Disciple and Spiritual Formation Opportunities for Adults
Alpha
11 weeks plus a retreat. A course in the basics of the Christian faith which provides a place for people to explore Christianity and discuss questions of faith. People are welcomed from many backgrounds, and hold many different viewpoints, but all come with the same objective: to establish whether Jesus Christ has any real relevance for their lives. Next Alpha runs from Jan. 9 through Mar. 19. Wednesday evenings at 6:30p.m. with a dinner provided at no cost. Location: Room 200. Contact Caren Helms at caren@nc.rr.com.
DISCIPLE Program Overview
Both long-term and short term studies are offered, both of which are a wonderful exploration of the Bible modeled after Jesus and the Twelve Disciples. The overall goal is to train and equip adults and high school youth for a better understanding of the Bible. This in turn helps to strengthen our faith and belief in the living God and transforms our lives to a ministry of service and outreach.
DISCIPLE Short-Term Studies
Eight to eleven week, in-depth Bible studies provide participants with an opportunity for in-depth study that deepens their faith.
Invitation to Genesis
(8 weeks) “In the beginning...” These familiar words open the Book of Genesis and give voice to one of the foundational stories of the entire Old Testament. This short-term DISCIPLE Bible study is an invitation to see Genesis not simply as a story about the beginning (Creation), but as a book about beginnings. From Adam and Eve to Noah to Abraham, Genesis recounts God’s persistence in “starting over” with the chosen people. It is a message both timeless and timely--”for God’s people still seek the assurance that God is always working to make right what went wrong “in the beginning.” Wednesday mornings 10-12 noon beginning September 12 – November 14. Contact Becky Hobbs.
Invitation to Romans
(8 weeks) It is difficult to overstate the importance of Romans in Christian tradition. Some of the great formers and re-formers of church teaching were themselves formed by their reading of Romans. As a result, Paul’s teachings in Romans come to us mediated through the history of the church’s interpretations of his letter.
One of the aims of this eight-week short-term Disciple study is to invite us into conversation around several key themes: (1) Paul’s emphasis on communal salvation; (2) the centrality of God’s righteousness; and (3) the relationship between Jews and Gentiles and the relationship of both to God. Thursday mornings from 9:30-11:30a.m. September 13 – November 15. Contact Alice Kunka.
Invitation to John
(11 weeks) In its wisdom, the early church chose to keep four Gospel accounts of the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Three of these Gospels are very similar to each other in both what they tell about the story of Jesus and how they tell it. However, the Gospel of John stands apart. In it, we find Jesus speaking not in parables but in lengthy discourses. We overhear Jesus talking with Nicodemus, a Samaritan woman, and Mary Magdalene. We marvel at Jesus turning water into wine, calling Lazarus from the tomb, and washing his disciples’ feet. Wednesday mornings beginning in January, 2008. Contact Becky Hobbs.
DISCIPLE Long-Term Studies
The Disciple Long-Term Studies are for those willing to study the Word, committing 40 minutes per day of independent study; attendance and participation in a weekly study session (2 – 2 ½ hours) with others also hungry for the Word of God. Contact Ginny Struss or Alice Kunka.
Disciple I
(34 weeks) This is an opportunity for in-depth study of major parts of the Bible as a learner, believer, follower, proclaimer, servant. It allows you to see and hear Bible scholars, Bible teachers and well-known preachers through video. Involves weekly group conversations, sharing and mutual support. Requires high commitment and promises life-changing results. Beginning in September: Sunday 7-9p.m. Monday 7-9p.m. Thursday 9:30-11:30a.m. Friday 9:30-11:30a.m.
Disciple II: Into the Word and into the World
(32 weeks) Concentration is on four books from both the Old and New Testament – Genesis, Exodus, Luke and Acts with appropriate passages from other parts of the Bible. Disciple I is a prerequisite. Beginning in September: Sunday 7:00 – 9:00p.m. Thursday 9:30 – 11:30a.m.
Disciple III: Remember Who You Are
(32 weeks) Focuses on the prophets and Paul’s letters giving equal attention to the Old Testament and the New Testament. The daily reading assignments draw also on the books of Deuteronomy through Chronicles The prophets and Paul are continually calling their hearers and readers back to their God and to a sense of who they are as a “set apart” people. Disciple I is a prerequisite. Beginning in September: Sunday 4:00-6:00p.m. Tuesday 9:30-11:30p.m. Wednesday 9:30-11:30p.m.
Disciple IV: Under the Tree of Life
(32 weeks) Concentrates on the Writings of the Old Testament, including Ruth, Esther, Job and Psalms and takes in New Testament Scripture, including Revelation.
Disciple I is a prerequisite. Beginning in September: Sunday 7:00-9:00p.m.
Christian Believer: Knowing God with Heart and Mind
(32 weeks) Christian Believer is the study of classical doctrines of the Christian faith and aims at presenting, explaining and interpreting Christian doctrine as the basic teaching of the church to the end that informed believing leads to committed discipleship. Believer emphasizes the relationship of worship, belief and daily life. Disciple I is a prerequisite. Beginning Monday, September 10, 7 - 9p.m. Contact Alice Kunka or Becky Stafford.
Jesus in the Gospels
(30 weeks) (Disciple Second Generation Studies)
Jesus in the Gospels looks more closely at the Gospel texts in lesson layout and design. This study reveals the multifaceted Jesus. The reader is always found looking over the shoulder of the Gospel writer. You will see how each Gospel writer has a distinctive angle of vision regarding Jesus. Disciple I is a prerequisite. Beginning in September: Monday 7:00 – 9:00p.m. Contact Alice Kunka or Ginny Struss.
Companions in Christ
These spiritual formation groups meet weekly to be “formed in” the image of Christ through the practice of the spiritual disciplines (such as journaling, prayer, searching scriptures, etc.). Persons grow in their understanding of the Christian life as a journey toward maturity in Christ. Recent Companions in Christ groups during the summer of 2007 have included The Way of Transforming Discipleship and The Way of Prayer. These and other Companions in Christ groups will continue to be offered to interested participants in 2007-2008. Contact Alice Kunka.
The Way of Blessedness
(10 weeks) Explores the Beatitudes from Matthew 5, Jesus’ teaching from the Sermon on the Mount.
The Way of Forgiveness
(8 weeks) Uses scripture meditation to guide participants through the forgiven and forgiving life.
The Way of Grace
(8 weeks) Based on eight characters from the Gospel of John who discover God’s grace through their encounters with Jesus.
The Way of Prayer
(10 weeks) Explores prayer through music, dance, gazing, silence, or acts of service.
The Way of Transforming Discipleship
(6 weeks) Challenges Christians from the viewpoint of a white South African pastor who has lived through the political changes in that country and experienced with rare vulnerability the spiritual struggles inherent in the processes of truth-telling, reconciliation, deep pain, and poverty. Trevor Hudson brings a message of vital, transforming spirituality through knowing who we are, changing from the inside out, listening to the groans of others, and discovering the deep spirituality of belonging.
Emmaus Community
The Emmaus Community at FUMC-Cary exists to help grow the spiritual leadership of adults at our church. We do this by:
Emmaus is a movement sponsored by the United Methodist Church through the Upper Room ministry. For more information you may contact www.upperroom.org and click Walk to Emmaus. Contact Tim Woody.
Men’s Bible Study - Man in the Mirror
Friday, 6:50 - 8:00a.m. Fellowship Hall. Featuring the webcast of Patrick Morley and the Man in the Mirror team from Winter Park, Florida. Come and enjoy the FUMCC Friday morning bible study. We begin at 6:50a.m. with coffee, donuts, and fellowship. At 7:00a.m. We view the weekly webcast of Patrick Morley from Winter Park, Florida, followed by a provocative discussion of the day’s lesson. We promptly end the study at 8:00a, in plenty of time to begin our day. No registration is required. Contact Andy Smith.
Men’s Bible Study - The Brotherhood of the Three
Monday, 7:00 - 8:30p.m. room 200. The Monday night men’s Bible study uses the Man in the Mirror series as a way to engage every man in America with a credible offer of Christ and with resources to grow. No registration is required. Contact Sam Hayes.
MorningStar Coffee Klatch
The MorningStar Coffee Klatch is a four-week, small group program offering newcomers to FUMCC an opportunity to gather on Sunday mornings to meet others and talk about their spiritual journey. Espresso, lattes and treats are served! The schedule is as follows from 9:45-10:45a.m. on the following Sundays:
Location: Room 211. Contact Alice Kunka or Debbie Andrews.
New Member Class (1 session)
Persons who are interested in deepening their relationship with Jesus Christ through membership at First United Methodist Church Cary are invited to attend a New Member Class. Our Membership Orientation Classes are offered on a monthly basis, usually listed in the Sunday bulletin. Classes will begin at 11:15a.m. on Sundays and light refreshments will be provided. Childcare is available with a one week advance notice. Location: Monthly in room 200. See bulletin or website for next class. Contact Debbie Andrews.
Nooma
NOOMA is a small group for young adults that will meet weekly to view and discuss the NOOMA videos of Rob Bell, which touch on a variety of faith issues that young adults care about, and want to talk about. Sunday evenings beginning September 9. To learn more about the NOOMA videos, go to www.nooma.com. Contact Jason Darden.
Small Groups during Lent
For the past several years FUMCC has encouraged the whole congregation to become involved in a small group during Lent for worship, prayer, Bible study, fellowship and support. Small groups can meet in homes, at the church or in a restaurant or coffee shop. Many groups continue to meet after Lent and multiply to form other new groups throughout the year. Lent in 2008: February 6 – March 23. Contact William Green or Alice Kunka.
UMQ&A (United Methodist Questions and Answers)
A twelve session class based on the book United Methodist Questions, United Methodist Answers by Belton Joyner, in which participants learn about and discuss the FAQs about Methodism. Especially suited for those who are new to Methodist, for those who have completed Alpha or Disciple I and for those who just have lots of questions. Expectations: We are aware that most of you cannot attend every class session during the summer, so the class is designed in self-contained units. Come as often as you can! Time/date/place: 7:00p.m. the last Wednesday of May through the third Wednesday of August in room 231. (Optional gathering time for finger food and fellowship at 6:30p.m.) Contact Rev. Rick Wilkerson, facilitator.
The Walk to Emmaus
A highly-structured weekend for adults of all ages designed to strengthen and renew the faith of Christian people, and through them their families, congregations and the world in which they live. Discussions of how grace is real in one’s life and how one can live in the life of grace, bringing grace to others. The walk is a 72-hour experience in Christian community in which pilgrims learn to grow in God’s grace. There are seven walks a year. Persons must have a sponsor to attend a walk and meet walk requirements. Contact William Green or Alice Kunka.