| Small Groups & Bible Studies |
Adult Ministries & Small Groups
Life Long Learning Opportunities at Grace Fall 2011 Serendipity Meets Sunday morning during the Sunday School hour Wesley Room Led by Tony Buscemi and others The Serendipity Adult Bible Study class meets each Sunday in the Wesley Room for an hour beginning at 9:15. This 13 week class will lead us along the path of wisdom, through Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, the Song of Solomon and culminating In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. "Wisdom Literature" is different from the Old Testament prophets in that the wisdom authors did not address legal and religious obligations but instead, aimed to uncover some of the lessons a wise person would have learned about life in general and how life should be lived. Please join is to learn the ways of wise creatures in an artistic and often poetic way that links practical know how with a moral sensibility. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6 For more information, contact Tony at Tony.Buscemi@securitasinc.com. Deep and Wide Meets Sunday mornings 9:15 to 10:30ish Susanna Wesley house (next door to GUMC on Walker Avenue) Led by various class members This fall we will begin a study of The Devine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard. "Gracefully weaving biblical teaching, popular culture, science, scholarship, and spiritual practice into one cohesive group study, Willard shows Christians everywhere the necessity of making profound changes in how we view our lives and live out our faith. This video-based group study masterfully captures the core of Christ's teachings in a fresh, relevant light, revealing a revolutionary way to experience God … by knowing Him as an essential part of the here and now, rather than only as a part of the hereafter. Based on the Sermon on the Mount, the author calls Christians into a more authentic faith and then offers a practical plan by which we can answer the call." Our class includes film, discussion, fellowship, and food during the Sunday School hour. We love to see new faces. Please give us a try this fall! For info contact Eydie Searles at searles@starpower.net or 301-990-0110. Exploring the Good News Class Meets Sunday morning during the Sunday School hour Walker Building Room 205. Dick Rhorer, Class Coordinator 301-869-9434 The Exploring the Good News will continue to study theology, church beliefs, and Bible related topics that advance our understanding. The class is open to all. Some folks might judge some of our past topics to be on the side of liberal theology (but then others might think we are conservative). Our aim is to explore a variety of topics, so we understand that participation may vary depending on our current study book. We seek to be a study class, not to be a support group, so it is perfectly acceptable to join us, or not, depending on whether you are interested in our current study book. During September we will be finishing a very interesting book—a "hot" current topic—related to what people believe about God’s wrath and judgment. In October we will start a new study of a current book, Speaking Christian by Marcus Borg , which will continue through December 18th. The class will not meet Christmas Day or New Year’s Day, but will begin with another study on January 8, 2012. Our teacher is Dr. Kaz Kawata. Every Sunday Kaz brings to us very interesting information in addition to the week’s study for the chapter. Kaz has extensive experience from his years of serving as a missionary in India and a professor at Johns Hopkins. In addition, he has a wealth of knowledge, as well as many personal experiences that he draws on when preparing each week’s lesson. Would You Like More Authentic, Healthier Relationships? Meets Sunday morning during the Sunday School hour, starting September 18th Walker 210 Led by Joyce Derby Join us this fall for a 13 week course devoted to helping you develop more satisfying relationships. We’ll be looking at scripture for insights into how to establish trust, develop intimacy, promote change, and extend forgiveness. All adults are welcome to this potentially life and relationship changing study. To register or find out more about it contact Joyce Derby at joyce.derby@verizon.net. Growing Together in Christ A six-week study for married couples Starts October 2nd during the Sunday school hour Led by Brittany Gillen and Robin Smithgall Shared faith is stronger faith. In marriage, the spiritual connection is as essential as the physical and emotional. Couples who share in each others' spiritual development have discovered a key ingredient of true intimacy. But how does a couple really grow together in faith? Is there more to it than going to church as a family or saying a prayer before dinner? This study will take you through a series of small-group discussions where you and your friends will learn about: • The power of prayer in marriage • What it means to follow Christ together as a couple • Having a spiritual influence on other families Growing Together in Christ will help you pursue God together and increase the power of your personal faith through the partnership of marriage. For more information contact Robin at cupupj@aol.com. Simply Christian-Why Christianity Makes Sense Meeting Sunday mornings at 9:30am, beginning October 9th Walker Room 209 Led by Bev Payne and Jim Akin Join us in studying Simply Christian by Anglican Bishop Tom Wright. He walks us through the Christian faith step-by-step and question by question, leaving us with a reason for renewed faith. We will examine and discuss what the Bible and Christianity have to say about topics such as justice, spirituality, and relationships. Discussion will focus on what it looks like in practice to follow Jesus, and to be energized by the Holy Spirit. For anyone who wants to travel beyond the controversies that can obscure what the Christian faith really stands for, this study may be the perfect vehicle for that journey. Video segments by Bishop Wright will be used to explain the session’s concepts and topics. The study book and a workbook, with lots of questions to stimulate discussion, are available for each participant. For more info, contact Bev at payne4715@comcast.net. Tea and Scones; Fellowship and Study Meeting weekly, a weekday morning to be determined Led by Laura Hall Freeburn A weekday Bible study ideal for stay-at-home parents, complete with childcare, and also for anyone else looking for daytime fellowship. The study will be in a morning once a week and will include a Bible lesson and, of course, teas, scones and fellowship! Questions? Contact Laura at lauranhall@yahoo.com. Disciple Bible Study Meeting weekly at a day and time to be determined. Led by Rich Roberts and Vickie DiSanto Disciple Bible Study is a 34-week study focused on the fundamentals of Bible study from the perspective of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. Each week includes daily Bible reading and small-group interaction during a weekly meeting of about 2 hours in length. Disciple is perfect for any level of Biblical knowledge, and is a fantastic way to connect and build relationships with your family here at Grace. Childcare is provided. Participants can expect to benefit from greater knowledge of God's Word, prayer, and fellowship. Disciple is fun! Come join us! To learn more, please reach out to Rich Roberts at (703) 463-7482 or by email at: RichRoberts1971@netscape.net. Man to Man Meets Tuesdays from 7:30-8:45pm Parlor Led by Mark Derby A small group for men will begin a new study focusing on Real Life Discipleship. Please join us and grow in your faith and faithfulness. Need more info, contact Mark at maderby@graceumc.org. The Good and Beautiful Life Is Possible! A small, small group meeting weekly (day of the week and time to be determined by the group) Looking to begin in October Led by Eydie Searles You must work out your own salvation in fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you, inspiring both the will and the deed, for his own chosen purpose." Phil 2:12 &13 " The abundance of God to our lives, our families, and our ministries is not passively received or imposed and does not happen to us by chance. It is claimed and put into action by our active, intellectual pursuit of it." Dallas Willard, The Great Omission ISO (in search of) a couple of disciple-wannabes who'd like to form a small group to study the trilogy of books by James Bryan Smith, designed to be a life transforming, year-long adventure. The weekly meetings would include the disciplines of study, journaling, reflection, prayer, service, fellowship and accountability. Ideally, I'm looking for 2-5 disciples who'd be willing to meet weekly. I'm flexible on the time and place. Please contact me if you're curious. I look forward to launching what I know will be a catalyst for transformation (and God glorification) at Grace. Come be a part of it! Eydie Searles @searles@starpower.net or 301-990-0110. Reflective Lenten Study Meeting Sunday mornings 9:15 to 10:30am, during Lent Susanna Wesley House (next door to GUMC on Walker Avenue) Led Mary Moore Payne A Lenten study that incorporates creative reflection, possibly using words or paint or fabric or other media to express truths discovered. Come explore your creative side, while enjoying fellowship and spiritual enlightenment. Questions? Contact Mary Moore at mmpdesigns@comcast.net Childrens and Youth Sunday School
Our Summer Sunday School program is organized and ready to lead you through an exciting journey of faith sharing and faith learning! We have an exciting collection of Sunday School classes for all ages! INFANT & CHILDREN SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES
Youth Sunday School Classes Middle and High School Meet in Walker 202
|