Winter 2017 Bible Study Catalog

Concord UMC Classes & StudiesWINTER & SPRING 2017 Schedule

“Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without FRIDAYSChrist. It remains an abstract idea, a myth which has a place for theFatherhood of God, but omits Christ as the living Son . . . There is MOMS GROUPtrust in God, but no following of Christ.” Dietrich Bonhöffer, TheCost of Discipleship This is a group that exists to encourage and inspire moms to do more than just survive. This group provides weekly encouragement and support throughThe mission of Concord United Methodist Church is “Sharing fellowship and studies relaƟng to their lives as mothers, wives, and women.Christ. Serving Others. Growing In Faith.” OPEN YOUR BIBLE – Whether you are a seasoned BibleSunday morning worship is the primary time in the life of the reader or struggle to keep up with studying Scripture,disciple where one remembers and reflects that they are each a Open Your Bible will leave you with a greater appreciaƟonbeloved child of God and each person can respond to such love and for the Word of God, a deeper understanding of its au-commune with God by a dedicated time of glorifying and worshiping thority, and a stronger desire to know the Bible insideHim Christian community. and out. Join us for this study as we learn how God’s word is for you and for now. Led by Kim Mink.Becoming a faithful disciple begins in worship, but it is deepened MEETS: Begins January 13, 9:15-11:30 AM, Room 296through dedicated discipleship to grow in one’s faith. It is a lifelongprocess in the context of Christian community that includes infor- All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, cor-mation (what we know), formation (who we are and are becoming), recƟng and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may beand transformation (how the world is changed because of who we thoroughly equipped for every good work.are and what we do). 2 Timothy 3:16-17To affirm the calling to discipleship, classes and studies are regular-ly offered to provide a framework for people to become deeply com-mitted Christians through their head (theologically informed), heart(spiritual transformation) and hands (putting faith into action). InActs 8:30-31 we read, “So Philip ran up to it and heard him readingthe 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 are offered so that eachdisciple of Christ may come to a deeper and more meaningful faith.Contact Glenna Manning, Pastor of Discipleship, for more infor-mation or to arrange childcare for any class/study in which you de-

THURSDAYS SUNDAYSWOMEN’S STUDY: SOUL SISTERS CONNECT TO CONCORDThe Longing in Me: How Everything You Crave Leads to the Heart of God by If you are new to Concord UMC or have yet to connect to an adult SundaySheila Walsh morning class, join us for a six-week course taught by the ministers of Con- cord. In this class we will cover such topics as FoundaƟons of Methodism, Does the search for fulfillment have you going around Structure of the UM church, structure of Concord UMC, the primary teach- in circles? You re probably looking in all the wrong ings of John Wesley, and how to worship and live life in the community of places. CUMC. Offered at least twice a year and led by the pastoral team of CUMC. Do you feel like you keep coming to the same prickly MEETS: January 22—February 26 - 9:50-10:45 AM, Room 202 points in life over and over again? You vowed you d never repeat the same mistakes, yet you find yourself MONDAYS right back where you started. Didn't you learn all you had to learn the last time? ADULT STUDYWalsh uses her story to guide you to recognize the longing that keeps COUNTERFEIT CHRISTIANITY: The Persistence of Errors in theyou reaching out to the wrong people at the wrong times in your own life. ChurchWhat we really long for is God. Led by Joan De Tar. Heresies are not limited to Ɵmes of long ago. True, major hereƟcal controver- sies originated ages ago, but many of these same errors and myths conƟnueMEETS: Begins January 12, 10:00 - 11:30 AM, Room 296 to circulate through congregaƟons of today. Author Roger E. Olson helps church pastors and leaders know how to deal with these arƟficial truths—how to explain that they are not simple confusions or misunderstandings, but are instead counterfeit teachings that plague modern-day churches by undermin- ing and dangerously distorƟng faithful living. He also demonstrates how here- sies can serve the church by opening up a dialog that will ulƟmately educate congregaƟons about Jesus, God, and salvaƟon. Led by pastor Mike Stallings. MEETS: January 9—February 13, 10:00-11:30 AM - Room 226

TUESDAYS WEDNESDAYSLUNCH & LEARN In Revival, author Adam Hamilton uses his capƟvaƟng, storytelling talent to take you on a six-week journeyBring your lunch if you desire and join with other adults for weekly through England tracing the life of John Wesley. Wesley’sstudy. (Note: Same study is offered on Wednesdays and participants message and his faith conƟnue to speak to twenty-first-can attend either day). century ChrisƟans, calling for a revival of our hearts and souls so that our world might be changed. His story is ourSESSION 1 story. It’s our heritage, it defines our faith, and it challeng-God’s Mysterious Ways: Suffering, Grace, and es us to rediscover our spiritual passion. Led by PastorGod’s Plan for Joseph by Gary Inrig Glenna Manning.The realiƟes of pain and suffering can easily push you to MEETS: March 8—April 26 (No Class during Holy Week—April 12), 6:30—the point of quesƟoning whether or not God truly cares. 7:30, Room 226Even though He promised to work all things together forgood, someƟmes it can seem as if that s never going to And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed byhappen. In God s Mysterious Ways, Gary Inrig examines the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what thethe Old Testament story of Joseph, one of the most in- will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.sighƞul examples of divine care. Seeing the twists andturns of Joseph s life intertwined with the sovereignty of God, you ll under-stand how God worked not only through the faithfulness of Joseph, but alsothrough the sinfulness of Joseph s brothers. Led by pastor Glenna Manning.MEETS: January 17— February 14, 11:30—1:00, Room 296SESSION 2 - Lenten Study Restored: Finding Redemption in our Mess by Tom Berlin SomeƟmes our lives are in such disarray we can’t envision a way through to redempƟon. But when we look at the mess through the eyes of Christ, we not only find redempƟon, we can clearly see spiritual restoraƟon. In Restored, author Tom Berlin encourages us to reflect and meditate through our own brokenness, showing us that it is only when we focus on the cross as a place to surrender control that we can leave our mess and find true redempƟon Led by pastorGlenna Manning.MEETS: February 28—April 4, 11:30—1:00, Room 296CENTERING 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 Wilson.MEETS: Every Tuesday, 5:00–6:00 PM, Room 131 (ongoing)

WEDNESDAYS TUESDAYSWOMEN’S STUDY ADULT NEW TESTAMENTSTUDYSeamless: Understanding the Bible as One Complete Story by Angie Smith Disciple I - New Testament Join in this updated study of one of the most popular and best-selling Bible Seamless covers the people, places and promises of the Bible, studies in recent Ɵmes. This 12 week study helps parƟcipants to develop a tying them together into the greater story of Scripture. ParƟci- deeper understanding of their faith by looking at the historic formaƟon of our pants will gain an overarching understanding of the fundamen- Judeo-ChrisƟan faith through context and culture. Led by tal layout and meaning of God's Word. Seamless helps replace Rev. Jim Bailes insecurity that holds parƟcipants back with clarity and helping them move forward with confidence in their understanding of MEETS: January 10—March 21, 10:00—11:30, Room 226 Scripture Led by Kim Mink. DINNER & NEW TESTAMENT STUDYMEETS: January 11—February 22, 5:30-6:30 PM, Room 127 Disciple I - New TestamentTHE ESSENTIALS Join in this updated study of one of the most popular and best-selling Bible studies in recent Ɵmes. This 12 week study helps parƟci- The EssenƟal series conƟnues in 2017 with a new unit: what pants to develop a deeper understanding of their faith by looking at the his- it means to be a United Methodist and its Wesleyan doc- toric formaƟon of our Judeo-ChrisƟan faith through context and culture. A trines and pracƟces. Join in as oŌen as possible as we study FREE dinner will be provided before study and the study will be facilitated by the text, Top 10 United Methodist Beliefs by Don Adams. reƟred Methodist minister, Rev. Jim Bailes. So that adequate food can be prepared, please let Glenna Manning know if you plan to aƩend What were the non-negoƟables for the founder of the Meth- ([email protected]). odist movement, John Wesley? Wesley’s first priority was to grow ChrisƟan disciples who loved God and neighbor with a MEETS: January 10—March 21, 6:00–8:00 PM, Room E-109 holy love that keeps those Commandments. FINANCIAL PEACEUsing John Wesley as guide, Top 10 United Methodist Beliefs describes the 10most important United Methodist beliefs, so that we are equipped for every Financial Peace teaches God's ways of handling money.good work. It also describes how a passionate Wesley can sƟll inspire us to Through video teaching, class discussions and interacƟvetravel the road to perfecƟon using these basic beliefs as signposts, not hitching small group acƟviƟes, FP presents biblical, pracƟcal stepsposts, so that we can more fully follow Jesus. Led by Pastors Larry TroƩer and to get from where you are to where you've dreamed youWil Cantrell. could be. This plan will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely, and muchMeets: January 11—March 22, 6:30—7:30, Room 226 more! (Cost for the kits is $100; HOWEVER, those who complete the course will be reimbursed 50% of the cost of the kit). Childcare is provided. Contact

WEDNESDAYS WEDNESDAYSLUNCH & LEARN FOOD FOR THOUGHTBring your lunch if you desire and join with other adults for weekly study. Join each Wednesday for discussion on a variety of topics and issues from a(Note: Same study is offered on Wednesdays and parƟcipants can aƩend ei- faith perspecƟve. The topics for fall are as follows: InformaƟon on the UMther day). General Conference and a discussion of the future of the United Methodist Church, study of famous prayers, study of hymns, and a study of the BeaƟ-SESSION 1 tudes. Led by Rev. Bill Kilday, Le Ann TroƩer, and Janie Wendelken.God’s Mysterious Ways: Suffering, Grace, andGod’s Plan for Joseph by Gary Inrig MEETS: August 19, 6:00-7:00 PM, E-109 (ongoing)The realiƟes of pain and suffering can easily push you tothe point of quesƟoning whether or not God truly cares. MEN’S PLAY & PRAYEven though He promised to work all things together forgood, someƟmes it can seem as if that s never going to Adult men are invited to stretch your bodies and your spirit as you fellowshiphappen. In God s Mysterious Ways, Gary Inrig examines with men for informal games of pick-up basketball in our gym on Wednesdaythe Old Testament story of Joseph, one of the most in- evenings, followed by a brief devoƟon and prayer.sighƞul examples of divine care. Seeing the twists andturns of Joseph s life intertwined with the sovereignty of MEETS: 6:30-7:30 PM, Gym (ongoing)God, you ll understand how God worked not only through the faithfulness ofJoseph, but also through the sinfulness of Joseph s brothers. Led by pastor ADULT STUDYGlenna Manning. A Way Through the WildernessMEETS: January 18— February 15, 1:30—1:00, Room 296 At one Ɵme or another, everyone has a wilderness experi-SESSION 2 - Lenten Study ence, a Ɵme when life is barren and difficult and we feel alone and desperate, not knowing where to turn. Wheth-Restored: Finding Redemption in our Mess by Tom Berlin er it’s the loss of a loved one, a financial or health crisis, SomeƟmes our lives are in such disarray we can’t envision a divorce, or some other painful experience, we see no end way through to redempƟon. But when we look at the mess in sight and wonder how we can make it through another through the eyes of Christ, we not only find redempƟon, we day. can clearly see spiritual restoraƟon. In Restored, author Tom Berlin encourages us to reflect and meditate through In the Scriptures we see that oŌen God’s people went our own brokenness, showing us that it is only when we through a wilderness experience, and these experiences focus on the cross as a place to surrender control that we changed them in profound ways. The truth is that it’s impossible to go can leave our mess and find true redempƟon Led by pas- through the wilderness without being changed. There’s a way through the tor Glenna Manning. wilderness that can leave us broken and biƩer and far away from God. But there’s another way through—God’s way—that leaves us with a deeper faith MEETS: M arch 1—April 5, 11:30—1:00, Room 296 and draws us closer to God than we ever imagined. Led by Joan De Tar. MEETS: January 11—February 15, 6:30–7:30 PM, Room 296