1

School of Christian Living Handbook

2016 Winter Semester

First United Methodist Church 204 Sixth Avenue West

Hendersonville NC 28739 828-693-4275

www.fumchvlnc.org

2

Welcome… Whether you are beginning your spiritual growth journey or continuing a path already set before you, we hope that you prayerfully consider enrolling in one or more of the courses within this booklet. The Spiritual Formation Ministry Team is excited to offer these classes as we strive to uphold the Core Values of FUMC. The Core Values of First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville 1. Building Loving Relationships We value every person by being respectful, open and caring; we value differences and seek to find community. 2. Create An Authentic Christian Community We are a family that serves together to demonstrate Christ’s love humbly, completely and passionately. 3. Demonstrate Purposeful Christ-Centered Worship We worship Christ as our spiritual leader; we are guided by His Word. 4. Pursue Spiritual Growth We seek God’s will through prayer and study as our life journey unfolds. 5. Be Boldly Missional We actively go to those in need and demonstrate Christ’s love; all people are our neighbors to be cared for.

3

JANUARY 13, 2016

KICK-OFF FOR THE 2016 WINTER SCHOOL OF CHRISTIAN LIVING

The 2016 Winter School of Christian Living will offer new Bible Study opportunities in addition to the continuing Covenant and Disciple Bible Study classes. Both Pastor Mark and Pastor Christy will be leading new study groups. On January 13 the 2016 Winter School of Christian Living will KICK-OFF at the Wonderful Wednesday Dinner. All of the class facilitators will be present with information about their classes. Mark your calendar to come out for Wonderful Wednesday Dinner on January 13, 2016, meet and greet the teachers, and choose your small group study.

• ADVENT II Waiting for the Lord (Revelation). Bea Fosmire • Pastor Christy’s Book Club • Ephesians: The “Little Bible” - Dr. Wayne Wood • Grief Rite – Led by Pastor Mark Ralls and Sue Cobb • 2016 Spiritual Formation Weekend, September 23-25, 2016 w/ Dr. Tom Long • Discussion Group – Issues Facing 2016 General Conference. Led by Pastor Mark

Ralls and possibly our District Superintendent, Dr. John Boggs. • War Room Bible Study – Susan Jones • Prayer Journaling Workshop – Deana Johnson

4

Grief Rite

Led by Pastor Mark Ralls and Sue Cobb

January 20 – February 24, 2016

Grief Rite is a six-week bible study for persons who are grieving OR those desiring to support those who are grieving (relatives, friends and neighbors). It is hard to lose someone who holds an important place in our lives. However, we all will experience such loss in our lifetime — some of us several such losses. Each loss is different because our relationship with each person is different. The bible offers us help with grieving through examples taken from the lives of bible characters. We will study six of those characters. Wednesdays, January 20 – February 24 @ 10:00 AM — 12:00 PM Cost: Participant’s Book $8

Ephesians: The “Little Bible” Led by Dr. Wayne Wood

Want a cold weather spiritual pickup? The short book of Ephesians can do it! Martin Luther called it “the little Bible.” This class features a serious look at the actual text and what it means to each one. We go on tour through a number of the Apostle Paul’s most famous teachings: the church, salvation by grace through faith, forgiveness, election, the believer’s assurance, a reciprocal view of marriage, and doing spiritual warfare, etc. These can impact our current lives and attitudes. The apostle wrote this circular letter for the believer’s encouragement. Nothing to buy. Bring your Bible and a notebook. Leader will use NIV. TWO CLASSES: Thursdays at 10AM and 6PM January 21 - February 18, 2016

5

Let’s Read! Facilitated by Rev. Christy Sharp

Rev. Christy Sharp will lead two book club sessions this winter and spring. The first meeting

will be Sunday, February 28, from 6-7:30pm. We will discuss:

The Power of Half: One Family’s Decision to Stop Taking and Start Giving Back by Kevin and Hannah Salwen. (Available from Amazon in paperback and Kindle) This is a great read for people who want to stop thinking and start doing. It is a wonderful story about how one family decided to live their values and their faith. How can we do the same?

On Sunday, April 17 we will meet once again from 6-7:30pm. We will consider

Blessed Are the Crazy: Breaking the Silence about Mental illness, Family and Church by Sarah Griffith Lund. (Available from Amazon in paperback and Kindle) Mental Illness carries such a stigma in our society, yet 1 in 4 Americans will be forced to cope with some form of mental illness. How do we respond as Christians? How does faith impact our opinions, feelings, and biases around mental illness?

Come to one or both of our gatherings. Meet new people and engage in lively discussion sure to keep you thinking.

6

War Room Bible Study Becoming More Dedicated In Your Everyday Prayer Life

Facilitated by Susan Jones The War Room Bible Study includes five scriptural lessons and inspiring movie clips found in the new Kendrick Brothers’ movie WAR ROOM.

Session topics include:

Dealing with Spiritual Luke warmness,

Christian Accountability,

Grasping Grace and the Gospel,

Engaging in Spiritual Warfare, and

Trusting God in Prayer. 5 group sessions with 3 days of individual study between sessions. The 3 days consist of short Bible verse readings and contemplating a few questions about prayer life. CLASS: 6 Tuesdays, 6:30-8:00 - February 23 through March 29. Cost: Approx. $10.

Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study

DISCIPLE I

& DISCIPLE II

Classes will be offered in the Fall of 2016

“Becoming disciples through bible study is the foundation of the DISCIPLE Bible Study program. DISCIPLE affirms that the canon was formed as it is in order for God to speak to us. DISCIPLE I is a survey of the entire Bible. DISCIPLE II gives equal attention is given to both the Old and New Testament with concentration on four books: Genesis, Exodus, Luke, and Acts (eight lessons on each book). An Information Class for the DISCIPLE Bible Study classes will be offered later this year. If you are interested in learning more about DISCIPLE, complete the Registration Form in this brochure.

7

Prayer Journaling Workshop Led by Deana Johnson

Want to expand your current prayer practice…… YES!!! Deepen your relationship with God?.......OF COURSE! Enhance your prayer time through new avenues?.... SOUNDS GREAT!!! Interested in putting your prayers and reflections into words? ….WHO WOULDN'T!!! Are you a writer?... NO WAY!! An artist?.... NOT EVEN CLOSE!!! Willing to try something new?.... MAYBE??...... SURE, WHY NOT!!!

I invite you to join me, Deana Johnson, for 3 weeks this spring as we explore the adventure of spiritual prayer journaling. I am not a writer, nor an artist, and I'm certainly not an expert in journaling; however, my desire is to explore the gift of spirituality using new and fresh ways to grow in my relationship with God. WILL YOU JOIN ME??? Thursdays: March 3, 10, and 17 Time: 6:00 – 7:30pm Cost: Free…Just bring a journal, your Bible and your favorite pen! WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING:

I loved this class, because it taught me that through journaling my prayers, I can become closer to God and hear him more effectively. I would recommend the class to everyone, even people who think they can't journal or wouldn't enjoy prayer journaling. You will be amazed at its ability to assist you in enhancing communication between yourself and God, when you approach it with an open heart! ~ Susan Jones

What a delight. So many ways to enrich our faith. And, it was fun! ~ Meg Brinley

I have taken Deana's Bible Journaling class twice in the last couple of years at FUMC. What I appreciated most is that she presented many different ideas and formats for journaling and, to my surprise; I found one that I love that involves art. Deana patiently guides class participants through exercises that stretch one in (for me) surprising ways. Because she has taken workshops and retreats on journaling, Deana knows her subject and she shares her knowledge freely while also welcomes class members to express their ideas. Although she encourages class participants to share their thoughts and work, there is no pressure to do so. It is a very relaxed class -- one in which I learned so much. ~Joan Odean

This class introduced me to yet another way of "praying", one that I didn't know a lot about or that I thought I would be able to do. It expanded my definition of "journaling" to more than a daily account of what happened that day in my life. I felt reassured when I realized that prayer journaling was not something I had to do everyday. I also learned different days of doing a prayer entry. ~ Madeleine Duncan

Why take Deana's class on Journaling as a Spiritual Discipline? Because it is a very good thing to get into the right side of your MIND, and because the SOUL is a creative place of expression just waiting for freedom, and putting pen to paper can break your HEART open to the yearnings of God. I highly recommend it. -Karen Appleby

8

Advent II WAITING FOR THE LORD: THE RETURN OF CHRIST

A Study of Revelation Led by Bea Fosmire

The book of Revelation is the only book in the Bible that promises a blessing to the ones who read and hear the Word and heed the things which are written. We claim that promise as we begin our study. We will not dwell on man's calculations as to events and time lines; we will focus on God's revelation of Jesus Christ throughout the book. We will hear Christ Communicating, picture Him in the Churches and in the Cosmos, and see Him in Conquest and Consummation. Finally, our Lord will leave us with a Challenge as we move from the study with great expectations of His coming again. We will discover that the book or Revelation is rich in worship and beatitudes (blessings) to enrich our experiences along the way. NOTE: Please bring your bible to class.

Tuesdays April 5 - May 24 -- Two Classes: 10 AM or 7PM

Covenant Bible Study This Covenant experience will guide participants in a comprehensive, in-depth study of the Bible over twenty-four weeks. This in-depth study of the whole Bible emphasizes the biblical concept of covenant as a unifying pattern through all the books in the Old and New Testaments. It underscores the unique relationship that God chooses to have with us as God’s people. This relationship is grounded in the faithfulness of God’s love and on our ongoing commitment to stay in love with God while we share signs of that love with others. The study is divided into three, eight week segments.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING:

I would recommend the Covenant study if you are looking for a study that reads through chapters of the Bible that strengthen your relationship not only to God, but to your family and your community. ….Andrea Larsen

9

Issues Facing 2016 General Conference

Sunday, May 1, 2016 6:00 PM

Led by:

Pastor Mark Ralls &

District Superintendent, Dr. John Boggs

The United Methodist Church’s top legislative body will meet at the Oregon Convention Center on May 10-20, 2016. General Conference is the top policy-making body of The United Methodist Church which meets once every four years. The conference can revise church law, as well as adopt resolutions on current moral, social, public policy and economic issues. It also approves plans and budgets for church-wide programs.

Two of the most debated issues at the GC will be the church’s stance on same sex marriage and the ordination of gay clergy. Clergy and laity across the social and theological spectrums have shared their ideas for these issues. Prominent pastors, theologians and at least one seminary president have proposed thoughtful plans from the center, the right, and the left. People of goodwill, from differing perspectives, are attempting to craft compromises in an effort to gain the assent of a diverse body of General Conference delegates. Earlier this year the Connectional Table (CT), the UM Church's top administrative body, approved a plan calling for the denomination to liberalize its teachings on same sex marriage and the ordination of openly gay clergy. The CT's plan, "A Third Way," calls for codifying in The Book of Discipline that marriage is between "two people," and it would allow annual conferences to determine whether to ordain openly gay clergy. Our Pastor and District Superintendent will lead a discussion on these and other issues facing the General Conference.

10

Riddles, Puzzles, and Paradoxes: the Parables of Jesus

SPIRITUAL FORMATION WEEKEND September 23-25, 2016

With

Dr. Thomas G. Long

Dr. Thomas Grier Long retired in 2015 as the Bandy Professor of Preaching at Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He received his BA degree from Erskine College in 1968, the Master of Divinity from Erskine Theological Seminary in 1971, and the Ph.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1980. He began his career as a preacher at McElroy Memorial Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church near Atlanta, Georgia and since that time has taught at a number of seminaries, including Erskine, Columbia, Princeton, and Candler. In 1996, Dr. Long was named one of the twelve most effective preachers in the English speaking world by Baylor University, along with the likes of Fred Craddock, Billy Graham, James Forbes, Barbara Brown Taylor and William Willimon. He was ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church and currently a minister in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Riddles, Puzzles, and Paradoxes: the Parables of Jesus – in these presentations we will look at the intriguing and provocative parables of Jesus. What is a parable? How do the parables create their provocative meanings? We will look at the ways the Gospel writers incorporate the parables, and we will look closely at several of the most popular parables.

11

VISION DIVINA Photography as a Spiritual Discipline

Coming later this year and led by Karen Appleby “May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened.” – Ephesians 1:18

• This class will meet once a month for the lessons, discussion and sharing. Between

classes the participants will observe with the heart, take photographs and print out a couple to share with the class.

• Bring your camera... any type is fine from a phone camera, point and shoot, to a fancy DSLR. We will use our cameras in class. You will also be taking photos between classes, printing a couple and bringing them to share.

• Based on the works of Christine Paintner.... sessions include Seeing with Eyes of the Heart, Practices to Cultivate Vision, Elements of Sacred Seeing, and Seeing the Holy Everywhere.

• Come, as we will explore how a camera can help us open "the eyes of the heart."

This course will run once a month August through November. Day and time to be determined.

Celtic Spirituality Rev. Annie Fritschner

Fall 2016 Invite your friends from other faiths to study the daily reading by George MacLeod and listening for the Heartbeat of God by J. Philip Newell. Pastor Annie is also planning a quiet pilgrimage to visit and work at the Iona community in 2017.

12

Adult Sunday School

Meet: 9:45 am or 11:00 am

Alma Lee Cheves Class Contact: Mary Casey 696-0545

Room 201, open to women of all ages. This class is a caring and sharing group of women who show their love of God through service to Christ, church, and community. Cokesbury Quarterly Adult Bible Study forms the basis of the class, and members focus on the application of Scripture to their personal lives. There is a new lesson each week. Leaders rotate. Each member becomes a part of a small care group responsible for the support of one another. Come join us.

Blessings Class: Contact: Amy Elkins 692-9800 Room 113, open to all women.

Sisters in Christ, supporting one another in our faith journeys through contemporary study, fellowship, and mission outreach. This class studies Biblical truths while enjoying lively, facilitator led discussions. This class is perfect for mothers of young children (birth - teens) who love to fellowship and have discussions about many of the motherly issues surrounding parenting. Bring your own Bible or use one provided. Fellowship and mission are emphasized. Come join us any Sunday.

Roy Johnson Class Contact: Steve Greene 684-8219

Room 102, open to men of all ages. This class is one of the oldest and largest classes at First UMC. This class is for men of all ages - currently we have men from early 30's to 95! The class has about 100 on their roll and has an average attendance of 60. The class follows the Cokesbury Quarterly Adult Bible study series, with a new lesson each week. The class also raises funds for local benevolent causes.

13

Two or More Class/Friendship Class Contact: Sally and Jim Jones 685-8460

Room 401, open to all adults, singles and couples. The class is unique because of the diversity of its members. This small class discusses the verses of the Cokesbury Quarterly Adult Bible Study series. We share and pray for needs and support several mission projects. Come join us.

Roots and Wings Class— Meets at 11:00 AM Contact: Royal Corbin 698-9849 rfcorbin@morrisbb.net

Room 413, open to all. This class welcomes all ages. We encourage open discussion and sharing of thoughts and feelings about our spiritual journey. Our focus is on strengthening our spiritual foundation by discussing scriptural-based, contemporary topics and how they apply to our day-to-day lives. Our desire is to ground ourselves in God's Word and His love. Discussion is led by a class facilitator. The structure of our class allows anyone to join us at any time without feeling as though they have missed anything.

Chris Zimmermann Open Door Class – Meets at 9:45 AM Contact: Susan Heidebrecht 698-0795 Saheide@aol.com

Room 403, open to all adults, couples and singles. This class welcomes adults of all ages who want to use Bible study and principles to open doors to daily Christian living. Even though it is a large class, the emphasis is on caring and praying for each other. During the year four social events are held to help members get better acquainted and have fellowship together. The class schedules a variety of studies throughout the year, as desired by participants. If you want to grow in your Christian faith in a vibrant, warm, friendly and caring class, then Open Door is the class for you.

Parent Class Contact: Bart Salvaggio 329-3768

Room 305, open to all parents, singles or couples, of children, tweens and teens. This class is for anyone interested in exploring topics such as parenting, marriage, & faithful Christian living.

14

Passages Class Contact: Deborah Kirkman 693-4275 deborah@hvlfumc.org

Room 304, open to women of all ages. Members share their spiritual journey as they seek to know Christ in their day-to-day lives. The focus is to apply scripture to where individuals are in life as they grow and change. New members and visitors are welcomed at any time; the books and discussions are easy to join at any stage.

Questions About Sunday School Classes? If you have any questions, need additional information, assistance locating a classroom or are interested in forming a new class, please contact: Jane Orwoll, Sunday School Superintendent at 693-8715 or email: jorwoll@hotmail.com. Leslie Merrill, Director of Christian Education and Children’s Ministry at 693-4275, ext.105 email: leslie@hvlfumc.org.

Events at Lake Junaluska

http://www.lakejunaluska.com/ Since 1913 Lake Junaluska has been home to thousands of events and worship experiences. Lake Junaluska is a place of Christian hospitality where lives are transformed through renewal of soul, mind, and body. We are very fortunate to have this facility so close to us and hope that you will take advantage of some of the amazing events held there.

15

Registration Form

_______________________________________ Name (s)

_______________________________________ Phone number

______________________________________ Email address

I wish to enroll in the following class(es):

____ Grief Rite – Led by Pastor Mark Ralls and Sue Cobb

Wednesdays, January 20 – February 24 @ 10:00 AM

____ Ephesians: The “Little Bible” - Dr. Wayne Wood Thursdays January 21 - February 18, 2016 -- 10AM or 6PM

____ War Room Bible Study – Susan Jones

Tuesdays, February 23 - March 29 @ 6:30pm

____ Pastor Christy’s Book Club Sunday, February 28 and Sunday, April 17

____ Prayer Journaling Workshop – Deana Johnson

Thursdays: March 3, 10, & 17 @ 6:00pm

____ ADVENT II Waiting for the Lord (Revelation). Bea Fosmire Tuesdays April 5 - May 24 10AM or 7PM

____ Discussion Group – Issues Facing 2016 General Conference.

Led by Pastor Mark Ralls and possibly our District Superintendent, Dr. John Boggs. Sunday, May 1, 2016 - 6:00 PM

____ 2016 Spiritual Formation Weekend, September 23-25, 2016 w/ Dr. Tom Long

You may Register Online @ http://www.fumchvlnc.org/#/online-registrations

Registration Form may be placed in the BLUE School of Christian Living

Folder in the Welcome Center. Class teachers will contact you with Room Assignment prior to class

beginning.