SPIRITUAL FORMATION GUIDE

SPIRITUAL FORMATION GUIDE JANUARY - APRIL 2019 MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

MDUMC SPIRITUAL FORMATION ARE YOU LOOKING FOR WAYS YOU MIGHT LEARN MORE DEEPLY, SHARE YOUR FAITH WITH OTHERS, AND GIVE IN WAYS YOU MIGHT NOT HAVE CONSIDERED? As you look through this edition of the Spiritual Formation Spring 2019 brochure, consider ways these studies and classes will make a difference in your own life as well as in the life of your church and community! As we examine our call to serve God and our neighbors, there are many opportunities in our midst to deepen and strengthen our lives with the hope that we will all become better disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Unless otherwise noted, please contact VickyHarris@mdumc.org or DonnaJuul@mdumc.org with any questions, or to register. Registration is also available online at mdumc.org/register. WEDNESDAYS AT MDUMC DR. ROBBINS MORNING BIBLE STUDY Wednesdays Beginning January 9 10 11 AM Wesley Hall Dr. Robbins will continue a verse-by-verse study of the Book of Revelation. He incorporates humor and stories along with sound biblical interpretation. All anyone needs to bring is a Bible. We hope you ll join us for this weekly study.

WORSHIP AND THE WORD Wednesdays Beginning January 9 5:15-7:30 PM Wesley Hall Worship and the Word will continue for the spring semester with Dr. Robbins study of Revelation. Dinner will be served in Friendship Court from 5:15 6:15 ($8 for adults and $5 for children - no more than $25 per family). After dinner, all will be encouraged to join together in Wesley Hall for a time of song and prayer led by Drew Essen and clergy staff, followed by a time of study with Dr. Robbins. If you ll be taking part in a different Bible study or group on Wednesday nights, you re still invited to join in the worship time before your group begins! We hope all will make plans to be a part of this mid-week worship. JANUARY DISCIPLE FAST TRACK: NEW TESTAMENT Mondays Beginning January 7 (12 weeks) 7-8:30 PM D206 Leader: Daniel Scholl $13 This study provides a thorough introduction to the New Testament. A brief video enables us to recall important facts and ideas; lively and engaging video presenters then offer insights into the current week s session. We also have the opportunity to take a spiritual gifts assessment and determine meaningful ways to serve and live out our discipleship commitment. CHRISTIAN BELIEVER: KNOWING GOD WITH HEART AND MIND Thursdays Beginning January 10 18 weeks 9:30 11:30 AM D204 $38 Leader: Vicky Harris Christian Believer focuses on classical teachings of the Christian faith presenting, explaining, and interpreting them in a way that we can understand, through the use of words, symbols, readings, and hymns. We will examine the writings of ancient and modern Christian commentators and view video presentations by leading Bible scholars.

MDUMC MOMS BIBLE STUDY Tuesdays Beginning January 15 (Through May 21) 9:15 11 AM C200 $12 Nursery available from 9-11 AM $25 for the Semester Contact: StacyBrockStepler@gmail.com We are a group of moms with children of any age, but specifically those with infants through 6th graders. We are about connecting moms, helping each other through life, and growing closer to God. Throughout the school year, we will do Bible and book studies along with fellowship, volunteer opportunities, guest speakers, and a few moms nights out. We ll begin with a study of Rachel Held Evans s book, Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again. UNAFRAID: LIVING WITH COURAGE AND HOPE IN UNCERTAIN TIMES Wednesdays Beginning January 16 (7 weeks) 11 AM - 12:30 PM D202 Leader: Sandy Earthman $15 Truth is, a mere handful of fears work for us fear of stepping in front of a bus, for example, or not taking care of our health. But the vast majority fear of others, of failure, of the future have almost no basis in reality, yet tie us in knots and steal our peace of mind. Drawing on fresh research, psychology, biblical principles, and his long experience shepherding a diverse faith community, Adam Hamilton helps us untangle the knots of fear and truly embrace Jesus s recurring counsel: Do not be afraid. THE CLASS MEETING BY KEVIN WATSON Wednesdays Beginning January 16 (8 weeks) 6:15-7:30 PM Library Leader: Rev. Jennifer Veres-Schrecengost $15 We are not created to do life alone. We all need people that we can trust with our stories and who can help us listen for God s guidance in our lives. The best way for us to be more like Jesus Christ is to gather with his people and share the journey together. Come be a part of this newly rediscovered discipleship practice! LIGHTEN UP - LUNCH, DEVOTION, SMALL GROUPS Tuesdays Beginning January 22 (Through March 5) 12-1:30 PM West Campus - The Refuge $60 (Includes Book and Lunch) Contact: KarenCrawford@mdumc.org Lighten Up is a community of women of all ages that meet weekly for lunch, a short video and small group discussion. This semester, we will study Lysa Terkeheurst s book Unglued. God gave us emotions to experience life, not destroy it. We will discover peace in relationships and situations that seem out of control.

FEBRUARY WALK TO EMMAUS Men s Walk: February 21 24 or April 25-28 Women s Walk: February 28 March 3 or May 2-5 Contact VickyHarris@mdumc.org The Walk to Emmaus is a 72-hour (Thursday evening Sunday evening) spiritual renewal program that is wrapped in prayer and meditation with special times of worship and daily celebration of Holy Communion. Rediscover Christ s presence in your life and form friendships that foster faith and support spiritual maturity! WOMEN OF THE WORD SERMON ON THE MOUNT BY JEN WILKIN Mondays Beginning February 4 (9 weeks) 6:30 8:30 PM D200 $15 Leader: Ange Grout What does it mean to be a citizen of the kingdom of Heaven? Matthew s gospel opens with three chapters containing Jesus longest recorded message a sermon given to His disciples early in His ministry to articulate what the life of a Christ-follower would look like. AGAINST ALL ODDS HOW THE EARLY CHURCH HELD TOGETHER Tuesdays Beginning February 5 (2 weeks) 3:30 5 PM D206 No charge Leader: Michael Hick This study is an examination of the first three centuries of Christianity. Come and learn more about the early Church from one of our popular leaders! MDUMC EMMAUS GATHERING FOR ALL Tuesday, February 12 6:30 8:30 PM Wesley Hall No Charge Contact VickyHarris@mdumc.org Wonder what the Walk to Emmaus is like? Thought about attending a weekend but had some questions? Want to learn more about a Reunion group or how to reconnect with other MDUMC Fourth Day? Join us for a meet and greet including inspirational worship and amazing fellowship.

FAMOUS AND NOT SO FAMOUS CHRISTIANS LEADERS AT THE ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS MEMBERS LUNCHEON Sunday, February 24 12 1:30 PM Wesley Hall No Charge Please RSVP to VickyHarris@mdumc.org by Monday, February 18 Dr. Robbins will lead our adult Sunday school class members luncheon in a very interesting and informative lesson on Famous and Not So Famous Christian Leaders. Please join us to see who makes the list! LENTEN STUDIES AND EVENTS SENSING GOD: LEARNING TO MEDITATE DURING LENT Thursdays Beginning February 28 (Through April 11 - omit March 21) 2:30 3:30 PM D200 $13 Leader: Betty Cartmell or Mondays Beginning March 4 (Through April 15) 6:30 8:00 PM D201 $13 Leader: Rev. Victor Resendiz Many people feel drawn to what meditation offers (quiet, reflection, stillness, time alone with God), but few have tried it. In Sensing God, monk, priest, and spiritual teacher Laurence Freeman may just change some minds. Is Lent a time for giving something up or an occasion for beginning something new? Freeman shows how it can be both. Give up your lifestyle (at least for a season) of being too busy to sit still, and begin to discover what meditation can do in your life. GOD S MESSY FAMILY: FINDING YOUR PLACE WHEN LIFE ISN T PERFECT Mondays Beginning March 4 (6 weeks) 7-8:30 PM D100 $11 Leader: Allyson George Drama. Drama. Drama. Your family may be the stuff of a hit reality TV show, but into every family a little or a lot of drama must sometimes fall. That s the way we humans have been from the very beginning. Take a look at the lives of Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, and Esau in Jacob Armstrong s newest book. As we meet these messy families in the stories in Genesis, we ll recognize a pattern to their lives: they are called, they mess up, and God continues to redeem them. Sound familiar? Find out how your messy family fits into God s family and how you are part of God s plan for the world.

SIMON PETER: FLAWED BUT FAITHFUL DISCIPLE Sundays Beginning March 10 (6 weeks) 9:30 10:30 AM D205 No Charge Leader: Vicky Harris He left everything to follow his teacher and possessed a passion that would change the world. That s one way to describe Peter. Here s another: poor, uneducated, quicktempered, and full of doubts and fears. Doesn t even sound like the same man. And that s the point of this Bible study by Adam Hamilton. Peter was just an ordinary guy who heard and followed God s extraordinary call. Discover how you, too, have special gifts, talents, and abilities that God can use to make a difference today. AN EVENING WITH DR. ROBERT WILLIAMSON Friday, April 5 6:30 PM Wesley Hall Contact: ColinBagby@mdumc.org Dr. Robert Williamson teaches Religious Studies at Hendrix College in Conway, AR and is founding pastor of Mercy Community Church in Little Rock, AR. In his new book, The Forgotten Books of the Bible, Dr. Williamson guides readers to see how the Five Scrolls of the Old Testament (Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, and Esther) deserve more attention in the life of the church and how neglecting them prevents us from having relevant conversations about sexuality, grief, existential despair, ethnic identity, and power. With scholarly wisdom and a quick wit, Williamson skillfully guides readers as they rediscover the relevance for the Five Scrolls today. Dr. Williamson will be with us to discuss his new book, answer questions about his scholarly work, and share dinner with us. HOLY WEEK: MAUNDY THURSDAY PRAYER VIGIL & LABYRINTH WALK Thursday, April 18 10 AM 6:30 PM Wesley Hall No Charge Join us as we pray for our world, our community, our families, and ourselves during our Holy Week prayer vigil. If you have never walked a labyrinth, this is a great time to experience the gift of this type of prayer.

APRIL CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER RETREAT Monday, April 22 9 AM 3 PM Leader: Rev. Victor Resendiz Ruah Center @ Villa de Matel (6510 Lawndale Street) Registration deadline is April 15, $25 (includes lunch) Our world is plenty noisy and it s difficult to find a place to breathe. Come spend time in silent prayer in this unique opportunity to connect in a deeper level with God. The Ruah Center exists to provide this gift of solitude so we can learn to listen with our heart for the voice of God. Bring a favorite spiritual book, Bible, or just yourself. ONGOING EVENING MEDITATION FOR CHRISTIANS Tuesdays 7-8 PM C201 Ongoing No Charge Leader: Pamela Lucia The quiet prayer discipline of meditation has been used by Christians for centuries to cultivate a deeper relationship with Christ. We read and discuss short topics on this gentle prayer, and spend time praying silently together. MORNING MEDITATION FOR CHRISTIANS Wednesdays 11 11:50 AM D200 Ongoing No Charge Leader: Betty Cartmell This class is for anyone who would like to know about Christian meditation and centering prayer. We have time for teaching and learning, a question and answer period, plus experiential practice. BODY, MIND, & SPIRIT Thursdays 11:45 AM D100 Ongoing Contact SheriKelley@mdumc.org Boomers and Seniors are invited any Thursday for lunch, devotional and special classes and activities. Lunch is $5 ($7 with salad) in our kitchen serving line. After lunch, we have a time of devotion. In the afternoon, options include movies, table games, educational classes, and both American and Chinese Mahjongg. Watch the Messenger and the weekly e-mail blast for more information.

MEN S LIFE Tuesdays Beginning January 8 Ongoing 6:30 7:30 AM West Campus - The Refuge Contact: MichaelJarboe@mdumc.org Join for breakfast, a short lesson, and fellowship with other MDUMC men. We ll have you out the door in an hour to get on the road to work as better men, dads, husbands and disciples of Christ! SINGLES COMMUNITY BIBLE STUDY Wednesdays Beginning February 6 Ongoing 7:30 PM D101 Contact SheriKelley@mdumc.org This discussion-driven group includes those from a variety of Christian faith communities. All singles, whether members of MDUMC or not, are welcome! SUNDAY SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES BRIDGEBUILDERS Senior Adults Sundays at 9:30 AM Wesley Hall (Main Campus) We are a warm, caring, supportive group of Christians who share each other s burdens and celebrate each other s joys, all while studying to strengthen our faith and deepen our knowledge of God s word. COVENANT Couples and Singles 50s-60s Sundays at 9:30 AM D203 (Main Campus) The Covenant Class focuses on discussing the Bible as it relates to life and consists of couples and singles age 50 s to 60 s. We believe in participating in group projects in the community and have regular gatherings outside of class. DISCOVERY Mostly Couples mid 40s early 60s Sundays at 9:30 AM D200 (Main Campus) Our class lessons use a discussion format and cover a variety of topics. We sponsor service projects throughout the year and have frequent adult or family social events.

FOUNDATIONS Families with Young Children Sundays at 9:30 AM C201 (Main Campus) Luke 6:48 states that a firm foundation cannot be shaken and this group will focus on making sure the foundation in our own house stands firm. In Foundations we will support one another and grow our own faith as we strive to pass our faith on to our children. FRIENDSHIP Couples and Singles 60+ Sundays at 9:30 AM D100 (Main Campus) Lessons are taught by our members and by outside speakers who cover wide-ranging, typically Methodist subjects. GENESIS Couples 60+ Sundays at 9:30 AM D201 (Main Campus) Through prayer, study, lively weekly discussions and fellowship, we seek to nurture our continued growth in the Spirit of Christ and to share our gifts through active participation in the life of the church and the community. GOOD NEWS Couples and Singles 65+ Sundays at 11 AM D204 (Main Campus) Varied class lessons including lecture and spirited discussions are taught by our members and outside teachers. Outreach includes Soupmobile, Larkin Center, MAM, etc. Varied social activities are enjoyed also. KINDRED SOULS Single and Married Women Sundays at 9:30 AM Conference Room (Main Campus) Offering a group setting for women who attend church alone, whether single or married, our class follows the Adult Bible Study Series and is led by class members. Visitors and new members are welcome. We are open to women of all ages.

PROBERS Couples and Singles 65+ Sundays at 9:30 AM D204 (Main Campus) The Probers class has a lively interest in the values of today s society as they relate to Christians. Our class hosts a variety of speakers from the class, church and community. By probing into the hard questions, we foster lively discussion and offer our members an opportunity to grow theologically and scripturally. ROOTS Couples and Singles 60+ Sundays at 9:30 AM Adult Ministries Center - Room 462 (West Campus) Our focus is on Bible study and family issues. We are a great support group for many of our ministry events, such as workcamps and the Soupmobile. SINGLES IN ACTION Singles 40+ Sundays at 9:30 AM Dance Room (Main Campus) We are singles of all ages who are willing to admit our imperfections and are interested in growing spiritually toward perfection! We enjoy short-term studies presented in a discussion format by class members. This group is very welcoming and active in the Singles Ministry and in the general ministry of the church, especially missions and outreach. SUNRIZON Singles and Couples 50s-60s Sundays at 9:30 AM D202 (Main Campus) Members grow spiritually through thoughtful presentations that stimulate openminded discussion and weave Christian teachings with today s complex issues in progressive and traditional ways. In addition to being involved in church-related community outreach projects, the Sunrizon class is one of the most socially active groups in the church. UPPER ROOM Adults of all Ages and Stages Sundays at 9:30 AM D206 (Main Campus) Believing that Bible study is a contact sport of the mind and heart, class members are responsible for leading the discussions each Sunday. One book of the Bible is studied in depth alternating between Old Testament and New Testament.

MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 12955 MEMORIAL DRIVE HOUSTON, TX 77079