Page 4 - September Newsletter

Wednesdays really happen? Was King David a historical Teacher: Rev. Becky Albright

Have A New figure? Why is Matthew’s account of the When: Mondays at 10:00 am
birth of Jesus different from Luke’s version?
Description: Dr. J. Ellsworth Kalas is a for-
Look! The author of this book knows for some mer president of Asbury Theological Semi-
people the Bible is too large to swallow nary. A pastor, teacher, and associate in
whole – yet too important in our culture evangelism with the World Methodist
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Sept. 20 and our history to spit out. The book guar- Council. More than 35 of his books have
antees interesting discussions. been published, as well as 13 adult studies.
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Oct. 11 He authored Christian Believer, an intensive
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Nov. 8 ASK (Adults Seeking Knowledge): study of Christian doctrine produced for
Who: Adults who have questions about interdenominational use.
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Dec. 13 how to practice our evolving faith in the Women such as Elizabeth, Mary, Dorcas
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21 Century.
and Mary Magdalene are explored and Kal-
Book Study: “A New Kind of Christianity:
Join us on the second Ten Questions that are transforming the as examines the scriptures to see what we
Wednesday of each month Faith” by Brian D. McLaren. can learn about these women, what we can
for dinner at 5:30 and pro- Facilitator: Dr. Page Miller learn from them and how each woman fits
gram at 6:15. Come on Sep- Description: Time magazine refers to into—as well as shapes—the New Testa-
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tember 13 and find out McLaren as "the elder statesman of a ment story. A discussion guide is included.
about the Youth Mission trip movement called the emerging church." Please email Rev. Albright at
to Charlotte from the partici- The format of ten questions gives the book beckya.fpc@gmail.com if you plan to
pants. Bring the entire fam- a natural structure for conversation and attend.
ily and enjoy dinner, fellow- lively discussion. Fear of the Other: No Fear in Love ~ A Con-
ship and program! versation about how Christians approach
Adults $5 Children $2.50 Fellowship Class: differences *begins Oct. 4
Who: Young(ish) Adults who wish to con-
***Other Wednesdays*** nect and support each other as we grow in Who: Adults who are looking for a path to
No meal provided, but you are encouraged faith. understand people who are different than
to bring something to eat during class. themselves and prepared to be challenged
Study: The Book of Exodus
and stretched, as well as uncomfortable
Facilitator: Dr. Patrick Perryman
SUNDAYS: ADULT CLASSES Description: Join this class where we will and irritated, and hopefully perhaps
Classes begin Sunday, Sept. 24 at 9:45! move beyond our childhood understand- changed.
Study: Fear of the Other: No Fear in Love
ings of Moses, Pharaoh, the Ten Command-
Melting Pot Class: by Will Willimon.
Who: Both long-standing members, as ments, and the stories of the Israelites en- Teacher: Dr. Patrick Perryman
well as seasoned adults new to our slaved in Egypt. We will learn about good When: Wednesdays 5:30-7:00 pm
leadership, human nature and how God
church and community interested in Description: In this no-nonsense book, Will
welcomes and expects us to be authentic
growing together using Bible-based stud- Willimon—retired professor of Christian
and engaged enough to push and pull for
ies. ministry at Duke University for 20 years, as
Study: Feasting on the Word true transformation. well as Dean of Duke Chapel and former
Teachers: Allie Guile Choir Class: UMC Bishop of North Alabama—invites us
Description: Journey with this class Who: Choir members and others welcome to consider the gospel command to love
through selected scriptures of the lec- Study: Daily Devotions by Father Richard (and not merely tolerate) those considered
tionary. This curriculum begins with a Rohr to be “Other” or outside mainstream Chris-
solid scriptural and theological base for Facilitator: Nan Krueger tian culture.
participants into the rhythm of the lec- Description: Drawing from his own Francis- Emphasizing biblical teaching to receive
tionary year. This innovative resource can heritage and other wisdom traditions, Others for who they are and their differ-
incorporates one scripture text from four Richard Rohr reframes neglected or misun- ences as gifts and mysteries bearing the
perspectives. Come, bring your Bibles and derstood teachings to reveal the founda- grace of God, Willimon also offers a strong
join in the discussion! tions of contemplative Christianity and the critique of the privileged who all too often
universe itself: God as loving relationship. rush to speak of reconciliation and evade
Discussion Class on Life-Issues:
the injustice of huge inequalities faced by
Who: Adults who wish to make sense of WEEKDAY: ADULT CLASSES foreigners and strangers - as well as the
the Bible. antagonism the stranger experiences. Root-
Book Study: “The Bible for Grown-Ups: A Classes begin the week of Sept. 25th ed in the New Testament, Willimon invites
New Look at the Good Book” by Simon Women of the Bible: us to remember the God who comes to us
Loveday Who: Adults interested in a study and live- again and again through so-called outsid-
Facilitator: Wayne Heath ly discussion looking into the lives of 11 ers, strangers, immigrants, and those with-
Description: An exploration of the Bible different women of the Bible. out status. Beyond welcome, Christians
through provocative questions such as: Study: Strong was Her Faith: Women of must become “other” to the world, shaking
Why do the creations stories in Genesis the New Testament
contradict each other? Did the Exodus
4