Learning Classes, Groups and Communities Fall 2017

Transcription

1 at Asbury Step into Learning Classes, Groups and Communities Fall 2017 Asbury United Methodist Church 6767 S. Mingo Rd., Tulsa, OK asburytulsa.org facebook.com/asburytulsa twitter.com/asburytulsa instagram.com/asburytulsa 2 3

2 CONTENTS Fall Sunday Classes 6 Fall Mid-week Classes 8 Communities 12 Ongoing Support Groups 16 Helping Others Follow Jesus Everything we do in every ministry is focused on helping others follow Jesus. It s our mission. Because following Him is the key to life. It provides direction, gives meaning, heals the hurting, and secures our salvation and eternity with God in Heaven. Before we can help others follow Jesus, we must be devoted followers ourselves. That means learning the Word and how to apply it to our everyday lives. To help others we must become stronger disciples. The Importance of Discipleship Discipleship is the core of the Great Commission. Jesus commanded it, and we should follow it. But what is discipleship? The Greek word for disciple is mathetes. It means learner, pupil, someone who learns by following. It s true: a deeper knowledge of the Word leads to a deeper connection with Christ. And while individual study is key to your spiritual growth, study with the fellowship of others is a biblical principle that will produce results in your life as well. That s why we offer many opportunities for Bible classes and studies. We invite you to Step Into Learning as part of your discipleship journey. We believe it is important for everyone in our church to participate. 2 3

3 The Bible Is Our Foundation Founded in 1962, Asbury has always been a biblically-based church. We believe in the Bible and are passionate about providing you opportunities to study it and practice its teachings through a wide variety of courses, communities and support groups for all ages. We offer opportunities for study and fellowship for people in any stage of their faith journey. Led by strong, Christian lay leaders and pastors, these courses are offered on Sundays and during the week with new options added every fall and spring. Each designed with practical applications and spiritual growth in mind. Communities Bring Us Together Asbury is a big church. But joining a smaller group (community) within Asbury is a perfect way to connect. You ll meet people you relate to people in your situation whether it s kids, age, issues, or a wide variety of other factors. In community, you ll find new friends who will pray for you, stand by you and grow spiritually with you. Explore the options listed in the rest of this booklet. Find a place to connect. You ll grow your faith, draw closer to Him, and strengthen your ability to help others follow Jesus 4 5

4 Fall Sunday Classes Starting September 17 for consecutive 7 weeks Come join us as we take a seven-week journey through the issues and challenges of Life@Work. As Christians, we face many challenges living out our faith in the workplace. We ll explore God s Word, consider God s heart for our Life@Work, and share one another s experiences and wisdom. Meets in Room 2820 at 9:15 am and 11 am. No registration required. Various teachers. Missions: Explore, Learn, Go Starting September 17 for 7 consecutive weeks Let s explore God s commission to reach our neighborhoods, our city, our nation and the world with the good news of Jesus Christ. We ll journey through the history of missions, including inspiring stories of Asbury s involvement in Tulsa and beyond. Taught at 9:15 am in Room 2821 by Jim Davis and Radhika Aussieker. No registration required. Financial Peace University September 17 November 12 OR September 13 November 15 More than one million families have attended Dave Ramsey s Financial Peace University courses and seen amazing results. This course will teach you everything you need to know about dumping debt, building wealth, and changing your family tree. Two classes will be offered: Sundays, September 17 - November 12, 3-5 pm (Ron Carter), and Wednesdays, September 13 - November 15, 6-8 pm (John and Marcia Curley) both in Administrative Conference Room. Register online at asburytulsa.org. Cost $95. Wednesday first class is a free preview. Child care provided for Wednesday class only. Journey for Men Bible Study Starting October 1 for 9 months Join this group of believers who share the same heart to go deeper in their relationship with Christ. Our key Scripture passage for this ministry is John 15, where Jesus said, If a man abides in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit. As we begin to understand and participate in this process of abiding, true life transformation begins to take place. We can become influencers in our world, which means marriages, children, businesses, and communities will be positively impacted. Two classes are offered. Group one meets the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month, and group two meets the 2nd and 4th Sunday. All classes are 6-9 pm, in the Administrative Conference Room (first floor). Facilitator: Randy Pendergrass. 6 7

5 Fall Mid-Week Classes Women of the Word All year A Bible study for women of all ages who desire to read, study and learn from God s Word. Led by Gail Knox. Wednesdays, 10 am, Room No cost. No registration required. Come anytime. Blameless at His Coming August 30 November 15 This is an 11-week book study of I Thessalonians, a letter that Paul wrote during a time when believers were expecting the imminent return of Jesus. It was a time of persecution, false accusations and misconceptions about the second coming. Believers today will receive encouragement and good counsel to aid in remaining blameless at the day of His return. Led by Gail Knox. Wednesdays, August 30 - November 15, 6-7:30 pm, Room Register at myasburytulsa.org. Books available in class ($20). Discerning the Voice of God September 6 October 25 Discover the key to clear and daily communication with God humble obedience. Learn how surrendering unlocks His many blessings intended for us, centers us in His will, and helps us discern His voice in everyday life. Wednesdays, September 6 - October 25 (no class October 18), 6:30-7:30 pm, Parlor. Led by Julie Barlow. Register online at myasburytulsa.org. Books available in class for $18. Dynamic Marriage September 6 November 8 Why settle for ordinary? You are nine weeks away from an extraordinary marriage! Dynamic Marriage is a nineweek, interactive, marriage-enrichment course that will help you discover how your marriage can thrive and be more fulfilling than you ever thought possible. You will learn how communication styles affect the way you and your spouse act and react to each other. You will identify behaviors that will grow your marriage from good to great, mediocre to magnificent or hurt to healed. Free child care on site. Epic of Eden: Isaiah September 12 November 7 Often named the fifth gospel, the book of the prophet Isaiah has more to say about Israel s coming Messiah than any other Old Testament book. Brilliant, courageous, uncompromising, this prophet declared that the year of the LORD had come and God s people needed to either step up or stand down. Indeed, when Isaiah spoke, kings trembled. But when Isaiah speaks today, God s people have trouble hearing. Why? We often miss the larger context. In this study, Dr. Sandra Richter takes us back to the eighth century BCE. This eight-week study explains Israel s religion and economy, explores the definition and role of the prophets, and helps us to apply the message of this great champion of the faith to our lives today. Tuesdays, September 12 - November 7, 9:30-11 am, Room Led by Cindy Read. Register at myasburytulsa.org. Books available in class ($17). GriefShare and Beyond GriefShare August 23 November 29 GriefShare is a special weekly video series and support group for people grieving the death of someone close to them. Here, you ll learn practical strategies for grief recovery through the highly acclaimed GriefShare video series, study guide and group discussion. Individuals may begin attending at any time. Wednesdays, August 23 - November 29, 3-4:30 pm OR 6-7:30 pm, Room Child care is available during the evening session only. Cost: $15. Register online at myasburytulsa.org or Beyond GriefShare is especially designed for those who have completed the GriefShare video series. This weekly support group provides participants an opportunity to continue processing their grief while deepening their spiritual walk. Through small group study and discussion, the group will focus on transitioning from the pain of grief to hope and optimism for the future. Wednesdays, August 23 - November 29, 3-4:30 pm OR 6-7:30 pm, Room Cost: $15. Child care is available during the evening session only. Register online at myasburytulsa.org or Epic of Eden September 6 November 29 Pastor s Bible Study: Epic of Eden by Sandra Richter. The Old Testament has history, a culture and beliefs that shape the way we see the world and our place in it. But, it can feel like a junk drawer a disorganized collection of important stuff. This class is ideal for those looking for a deeply substantive and spiritual exploration of the Old Testament. Wednesdays, September 6 - November 29 (no class November 22), 6-8 pm, Room Register at myasburytulsa.org. Contact Pastor Dick Read at dread@asburytulsa.org to reserve a book ($20). Wednesdays 6-8:30 pm; September 6 - November 8 (except October 18); Room 2818; cost $130/couple, scholarships available. Register online at myasburytulsa.org or call Facilitators are Mike & Traci Owen. For scholarship information, contact Mike Owen at or docowen47@cox.net. Mother s Fellowship September 6 Mothers Fellowship is a great place where mothers of infants, preschoolers, school-age and beyond can gather for mentoring, prayer and to study together. Join us as we look at prayer and parenting. Wednesdays, beginning September 6, 9:45 am-11:45 am, Room Contact Pastor Gloria Denton at GMcGee-Denton@asburytulsa.org with questions. Child care is available. Register at myasburytulsa.org. Covenant by Precept Upon Precept September 12 November 21 See this incredible thread running from Genesis through Revelation. God enters into a binding agreement with His people and always keeps His promises. Trusting Him as a covenant partner frees us from the bondage of worry and anxiety. This study will transform the way you read the Scriptures! Tuesdays, September 12 - November 21, 9:30 am- 11 am, Room Led by Nancy Staab. Register at myasburytulsa.org. Books available in class ($26). 8 9

6 Fall Mid-Week Classes (continued) APOLOGETICS CLASS, The Case for the Deity of Christ September 12-October 10 Becoming a Thinking Christian (a rational believer) Creation and Origin Issues The Case for the Trustworthy and Historically Accurate Bible Who Is the Real Jesus: Infinite God-man, Moral Teacher, or Myth? Historical proofs for the Resurrection of Jesus Are Miracles Possible? Is the Christian Experience Valid? Apologetics Means Never Having to Save You Are Sorry Register at oklahomaapologetics.com. Individuals are $60, families $110, students $30. September 12 October 10, 6:30 9 pm, Room What Do I Do Now? Practical and Legal Matters to Know Before Someone You Love Dies September 13 October 4 This hands-on course takes you through the process from death notification to preparing for probate and, finally, how to care for yourself. Course includes CDs, the book, ABA/AARP Checklist for Family Survivors: A Guide to Practical and Legal Matters When Someone You Love Dies, and Asbury s 3-ring binder, What Do I Do Now? Wednesdays, September 13 October 4, 6-7:30 pm, Room Cost is $25/family. Child care available. Register at myasburytulsa.org or call Financial Peace University September 17 November 12 OR September 13 November 15 More than one million families have attended Dave Ramsey s Financial Peace University courses and seen amazing results. This course will teach you everything you need to know about dumping debt, building wealth and changing your family tree. Two classes will be offered: Sundays, September 17 - November 12, 3-5 pm (Ron Carter), and Wednesdays, September 13 - November 15, 6-8 pm (John and Marcia Curley) both in Administrative Conference Room. Register online at myasburytulsa.org. Cost $95. Wednesday s first class is a free preview. Child care provided for Wednesday class only. Capstone October 5-November 9 Come be a part of a new group called CAPstone, a Bible study specifically for college students and young professionals. Begins Thursday, October 5, for 6 weeks at the Venue. Dinner will be served each week. Call for information or go to tulsacapstone.cbsclass.org. APOLOGETICS CLASS, The Christian Worldview that Changes Lives and Culture October 17-November 28 Everyone has a worldview. A worldview is more than a private personal viewpoint; it is a comprehensive life system that seeks to answer the basic questions of life. A Christian worldview is not just one s personal faith expression, not just a theory. It is an all-consuming way of life, applicable to all spheres of life. Register at oklahomaapologetics.com. Individuals are $60, families $110, students $30. October 17 November 28, 6:30 9 pm, Room

7 Communities The Ark A fun and caring community consisting of married couples, most with young families seeking to serve the Lord and support each other in our Christian walk as couples, parents and followers of Christ. Our community enjoys Bible-based learning, small groups, family fellowship activities, social outings and service to others, both locally and globally. Believers Believers Community welcomes people from all generations, both married or single, who seek to know Christ more fully and seeks to develop significant lives in Christ. We support Operation Hope Prison Ministries, Holiday food baskets, Habitat for Humanity, Cookson Hills Missions, Asbury Youth Missions, Tanzania missionaries, Youth at Heart and Project Transformation among other outward focused causes. We are a friendly growing community that warmly welcomes all guests. Chain Breakers We are a new young adult community, open for anyone looking for connection! Mostly 18s-30s, but all are welcome. We have people of all backgrounds and all stages of life. We are a group of people running towards Jesus and figuring out how to live out the Gospel in our everyday lives. We have fresh teaching and fun social events, and we will pair with the Rooted and Covenant communities. We would love for you to join us and see if it is the right place for you! Christ Centered Singles We are a community of single adults determined to faithfully follow Christ in devotion to Bible study, Christian fellowship, prayer and compassionate outreach. In addition to our weekly Sunday morning gathering, we are active socially and participate in mission outreach while being committed to a safe environment for fellowship and spiritual growth. Christian Explorers We have are a class mostly of members who have recently retired (75% of class) or will retire in the next few years. Our morning study is varied drawing from qualified members and ministers at Asbury. We have social events each quarter, we have members active in 2nd Sunday and other volunteer opportunities in the church and the Tulsa community. Christians for Life We are a class of year olds doing life together. We are a vibrant, longstanding community. Lessons are based on Biblical teaching and application; plus Sunday mornings at 11:00 a.m. feature music and prayer. C4L is heavily involved in service to Asbury and the Tulsa community, and features fun and varied social activities. All are welcome! Covenant We are a community of couples and families sharing life together. Our class varies in ages from 30s to 40s, but we welcome any age. The age range of our children is between newborns and teens. We have a rotating variety of strong Godly teachers (from within the Community and outside the Community) who challenge us to strengthen our faith, our marriages and our parenting. We encourage each other to become better disciples of Christ, while loving on each other as we live out our own individual journeys. Whether attending monthly social events, Bible studies, mission activities, or worship service, we are a vibrant group who enjoys laughing and learning together. Come join us, we have breakfast waiting for you! Deaf Perceptions God gave us all special gifts. We glorify His Name in sign language. Deaf or hard-of-hearing, please join us on Sunday mornings. Hearing people welcome

8 Communities (continued) Faithbuilders Our Community is made up of married and single members, ages 60+. We are blessed to have 6 outstanding teachers (class members) who teach on rotation, providing an inspirational, faith-based curriculum. Our Community is known to be actively involved in many local and global outreach projects and missions. Family Fellowship We are a community of couples and a few singles. Our ages are 50 s, 60 s and 70 s. Our teaching is always changing with different examinations of Holy Scripture to help us be better Christians. We try to have fun and care for one another in life events. Friends in Christ Friends in Christ is a class of adults discovering our value and purpose in God s world. We welcome all abilities to worship and learn together. Generations What would life look like if you had a group of Christians friends who have experienced seasons of life that are in front of you? At the same time in this group there are Christians in this group who are facing the seasons of life you have traveled. This is Generations. Happy Christians Happy Christians are so blessed to have strong leaders with firm biblical beliefs and convictions. We are a large, older class, but anyone regardless of age is welcome. We love to have new members join us. This is a loving, caring class. We are prayer warriors for our class and others. We start each class with coffee and refreshments followed with music from several of our talented musicians. We find time for several socials during the year. Harvest The Harvest Community is a Bible-based class that meets Wednesday nights, 6:30 to 7:30 in Room Our class is primarily middle age and older, couples and singles, with emphasis on prayer, Scripture, service projects and the teaching of a variety of guest speakers. Joy The Joy Community includes all who enjoy getting an early start at 8 am each Sunday morning to share God s love and blessings of family, hope and expectations for Christ s influence in our lives! We enjoy eating out on Tuesday evenings for fellowship, fun and laughter. We re optimistic and worship and sing together each Sunday in praise to the Father. We re retired but enjoy our young friends immensely when they come to be with us! Legacy We are a community of believers formed around service to others, along with our teenage and college age kids. We are very active in leading student ministry small groups, traveling with our kids on mission trips, sending goodie bags to our college kids, having prayer breakfasts, hosting a Christmas talent show and doing service projects together, just to name a few of the things we do. One of our favorite service projects each year is Special Olympics. We do everything from starting the events, timing the athletes, to passing out ribbons. We are also committed to sorting Angel Tree gifts and participating in Asbury s Day of Service. We also have several men s and women s small groups that meet weekly. We are very fortunate that John and Marti Curzon are our class teachers. They always have a great lesson to share with us each week. Please come join us! LinC Living in Christ is a community for all ages, singles and couples, male and female who want to spend time in God s word with Bible-based lessons. We enjoy social activities, praying together, serving once a month at Night Light Tulsa, and other areas in which we find the church needs us. We would love to have you join us as we live our lives in Christ

9 Communities (continued) Mariners Sailing for Christ is the Mariner s motto. Come sail with us as we learn God s Word from our excellent teachers. We are a community of couples and singles, working and retired, caring people. We enjoy fellowship and social activities. Many of us volunteer within Asbury as well as outside of the church. New Beginnings A Rock solid family of mature Christians who thirst after the Word, growing in our knowledge of God and His love with in-depth study of the books of the Bible, as well as active involvement in several Asbury mission projects. As a strong family, we are aware of each others needs and try to see that those needs are met. We love to have fun too one might say we are an experience! Whether you are a beginner in the Word or a mature Christian, come grow with us! Praise & Worship Come grow with this blend of singles and couples interested in discovering God s teaching relevant to discipleship, family and missions. Responding to God s call on our lives, we mix fun social events with local outreach programs and Asbury ministries. Music and songs of praise begin each Sunday session, and we close with a circle of prayer time. Rooted We are a community of enthusiastic believers who focus on strengthening our connections with God, each other, and our community through fellowship, discipleship and Bible study. The Rooted community consists primarily of engaged/recently married couples (1 month - 10 years) with a mix of kiddos ranging from newborn to preschool and plenty of four-legged furry babies. Striving to be a generation of influence, we develop spiritual growth and renewal by offering a variety of lesson topics and styles. We engage in opportunities to grow closer as a community of faith through monthly social activities (game nights, bowling, cookouts, and guys/girls nights), service/ outreach events, and quarterly rotating small group dinners with 3-4 couples. We also provide breakfast each Sunday morning. As our roots grow deeper into Christ, we are able to experience the fullness of God Salt & Light Come be a part of this fantastic community that promotes healthy relationships for single adults in a safe, Christ-centered environment. Through the Word of God, Salt and Light focuses not only on scripture but also personal growth, divorce healing, safe people, boundaries and building healthy relationships by inviting dynamic speakers that focus on biblical and relational topics built around the Christian walk as a single person. We encourage you to visit our community and come see what Salt and Light is all about. Seekers Seekers are a vibrant class of prayer warriors seeking to learn and live in Christ. We are married, single, employed, retired, grandparents, young at heart at 50, and young in spirit at 80. Our members are generous in spirit and monetarily. Joy abounds in meeting needs of extended family when the need arises. Additionally, fun and fellowship are at the top of the list for Seekers, tools that manifest family and friendships. We travel together by car, bus, train, in states and out, enjoy our socials whether it is an exotic movie, a picnic in the park, or participating in the Amazing Race event. Women and couples have formed marathon bridge groups, golf outings and ROMEO (retired old men eating out), to name a few. Seekers are young at heart and young in actions. Single B.A.S.I.X. Single Brothers and Sisters in Christ is a community of singles 55 years and older, but we welcome singles of all ages. When you visit or belong to our community, we hope that you will feel the support we each need from the church family. We believe that God has a plan for our lives, and that along our journey together, we will help one another become the person that God knows we can be. Sonrisers This class focuses on members common interest in the inductive form of Bible study, with an interactive teaching that is always open to questions and group discussion. If in-depth Bible study is important to you, give us a try. This is what makes us unique. Storm Shelter We re a fun-loving group of singles and couples who are lighthearted yet serious about God s truth. We enjoy game nights, movie nights, parties and float trips. As imperfect people coming to learn to better ourselves, we have a wide range of wisdom and life experience. Lessons based on open discussion. Wesley Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can - John Wesley (founder of the Methodist Church). We strive to fulfill this quote through study of the Word, service to our community and social interaction. Class dynamic includes nuclear, blended and single family homes, most with children, ranging in age from birth to young adults

10 Ongoing Support Groups Widows Ministry Asbury s LifeCare has partnered with Stand in the Gap Ministries to serve widows in our community. Asbury hosts two Widow Small Groups that meet the third Monday of each month at 1 pm in Room 1506 and the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7 pm in Room Socials are also offered twice a year at Asbury. All are welcome! Contact Melissa Phenicie at Melissa4141@cox.net or to learn more. Divorce Support For those struggling with a broken relationship. Meets every Wednesday, 6:30 pm, Room Contact Jim Small at or asburydivorce@outlook.com, or Malia Miller at Divorce-Rebuilding@cox.net or Mental Health Support for Families For family members or caregivers of people affected by a mental illness. Usually meets the fourth Thursday of each month, 1:30 pm, Parlor. Contact Linda Lytle at or lindalytle43@gmail.com. S.M.I.L.E. (Singles Mothers in the Lord s Embrace) Meet with other single mothers for devotion, discussion, encouragement and support. Usually meets the third Wednesday of each month, 6-8 pm in Room Free child care. Contact Janet with questions at or asburysmile@ymail.com. Employment Support OJT (Overcoming Job Transitions) meets the third Tuesday of each month, 6:30-9 pm, at the Venue 2nd floor. Participants learn about resumes, networking, interviewing, using the Internet for job hunting and more. Contact Dymian at OJTjobs@gmail.com or for more information Celebrate Recovery A Christ-centered recovery ministry dealing with any hurts, hang-ups or habits. Meets Mondays: praise and worship at 7 pm, small groups at 8 pm. Contact Glen Grusendorf at Support Group for Parents of Kids from Hard Places (Foster/Adoptive) Journey with other parents raising kids from hard places. Together parents will learn trust-based intervention methods, Theraplay techniques, and encourage one another in day-to-day parenting struggles and joys. This is a place for adoptive, foster and kinship families to come for learning and sharing with families like their own. Facilitating provided by Family Hope House. Meets Tuesdays, September 12 - December 12, 6-7:30 pm, Room No registration necessary. Child care provided