Classes and Studies for summer 2019

LATE SPRING/ SUMMER 2019

SUNDAY MORNING CLASSES We read in the book of Acts about the importance of coming alongside of one another in our understanding of Scripture and faith: “So Philip ran up to [the chariot] and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, \"Do you understand what you are reading?\" He replied, ‘How can I, unless someone guides me?’ And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him” (Acts 8:30-31). At Concord United Methodist we believe we learn best in com- munity; therefore, we offer many Sunday morning class oppor- tuniƟes for all ages as well as weekday studies (refer to our com- panion booklet for weekday studies). From pre-school, children and youth to senior adults, we seek to offer classes that are ap- propriate for each step of faith development. Sunday morning classes meet from 9:50-10:45, and feature different formats, class size, and study topics. Church members and visitors are encouraged to visit several classes to find the one that matches their interests and learning style. The descrip- Ɵons that follow are provided by each class. New classes are formed each year and the most up-to-date informaƟon can be found on the church website, by calling the church office (966- 6728), or contacƟng Glenna Manning, Pastor of Discipleship ([email protected])

ADULT CONFIRMATION This class is an adult companion class for our students who are in 6th grade confirmaƟon class. Students and parents will be cover- ing the same material, but in two different seƫngs. The class be- gan August 12 and conƟnues unƟl May 19 (ConfirmaƟon Sunday). FACILITATOR: Wil Cantrell LOCATION: Room 131 (Under the sanctuary) BIBLICAL INSIGHTS Biblical Insights class is open to all adults who desire to deepen their knowledge of the Bible. For the fall of 2018 our study was on the Book of Ruth and of Isaiah with an Advent study of the town of Bethlehem. Beginning January 6, we will study the Apocrypha—great historical wriƟngs which were included in the Bible up unƟl the Protestant ReformaƟon. Though not referenced by Jesus, these ancient texts give great insight into the history and period of Ɵme between the end of the Old Testament and the beginning of the New Testament. Class meets unƟl May 19 and then meets with the combined class in the Fellowship hall for the summer beginning June 2. FACILITATOR: Pastor Glenna Manning 865-966=6728 [email protected] LOCATION: Room 123 (Under Sanctuary)

CLASS 1:28 This class is comprised mostly of parents of school-aged children that focuses on Bible based studies that help with the struggle of day-to-day family life. Members of the class seek to put God first in marriage, raising families and in their careers. The class allows us to freely and openly discuss life’s issues in a safe environment without judgment. This year’s studies will include: ♦ The Monday Switch—How to maintain a spiritual edge on Mondays ♦ IntenƟonal ParenƟng—10 ways to be an excepƟonal parent in a quick fix world. ♦ You and Me Forever—based upon the book, You Love Me Forever, and to challenge views on marriage ♦ Raising Kids with LasƟng Faith—Seeing your child through the eyes of God. FACILITATOR: Kethan and Allyson Griffin—865-560-6566 or 865-650-6766 kethangriffi[email protected] LOCATION: Room C128—(Under Sanctuary)

COMMITMENTS Class members are both couples and singles; ages 40 – 50 with children who range in age from middle school through college. We cover topics from A to Z. We enjoy studies from DVD's or from books, usually in a 4-6 week range. Topics have included: family, marriage, children, society, United Methodism and spe- cific seasons of the Church. Instead of a designated, weekly teacher; class members volunteer to teach a study. We also enjoy a class \"social\" at least once every 5-6 weeks. Members bring in breakfast foods for that morning. We have enjoyed several social ouƟngs outside of Church during the year. We choose a specific organizaƟon or a family we have been made aware of to assist at Christmas every year. Examples: Wesley House families, KARM, Mission of Hope and the Chil- dren's Center of the Cumberlands. FACILITATORS: Jennifer Anderson - 865-691-3960 - hkiƩ[email protected] Stacey St. Pierre - 865-705-5720 - [email protected] LOCATION: Room 127 (Under Sanctuary)

CONNECT TO CONCORD For those new to Concord UMC or not currently connected to another class, this four-week class will cover such topics as ♦ FoundaƟons of Methodism ♦ Structure of the UM church ♦ Structure of Concord UMC ♦ The primary teachings of John Wesley ♦ How to worship and live life in the community of CUMC We will also have a tour of the building and lots of Ɵme for your quesƟons. The class is offered two to three Ɵmes a year and for fall the meeƟng dates are as follows: MEETING DATES: ♦ (Spr. Class) April 28, May 5, 12, & 19 FACILITATORS: Pastor - Wil Cantrell, Larry TroƩer & Glenna Manning LOCATION: Room 202-203 (Office Building Hallway)

FAITHFUL DISCIPLES Faithful Disciples is a facilitator-lead class that studies a variety of ChrisƟan literature and topics. Typical study series last 4-6 weeks and are led by volunteers from the class. Studies may include books of the Bible; books and short-studies by con- temporary ChrisƟan authors such as Adam Hamilton, Max Lucado, Phillip Yancey, and Will Willimon; and review of ChrisƟan history and theology. AddiƟonally, the class has used video series available through Right Now Media which provides access to many ChrisƟan lecturers and leaders (e.g., Andy Stanley, John Ortberg, etc.). The class is comprised of persons aged 55+ and in addiƟon to our weekly gatherings, we enjoy geƫng together for socials and helping in a variety of church missions. Class meets unƟl May 26 and then meets with the combined class in the Fellowship hall for the summer beginning June 2. FACILITATOR: Robin Manning - 865-679-0540 [email protected] LOCATION: Room 129 (Under Sanctuary)

FOUNDATIONS In the FoundaƟons class, topics are taught from ChrisƟan per- specƟves and vary depending upon current events and interests of class members. In order to offer a variety of subject maƩer, the class does not have one teacher but various class members volunteer to be responsible for arranging class lessons and/or speakers. Open and caring class parƟcipaƟon is encouraged and new members are welcome! Class meets unƟl May 26 and then meets with the combined class in the Fellowship hall for the summer beginning June 2. FACILITATOR: Ann Wolfe - 865-675-2414 [email protected] LOCATION: Room 226 (Across from Sanctuary) FRIENDSHIP The Friendship Class studies topics and life applicaƟons through a variety of Biblical passages and books wriƩen by spiritual lead- ers. Sunday morning teachers and studies vary weekly. We are a caring and loving class with members aged 25—80 who cele- brate with socials and caring for one another. We welcome visi- tors and invite all adults to come and be a part of this class. FACILITATOR: Roger Smith - 865-927-6837 [email protected] LOCATION: Room 296 (Upstairs of Pre-school wing)

NEW HORIZONS New Horizons is a small diverse group of singles, longƟme mar- ried couples, and grandparents who are united by love for Christ and search for His guidance in daily living. Class studies include in-depth Bible study and contemporary issues. FACILITATOR: Julia Lawson - 865-679-8694—[email protected] LOCATION: Room 125 (Under Sanctuary) NEW VISIONS New Visions is a discussion-based group led by Jack Wil- son, a reƟred college professor with a PhD in New Testament and an Ed.D. in English. We alternate in studying the Bible in light of current Biblical criƟcism and a contemporary book about the state of ChrisƟanity. We welcome seekers, “nones” (those who profess no religion), and skepƟcs. In January 2019, we will begin the study of Mar- cus Borg’s EvoluƟon of the Word: The New Testament in the Or- der the Books Were WriƩen. FACILITATOR: James Remont - 865-777-1400 - [email protected] LOCATION: Room 204 (Office Building Hallway)

PARENTING WITH FAITH ParenƟng with Faith is composed of married and single parents with children ranging from infant to pre-teen. Scripture instructs us as parents to teach the love of God to our children, “when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise” (Deut 6:7). Our focus is to build up faithful, God-centered families for the glory of Christ though the applica- Ɵon of ChrisƟan discipleship and fellowship. Using biblical princi- pals, lessons cover topics such as contemporary issues, family life and parenƟng, strengthening ChrisƟan marriage, and spiritual self growth. Typical studies last 4-6 weeks and are led by class mem- bers who feel called to teach on a parƟcular topic. This class of friends supports one another, the church, and our community. Real family challenges are shared in a safe environ- ment and wisdom is gained from one another. Members vary in levels of biblical knowledge, church backgrounds and opinions, but share a love for Jesus, our families, and our church. As this class volunteers in several areas of the church, especially in Music and Children’s Ministries, joining this class can be a gateway for those who have an interest in other church roles. Visitors are al- ways welcome to come enjoy a cup of coffee and ChrisƟan fellow- ship with other parents also trying to give their children the spir- itual framework for navigaƟng life. FACILITATOR: Ben & Diana Stolt — 423-774-3606 [email protected] LOCATION: Room 293 (Far West Bldg. Above pre-school)

PARTNERING WITH CHRIST We are a diverse group of ChrisƟans who are on the quest of growing in our faith. Our studies focus on biblical principles with current-day applicaƟon and are led by class members. We invite you to join our class at anyƟme! FACILITATOR: Stephanie Dunn —865-360-7262 [email protected] LOCATION: Room E-227 (2nd Floor of Worship Ctr.) PATHFINDERS The second-longest ongoing class at Concord, this class covers various Bible and topical studies with a series of guest speakers or class volunteers leading the class. FACILITATOR: Sandy Garber —865-966-5251 LOCATION: Room E-110 (1st Floor of Worship Ctr.)

SEARCHERS The Searchers’ Class is about 20 people strong, primarily reƟred, but acƟve individuals. A curriculum commiƩee determines various courses of study for each year. We use both outside speakers as well as class members as teachers. This is a class that enjoys discussion and appreciates a variety of points of view on any given topic. We always welcome new people into our midst . This year we will begin with a 6- week video-based study, The Life and Ministry of Jesus. FACILITATOR: Charles Thompson - 865-966-5360 [email protected] LOCATION: Room 220 (in gym) SPECIAL STUDIES Special Studies is a class of older adults that schedules a variety of teachers to present lessons on Bible study and other church acƟvity or spiritual enrichment topics. We visit and support class members who are experience health issues or other needs. We have once a year social for the class. FACILITATOR: Terry Taylor— 865-671-3525 LOCATION: Room E-109 (1st Floor of Worship Ctr.)

WOMEN SEEKING WISDOM Women Seeking Wisdom is a class for women of all ages seeking a stronger relaƟonship with God and the Bible. Whether you are single or married, we welcome you to join us for discussion and fellowship. Last year we studied Philip Yancey’s book, The Jesus I Never Knew as well as special studies for Advent and Lent. Our first study topic will be the Holy Spirit – examining how the Spirit works in our lives using scripture, various authors, and contemporary theology. This will be followed by a study of The Ten Commandments from the Back Side by J. Ellsworth Kalas. Our third study will be The Way to Heaven: The Gospel According to John Wesley by Steve Harper and The Story of Heaven by Max Lucado and Randy Frazee. Class meets unƟl May 26 and then meets with the combined class in the Fellowship hall for the summer beginning June 2. FACILITATOR: Kay Harper - [email protected] LOCATION: Room 130 (Under Sanctuary)

SUMMER SUNDAY CLASS During the summer months, several of the adult Sunday morning classes give their teachers a rest and meet together for a combined class. The class meets in the Fellowship Hall at begins at 10:00 to 10:45. This year the topics for the classes will be as follows: June 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30—ChrisƟanity and World Religions Each week we will discuss one of five major religions— ChrisƟanity, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism and Hindu. July 7, 14, 21, 28 & August 4—”They were ChrisƟans Who Changed the World” Each week we will discuss notable and famous people who were ChrisƟans and also remembered for how they changed the world. This class is a great way to meet new people and grow in your faith.



SUNDAY & WEEKDAY STUDIES ChrisƟanity without discipleship is always ChrisƟanity without Christ. It remains an abstract idea, a myth which has a place for the Fatherhood of God, but omits Christ as the living Son . . . There is trust in God, but no following of Christ.” (Dietrich Bonhöffer, The Cost of Discipleship) The mission of Concord United Methodist Church is “Sharing Christ. Serving Others. Growing In Faith.” Sunday morning worship is the primary Ɵme in the life of the disciple where one remembers and reflects that they are each a beloved child of God and each person can respond to such love and commune with God by a dedicated Ɵme of glorifying and worshiping Him ChrisƟan community. Becoming a faithful disciple begins in worship, but it is deepened through dedicated discipleship to grow in one’s faith. It is a lifelong process in the context of ChrisƟan community that includes infor- maƟon (what we know), formaƟon (who we are and are becoming), and transformaƟon (how the world is changed because of who we are and what we do). .To affirm the calling to discipleship, classes, studies and small groups are regularly offered to provide a framework for peo- ple to become deeply commiƩed In Acts 8:30-31 we read, “So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, \"Do you understand what you are read- ing?\" He replied, \"How can I, unless someone guides me?\" And he in- vited Philip to get in and sit beside him.” As shown by the story of Phil- ip and the Ethiopian, we grow in our faith by learning together and the following classes/studies/small groups are offered so that each disciple of Christ may come to a deeper and more meaningful faith.. Our clas- ses are open to members, visitors and friends. Contact Glenna Manning, Pastor of Discipleship, for more informaƟon or to arrange childcare for any class/study in which you desire to par- Ɵcipate. ([email protected]) or 966-6728.

WEDNESDAYS MID-WEEK STUDY—Reaching for the Invisible God by Philip Yancey. In this study we will explore six foundaƟonal areas: ♦ Our thirst for God ♦ Faith during Ɵmes when God seems unavailable ♦ The nature of God himself ♦ Our personal relaƟonship with God ♦ Stages along the way ♦ Spiritual transformaƟon We find answers when we search by looking to the One with the answers. Facilitated by Glenna Manning, the class meets from 11:30—1:00 on the following dates: June 19 and 25 July 3, 17, 24 & 31 (no class July 10—VBS week)