Bible Study at MDUMC
A variety of learning opportunities are available through Bible and other studies that are intended to help participants grow in the knowledge and love of God. Long-term studies begin in the fall, but short-term studies are offered year-round. There are studies that are just for men or women, and studies for parents. The popular Disciple Bible Studies are offered each year. Some studies which have been held in the past include Companions in Christ, Listening for God, "What's So Amazing about Grace " by Phillip Yancey, Beginnings: An Introduction to the Christian Faith, Living the Heart of Christianity and a study on discovering your spiritual gifts.
Christian Education: Short-term Bible and Spiritual Formation Studies
Galatians
Day: Tuesdays in the Scout Hut
Time: 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Begins: January 3 (8 weeks)
Leader: Dr. Rick Goodrich
Cost: None, childcare available by reservation
Contact Judy Brewer, ext. 134 or judybrewer@mdumc.org
My Spiritual Journey
“…in spiritual practice all religions are connected. They all recommend inner transformation of our stream of consciousness, which will make us better, more devout people.” My Spiritual Journey, Dalai Lama. We will look at Buddhism to come to grips with the idea expressed in the above quote and will look primarily at the book, My Spiritual Journey, by the Dalai Lama. We will supplement this with basic knowledge about Buddhism so that we can better understand where he is coming from. Our primary goal, though, is to examine our spiritual journey, and to see if the ideas of other religions can help is in this journey.
Day: Thursdays in D217
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Begins: January 12 (7 weeks)
Leader: John Bobbitt
Cost: About $15 for the book—class members are asked to order a book online, childcare available by reservation
Contact: Judy Brewer, ext. 134 or judybrewer@mdumc.org
Why? Making Sense of God’s Will
If God is all powerful, and if each one of us is a beloved child of God, then how can God allow tragedy and suffering to infest his creation? Author Rev. Adam Hamilton brings fresh insight to the age-old question of how to understand the will of God. Rejecting simplistic answers and unexamined assumptions, Hamilton addresses how we can comprehend God’s plan for the world and ourselves.
Day: Thursdays in D219
Time: 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Begins: January 19 (4 weeks)
Leader: Vicky Harris
Cost: $8, childcare available by reservation
Contact: Judy Brewer, ext. 134 or judybrewer@mdumc.org
Parables and Passion: Jesus' Stories for the Days of Lent
Lent offers a time to reflect on how we live compared with God's expectations. Our best example is to study how Jesus lived and taught in the presence of God. Jesus' parables give access to the holy through the ordinary and in these parables we will discover new insights about the passion story and about our own faith journey.
Wednesdays, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. in D218 OR Thursdays, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. in D216
February 22 (6 weeks), $12 OR February 23 (6 weeks), $12
Leader: Helen Williams
Contact Judy Brewer at judybrewer@mdumc.org
The Prophets – Yes, all 17 of ‘em
This class is a review of the prophetic writings, Isaiah through Malachi, covering the writers, the settings, the messages and their place in the Holy Scriptures.
Sundays, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in D219 OR Thursdays, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. in D216
February 26 (8 weeks) or March 1 (8 weeks), No Cost
Leader: Garland Smith
Contact Judy Brewer at judybrewer@mdumc.org
Contemporary Theology Class ~ The Challenge of Jesus
We will focus on the death and resurrection of Jesus with a 15-18-minute DVD lecture by the renowned historical Jesus scholar, John Dominic Crossan. The background of the presentation will be scenes from the referenced sites, including historical ruins and pictures of museum relics.
Sundays, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. in D219
February 26 (6 weeks), $10
Leader: Maggie Parker
Contact Judy Brewer at judybrewer@mdumc.org
Earth Ministry: A Call to Faith and Action
Discover a new spiritual perspective on the natural world that leads to deeper harmony with our Creator, our fellow humans and the interconnected web of Creation. The class uses a compelling blend of theological, scriptural and cultural discussions to awaken a greater reverence for and commitment to care for the earthly home that God entrusted to us. Learn a Christian approach to one of the most pressing issues of our time.
Mondays, 7:00 - 8:30 pm in D127
February 27 (6 weeks), $10
Leader: Corinne Maddox, cmaddox@maddoxgroup.com, 713-806-8397
Contact Judy Brewer at judybrewer@mdumc.org
The Passion Story in the Scriptures
In a study of the Passion Story from the Old Testament, the Epistles & Revelations, and the Gospels, we will look at how each of the different sources views the Passion Story (Palm Sunday to Easter).
Tuesdays, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. in the Scout Hut
February 28 (5 weeks), No Cost
Leader: Dr. Rick Goodrich
Contact Judy Brewer at judybrewer@mdumc.org
Listening for God
“Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” The path we follow can have unexpected twists and turns. As much as we try to move in the right direction, Christians often make mistakes. Join us as we explore Adam Hamilton’s “When Christians Get It Wrong.”
Tuesdays, 2:30 - 4:00 p.m. in D126
February 28 (6 weeks), $14
Leader: Rev. Susan Wiley
Contact Judy Brewer at judybrewer@mdumc.org
The Way of Scripture
Christians serious about venturing into greater spiritual depths with God's Word will welcome this study of the ancient, time-tested practice of praying the Scriptures. This journey encourages us to receive what God desires to share with the ultimate goal to bring us into a continual transforming encounter with God.
Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. in D218
February 28 (7 weeks), $12
Leader: Dave Harris
Contact Judy Brewer at judybrewer@mdumc.org
In the Dust of the Rabbi
How do you become a disciple? By walking in the dust of the Rabbi of course!
Listen to his word and follow the example he sets as you walk in his steps.
Come travel with us on this journey to the ancient world of Jesus and the Disciples.
Wednesdays, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. in A201
February 29 (6 weeks) $10
Leader: Ruth Donaho
Contact Judy Brewer at judybrewer@mdumc.org
The Lord’s Prayer
Approaching the Lord’s Prayer as an invitation to true discipleship, we will discover new depths of our own souls as we allow Jesus to teach us to pray. The daily readings invite us to enter into the Lord’s Prayer at a personal level as we share the journey with others in our group meetings.
Thursdays, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. in D219
March 1 (6 weeks), $12
Leader: Vicky Harris
Contact Judy Brewer at judybrewer@mdumc.org
Christian Education: Long-term Bible and Spiritual Formation Studies
Jesus in the Gospels (Grow, Witness)
JESUS IN THE GOSPELS invites believers to look at Jesus in each of the four Gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John - and ask the question, "Who is the Jesus that you see " This study will deepen discipleship through better understanding of the biblical texts, their message, the way each Gospel writer presents events and teachings, and the picture of Jesus that emerges.
Day: Wednesdays in A201
Time: 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Begins: August 24 (31 weeks)
Leader: Rev. Daniel Irving
Cost: $42
Contact: Rev. Daniel Irving at danielirving@mdumc.org or Judy Brewer, ext. 134 or judybrewer@mdumc.org
Disciple I (Grow, Witness)
BECOMING DISCIPLES THROUGH BIBLE STUDY is the foundation of the DISCIPLE Bible Study program and assumes that the Bible is the key to renewal in the church. This study gives equal time to both the Old and New Testament and aims at transformation by being changed by God’s Word. It uses biblical language and images and draws upon the work of scholars to aid understanding of the Bible. With reading large portions of Scripture each week, we will move through the biblical stories of Creation to the New Jerusalem and follow the chronological movement of the biblical story.
Day: Mondays in D221
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Begins: September 19 (35 weeks)
Leader: Ellen Lee
Cost: $37, childcare available by reservation
Contact: Judy Brewer, ext. 134 or judybrewer@mdumc.org
Listening for God (Grow, Witness)
Short stories, essays, and relevant movies are the source of lively discussion as this class listens for the many ways in which God speaks through the experiences of everyday life. The class will read alternate selections from each of two books: When Christians Get it Wrong by Adam Hamilton and 2011 The Best Spiritual Writing, edited by Philip Zaleski.
Day: Tuesdays in D126
Time: 2:30 - 4:00 p.m.
Begins: September 13 through May 15
Leader: Rev. Susan Wiley
Cost: none, class members are asked to order a new or used copy of each online or at a local bookstore, childcare available by reservation
Contact: Judy Brewer, ext. 134 or judybrewer@mdumc.org
Special Interest
Cokesbury Bookstore Devotional Book Sale
Purchase selected devotional books to use for your Lenten reading.
Sundays, 9:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. in Friendship Court (at the Adult Education Table)
February 5, 12, 19
Contact Vicky Harris at vickyharris@mdumc.org
Labyrinth Worship ?
Too busy to pray Do you need some quiet time Do you need time to listen to God For many of us, the labyrinth is a powerful walking path for reflection, meditation, and a deeper knowledge of God. Someone will be there to give directions and answer any questions you might have. Come, walk!?Sundays in the Gym - January 15 February 12?8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. walk anytime and feel free to bring others with you ?No Charge
Contact Vicky Harris, ext. 129 or vickyharris@mdumc.org. ?
Walk the Labyrinth and Give the Gift of Shoes
Too busy to pray? Do you need some quiet time? For many of us, the labyrinth is a powerful walking path for reflection, meditation, and a deeper knowledge of God. Come, walk! Someone will be there to give directions and answer any questions you might have.
We'll line the labyrinth with men's, women's and children's new & gently-used shoes to be distributed to St. John’s UMC Daybreak Center and Mission of Yahweh. As you walk, remember our neighbors who are homeless and on the streets this spring and summer. Please bring your donated footwear with you on March 18. For more information on the shoe collection, please contact Kristy Elmore at kristyelmore@mdumc.org.
Sunday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the Gym
March 18, No Cost
Contact Vicky Harris at vickyharris@mdumc.org
Walk to Emmaus
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!
Men’s Walk is March 22-25 ~ Women’s Walk is March 29 – April 1.
Contact Anita Jacobs, Emmaus Council Chair at ahjacobs2@msn.com or
Contact Vicky Harris at vickyharris@mdumc.org
Holy Week 12-Hour Prayer Vigil & Labyrinth Walk
Join us as we pray for our world, our community, our families, and ourselves during our 12-hour prayer vigil. We will also create a “food” labyrinth on the labyrinth canvas. Please bring non-perishable food items and place them on the path of the labyrinth as you walk. If you have never walked a labyrinth, this is a great time to experience the gift of the experience. Labyrinths are designed to bring rest, order, comfort, and harmony to the mind. Food donations will be collected and sent to help support the ministries at St. Andrew’s UMC’s food pantry. For more information about the food collection, please contact Kristy Elmore at kristyelmore@mdumc.org
Maundy Thursday, April 5, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. in Wesley Hall
Contact Vicky Harris at vickyharris@mdumc.org
Earth Ministry Team Mobilizing
Do you have a passion for God’s Creation and want to make a difference? Join us in developing a team with a shared commitment to cherish and care for God’s good Earth. Discover nature as a path that leads to deeper harmony with our Creator, and help us promote ways of living out those values in our personal lives, our church and our society.
Contact Corinne Maddox at cmaddox@maddoxgroup.com, 713-806-8397 or
Contact Vicky Harris at vickyharris@mdumc.org
Fasting
Lent offers us the opportunity to glorify God by denying our own needs in order to enhance our spirit and deepen our prayer life. By fasting we take the focus off of ourselves and redirect it toward God, the true sustainer of life. Christian fasting, however, is more than denying ourselves food or some other satisfaction; it is a sacrificial lifestyle before God. According to Isaiah, it is comprised of servant ministry to others. It encourages humility, loosens the chains of injustice, frees the oppressed, feeds the hungry, provides for the poor, and clothes the naked. In serving others, we deny ourselves.
During Lent, consider: Skipping a meal once a day and giving the cost of that meal to someone in need; using your voice to speak for those who have no voice; sharing some of your time and resources with those in need. In any of these situations, recognize that you are drawing closer to God by allowing God to expand your spirit.
Journal
Keeping a journal is a gift we give to ourselves as well as those for whom we care. When we write about life challenges, both past and present, we gain clarity in our relationships with God, ourselves, and others. We begin to see patterns of how we act, relate, and think. By reading and re-reading what we’ve written, we begin to see the choices we have made and how we have changed. We see evidence of God’s work in our lives, as well as times when we have refused to let God act. Our own reflections can remind us of our inner beauty as well as humble us as we acknowledge our shortcomings.
During this Lenten season keep a journal that is a dialogue with God. Tell God what you think, feel, and need. Imagine and write down what God might say to you in response, recognizing that God loves you and wants what’s best for you. Record any other thoughts that come to mind as you look toward Easter and its meaning in your life.
Practice a Daily Examen
So that you might draw closer to Christ during this season of Lent, you are invited to complete a daily examen. Find a few quite moments in the evening (perhaps in bed before you fall asleep) and consider your day by reflecting on the following:
1. Celebrate and give thanks for the day.
2. Pray for God’s illumination.
3. Examine the events and encounters of the day.
4. Sift through the joys and sorrows, struggles, and delights, asking God for needed grace.
5. Rest in God’s amazing grace and live in hope for the new day to come!
Read The Upper Room Daily Devotional – go to www.mdumc.org
Read Alive Now Devotional Book ~ order from www.upperroom.org
Read the Pocket Guide to Prayer Book ~ order at www.cokesbury.com
Read the Upper Room Disciplines 2012 Devotional Book ~ order from www.upperroom.org or www.cokesbury.com
Sit with the Labyrinth for 1½ hours one Sunday a Month to Explain the Labyrinth to New Walkers
Contact Vicky Harris at vickyharris@mdumc.org
The Gold Standard Class
Since 2004, these classes have been offered annually with 114 people completing the course-of-study. This course is to inform, enrich and challenge those who are interested in teaching, or in becoming better teachers, for Adult Classes on Sunday morning or throughout the week. Upon completion of the 8-hour course, each participant is presented with a gold-banded church name badge, and identified as a graduate of the course in the official Adult Class Teachers’ List.
NEW for 2012 is to offer this instruction on a 1-on-1 tutoring format. If you are interested, a flexible schedule can be set up for you to emerge better equipped to join the teaching elite! No Cost.
Contact Maggie Parker at maggieparker1@comcast.net or at 713-465-6006 or Contact Vicky Harris at vickyharris@mdumc.org
Walk to Emmaus – Work a Walk this Year
Contact Vicky Harris at vickyharris@mdumc.org