Centenary UMC
Sunday, May 26, 2013
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Small GroupsLet's Journey Together...
Spring 2013 Small Group Options
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SEMESTER-LONG GROUPS
Bible Study: Nine Key Truths in Genesis (18 / 18) [THIS GROUP IS FULL]
Why was Genesis placed first in the Old Testament canon? Is it the oldest book in the Bible? Who wrote it? Why are there two creation accounts? In short, what are the 9 key truths we need to know about Genesis? Dr. Mark King will lead this nine week small group study focusing on the various key components of Genesis and their importance/relevance to our Christian faith. This 9-week study begins:
Thursday, January 3 (12:00-1:30pm) / Dr. Mark King, facilitator
 Disciple Bible Study I (new “bite-size” schedule!) (5 / 15)For years, Disciple Bible Study has been a staple for Centenary’s small groups. However, the 34-week commitment has been daunting for many. But now, seasoned Disciple facilitator Nancy Cannon, will be offering the same great material in bite-sized pieces. From the Creation in Genesis to settling the Promised Land in Joshua and Judges, you will cover the first half of the Old Testament in nine weeks. The second half of the Old Testament will be offered in fall 2013. This Bible study feeds our hunger for God’s word, develops a sense of fellowship in the group, and establishes a firm foundation for scriptural knowledge that will impact all parts of your life. This 9-week group begins:
Tuesday, January 8 (9:30-11:30 am) Nancy Cannon, facilitator
Bible Study: Women of the Old Testament (10 / 10) [THIS GROUP IS FULL]
Using A Faith of Her Own: Women of the Old Testament by J. Ellsworth Kalas, we will learn from the lives and experience of women crucial to the story of Scripture. We will look into the biblical story to learn about them and from them, including their defining characteristics, how they fit into as well as shaped the Old Testament story, and how their stories of strength, courage, perseverance, and faith have shaped our lives as believers today. Come rediscover such ladies as Eve, Sarah, Rebecca, Deborah, Ruth, Esther, and more. This 8-week study begins.
Wednesday, January 9 (9:30-11:00am) / Helen Barnhardt, facilitator
 Bible Study: Exodus (4 / 15)
They first moved to Egypt as honored guests, but left as despised slaves, pursued by Pharaoh’s army. The Israelites set out on a great exodus from Egypt to Canaan, but their journey took a dramatic detour as they spent forty years wandering in the wilderness. The reasons for the Exodus events are important for every Christian in order to understand why Jesus was the Messiah, our Savior. We will begin with God’s calling of Moses, receiving the Ten Commandments, and conclude with Moses’ death. Along the way we will also meet Aaron, Caleb, and others, as we consider doctrinal themes, such as “In God’s Service” and “Justice versus Mercy.” This 7-week study begins:
Wednesday, January 9 (10:00-11:30am) / Kathy Battle, facilitator
 Too Busy Not to Pray (10 / 10) [THIS GROUP IS FULL]
What is your prayer relationship with God? Are you close friends or casual acquaintances? Do you two talk often? True prayer—prayer that changes us and allows us to participate in God’s work in the world—can’t happen on the fly. This classic study by Bill Hybels offers practical, time-tested ideas on taking the time to hear from God, broadening our vision for what our eternal, powerful God does when his people slow down to pray. We will come to understand our prayer habits while developing a relationship with God and the benefits we will receive. This 7-week study begins: Tuesday, January 15 (9:30-11:00am) / Sue Stephens, facilitator
Dream Interpretation (3 / 15)
 Come develop a deeper understanding of the theology and significance of Dream Interpretation for spiritual growth. We will learn about the importance of dreams in the Bible, apply current dream analysis theories, and use them for our own spiritual and emotional growth. Exercises will enhance dream interpretation as we benefit from group discussion and sharing of dreams. All participation is voluntary and Dr. Nations’ intention is for this to be educational and uplifting. This 5-week study begins on:
Thursday, February 21 (6:30-8:00pm) / Dr. Bob Nations, facilitator
 Bible Study: The Life of Jesus (1 / 15)
We will study the four accounts of Jesus Christ’s life and ministry: the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Our goal is to gain a big-picture understanding of key events—Jesus’ miraculous birth, ministry, teachings, crucifixion and resurrection—yet also see how each Gospel evangelist chose to emphasize particular themes for his reading audience. This 12-week study begins:
Wednesday, February 27 (10:00-11:30am) / Kathy Battle, facilitator
 Dinner for Eight
In this social small group enjoy great food, fellowship, and make new friends (open to Centenary members and non-members alike). Groups meet once a month from January – April. Choose between a group that rotates home-hosting, a restaurant group, or a Sunday brunch group who go out to eat after worship. Registration Cards and drop boxes are located at the Coffee Station in the 4½ Street Reception Narthex, at the Information Center in the Sanctuary Narthex, and in Glad Tidings Books & Gifts.
YEAR-LONG GROUPS
 Disciple III: Remembering Who You Are (10 / 15)
[Continuation of the Fall Group]
By singling out the Old Testament Prophets and the Letters of Paul for closer scrutiny, this study examines what it means to be the people of God. This 32-week study group will be begin on Wednesday, September 5th, 9:30-11:00am.
Wednesday, September 5 (9:30-11:30 am) / Morris Marley, facilitator
 Disciple IV: Under the Tree of Life (15 / 15)
[Continuation of the Fall Group]
[ THIS GROUP IS FULL ]
In this last of the four Disciple Bible Study groups, we will dig into the Old Testament books not in the Torah or the Prophets. We will also explore the Gospel of John and the book of Revelation as we learn to be radical disciples. This 32-week study group will begin:
Wednesday, September 5 (9:30-11:30 am) / Tom Cannon, facilitator Bible Study: Koinonia
This is a casual group, no homework or pre-reading prior to class. Come as you are, bring your Bible … all ages welcome! The study is led by Rev. Lee Strange. Childcare is available for preschoolers. This study begins:
Thursday, September 13 (9:15-10:30 am) / Rev. Lee Strange, facilitator
QUARTERLY GROUP
 Reading Group: Weavings
Are you familiar with the quarterly publication called “Weavings?” The title seems strange until you realize the publication explores how God’s life and human life are “woven” together in the world. Published four times a year, each issue focuses on a central theme and includes articles of a broad range of Christian writers. Each issue provides reading that leaves you wanting to compare insights with other readers…that is why we have a “reading group” called Weavings! Meetings for the 2012-2013 year are scheduled for Thursdays: 2013: February 28, May 30 (6:30-8:00 pm) / Barbara Sterchi, facilitator
Parentheses indicate: ( # registered / maximum # )
Feedback
Our Spiritual Formation and Education Ministries are open to ideas and suggestions for future studies and topics. To share your ideas and thoughts, contact Rev. Jonathan Brake at 391-1334 or jbrake@centenary-ws.org.
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