Previously Offered Studies
Previous Long-Term Studies
Disciple 3 - “Remember Who You Are” focuses on the major and minor Old Testament prophets and the letters of Paul. Disciple 1 is a prerequisite to this 32 week course. Class will meet on Thursdays, 9:15-11:15 AM. Cost is $40. Online registry Begins June 2007
Disciple 1 - DISCIPLE 1: Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study - This 28-week study is our most highly recommended Bible study. It is an in-depth course, covering 13 weeks in the Old Testament in the fall and 15 weeks in the New Testament in the spring. It builds Christian fellowship among participants and involves individual study time, honest class discussion, and excellent video segments featuring Biblical scholars. Each session is 2 hours. Cost: $40. Sun. PM leader: Alyce Hartley, Wed. PM leader: Tim Tatum, or Thurs. AM leader: Becky Hutto. Minimum: 10. Click below to register. Registration Begins July 2009
Disciple 2 - DISCIPLE 2: Into the Word, Into the World – A 28-week study with concentration on four books: Genesis, Exodus, Luke and Acts. Appropriate connections are made to other parts of Scripture in the Old and New Testament. Completion of Disciple 1 Bible Study is a prerequisite to D2. Each session is 2 hours. Cost: $40. Leader: Mack Chapman. Wed. PM. Minimum: 10. Click below to register. Registration Begins July 2009
Bible Stuff 201 - BIBLE STUFF 201 - This two-semester course is a book-by-book exploration of the major themes and characters in the Bible, focusing especially on problematic passages. Classes will be mostly lecture, but will include some discussion. Participants should bring an NRSV Bible and be prepared to underline and take notes. Each session is 1 hour. No cost. Leader: Dave Barnhart. Wed. 6:10-7:15 PM. Minimum: 20. Click below to register. Registration Begins July 2009
Building a Strong Marital House - BUILDING A STRONG MARITAL HOUSE - A monthly meeting on the first Wednesday each month for 9 months where you will have a chance to hear and practice principles of healthy relationships. Topics of: Taking time for communication, Ways to resolve conflict, Importance of the families we come from, Ways to grow in love, The importance of emotional forces in the family, Ways to foster intimacy in your marriage, and Maintaining your “self” in your marriage and family. The study includes biblical principles and the thinking of Dr. Murray Bowen. Each session is 1 hour. Cost: $180 ($20/month). Leader: Steward Jackson, ordained Elder in the UMC and licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Wed: 6:00-7:00 PM. Minimum: 5 couples, Maximum: 12 couples. Click below to register. Registration Begins July 2009
Disciple 1 - DISCIPLE 1 is being offered in 2 short-term sections this fall, so Disciple 1 can be found and registered for under the Short Term Studies listed below. Begins August 2008
Disciple 2 - “Into the Word, Into the World” concentrates on the books of Genesis, Exodus, Luke, and Acts. Disciple 1 is a prerequisite to this 32 week course. A minimum of 12 is needed for this class. Begins week of September 7. Cost is $40. Leader: Wednesday, 6 PM, Eddie Scott. Online registry Begins June 2008
Disciple 4 - “Under the Tree of Life” covers Ruth, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Lamentations, Daniel, the Gospel of John, James, 1, 2 & 3 John, Jude & Revelation. Disciple 1 is a prerequisite to this 32 week course. Begins week of September 7. Minimum of 12 needed for this class. Cost is $40. Leader: Thursday, 9:15 AM, Kneeland Wright. Online registry Begins June 2008
Jesus in the Gospels - Disciple 1 is a prerequisite to this 30 week course that takes critical scholarship seriously and requires skill in comparing and analyzing various Gospel passages. Participants will need biblical knowledge that enables them to place specific New Testament passages about Jesus in their Old Testament context. Jesus in the Gospels takes a look at Jesus in the various ways to Gospels present him. The aim of this course is the same as in previous Disciple studies – to deepen discipleship through better understanding of the biblical texts and their messages. This course offers the opportunity to let each of Jesus’ stories challenge us in its own way. Class is 30 weeks, and each session is 2 hours. A minimum of 12 is needed for this class. Cost: $40. Leader: Wednesday, 6 PM, Mack Chapman. Online registry Begins June 2008
Companions in Christ - This spiritual discipline course is taught in segments of five sessions each. The 5 week segments are: Embracing the Journey, Feeding on the Word, Deepening Our Prayer, Responding to Our Call, and Exploring Spiritual Guidance. Begins June 2007
Christian Believer - The goal of Christian Believer is to make available to people the substance of the Christian faith that the church has confessed as a way of connecting to God and living faithfully. Students find new and personal meaning in the creeds of the Church. It’s a 30 week study with daily preparation and weekly two and a half hour group sessions. It integrates Bible study and study of the basic beliefs of the Christian faith. Disciple 1 is a prerequisite to this course. Cost is $40. Online registry Begins June 2007
How to Be a Witness for Christ - Are you ready for an adventure of becoming a witness for Jesus Christ? The journey includes: What is God’s purpose in the world, and how can I be a part of it? Who is Jesus Christ, and how can I know him? Who is the Holy Spirit, and how can I experience the Spirit’s presence in my life? What is the nature and purpose of Christ’s church, and how can I contribute to its work? Whoh am I as a Christian witness, and how is God calling me to respond? This is a 25 week journey with a student journal, discussion and short video clips. Cost is $15. Online registry Begins June 2007
Previous Short-Term Studies
Bible Stuff 101 - Have you ever resolved to read the Bible only to quit when you got frustrated? Would you like to know more about the Bible, but feel your eyes glaze over when you hit long lists of “begats?” This 3-week course during the Sunday School hour will give you some basic tools to read the Bible and interpret it for yourself. Whether you are tackling the Bible for the first time or are a seasoned Sunday School leader wanting a refresher, this course is for you. Led by Dave Barnhart. Meets Sundays, May 4-28, 10-11 AM.
Little Ones Bible Study - Your child, age 2-5, can take part in a special children’s Bible study while you participate in a long-term or short-term Bible study. There is no charge for Little Ones. There is a registration form you should complete for your child. Meets Thursday mornings from 9:00-11:15.
Screwtape Letters - 12 weeks - Screwtape guides a young demon through the finer points of temptation, the weaknesses and foibles of human beings, and the disaster of his patient becoming a Christian. Through this book’s tale by C.S. Lewis, you gain a better understanding of what it means to live a faithful life. Meets on Wednesday evenings. Cost: $10
The Green Book: Being a Good Steward - 4 weeks - Do you want to become more envionmentally friendly and help your family become better stewards of creation? If so, this course is for you. It had rave reviews when it was last offered! Meets Wednesday evenings, 6-7:30. Cost: $11
Women’s Group - 8 weeks - limited to 8 women - Led by Joanna Ware, ALC (Associate Licensed Counselor) on Wednesday evenings. She will begin each session with a short presentation. The remainder of the time will be devoted to exploring members’ thoughts and feelings about the evening’s topic. Possible Topics: What does God want of me? How do I manage stress, or how does it handle me? How do I understand my own needs? Cost: $40
Women’s Study: Stepping Up - 11 weeks - This is Beth Moore’s newest woman’s study taking an in-depth lok with her unique and inspiring way at 15 different Psalms. Meets Wednesday evenings and Thursday mornings. Cost: $14
For Parents: The Blessing - 8 weeks - You will find solid and practical advice on how to be a blessing to your children, whether they are of pre-school age or adults. It is a life-changing gift the Bible calls “The Blessing.” Authors are John Trent and Gary Smalley. Meets Sunday evenings and Wednesday evenings while children are in choir. (book and workbook) Cost: $12
The Bible Uncensored - 11 weeks - The study will examine some of the most scandalous stories found in the Bible and ask why, exactly, were these stories included in the Bible? What do they tell us about God and ourselves? And why is it that most Christians have never heard them? Meets on Sunday mornings. No charge
The Way of Prayer - 11 weeks - God is always offering us an invitation to be in his divine presence. This course will help you find a deeper sense of spiritual vitality and empower you to pray in new ways. This is a perfect study for preparing oneself for Lent. Meets on Wednesday evenings. Cost: $11
Invitation to Romans - An 8-week study. It would be helpful to have completed Disciple 1 or another Romans study. One of the aims of this 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. This study uses both Old and New Testament readings. Romans is a guide for living a faithful life in an age of religious pluralism. Classes are one and a half hours each. Cost is $12.
Beth Moore’s Beloved Disciple (John) - John had the God-given gift of seeing a larger picture; his love relationship with Christ profoundly influenced everything he did and wrote. He was uniquely chosen to be the recipient of the Revelation of Jesus Christ - Christ still desires to reveal Himself to His disciples today. Explore the depths of John’s relationship with Jesus Christ, and your own relationship with Christ. The class is 11 weeks, and each session is a maximum of 2 hours. Led by Jan McKaskle on Wednesdays at 6 PM and Janet Bradley on Thursdays at 9:15 AM. Cost is $20.
Mere Christianity - Do minute details seem to crowd out your basic understanding of the Christian faith? Do you ever find yourself at a loss for words in making a basic defense of your faith? Join us as we explore C.S. Lewis’ book for a 12 week study. Led by Gene Donaldson. Cost is $12.
Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith - Every generation has to ask what it means to be a Christian here and now, in this place, at this time. Dialogue about Christian faith and its relevance for today using Rob Bell’s book, Velvet Elvis, as a guide. Rob Bell is the founding pastor of Mars Hill, one of the fastest growing churches in American history. 7 weeks. Cost is $12. Meets Wednesdays, September 19-October 31, 6-7 PM.
Fireproof Your Marriage - FIREPROOF YOUR MARRIAGE - A 6-week study based on the movie. Group members will challenge each other to love unconditionally as God first loved us, learn new methods for building a stronger marriage, and grow in fellowship with other couples. Topics include: He Said/She Said, He First Loved Us, Love for a Lifetime, Breaking Free, Forgiveness, and A Better Way of Loving. Each session is 1 hour. Cost: $40 for 2 participant workbooks and 2 “The Dare to Love” journals. Leader: Steve and Stephanie Arnold. Wed. 6:00-7:00 PM. Minimum: 5 couples, Maximum: 15 couples. Click below to register.
Women’s Study: Beth Moore’s To Live is Christ - WOMEN’S STUDY: To Live Is Christ by Beth Moore - This is an 11-week study. Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles, served faithfully, loved heartily, and demonstrated what it means to die daily, crucified with Christ. Discover a greater appreciation for his unflagging faith and undying devotion to servanthood. Each session is 2 hours. Cost: $16. Wed. 6:00-8:00 PM, Leader: Lisa Hapgood; Thurs. 9:15-11:15 AM, Leader: Shelley Schneider. Minimum: 10, Maximum: 20. CLASSES ARE FULL.
Men’s Study - MEN’S STUDY - Are you looking for an 11 week men’s only study group that will help you to make Godly decisions and know more fully how to follow the will of God? Join us as brothers in Christ support one another with our prayers, presence and study of God’s word. Each session is 1 hour. Cost: $11. Leader: Preston Foy. Wed. 6 PM. Maximum: 8 per discussion group
Serve God, Save the Planet - SERVE GOD, SAVE THE PLANET...A Christian Call to Action - This 8-week Study of Dr. Matthew Sleeth’s book will be an excellent follow-up for his talk at Trinity on August 23. Dr. Sleeth is a physician who rejected a consumer-oriented lifestyle in favor of living sustainably and in harmony with the world. Would you like to live simply, so that others may simply live? Each session is 1 hour 15 minutes. Cost: $12. Wed. 6:00-7:00 PM. Minimum: 8. Click below to register.
Invitation to the Apocrypha - INVITATION TO THE APOCRYPHA - A 10-week study. The study is a clear, basic guide to the important “books between the testaments” which are often neglected. Daniel Harrington’s book presents a general introduction to the texts and then leads readers through the background, content, and significance of each book. Harrington shows their links to the Hebrew Bible and notes their importance for understanding the New Testament. You will need to have a Bible with the Apocrypha or purchase an Apocrypha. Each session is 1 hour 30 minutes. Cost: $25. Leader: Al Berst. Thurs. 9:15-10:45 AM. Minimum: 8. Click below to register.
Disciple 1 NEW TESTAMENT Section B - This 15-week in-depth Bible study involves individual study time, honest class discussions, excellent video segments and Christian fellowship. Disciple is not just a matter of gathering Biblical information but of personal transformation. Class meets for 15 weeks, each session is 2 hours. Leader: Sun. PM, Jane Smith; Wed. PM, Duane Shroyer. A minimum of 8 is needed to make a class. *New students who have not taken Disciple I - Section A (Old Testament) will attend an orientation January 4 for the Sunday PM class; January 7 for the Wednesday PM class. You will receive and pay $40 for your book at that time. *Students who have already taken Section I (Old Testament) will read and prepare chapter 18 for your first lesson that begins the week of January 11. No charge if you have a book. THIS CLASS IS FULL.
Keeping the Promise - This is the couple enrichment and development course offered by Relationships That Matter. It’s for any type of couple from ‘a little more than friends’ to married. This seminar is loaded with great items and is educational, not group therapy sessions. It will be fun and possibly life changing, and we guarantee great results for every couple. Class meets for 6 weeks, each session is 1 hour. No charge. Leader: George Casey (LPC), Wed. 6 PM. Begins January 14. Click below to register.
Don’t Marry a Mistake - This is for all of us who either gun the relational gas pedal, ride the never again brakes, or don’t even get in the car of commitment at all. We will certainly address all the red flags in the choosing of a great mate, and we will do more than a glance at any obstacle course we may have put in place. Sometimes it is the ‘other’ person, or sometimes it is the pair of glasses we are wearing. This course is full of humor and light bulb moments and could possibly be path changing. Class meets for 6 weeks, each session is 1.5 hours. No charge. Leader: Mark Wadley (MDIV), Sun. 6 PM. Begins January 18. Click below to register.
Beth Moore’s Esther: It’s Tough Being a Woman - Takes an intimate look at the life of Queen Esther, exploring how God used this young Jewish woman to free her people from certain destruction. Though a queen, Esther lives as an outsider in a hostile environment and provides a faithful example for women in today’s society. Class meets for 10 weeks, each session is 2 hours. Cost: $16. Leader: Lisa Elliott, Wed. 6 PM; Shelley Schneider, Thurs. 9:15 AM. Begins January 21, 22. Click below to register. THE WEDNESDAY CLASS IS FULL, BUT YOU CAN STILL REGISTER FOR THE THURSDAY CLASS.
The Shack - This novel by William Young has caused quite a stir among believers and literary critics. It is a story about one man’s journey with God. He shares his new understandings of God’s love and forgiveness, the arduous road of reconciliation, the surprises of grace and community, the transformation of healing and his unexpected emergence of joy. The passion of his theology is simple but refreshingly unique. This is a discussion class with an assigned facilitator. Class meets for 6 weeks, each session is 1 hour. Cost: $10. Leader: Mack Chapman, Wed. 6 PM. Minimum: 8. Begins January 21. Click below to register.
Men’s Study Group, The Man God Uses - This study by Henry and Tom Blackaby is designed to provide spiritual direction and encouragement. Men who are being touched and encountered by God need to understand what God is doing in their lives. They also need to know what their personal lives can mean when they turn it over to God including their family, work, church and community. Class meets for 8 weeks, each session is 1 hour 15 min. Cost: $16. Leader: Scott Shurett, Wed. 6 PM. 8-12 per group. Begins January 21. Click below to register.
The Most Important Place on Earth: What a Christian Home Looks Like and How to Build One - Combining the heart with the how-to, author Robert Wolgemuth, from his experiences as both a father and a son, explains how your home can become a place of happiness and refuge. His perspective on discipline is to teach your children the joy of self-denial and moderation. The complete blueprint on how to build you own Christian home is here! Class meets for 8 weeks, each session is 1 hour 15 min. Cost: $12. Leader: Dawn Wolfe, Wed. 6 PM. Minimum: 8. Begins January 21. Click below to register.
Spiritual Direction…Wisdom for the Long Walk of Faith - If you are seeking sacred space in your life where God can act and longing to live a spiritual life from the heart, then this Henri Nouwen study was written for you. Nouwen understood that the journey of faith could be deepened by exercising daily spiritual disciplines. Spiritual growth is further enhanced with accountability, community, and relationship building found in a small group. Class meets for 11 weeks, each session is 1 hour. Cost: $12. Leader: Donna Burgess, Wed. 6 PM. Minimum: 8. Begins January 21. Click below to register.
Invitation to John - Disciple short-term Bible study.For this in-depth study, we recommend that you have taken Disciple I or participated in an earlier study of John. The gospel of John stands apart from the other three Gospels. We marvel as Jesus performs miracles and are humbled as he washes his disciples’ feet. Jesus issues two invitations: “Come and see,” and “Follow me.” Those invitations are echoed in this study. Class meets for 12 weeks, each session is 1 hr 15 min. Cost: $10. Leader: Suzanne Pruitt, Wed. 6 PM; Joan Mezzell, Thurs. 9:15 AM, Minimum: 8. Begins January 21, 22. Click below to register.
SUMMER STUDY - Beth Moore’s Loving Well - This class is now full. With her signature insight and humor, Moore describes different types of people, some easy and some difficult to love. Her message helps you to develop a better understanding of the biblical mandate to love and helps you to develop skills for loving difficult people. This study includes a 45 minute video, discussion and summer fun activities like skits. A 4-week study, 2 hours. Cost $8, includes a Loving Well journal. Wednesday 6-8 PM. Class will meet July 23-August 13. This class needs at least 10 to make, and the limit is 15, so register now!
Disciple 1 OLD TESTAMENT - “Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study” is being offered as 2 short-term sections this year. The Old Testament section is 13 weeks and begins the week of Septmeber 7. The New Testament section is a 15 week study that starts in January ‘09. If you cannot take both sections this year, we plan to offer both sections in the fall of 2009. If you want to take both sections this year, register for both to be included on both rosters. Cost is $40 for one or both. A minimum of 12 is needed for theseclasses. Leader: Sunday 6PM, Jane Smith; Wednesday, 6 PM, Jim Summers. Register here for the OLD TESTAMENT study in the fall.
Men’s Study Group - If you have been hoping for a men’s study group, this is an opportunity for you! We will be using the study guide, “A Spiritual Formation Workbook,” which contains the following: the life of Christ and the following traditions: Contemplative, Holiness, Charismatic, Social Justice, Evangelical, and Incarnational. We will use these topics as a launching point of discussion as to how men can improve their spiritual foundation to improve their lives. Begins Sept. 10. Class meets for 9 weeks, and each session is 1 hour. Cost: $12. Leader: Wednesday, 6 PM, Scott Shurett.
Unplug the Christmas Machine - If the thought of Christmas immediately stresses you out, this class is for you! Based on the popular book, this workshop will help participants make simple, thoughtful changes to holiday plans. Participants will examine current celebration practices, define their Christmas values, and then combine all their insights into a workable plan fo the coming holiday season that reflects Christ as the “reason for the season.” Begins Sept. 10. Class meets for 4 weeks, and each session is 1 hour. No charge. Leader: Wednesday, 6 PM, Sarah Robinson.
Lessons We’re Learning the Hard Way - (for parents of children 5th grade and under) - Parenting can be the most rewarding and challenging role we serve in each day. At times, it seems it is all we can do to make it to bedtime, much less guide our children in a grace-filled manner. Therefore, let’s take some time for ourselves to focus on key components that strengthen our parenting with Godly purpose and patience. Begins October 8. Class meets for 8 weeks, and each session is 1 hour. No charge. Leaders: Wednesday, 6 PM, Steve & Stephanie Arnold.
Women’s Study: Beth Moore’s A Heart Like His - This study of David teaches us how to be a woman after God’s own heart. Although he lived thousands of years ago, David dealt with many of the same issues that trouble God’s people today. Begins Sept. 10, 11. Class meets on Wednesdays (teacher Tempie Brunson) or Thursdays (teacher Sharon Giddens) for 12 weeks, and each session is 2 hours. Maximum number of participants: 15. Cost: $16.
Psalms - This study invites us to engage the Psalms at the deepest levels of our hearts, where God’s faithfulness confronts the most challenging aspects of our lives, compelling us to ask, “How long, O Lord? Will you hide yourself forever?” (Psalm 89) and in the same breath pray, “Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised” (Psalm 48). Begins Sept. 10. Class meets for 10 weeks, and eac session is 1 hour. A minimum of 8 is needed for this class. Cost: $10. Leader: Wednesday, 6 PM, Ken Stalnaker.
The Way of Blessedness - This course explores Jesus’ first teaching from the Sermon on the Mount commonly referred to as teh Beatitudes. His teaching may first strike us as strange or confusing. Each statement is concise and direct, yet layered with profound wisdom. To explore the depth of Christ’s words, we will engage the Bible with mind and heart by drawing on classic practices of scriptural meditation and prayer. Begins Sept. 11. Class meets for 10 weeks, and each session is 1.5 hours. A minimum of 8 is needed for this class. Cost: $13. Leader: Thursday, 9:15 AM, Tish Patton.
Beth Moore’s Loving Well - CLASS IS NOW FULL - With her signature insight and humor, Moore describes different types of people, some easy and some difficult to love. Her message helps you to develop a better understanding of the biblical mandate to love and helps you to develop skills for loving difficult people. This study includes a 45 minute video, discussion and summer fun activities like skits. A 4-week study, 2 hours. Cost $8, includes a Loving Well journal. Wednesday 6-8 PM. If interested in another day, contact Rev. Suzanne Pruitt. We need 10+ folks to make a class. Class will begin the week of June 15.
Max Lucado’s Every Day Deserves a Chance - Suppose you’re having a tough day, and you resolve to give it a chance. You choose not to be a workaholic or worry or fume it away. Instead, you decided to give it a fair shake. You trust more. Stress less. You amplify gratitude and mute complaints. Before long, the day is done and surprisingly decent. So decent, in fact, that you resolve to give the next day the same fighting chance. In such a fashion, good lives are built...one day at a time. Lucado will help give you the tools to make that happen. A 4-week study, 1.5 hours. Cost $14. There is a Wednesday PM class and a Thursday AM class. Class will begin the week of June 15.
The Heart of Discipleship - Do you know how beloved you are by God? Do you need help in becoming more sensitive to hear the deep cries of pain and hope for those who are the least, lost, and the last of God’s children? This 6 week course and a Sunday morning experience at the Church of the Reconciler helps ground our identity and our God-given belovedness, being mentored by Jesus Christ to befriend all of his followers, experience the healing presence of God, and discover the genuine Christian community. Classes are a maximum of 2 hours. Cost is $12.
Max Lucado’s It’s Not About Me - In his book, It’s Not About Me, Max Lucado says it is time to understand that life revolves around God, not ourselves. The God he describes is neither Santa Clause nor a kindly, reassuring grandpa. He is a God of glory and holiness, eternal and unchanging. We were created to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. We have but one question before each decision, “Will this glorify God?” For example, an athlete asks, “How can I play to the glory of God?” A doctor asks, “How can I treat my patients so that God will be recognized?” Our role, once we have seen God’s glory, is simply to reflect it. The class will be 4 sessions, each one hour in length. We will be covering 3 chapters each week.
Media Vaccine - This is a 6 week course in media awareness. Each week, we watch a video and discuss practical strategies for counteracting the junk values of our consumer culture. Learn how advertising distorts young men and women’s self-image, and discuss how we can create a truly Christian counter-culture.
Lenten Studies - For the six weeks before Easter, prepare for the holiday in small groups led by a Trinity pastor, meeting Sunday or Wednesday evenings during Lent. Class format has reading, reflection, discussion and prayer in small groups. They use the book Prayer Made Easy.
Finance in the Christian Life - This is a four week practical study that helps with family budgeting, planning and savings. Learn what Christian families need to know about handling their resources.
Making Love Last a Lifetime - This 8 week study offers keys to helping you develop a healthy, satisfying and successful marriage. Pastor and author Adam Hamilton draws on insights from surveys and interviews for preparation for this book; from reflections based on 15 years of counseling individuals and couples, and from his own experiences in marriage. Most importantly, he draws on insights from the Bible to help you make love last a lifetime.
Exploring the Way - A 6 week abbreviated study of the Companions in Christ Bible study. Classes meet for one hour. This course will help you to understand and deepen your relationship with God by practicing spiritual disciplines. Stories, scriptures, and exercises will help you connect your beliefs with daily experiences. It is idea both for the novice and veteran alike.
Beth Moore’s Living Beyond Yourself - An 11-week study based on Galatians 5:22-23 that equips believers to know and live the freedom of a fruitful, spirit-filled life. It will challenge you to pursue the only route to develop these godly character traits: an intimate relationship with the Spirit of God. Classes are 2 hours each.
Invitation to the Old Testament - An 8 week course that invites participants to listen afresh to the various narrators of stories from the Torah, the Law, the Prophets, and the Wisdom writings. Participants will gain a broad perspective of how the Old Testament clarifies God’s call in the Bible and encourages our response.
Invitation the the New Testament - An 8 week course that covers the story of Jesus as the starting point for understanding the church’s identity and mission. The study weaves ad ialog between that story, as told by Matthew, and the other New Testament writings. You will see how the New Testament writers wrestled with the issues and implications of the story of Jesus for the formation of communities.
The Bible, God’s Revelation of Himself - This 12 week class is a very relaxed and slow-paced study of the Bible beginning with the book of Genesis. The study will help develop and encourage a deeper personal relationship with God by establishing a habit of Bible study and motivating individuals to become better disciples of Jesus Christ. Class is one hour in length.
Beth Moore’s Believing in God - A 10 week study from the very popular and dynamic women’s leader exploring what it means to know and truly believe God instead of just believing in Him. Classes are two hours each.
The Lucy Show - This 4 week class is based on the old TV favorite, The Lucy Show.
Growing Kids God’s Way - Parenting is the most important responsibility you will ever be given, but it isn’t always simple or easy. As parents, we all want our children to grow up to be happy, responsible, respectful, and successful adults, but getting there can be a challenge. In this 14 week study, through video and discussion, you will learn skills that will enable you to become the parents your children need you to be. In a world that, at times, seems to lack common sense, we as parents must not abdicate our responsibility to raise our children to become who they were created by God to be. Classes are 1 hour in length.
Faith Seeking Understanding - This 14 week in-depth exploration of the basic beliefs of Christianity might just as easily be called, “Becoming a Thinking Christian.” If you’ve ever struggled to reconcile your intellectual understandings of the world with the Christian worldview, or if you’d simply like to go deeper in your understanding of our Christian beliefs, this class is for you. For others, this class will be a great opportunity to be challenged to think about why you believe what you believe. Classes are 1 hour in length.
Making Love Last a Lifetime - This 7 week study offers keys to helping you develop a healthy, satisfying and successful marriage. Pastor and author Adam Hamilton draws on insights from surveys and interviews for preparation for this book; from reflections based on 15 years of counseling individuals and couples, and from his own experiences in marriage. Most importantly, he draws on insights from the Bible to help you make love last a lifetime.
Other Studies
Financial Peace University
13 weeks - This course was designed by Dave Ramsey and teaches people how to get out of debt and stay out of debt, how to manage their money and resources wisely, and how to plan for the future. Each class uses Biblical principles, video, and small group discussion and accountability. Each class lasts approximately 2 hours. Begins January 7, 2008. For more information, visit http://www.daveramsey.com. Cost: $99. Fee may be paid at the first class.
FOUNDATIONS - Bible Stuff 101
May 4, 11 & 18 with Dr. Dave Barnhart. No charge.
FOUNDATIONS - Worship Ways
April 13, 20 & 27 with Dr. Andy Wolfe. No charge.
FOUNDATIONS - Living With Purpose
March 30 & April 6 with Rev. Tim Tatum. No charge.
FOUNDATIONS - Prayer Made Simple
March 2, 9 & 16 with Rev. Suzanne Pruitt. Cost: $8
Strengths
4 weeks - Are you interested in learning about your God-given talents, gifts, and STRENGTHS for ministry? Join us for this engaging class based on Gallop Poll research. Sunday PM and Wednesday PM. Cost: $12
Alpha Lunch
8 weeks - Do you have questions about Christianity? This course looks at questions like “Who is Jesus?” and “What about the Holy Spirit?” and others. This is an abbreviated version of our fall course, designed as a lunch-and-learn for busy individuals. Tuesdays at 11.30am. Starts on February 19th! Cost: $4 for lunch each Tuesday
Membership 101
At Trinity, there are three ways to become a member: making a confession of faith, transferring from another United Methodist Church, or making vows from another denomination. Before you make this important decision, we strongly encourage Membership 101 for anyone who is contemplating membership with our church family. During Membership 101, Dr. Dave Barnhart reviews the covenant that new members make: to build up the Body of Christ with our prayers, presence, gifts, and service. Membership 101 happens every second Sunday of the month at 10AM in the Parlor.
Methodism 101
If you are considering membership at Trinity UMC, but are new to United Methodist traditions, we encourage you to attend Methodism 101. This 3-week class is held three times annually, and is led by Dr Andrew Wolfe. There is a total of 3 classes that make up Methodism 101, but each session is a stand-alone class. The topics of the classes are: History, Beliefs, and Practices of the UMC. Read Tidings, our weekly newsletter, for next class availability.
Strengths Summit
Strengths Summit
A Gathering on Strengths-Based Ministry for Pastors, Church Staff & Laity
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Trinity United Methodist Church – Homewood
(You are welcome to attend the morning session, the afternoon session or both!)
10am-12pm Orientation to Strengths-Based Ministry – Led by Laura Eanes
The morning session is intended for those who are interested in learning about Strengths & the possibilities for your Church.
Includes:
-Orientation to strengths philosophy including Gallup’s research findings
-Philosophy of strengths-based serving/ministry
-Overview of the 34 Clifton StrengthsFinder Talent themes
-Outlines & ideas for offering a Strengths class in your church (with testimonial from Trinity member)
12:15pm-1pm Lunch ($4 on-site at the church)
1pm-3pm Next Steps in Strengths-Based Ministry – Led by Mary Bendall
The afternoon session is intended for those who already offer a Strengths class in their church and are ready for a deeper sweep at building a strengths-based congregation.
Includes:
-New information from Gallup research
-Understanding the difference between StrengthsFinder 1.0 and 2.0
-How to maximize teaching strengths classes in your church
-Options for placing people in roles to serve based on their unique God-given strengths.
We want to make sure we are prepared and you have the best experience possible so please help by registering by Monday, February 23 at the latest. Email to register or visit Trinity’s website to register. Cost: Free, except for lunch. Feel free to forward this email to others.
(Event coordinated by Trinity United Methodist Church-Homewood, Canterbury United Methodist and First United Methodist-Tuscaloosa.)
FOUNDATIONS - Taking Inventory - Basic Beliefs
Febrary 3, 10 & 17 with Dr. Mack Chapman. No charge.
Spiritual Gifts Workshop
This is a 4 week, discussion-based class with exercises for spirtual growth. Do you often ponder that it would be fun to get more involved around Trinity? Are you searching for the first step in finding purpose in your life and passions in your heart? Join us as we explore your God-given gifts in a small group setting. This offers a great way for new members to “plug-in” to trinity. Space is limited in this poular course.
Filling Station
This is a Bible study/support group designed for mothers with young children where the focus is on relating everyday life issues to scripture. The group meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, January – May, 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM. There is a nursery provided.