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When & Where: Wed  •  Jan 8 - June 11, 2nd & 4th  •  1:00 pm - 3:00 pm  •  Room 2A, Bartula Family Life Center
Led by: Rev. Marilyn Dickson and Rev. Mary Howard
Childcare: No

Through reading Melody Carlson's novels, River's Song, River's Call and River's End, we will explore our need to forgive and be forgiven, the role that grace plays in our lives, and the blessing of second chances. 

The study will focus on Psalm 103 and other selections from both the Old and New Testaments. 

While highly recommended, the novels are not required reading for the course. Your class fee will provide you with a participant worskbook that you will use along with e-mails from the facilitators to prepare for each class. 

Register Dec 1, 2013 - Jan 23, 2014

When & Where: Thur  •  Nov 14, 2013  •  7 - 8 pm  •  Chapel
Led by: Paul Markowitz
Childcare: Yes. Coordinated by leader prior to first meeting. Possible cost involved.

Paul Markowitz is the founder of Senior Living Specialists (www.seniorlivingspecialists.com), a free service providing assistance to families who are facing the stressful situation of finding an appropriate long-term senior living option.

Paul will address some important questions that families need to ask when exploring senior living options, how to go about selecting the appropriate residence and uncovering hidden resources for financial assistance.

Senior Living Specialists has been featured on CBS News and the Dallas Morning News where they have done stories on how Paul’s experience can help families through this sometimes stressful and difficult process.

Register Aug 1 - Nov 14

When & Where: Sun  •  Oct 27 - Nov 10  •  11 am - 12 noon  •  Room 210
Led by: Clergy
Childcare: Nursery: 0-23 mos. Sunday school: ages 2-5 at 8:45, ages 2-18 at 9:45, ages 2-6 at 11.

Gain an understanding of Wesleyan Heritage by getting to know John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement. Increase your knowledge and understanding of United Methodist theology, learn more about the sacraments of baptism and communion and how they make a difference in your life, appreciate how the United Methodist Church is set up to prepare and support Christian growth and action in the church today. 

Both newcomers and life-long United Methodists will strengthen personal relationships to God and the church in these sessions.

Register Aug 1 - Nov 10

When & Where: Sun  •  Oct 20 - Nov 24  •  11 am - 12 noon  •  Room 203
Led by: Dr. Leroy Howe
Childcare: Nursery: 0-23 mos. Sunday school: ages 2-5 at 8:45, ages 2-18 at 9:45, ages 2-6 at 11.

The purpose of this brief Bible study is to provide an overview of some of the distinctive features of Luke’s Gospel. The focus of the study is on chapters 4-9, Jesus’ work in Galilee prior to commencing his long journey to Jerusalem, considered in the light of the theology of the Gospel a whole.

Dr. Leroy Howe, a long-time teacher of Bible studies at FUMCR, will be the course’s facilitator. Leroy is an ordained United Methodist minister and Professor emeritus, Perkins School of Theology. 

Register Aug 1 - Nov 24

When & Where: Thur  •  Oct 3 - 24  •  7 - 8:30 PM  •  Room 214
Led by: Dan Hrnack
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

Fighting the Battle of Jericho was not all that Joshua did.  Explore the depth of this pivotal book in the formulation of the Israelite history.

Register Aug 1 - Oct 10

When & Where: Tue  •  Oct 1, 2013  •  7 - 9 PM  •  Chapel
Led by: Earnest Deadwyler and Anna Clark
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

The planet Earth is two-thirds water. The world is beginning to experience the start of peak water, or global water shortage. This seminar is on the subject of local and global water supply, specifically concerning conserving our water. We must address the best use of our limited water supply or we, may one day, be without water. Is water is becoming a luxury? Already, many of our communities are faced with watering restrictions – being limited to 1 to 2 days of outdoor watering. Featured speakers for this seminar are longtime FUMCR member Earnest Deadwyler, who has been teaching a course on the Global Water Crisis this past year at Collin College. In addition, Anna Clark, president of Earth People, a sustainability communications firm and author of Green, American Style will join the conversation. She has been very active in Dallas regarding conservation and she lives with her family in one of Dallas’ first residences awarded a Platinum LEED-certified rating from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Register Aug 1 - Oct 1

When & Where: Tue  •  Oct 1 - Nov 5  •  7 - 9 pm  •  Room 210
Led by: Rev. Scot Bontrager
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

Pop culture is filled with talk about God and the Church. Some of it accurately represents what Christians do and believe, some of it seriously represents us and God, most of it is just guess-work. This class will look at examples of God-talk in current music, movies and TV shows and discuss the way Christians and God are represented – good and bad.

Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite examples to this discussion based class. Get to know Pastor Scot, new music, movies and a new way of looking at the world.

Register Aug 1 - Oct 8

When & Where: Tue  •  Sep 24, 2013 - May 2014  •  7 - 8 pm  •  Room 203
Led by: Rev. Marilyn Dickson
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

Do you have a gift for listening, empathizing, and providing spiritual nurturing to those coping with loss due to death, divorce, unemployment, illness, relocation, or physical or emotional separation?

Consider honing those skills through Stephen Ministry training. After completing fifty hours of special training, you will become eligible for commissioning and commitment to serve God as a Stephen Minister at FUMCR. 

Contact Marilyn Dickson  mdickson@fumcr.com, or 972-996-0111

 Online registration not available. Please contact Rev. Marilyn Dickson.

When & Where: Mon  •  Sep 16 - Oct 21  •  9 - 11 am  •  Room TBD
Led by: Rev. Marilyn Dickson
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

Embracing the Journey is a small group experience in spiritual formation. Participants are invited to contemplate wholeness and holiness both personally and in community.

Register Aug 10 - Sep 16

When & Where: Sun  •  Sep 15,22,29  •  11 am - 12 noon  •  Room 203
Led by: Ed Frantz
Childcare: Nursery: 0-23 mos. Sunday school: ages 2-5 at 8:45, ages 2-18 at 9:45, ages 2-6 at 11.

Can you provide reasons for your religious beliefs? What makes your reasons “good” reasons? Is even attempting to provide reasons antithetical to faith? Can reason and faith coexist? How? Is uncertainty inevitable? Are some beliefs “more equal” than others? Could there be a maturation of faith even beyond beliefs, belief systems and reason?

Register Aug 01 - Sep 15

When & Where: Sun  •  Sep 15,22  •  11 am - 12 noon  •  Room 208
Led by: LaRuth Morrow
Childcare: Nursery: 0-23 mos. Sunday school: ages 2-5 at 8:45, ages 2-18 at 9:45, ages 2-6 at 11.

"But David Remained in Jerusalem" is the story of David, Bathsheba and Uriah told from the view of ancient Israel’s culture. Attend these sessions to hear why King David stayed behind in his palace while his soldiers went to war.

Register Aug 20 - Sep 15

When & Where: Sun  •  Sep 15 or Oct 27  •  11 am - 12 noon  •  Room 214
Led by: Rev. Marilyn Dickson
Childcare: Nursery: 0-23 mos. Sunday school: ages 2-5 at 8:45, ages 2-18 at 9:45, ages 2-6 at 11.

In Identifying Your Spiritual Gifts you will have the opportunity to learn more about yourself, your relationship with God, your spiritual gifts and your faith journey.  The spiritual gifts assessment and group discussion will help you gain insight into the path God may have for you in this place at this time. 

Register Aug 1 - Sep 15 for Sep 15 Class

Register Aug 1 - Oct. 27 for Oct 27 Class

When & Where: Sat  •  Sep 14  •  9 am - 2 pm  •  Ogden Fellowship Hall
Led by: Dr. Leroy Howe
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

The first line of one of our very oldest hymns asks a pointed question: “Art thou weary, art thou languid, art thou sore distressed?” From the eighth century to the present day, even the strongest believers among us sometimes have to answer with a Yes! But the hymn goes on to offer a way beyond our low spiritual moments: Jesus Christ.

The purpose of this workshop is to remind us in a number of ways of how to find on his Way a renewed sense of peace and joy, and energy to help others to experience it also through distinctively Christian caregiving.

Join us for a day of fellowship and renewal!

Continental Breakfast and Lunch Included.

Register Aug 10 - noon Sep 13

When & Where: Wed  •  Sep 11 - Nov 13, 2nd & 4th Wed.  •  12:30-2:30 pm  •  Room 2A, Bartula Family Life Center
Led by: Rev. Mary Howard & Rev. Marilyn Dickson
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

The Bible reveals many fascinating names and title for God that can yield rich insights for one’s spiritual journey. Naming in the ancient world functioned differently than in today’s context because the names for anything perceived as Divine had both a cultural aspect as well as an identifying characteristic of the nature of God. Group discussion, presentations, and home study will all be a part of this session.

Register Aug 1 - Sep 18

When & Where: Tue  •  Sep 10, 2013 - May 2014  •  7 - 9 PM  •  Room 209
Led by: Benita Belsley & Kay Fleming
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

Cost: $40

As the second of four Disciple studies, Disciple II proclaims the transforming power of Scripture while teaching Bible study skills that take participants deeper into the Scripture through readings and study of Genesis, Exodus, Luke and Acts.

The importance of keeping Bible study related to witness is reinforced while participants are encouraged to practice spiritual disciplines arising out of Scripture for the purpose of changing habits and transforming lives.

The study also emphasizes the rhythm of coming to God and going for God, of being in the Word and in the world individually and corporately.

Disciple II approaches all experiences of life as opportunities for faithful witness and service.

Register Aug 01 - Sep 15

When & Where: Sun  •  Sep 8 - Oct 23  •  11 am - 12 noon  •  Harvey Assembly Room, 217 A
Led by: Earnest Deadwyler
Childcare: Nursery: 0-23 mos. Sunday school: ages 2-5 at 8:45, ages 2-18 at 9:45, ages 2-6 at 11.

This will be an open-ended discussion of contemporary issues regarding the growing influence of Islam world-wide and in the U.S., basic Muslim beliefs in conflict with Christianity and how to address them. This session may involve guest speakers from the local Muslim community. Topics of discussion will be based on current events and specific questions and interests of class participants.

Register Aug 01 - Sep 15

When & Where: Wed  •  Sep 4  •  7 pm  •  Mays Hall
Led by: Rev. Marilyn Dickson and Rev. Joy Anderson
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

Marilyn Dickson and Joy Anderson will lead a discussion of the this year’s selection for the Richardson Reads One Book, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.

It is suggested that you read the book prior to the discussion so that the story won’t be given away as we talk about it.

Registration not Required 

When & Where: Tue  •  Aug-May, 3rd  •  9:30-11:00 am  •  Members Homes
Led by: Nancy Healy & Mary Ellen Szuwalski
Childcare: No

Rejoice Circle has been in existence for many years.  Members number 21 and have a very wide age range.  There are long-time members and newer members.  The group is very mission oriented and supportive of each other and meet in each other's homes.  Their mission focus this year is Dallas Methodist Medical Center.

Registration not Required 

When & Where: Mon  •  Sep-Jul, 3rd  •  10:30-12:30  •  First Center
Led by: Ida Dwight
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

Koinonia is one of the older Circles.  Members number 27 and ages are the 60's and older.  The Circle has a lot of long-time UMW members who are still very active and are constantly attracting new members with their energetic and caring spirits.  This group enjoys lunch together after the meeting.

Registration not Required 

When & Where: Thur  •  Monthly, 2nd  •  7-8:30 pm  •  Members' Homes
Led by: Louise Riley
Childcare: No

Ruth Circle is an intimate group of 13 which meets in members' homes.  In June, July, and August they meet for casual get-togethers.  Ages range from 50's to 70's.  Members are blessed with leadership and dedication.  Several are retired teachers.  The group would welcome women of all ages.  Their mission focus this year is Dallas Bethlehem Center.

Registration not Required 

When & Where: Mon  •  Apr 8 - May 28  •  7-8:30 pm  •  Room 212
Led by: Angela Jones
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

* Final session will be held Tuesday, May 28.

Using Matthew's Gospel as a starting piont, this study explores how the New Testament writers and the early Christian community wrestled with the coming of Jesus--his life, actions, mission, death, and resurrection--and the implications of his arrival for their lives and their communities of faith.

Moving through the Gospel of Matthew sequentially, the overarching themes from this story of Jesus provide conversation topics for each session. Each theme is then traced through other related passages in the New Testament.

Who is Jesus and what is his significance for our lives? Participants are invited to join this conversation, to study afresh this story of Jesus, and to learn more about their calling to discipleship and to community.

Register Mar 20 - Apr 4

When & Where: Sun  •  Apr 7 - 21  •  11 am - 12 noon  •  Mays Hall
Led by: Ed Frantz
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

You are a professing Christian… and your neighbor is “simply” a good person. Can others see any significant differences - in the kind of person you are, and in how you treat others? The Jesus Ethic – is it really so different from simply being a good person and a good citizen? Take it seriously - Why? And if moved to do so – how?

Register Feb 10 - Apr 7

When & Where: Sun  •  Apr 7, 14, 28, May 5  •  11 am - 12 noon  •  Room 212
Led by: Rev. Fred Trevino
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

Gain an understanding of Wesleyan Heritage by getting to know John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement. Increase your knowledge and understanding of United Methodist theology, learn more about the sacraments of baptism and communion, appreciate how the United Methodist Church is set up to prepare and support Christian growth and action in the church today.

This class is for newcomers, life-long Methodists and anything in between.

Register Mar 7 - Apr 7

When & Where: Thur  •  Apr 4 - 25  •  7 - 8:30 pm  •  Room 208
Led by: Dan Hrnack
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

If these Books of Scripture were used as the basis for a screenplay, it could very easily be turned into an engaging soap opera. Jealousy, disobedience, murder, idol worship, battles, and more including a Biblical version of a rating index for these rulers of the land which the Lord gave to His chosen people.

Register Feb 3 - Apr 4