Fall 2017 Small Group Studies

Transcription

1 Fall 2017 Small Group Studies

2 There are many opportunities for you to grow in the Word and the Spirit this Fall. Read through the Small Group Studies listed here and prayerfully consider joining one of these studies to nurture your mind and soul. Sign up Sunday Sign up for your study on August 27 during Coffee Time. There will be information on each study available and you can meet the facilitator! Wednesday Night Supper Wednesday Night Suppers begin September 13, 5:30 pm. No sign up needed! The cost is $6 for adults and $4 for children, with a $20 maximum for families. Nursery Nursery will be provided for the Sunday and Wednesday evening classes.

3 Children s Time: KidsWay and BreakOut sessions for the children begin on September 13, 6:15 7:15 pm. KidsWay is for Preschoolers & Lower Elementary (ages 2 3rd grade). They are engaged in activities that encourage fellowship and community with other children here at their church. Some of these activities include Children s Choir, Bibles lessons, energetic games, crafts, music and active play. Breakout (4th and 5th Grade Fellowship) will meet in room 209 for a lesson series, games and service projects. Don t let anyone look down on you because you are young. Instead, set an example for the believers through your speech, behavior, love, faith. 1 Timothy 4:12 Youth: All middle schoolers (grades 6-8) are invited for Wednesday night programming from 6:15-7:15 pm in the youth room. Our programming includes a combination of mission, art, Bible lessons, and games. High schoolers meet off campus for Bible study from 7:30-8:30 pm. For more information, contact Rev. Elizabeth Murray at elizabeth@lexumcsc.com Youth Choir The Youth Choir, under the direction of Lessie Polk, meets on Wednesdays, 6:00--6:30 p.m. evenings. Our goal is to prepare musical selections to be sung for various LUMC worship services throughout the year. If you enjoy music and want to have fun singing with the Youth Choir, please come to our first practice on September 13! For additional information contact Lessie Polk at

4 Adult Studies The more you continue to read Scripture, the more you begin to think as He thinks and act as He acts. And that s how, over time, you gain the wisdom of the ages. Wayne Cordeiro Room numbers listed may change, depending on the number of people who sign up for a Bible study. Room MC106 is on main level, adjoining Wesley Hall Rooms MC 00 are in the lower level of the Ministry Center

5 ACTS Study the entire Book of Acts in this comprehensive 13-session study, beginning with the mission to the world and ending with Paul's journey to Rome. Some of the major ideas explored are: a Gospel that cannot be contained, divine initiative and human responsibility, the subtle work of the Holy Spirit, what holds us together, and the plight of theology in a cynical world. This study help readers strengthen their understanding and appreciation of the Bible by enabling them to engage the Scripture on three levels: 1. What does the Bible say? Questions to consider while reading the passage for each session. 2. What does the passage mean? Unpacks key verses in the selected passage. 3. How does the Scripture relate to my life? Provides three major ideas that have meaning for our lives today. The meaning of the selected passages are made clear by considering such aspects as ancient customs, locations of places, and the meanings of words. Begins: September 13, 13 weeks When: Wednesday, 615 7:15 pm (Wednesday Night Men s Group) Where: MC003 Facilitator: Mark Wilson

6 A Bead and a Prayer: Introduction to Christian Prayer Beads a Tool for Strengthening your Prayer Life by Kristen Vincent Do you struggle with prayer? Does your mind wonder to grocery lists while you try to focus? Do you want to deepen your prayer life? If so, then this study is for you. Learn how to utilize prayer beads to focus on, speak to and listen to God. The book, A Bead and a Prayer introduces Protestant prayer beads to Christians who have no experience in praying with beads. Author Kristen Vincent explores the history and art of using beads in prayer, explains how to use prayer beads, includes instructions for making your own set of prayer beads, and offers a variety of prayers. Prayer beads will be supplied. Begins: September 13, 6 weeks When: Wednesday, 6:30 7:15 pm Where: MC017 Facilitator: Rachel Buchanan Cost: $9 for book

7 Disciple I Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study Are you ready for an in-depth study of scripture? Through DISCIPLE, persons are strengthened in their faith and guided into service and ministry. The DISCIPLE Bible Study program is Aimed At Transformation --Not Just Information The DISCIPLE Bible Study is a program designed to develop strong Christian leaders in local churches through the in-depth study of Scripture. Through DISCIPLE, persons are strengthened in their faith and guided into service and ministry. The study moves through the biblical story from Creation to the New Jerusalem. The program focuses on the disciple as learner, believer, follower, proclaimer, and servant while providing the fellowship of a small group for study, prayer, preparation, support, and servanthood. Introduction meeting: Sunday, August 27, 6 pm, Asbury Hall Please let the Mayfields know that you are interested in this class before the 27th so books will be available: ppmayfield@outlook.com Begins: September 10, Sundays, 6-- 7:30 pm 34 sessions Absolute last date to join: September 21, please speak to the Mayfields, if you plan to do this Where: MC 009 Facilitators: Rev. Patty and Earle Mayfield Cost: $39.99 for student book

8 Entrusted: A Study of 2 Timothy by Beth Moore We were never meant to take this journey of faith alone or in secret. God has entrusted us with the great and mighty gift of the gospel, something too precious and life-giving to keep to ourselves. In this Bible study, Beth will encourage you to guard what God has entrusted to you, further His kingdom by sharing Christ with others, and pour into future generations just as Paul once mentored Timothy. Because in this journey of joy and hardship, we need each other to stay the course and live lives of faithfulness. Begins: September 12, 6 weeks When: Tuesdays, 6:30 pm (Women s Study Group) Where: Asbury Hall Facilitators: Robin Andrews and Cindy Graham Cost: $13 for participant s book

9 Examining and Studying the Bible Join Pastor Ken as he leads you through a study of the books of the Bible. This is an ongoing study with no study books needed. He is planning to cover these books during this time: Saul, David, and Solomon, primarily using 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 Kings (6 weeks) (A one week break ) Study on Corinth, primarily using 1 and 2 Corinthians (3 weeks) (Thanksgiving break ) Revelation (2 weeks) Begins: September 13, 11 weeks When: Wednesdays, 6:30-7:15 pm Where: MC 007 Facilitator: Pastor Ken Owens Cost: None

10 Living Without Enemies We will spend 6 weeks reading and discussing Living Without Enemies by Marcia Owen and Samuel Wells together, learning not just what violence looks like but the many ways to work to overcome it. This study may be an opportunity for many of us to discover how we can actively live out our calling as disciples of Christ working for peace in our world. Participants will need to begin reading ahead of time, having read the first chapter before our first session. Marcia Owen and Samuel Wells come together to tell the story of a community's journey through four different dimensions of social engagement. A religious coalition began holding prayer vigils for local victims of gun violence. It was then that Owen discovered the beauty of simply being present. Through her friendships with both victims and offenders, Owen learned that being present was precisely the opposite of violence--it was love. And to truly love others as God loves us meant living without enemies and taking small steps toward reconciliation. Owen and Wells offer deep insights into what it takes to overcome powerlessness, transcend fear and engage in radical acceptance in our dangerous world. Your view of ministry will be altered by this poignant tale of coming face-to-face with our God who loves boundlessly and has no enemies. Begins: September 13, 6 weeks When: Wednesdays, 6:15-7:15 pm Where: MC005 Facilitators: Pastor Weston Pendergrass Cost: $14-$17, depending on format and source of text

11 Creed We will spend our time together reading a study book written by and hearing talks from Adam Hamilton about something we recite each week in our traditional worship services: the Apostle s Creed. Some may recall learning about it in Sunday School or Confirmation. Others may have learned about it in school. Still others may recite it but not have given it much thought. Some of us may say, The Apostle s what now? This study is for all who would like to explore this statement of faith together. Participants will need to begin reading ahead of time, hopefully having read the first chapter before our first session. Book Description: What do I believe? Adam Hamilton believes that for Christians, and for others seeking faith, some powerful answers are contained in the Apostles Creed, a historic statement of foundational Christian faith. In this compelling study, he explores not only what Christians believe, but why it matters. Sessions include: God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Church and the Communion of Saints, the Forgiveness of Sins, and the Resurrection of the Body. Begins: October 25, 6 weeks When: Wednesdays, 6:15 7:15 pm Where: MC005 Facilitator: Pastor Weston Pendergrass Cost: $9 to $20, depending on format and source of text

12 Make a deeper connection to the world of the Psalms so that these well known scriptures can help you give voice to all aspects of our human experience joy, faith, uncertainty and sorrow. Participants for this Invitation to Psalms do not have to have an in-depth knowledge of the Bible to enjoy and benefit from participation. Reading just two chapters of Psalms a week, they will discover the life altering stories that will invite them to follow Christ as true disciples. Sessions: Word of God, Words of Prayer The Prayer Book of God s People Praying the Psalms The Language of the Heart A Geography of the Imagination A Theology of the Imagination Lament and Praise Grace and Repentance Love and Wrath Hallelujah and Amen Begins: September 13, 10 weeks When: Wednesdays, 6:15 pm Where: MC106 Facilitator: Susan Mitton, Lynn Silvey, Julie Robinson Cost: $16.00 for participant s book. Available on sign up Sunday, or you may order from another source.

13 Wednesday Morning Study Group This group is planning to spend a year going through a series of studies that follow the development of the Christian religion, beginning with An Invitation to the Old Testament, followed by a study on Moses through others which will include the Apostle s Creed and Paul. Begins: September 13, throughout the year When: Wednesdays, 9:30 am Where: Room MC 106 Facilitator: Bob Pettus Cost: No cost

14 Men s Prayer Breakfast/Bible Study A Men s Prayer Breakfast meets year-round on Wednesday mornings. Men are invited to attend this time of great food, fellowship, prayer and study. No sign up, just show up! When: Wednesdays, 6:30 am Where: Asbury Hall Cost: None Centering Prayer This method of prayer leads to a deeper relationship with God. Centering Prayer helps one move from more active modes of prayer into receptive prayer, resting in God. It is a relationship with God and a discipline of prayer to foster that relationship. It is Christ-centered in its focus and builds communities of faith and bonds members together. Adults and older youth would be interested in participating. When: Fridays, 7 am Where: Susanna Wesley Prayer Room Facilitator: Bob Pettus, Joan Kruger

15 W h e n I R e a d t h e B i b l e T h r o u g h by Amos R. Wells I supposed I knew my Bible Reading piecemeal, hit and miss, Now a bit of John or Matthew, Now a snatch of Genesis, Certain chapters of Isaiah Certain Psalms (the twenty-third); Twelfth of Romans, First of Proverbs Yes, I thought I knew the Word; But I found that thorough reading Was a different thing to do, And the way was unfamiliar When I read the Bible through. Oh, the massive, mighty volume! Oh, the treasures manifold! Oh, the beauty of the wisdom And the grace it proved to hold! As the story of the Hebrews Swept in majesty along, As it leaped in waves prophetic, As it burst to sacred song, As it gleamed with Christly omens, The Old Testament was new, Strong with cumulative power, When I read the Bible through. Ah! Imperial Jeremiah, With his keen, coruscant mind; And the blunt old Nehemiah, And Ezekiel refined! Newly came the song idyllic, And the tragedy of Job; Deuteronomy, the regal, To a towering mountain grew, With its comrade peaks around it When I read the Bible through. What a radiant procession As the pages rise and fall, James the sturdy, John the tender Oh, the myriad-minded Paul! Vast apocalyptic glories Wheel and thunder, flash and flame, While the church triumphant raises One incomparable name. Ah, the story of the Saviour Never glows supremely true Till you read it whole and swiftly, Till you read the Bible through. You who like to play at Bible, Dip and dabble, here and there, Just before you kneel, aweary, And yawn thro' a hurried prayer; You who treat the Crown of Writings As you treat no other book Just a paragraph disjointed, Just a crude, impatient look Try a worthier procedure, Try a broad and steady view; You will kneel in very rapture When you read the Bible through.

16 Living God s Word, Sharing God s Love Lexington United Methodist Church 309 E Main St., Lexington, SC Since childhood you have known the holy scriptures that help you to be wise in a way that leads to salvation through faith that is in Christ Jesus. Every scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for showing mistakes, for correcting, and for training character, so that the person who belongs to God can be equipped to do everything that is good. Timothy 3:15-17 CEB