Longer-Term Adult Studies
A Tuesday Morning Christian Believer Class
Suncreek UMC offers a
variety of longer-term studies. These studies typically start
in August or early September. They offer a unique opportunity to dig deeply into the Bible and
explore issues of faith. Participants often share that these studies are
much more than the experience of learning new information. They describe
transforming experiences that impact their spirituality and daily actions.
Part of the power of these experiences emanates from meeting each week with
the same small group of persons. Many participants speak about encountering
sacred community within these small groups.
There is a $40 materials fee for Disciple, Christian Believer, and Jesus In
the Gospels classes. Beginnings has a $25 materials
fee. Assistance with fees is always available on a confidential
basis. Future class meeting schedules are set based
on feedback from potential participants. To sign-up or for more information,
call the church office at (972) 390-1695 or e-mail Rev.
Holly Gotelli. The 2007-2008 class schedule is listed below.
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Beginnings
This is a
12-week course that focuses on what it means to be a disciple of Jesus
Christ. Need answers to basic questions about the Christian faith? Beginnings is for you! It offers opportunities to ask questions about
life and faith and to connect with others in Christian fellowship. It
is typically offered once a year. There is a
$7.00 materials fee for this course, payable at the first class.
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Christian Believer
Christian Believer
is a 30-week study of the classical doctrines of the Christian faith. It
emphasizes the head as well as the heart. Participants read Scripture and
the writings of early and modern church leaders. Weekly group discussions
focus on the relation between Scripture, beliefs, and daily living. It is
recommended that participants have completed Disciple I or have significant
Bible study experience. For 2007-08, it
meets on Wednesday mornings from 10-11:30am and the class will be led by Rev. Holly Gotelli.
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Companions in Christ
Companions in Christ is a 28-week small-group journey in spiritual
formation. It is helpful to have a basic foundation in Bible study before
taking Companions in Christ. The Companions curriculum focuses on exploring
spiritual formation as a journey toward wholeness and holiness; meditating
on and praying with Scripture; experiencing different forms of prayer;
studying spiritual gifts and our individual callings; and examining
different ways of giving and receiving spiritual guidance. Companions in
Christ typically begins in the fall, and meets weekly. |
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Disciple Bible Studies
Disciple Bible studies are an extraordinary
opportunity to strengthen your biblical knowledge. These are “heavy-weight”
studies in which participants dig deeply into the Bible. Teachers and students
read the scripture and access a variety of resources that aid in understanding
the context in which the scripture was written. Weekly class sessions include
10 - 12 minute video presentations from renowned theologians and ministers.
Participants are asked to commit to reading
scripture about 20 minutes each day
(approximately 2 hours per week). The studies encourage rich discussion and contemplation of how we should
apply biblical insights to our daily lives. |
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Disciple I Bible Study
The entry point to Disciple Bible studies
is Disciple I. This 34-week study moves through the biblical story from
Creation to the New Jerusalem. During Disciple I, participants read about
70% of the Bible. After completing Disciple I,
participants are invited to consider taking Disciple II, III, or IV
or Christian Believer. After completion of two
Disciple courses participants may also consider taking Disciple IV or Jesus
in the Gospels. For 2007-08, it
meets Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:30pm and the class will be taught by Michelle Brocklesby.
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Disciple II Bible Study
This 32-week study of
Genesis, Exodus, Luke, and Acts focuses on how scripture informs ministry.
The daily reading assignments are shorter than Disciple I. Scripture is
examined in greater detail. More reference materials are are used to
assist in deeper study of scripture. (This class is not offered every year.) |
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Disciple III Bible Study
This is a 32-week study of
the Old Testament Prophets and the Writings of Paul. The first 16 weeks
concentrates on the books of the prophets and the second 16 weeks on Paul's
letters. It emphasizes identity as a people of God, repentance, and
community.
(This class is not offered every year.)
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Disciple IV Bible Study
This is a 32-week
study that focuses on Old Testament writings that
are not in the Torah or the Prophets (Ruth, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra,
Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon,
Lamentations, and Daniel) and the Gospel of John; 1st, 2nd, and 3rd John;
James, Jude and Revelation in the New Testament. Disciple IV emphasizes the
ideas of being tested and refined, of moving toward fulfillment and
completion. (This class is not offered every year.)
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2007-2008 Disciple
Bible Study Schedule
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Disciple I Wednesday 6:30 - 8:30pm
Beginning September 19
Led by Michelle Brocklesby |
Jesus & the Gospels Sunday 4 - 6pm
Beginning September 16
Led by Mike Hamilton
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Jesus in the Gospels Study
This is a 30-week study that is offered
annually with new groups typically starting in August.
It offers the opportunity for extensive study and reflection on the
four Gospels. Participants explore varying
portraits of Jesus: his complexity, his divinity, and his humanity.
This study is part of the DISCIPLE Second Generation series.
While distinct in format and approach, this Bible study builds on the
foundation and ideals that shape earlier DISCIPLE studies including an
emphasis on community building and transformation. For 2007-2008, this class is being led by Mike Hamilton on Sundays from 4-6pm. (This class is not offered every year.)
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