerlin)SomeƟmes our lives are in such disarray we can’t envi-sion a way through to redempƟon. But when we look atthe mess through the eyes of Christ, we not only findredempƟon, we can clearly see spiritual restoraƟon.In Restored, author Tom Berlin encourages us to reflectand meditate through our own brokenness, showing usthat it is only when we focus on the cross as a place tosurrender control that we can leave our mess and findtrue redempƟon. Led by Pastor Glenna ManningMEETS: FEBRUARY 28—MARCH 21 —6:30—7:30, ROOM 296

WEDNESDAYSDIVE DEEPER: ADULT STUDYSTUDY 3 - GOD’S MYSTERIOUS WAYS: SUFFERING, GRACE, ANDGOD’S PLAN FOR JOSEPH (By Gary Inrig)The realiƟes of pain and suffering can easily push you to the point of ques-Ɵoning whether or not God truly cares. Even though He promised to work allthings together for good, someƟmes it can seem as if that s never going tohappen. In God s Mysterious Ways, Gary Inrig examines the Old Testamentstory of Joseph, one of the most insighƞul examples of divine care. Seeing thetwists and turns of Joseph s life intertwined with the sovereignty of God, youll understand how God worked not only through the faithfulness of Joseph,but also through the sinfulness of Joseph s brothers. Led by Pastor GlennaManningMEETS: APRIL 4—MAY 2 —6:30—7:30, ROOM 296

THURSDAYSDIVE DEEPER: Soul Sisters Women’s Study—ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING; Finding Calm in a ChaoƟc World (byMax Lucado) Lucado says, \"The presence of anxiety is unavoidable, but the prison of anxiety is op- tional. It's the life of perpetual anxiety that Paul wants to address. Don't let anything in life leave you perpetually in angst.\" Americans especially know about living in perpetual anxiety. \"The news about our anxi- ety is enough to make us anxious,\" says Lu- cado. But there's a prescription for dealing with it. Lucado invites readers into a study of Philippians 4:6-7, the most highlighted pas- sage of any book on the planet. \"With His help you will learn to face the calamiƟes of life. You'll learn how to talk yourself off the ledge. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you will learn to view bad news through the lens of sovereignty; to discern the lies of the world and tell yourself the truth. You will manifest a gentleness that is evident to oth-ers. Anxiety comes with life. But it doesn't have to dominate your life.\" Led byJoan De Tar.BEGINS: JANUARY 18 — 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 - THE FRIENDS OF JESUS (By Karen Kingsbury)In our everyday lives, friends are the peoplewhom we spend the most Ɵme with, go throughstruggles with, and who know us best. Each ofJesus’ friends—Peter, John, MaƩhew, Judas, MaryMagdalene, and Lazarus—traveled with Jesus andwere part of His daily ministry, and each has acompelling story to tell. There were some whowould quesƟon or doubt Him…and one wouldeven betray Him. Kingsbury brings these fasci-naƟng personaliƟes to life in ways that will notonly help bring you closer to the truths found inScripture, but also to Christ.BEGINS: JANUARY 12, 9:30—11:30, ROOM 296