SPECIAL STUDIES FOR ADULTS
Spiritual Formation
Praying with Teresa of Avila
Cherri Johnson, co-facilitator Carolyn McDowell
This six-week course, based on the book Falling Into the Arms of God by Megan Don, will take us on a journey into the prayer life of Saint Teresa of Avila. Time is provided for both discussion and quiet meditation. Begins Wednesday, January 9th, 6:00-7:15 pm. Cost $20
Beth Moore Series—A Woman’s Heart
Celeste Barlow, Stacy Garrett, and Jen Ross
This 10-week Bible course explores the significance of the tabernacle and its pivotal role in God’s eternal plan. You will be challenged to prepare your heart, like the holy of holies, to become a home for God’s love and glory – a dwelling place for the Most High God. Sunday afternoons, 4:30-6:00 p.m. beginning January 6. Cost $21
Spiritual Quest
Rev. Chris Andrews and Rev. Ann Trousdale
This course encourages thinking about all of life as a spiritual journey, all the ways God’s love is expressed for us, and how God is active and working in our lives. The group reads several books throughout the year of both fiction and non-fiction. If you enjoy lively discussion and stimulating literature, this class is for you. Persons are welcome to join at any time. Sundays at 4:45 p.m.
Incorporating Christ into Everyday Life
(...becoming a better man)
Pete Bush and Chris Spencer
This introductory course will explore how to be a better husband, father, friend and disciple by applying Christian principles to everyday life. Sundays, March 30-May 4, 4:30-6:00 p.m.
Financial Peace University
David Poor
This 13-week life-changing program empowers and teaches you how to make the right money decisions to achieve your financial goals and God’s plan for your life. Practical lessons include cash flow planning, eliminating debt, and investing wisely. Sundays, 4:30-6:30 p.m. beginning January 6. Preview session on Sunday, December 16 at 10:00 a.m or 4:30 p.m. Cost $98
Lenten Courses:
Traveling the Prayer Paths of Jesus
Jamye St. Romain
The discipline of prayer forms the cornerstone of all Christian spirituality, and the Gospels provide a surprising breath of insight into the prayer life of Jesus. This six-week course will not only provide Biblical knowledge but will open your heart to the dynamics of praying with Jesus. Wednesdays, February 13—March 19, 6:00-7:15 p.m. Cost $13
Christian Parenting
Blueprints from God: A Refresher Course
Cherri Johnson, Todd Ross and Denise Sellers
In order to continue honing our skills as Christian parents, we will offer a two-week Blueprints refresher course. Each session will explore in more depth topics previously covered and provide opportunity for sharing and faith development. Sundays, February 17 and 24, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Life in Christ
Todd Barlow and Clay Johnson
A formation course for men who want to deepen their spiritual life and apply Christian principles to daily decision-making. This course builds upon Christian values and life-goals discussed in Incorporating Christ. However, Incorporating Christ is not a prerequisite. Limit: 12 participants. Sundays, February 10-March 16, 4:30-6:00 p.m.
Pottery
Catie Talbert, a graduate student at LSU, will be guiding a pottery group each Sunday night beginning January 27th from 4-6:00 p.m. The group will meet once a week to hand-build expressions in clay, reflect upon scripture and discover their creative gifts.
Art and Creative Expression
Melanie Hansbrough, noted artist, will offer an inspiring half-day workshop that explores our spiritual nature by using various mediums applicable to the areas of journaling, sketching or other art applications. Each participant will create an original work of art. Saturday, February 9, 9-12:00 a.m. Cost $8
The Methodist Story
What Does It Mean to Be United Methodist?
Rev. Mike Hammett or Rev. Elaine Burleigh
This course is a five-session study designed to answer some frequently asked questions about United Methodist heritage, theology, and practice. Each session will begin with a brief video presentation, followed by information and discussion. Sunday, January 6-February 3, 9:40-10:40 a.m. led by Rev. Elaine Burleigh. Each of the 5 Wednesdays in April, 6:45-7:45 p.m. led by Rev. Mike Hammett.
Thinking Theologically
Living the Questions—Rev. Elaine Burleigh
This course examines several of the major themes of Christianity that are being reinterpreted by several of the world’s leading progressive theologians. Rather than providing answers, the course is designed to create a safe environment in which participants can express doubts and ask questions as they learn how to think theologically. Sessions can be taken in any order.
Limit: 15 per session. Cost $10
Session A: Invitation to Journey: Sundays, January 13-
February 24, 4:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Session B: Reclaiming the World: Wednesdays, January 16 – February 27, 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Session C: Call to Covenant: Wednesdays, March 26 – May 7, 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Bible Study
General Bible Study
Rev. Chris Andrews
This weekly class considers the practice of living faithfully. A person can start attending at any time and there is minimal or no preparation. The course meets from September to May. Wednesdays, 9:30-11:00 a.m. and 6:45-8:00 p.m.
Jesus in the Gospels
Lee Davis
The first study in the next generation of the Disciple Bible Study series, the class looks at the way each Gospel writer presents events and teachings, and at the picture of Jesus that emerges in each of the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Daily assignments for most lessons include Old Testament and New Testament passages. Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m., beginning January 9. Class takes a break for summer vacation. Cost $42
In God’s Time: The Bible and the Future
Becky Poor
Enormous confusion exists today concerning the Bible’s teaching about the future. This 10-week DVD-based study offers an alternative to sensationalist perspectives, encouraging Christians both to take seriously, and to think sensibly about the hope of God’s ultimate victory.
Tuesdays, 9:30-11:00 a.m., beginning Jan. 8. Cost $22
Countering Pharaoh: A Journey from Slavery to Covenant
Rev. Elaine Burleigh
Walter Brueggemann, one of the world’s leading Old Testament Scholars, suggests that the journey from slavery to covenant is the governing paradigm of faith found in both the Old Testament and in our 21st century lives. This five-week video-based series from Brueggemann examines the content of God’s covenant with us and our struggle to live into that covenant. Sundays, 4:30–7:00 p.m., March 30- April 27. Cost $5
Disciple III: The Prophets and Letters of Paul
Peggy Eldredge
Participants engage in study of the major and minor prophets and the letters of Paul in this 32-week Disciple Bible Study. Throughout the study participants understand what it means to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in the 21st century. Tuesday mornings, 9:30-12:00, beginning January 15. Cost $32
Other Opportunities for Growth
Books of Life
Every four to six weeks, this group meets for discussion on a Wednesday, 6:30-8:00 p.m. All who like to read are welcome to join this group! For more information contact Mary Jacob at 753-4226.
Mom’s Time-Out
This special time together offers an opportunity for fellowship and spiritual support with other moms of young children. A nursery is provided. Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m. For more information, contact Carolyn Golightly at crg1468@cox.net or 819-0896.
Knitting the Threads of God’s Love
This course is offered on Tuesday mornings for beginning or experienced knitters. You will not only learn to knit, you will knit with a purpose. Incorporated into this class is the idea of knitting with a mission emphasis. Class members knit hats, shawls, and prayer blankets that benefit others. Tuesdays, 9:00-11:00 a.m. For more information contact Sandra King, Director of Pastoral Care.
Men’s Coffee and More
This group of men meets each Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. in the Adult Parlor for fellowship and discussion on the lectionary texts for the next Sunday. For more information, contact Rev. Mike Hammett at 383-4777.
For additional information about available courses, contact Becky Poor, Director of Christian Education, or Cherri Johnson, Director of Spiritual Formation, 225-383-4777.
