Adult Sunday School Classes
The Present Word seeks to facilitate mastery of Bible content, understanding of the Bible in relation to life experiences and a greater awareness of God’s self-disclosure. The study for the fall quarter focuses on the nature of God as the first person on the Trinity. Its three units look at Old Testament texts from the Exodus narrative and from the poetry of Psalms. The facilitators of each week’s study are those who regularly attend the class and volunteer to lead. Books are available in the church office. The class meets in the upper wing in room 101.
In Making Sense of Scripture, David Lose invites the reader to engage in a conversation, one that he imagines discussing around his kitchen table, about seven major questions of the Bible: What is the Bible? Is the Bible true? How is the Bible the Word of God? Where did the Bible come from? How can I read the Bible with greater understanding? Is there a center to Scripture? What kind of authority does the Bible hold? More than a standard biblical reference book, Making Sense of Scripture is a dialogue that encourages readers to bring their questions or doubts to the table when reading Scripture. During this conversation, there are different opportunities for the reader to interact with the Bible, ultimately leaving room for personal transformation of the heart and mind. Each session includes a brief DVD conversation starter. This class is led by Scott Hookey. Although it isn’t necessary, those who like a copy of the book may purchase one. The class meets in the fellowship hall.
The Through the Bible class continues to study the books of the Bible from beginning to end. Led by Larry Tyler, the class discusses the different aspects of the reading historically as well as how it applies in our lives today. The class is currently reading through Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. Bring your favorite translation of the Bible. The class meets in the pastor’s outer office/library.
The Women’s Sunday School Class will use the book Having a Mary Spirit: Allowing God to Change Us From the Inside Out, by Joanna Weaver, who also wrote bestselling title, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World. This class is led by those who regularly attend the class and volunteer to lead. Books are available in the church office. The class will meet in the lower wing room 111 near the fellowship hall. From a review of Having a Mary Spirit:
“According to Weaver, a six-month writing sabbatical morphed into six years while two children grew up, a third was born, church-building projects loomed large, relational miscommunications snowballed and inner chaos reigned. She admits that the tugs between flesh and spirit took their toll on her flagship message for Christian women to achieve life balance between the soulfully serene "Mary" and perfectionist "Martha." Weaver spends 16 delightfully entertaining and spiritually hefty chapters challenging and entreating women to allow God entrance to the heart’s inner places for a "soul-surgery" of sorts. She discusses guarding one’s heart from distractions and cynicism; bringing thoughts under control; honing a fearless, courageous attitude; and learning to adopt a discerning, malleable and servant-minded spirit. Weaver’s insight is keen and far-reaching, patient and practical. Clearly, the substance of this material is neither new or unique, yet Weaver has a way of approaching even well-worn subject matter with a neighborliness that both charms and enthralls.”
