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When & Where: Mon  •  Weekly, Apr 25 - May 16  •  7 - 8:30 pm  •  Mays Hall
Led by: Dr. Justin Tull
Childcare: No

A Biblical Exploration of the Nature of God

Have you ever wondered if your understanding of God is trapped at a third-grade level? Ever mistakenly insisted that “everything happens for a reason?” Ever blamed God for a tragedy that shook you to the very core of your being? If so, join other life travelers as we focus on key biblical texts that reveal fundamental aspects of God’s nature. Our resource will be the book "Reflections on God," the first in a three-part series on faith formation.

There is no cost for the seminar except for the purchase of the book, which is available from Amazon and at our Welcome Desk ($10 cash or check made out to Justin Tull).

REGISTER ONLINE April 22, 2022

When & Where: Tue  •  Mar 15 - May 10, 2022 (no meeting May 3)  •  11 am - 12:30 pm  •  Ogden Fellowship Hall
Led by: Marsha Mayo and Debbie O'Reilly
Childcare: No

Shannon Bream's book will help us discover the lessons we can learn from the valor of Esther, the hope of Hannah, the audacity of Rahab, the faith of Mary, and many other women in the Bible. In broadening each woman's individual story, Shannon offers us a deeper understanding of each as well as wisdom and insights that can transform our own lives today.

Participants are encouraged to purchase the book prior to the first session. No cost. Open to all women of the church, their friends, and the community!

REGISTER ONLINE Mar 15, 2022

When & Where: Mon  •  Mondays, Feb 28 - Apr 4  •  7 - 9 pm  •  Hybrid: BFLC 2A/virtual option, as well
Led by: Drs. Dan Flanagan and Scot Bontrager
Childcare: No

Isabel Wilderson’s book, Caste, explores the hidden and deeply embedded social structure in America, which she calls a caste system. She looks at similar systems in other cultures and other times and uses her observations to analyze the American social structure. She identifies ways in which our repressive caste system is experienced every day and then offers hope for our future.

Drs. Bontrager and Flanagan will use Wilkerson’s book as a lens to examine our American life, asking questions about how we experience social structure in America, our view of the impact on such a structure on the moral fiber of our nation and on us individually. It will be a valuable six-week study that may change the way we live our lives, or at least the way we understand our culture.

There is no fee and all are welcome. It is recommended that participants purchase the book prior to the first session.

REGISTER ONLINE Feb 27, 2022

When & Where: Tue  •  Feb 8, 2022  •  7 - 8:30 pm  •  Worship & Arts Center / Zoom
Led by: Dr. Terry Parsons
Childcare: No

Learn and develop tools and encouragement for caring for your own mental health. This session will follow a sermon about the same topic and allow space for participants to take steps toward making mental wholeness a priority.

Dr. Terry Parsons is a pastor, psychotherapist, teacher, author, consultant, husband, father, and FUMCR choir member. His mission, through his counseling, speaking and writing, is to help people to make positive changes in their lives and relationships.

REGISTER ONLINE Feb 7, 2022

When & Where: Wed  •  Jan 26 - Mar 2, 2022  •  11:30 am - 1:30 pm  •  Room 2A in Bartula Family Life Center
Led by: Dr. Jason Berman and Lisa Hancock
Childcare: No

This advanced course is for those who have completed the Enneagram Journey. Becoming aware of our Subtype helps explain differences in people with the same Enneagram number. In this chaotic and conflicted world, knowledge of Subtypes is essential for parents, partners, and people seeking to understand patterns of unproductive behavior.

Cost: $55 per person.

REGISTER ONLINE Jan 19, 2022

When & Where: Tue  •  Jan 25 - Apr 5, 2022 (except Mar 15)  •  11:30 am - 1:30 pm  •  Room 2A in Bartula Family Life Center
Led by: Lisa Hancock
Childcare: No

Learn to utilize the Enneagram, an ancient tool from centuries of Judeo-Christian faith and scholarship that teaches us how to cultivate self-awareness, spiritual growth, and personal transformation. Insights from this course can answer life-long questions about our behavior and unproductive patterns. Self knowledge assists in our walks with God, enables our true and best self to emerge, and can change our relationships with others. 

REGISTER ONLINE by Jan 18, 2022

When & Where: Mon  •  Jan 24 - Apr 11, 2021 (except Feb 21 & Mar 14)  •  11:30 am - 1 pm  •  Hybrid: Harvey Assembly Room 217 A/B, as well as a virtual option
Led by: Dr. Josh Fitzpatrick and Rev. Sarah Marsalis-Luginbill
Childcare: Yes. Please make reservations when you register for the class or at www.fumcr.com/reservechildcare at least 4 business days in advance.

This study approaches the Hebrew Scriptures by inviting participants to hear the story of God and God's calling of the people of Israel through the many "voices" of the biblical text. Narrative, poetry, history, and prophetic utterance all have their own distinctive characteristics and purposes, arising out of a particular historical, social, and cultural setting. To understand fully the story of God's covenantal relationship with Israel calls for listening to these various ways the story is told throughout the Old Testament.

Feel free to bring your lunch and enjoy study and fellowship with each other and Pastors Josh and Sarah throughout the Spring. There is no fee and all are welcome. It is recommended that participants purchase the book prior to the first session.

REGISTER ONLINE Jan 23, 2021

When & Where: Tue  •  Tuesdays, Jan 11 - Feb 22, 2022  •  11:30 am - 1 pm  •  Ogden Fellowship Hall
Led by: Marsha Mayo and Debbie O'Reilly
Childcare: No

In this 7-week faith-building study from author Priscilla Shirer, participants will discover how Elijah’s obedience to God kept him anchored, sharpened his faith, broadened his impact, and invited heaven’s fire to fall. God is also working in your life today to fashion a fiery, bold faith that will empower you to share the hope of Christ with your family, friends, co-workers, and community.

Participants are encouraged to purchase the book prior to the first session. 

REGISTER ONLINE Jan 10, 2022

When & Where: Sun  •  Nov 14  •  2-5 pm  •  Room 203 & via Zoom
Led by: Dr. April Johnson Bristow
Childcare: No

Become equipped to have difficult conversations about racism, cultural diversity, and institutional injustice in ways that are candid, respectful, holy and transformational.

There is no charge for this class and all are welcome.

REGISTER ONLINE none

When & Where: Wed  •  Weekly, Oct 13 - Nov 10  •  11:30 am - 1 pm  •  Ogden Fellowship Hall
Led by: Lisa Hancock and Dr. Jason Berman
Childcare: No

Use the Enneagram as a practical tool to understand the particular dynamics, relationship challenges, and communication styles among different numbers in intimate and professional relationships. Understand why some numbers relate more easily to each other, how we get into trouble with other numbers, and what steps we can take to strengthen bonds.

Pre-requisite: Enneagram Journey or a good working knowledge of the Enneagram, including knowing your Enneagram number.
Cost: $50 per person

REGISTER ONLINE Fri, Oct 8

When & Where: Tue  •  Weekly, Oct 5-26  •  7 - 8 pm  •  Room 2A in BFLC & via Zoom
Led by: Dr. Dan Flanagan
Childcare: No

Dr. Flanagan, an avid baseball fan and sometimes theologian, finds the obvious and not-so obvious theological references in the game of baseball. Pitching relies on the edge of the strike zone, as our faith calls us to be concerned about those on the edge. Baseball integrated in 1947, and we find issues of race throughout Judeo-Christian history. We are called to perfection in our faith, as does the game of baseball. We will explore these topics and more, common to theology and baseball.

There is no charge for this class and all are welcome!

REGISTER ONLINE Mon, Oct 4

When & Where: Wed  •  Sept 22 - Nov 17  •  09/22/2021 6:30 PM  •  Education Bldg, Room 203
Led by: Scott and Shannon Smith, Kyle Martin
Childcare: No

With Financial Peace University, no more money stress—ever! It’s possible when you know how to handle your finances.  Tell your money where to go instead of wondering where it went! Spouses will learn how to communicate, and all will learn how to create a budget, save for emergencies, and make a plan for the future. Doesn’t that sound peaceful?

Class members will sign up for Ramsey+ (a membership that includes FPU and other tools to help stay on track) for 3 ($59.99), 6 ($99.99), or 12 ($129.99) months of digital access. Any of these options come with the class experience and a free physical workbook. 

Scholarships available. Contact Scott Smith with questions or for more information at gsxr750boy@hotmail.com

REGISTER ONLINE Sept 20

When & Where: Wed  •  Weekly, Sept 15, 2021 - May 25, 2022  •  1-2:30 pm  •  Via Zoom
Led by: Rev. Mary Howard
Childcare: No

Join a continuing group in the practice of Lectio Divina, praying the scriptures and historical Christian documents. Instead of focusing on facts and background information, participants seek to hear God speaking to them through the scriptures.

Drop in whenever you choose. There is no fee for this class, and all are welcome. No pre-registration required.

REGISTER ONLINE None

When & Where: Tue  •  Weekly, Sept 14 - Nov 2  •  11:30 am - 1 pm  •  Ogden Fellowship Hall
Led by: Debbie O'Reilly and Marsha Mayo
Childcare: No

All women are invited to reflect on the pandemic, isolation, and moving forward with this group of loving, caring, Christian women and through the lens of Max Lucado’s book, “How Happiness Happens.” We will pick up where we left off last March, just two weeks into the study so an easy catch-up for new folks, not letting life or circumstances stand in our way of finding and discovering true joy through our relationship with God. Join us as we reclaim life in a new and changed world.

All women welcome. No charge, but registrants encouraged to purchase the book prior to the first session.

REGISTER ONLINE None

When & Where: Thur  •  Weekly, Sept 9-30  •  7 - 8:30 pm  •  via Zoom
Led by: Dr. Jaime Clark-Soles, Professor of New Testament, Perkins School of Theology
Childcare: No

In John 10:10, Jesus declares: "I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." What could he mean? What does an abundant life look like? How might one find it or be bound by it? The Gospel of John beckons us to "come and see" and invites us to experience the poetry of the created order around us and within us. So come (re) discover the richness of this Gospel whose uniqueness and layers of mystery continue to grip its readers and whose unanticipated surprises delight at every turn!

There is no charge for this class and all are welcome.

REGISTER ONLINE Wed, Sept 8

When & Where: Thur  •  Weekly, Sept 2 - Nov 18  •  7 - 8:30 pm  •  Room 203 & via Zoom
Led by: Dr. Scot Bontrager
Childcare: No

The Christian tradition is deeper and richer than you can imagine, and the Methodist tradition could take a lifetime to explore. If you've ever wanted to go deeper in your understanding of the Christian faith as understood by Methodists, here is your chance to dive into the theological traditions of the Methodists, starting with "What is Theology?" and "What Makes a Theology Wesleyan?"

Plan for two hours of preparatory reading followed by engaging conversations each week. There is no charge for this class and all are welcome!

REGISTER ONLINE Tues, August 31

When & Where: Tue  •  Weekly, May 18, 2021 - May 2022  •  7 - 8 am  •  via Zoom meeting
Led by: Dr. Scot Bontrager
Childcare: No

Enjoy a slow-and-steady read through various parts of the Bible, giving special focus to less frequently read parts of the Old Testament. Pick Br. Scot’s brain, engage scripture, and share “breakfast” (virtually) with others who are interested in reading scripture in a new way. Plan to read the week’s passage in advance so we can spend our time together discussing what we see in the reading.

Zoom meeting link will be provided in the confirmation email upon registration.

REGISTER ONLINE No deadline

When & Where: Sun  •  Weekly, ongoing  •  8:30-9:30 am  •  Room 211 & via Zoom
Led by: Dr. Dan Flanagan
Childcare: No

Open Door is available to anyone who is looking for a deeper dive into the sermon text for the week. Biblical exegesis (background) and theological context are offered along with opportunities for discussion and contemporary application. Register for the Zoom link and join us as you are able. 

REGISTER ONLINE None

When & Where: Mon  •  Apr 12 - May 24  •  7:30-8:30 pm  •  Sonny Bryan's (Campbell east of Coit)
Led by: Men of Faith
Childcare: No

Join us for a study of what it looks like to "win" at the game of life from an eternal perspective. The first gathering will be introductions only. The book by John Ortberg can be purchased online. Contact Tim at tslaughter@caddoholdings.com for more info.

Registration not Required None

When & Where: Thur  •  Feb 25 - Apr 29  •  7-8:30 pm  •  via Zoom
Led by: Kirk Lipscomb
Childcare: No

In The Good and Beautiful God: Falling in Love with the God Jesus Knows, James Bryan Smith turns to the Gospels to invite us to put our ideas about God and how God works in our lives to the test to see if they match up with what Jesus himself reveals about God. We will discover the narratives that Jesus lived by - to know the Lord he knew and the kingdom he proclaimed - and practice spiritual exercises that will help us grow in the knowledge of our good and beautiful God.

Each chapter includes a process of spiritual formation that includes specific activities aimed at making these narratives real in our bodies, souls and minds as well as discussion questions for the group. Please purchase the book prior to the first meeting and commit to missing no more that two meetings.

REGISTER ONLINE Feb 24

When & Where: Sun  •  Feb 21 - Mar 21  •  7-8:30 pm  •  via Zoom
Led by: Dr. Clayton Oliphint & Dr. Josh Fitzpatrick
Childcare: No

Gain a deeper understanding of the themes and scriptures of the Lenten sermon series by joining Pastors Clayton and Josh for a church-wide, 5-week Bible study. The study will include pastors’ thoughts and small group discussion each week. No fee and no materials to purchase.

REGISTER ONLINE Feb 21

When & Where: Thur  •  Feb 4 - 25  •  11:30 am - 1 pm  •  via Zoom
Led by: Dr. Jason Berman and Lisa Hancock
Childcare: No

Our shadow is the aspect of each of us that can obstruct fulfillment and contentment.  The Enneagram says our “shadow” side includes our Passions.  This is the focus of this advanced Enneagram course.  We will take a non-judgmental and curious look at our unconscious ways of reacting to stress and difficult people.  Knowing our Passion is a way to become more aware of our actions, increase our self-awareness, and strengthen relationships with our neighbors.  Prerequisites include the Enneagram Journey curriculum.

Cost: $50 per person/device
Zoom meeting link will be provided in the confirmation email upon registration.
Please register only the household member who should receive the confirmation email with the Zoom link.

REGISTER ONLINE 02/02/2021

When & Where: Tue  •  Feb 2 - 23  •  7 - 8 pm  •  Via Zoom
Led by: Dr. Mark Stamm, Professor of Christian Worship, Perkins School of Theology
Childcare: No

Throughout history people have chosen to worship in a variety of ways, sometimes challenging the norms of the day. The pandemic has accelerated a tendency to online worship while raising concerns about offering Holy Communion virtually. Early Christian communities worshiped in their homes in small groups. John Wesley challenged the Anglican practice of worship by moving into the “fields.” This course will explore historical, theological, and pastoral considerations of the practice of Christian worship.

Cost: $25 per person 
Zoom meeting link will be provided in the confirmation email upon registration.
Please register only the household member who should receive the confirmation email with the Zoom link.

REGISTER ONLINE 02/01/2021

When & Where: Sat  •  Jan 16 - Feb 27  •  9 - 11 am  •  Via Zoom
Led by: Thalia Shirley and Peter Williams
Childcare: No

White people’s reactions to challenges to their assumptions about race are often counterproductive and actually serve to maintain racial inequality. Author Robin DiAngelo explores white privilege, what it means and where it comes from; systemic racism; and white supremacy in order to promote constructive engagement toward racial justice. We invite you to journey toward more understanding of racism in the US.

Zoom meeting link will be provided in the confirmation email upon registration.
Please register only the household member who should receive the confirmation email with the Zoom link.

REGISTER ONLINE 01/14/2021