Cypress UMC Fall 2013 Adult Sunday Schools & Small Groups

“ and let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another— and all the more as you see the Day approaching. ” Hebrews

Dear CUMC family...

Christian faith is more than agreeing with a set of doctrines or creeds and more than outward appearances, signs, and symbols. It’s more than saying “I’m a Christian.” Christian faith is ultimately about what is happening on the inside and how we live it out on the outside. Faith is a matter of the heart. It is a heart changed by an encounter with the living God who comes to us in Jesus Christ. As we are more inwardly formed into the likeness of Christ, then we will more outwardly live in such a way that can make a real difference in this world to the glory of God. So, how do we change our heart? One important way is to join in faith-forming relationships.

Living out our faith journey together helps us to become like Christ. Jesus modeled this for us by living with his disciples in faith-forming relationships.

We can follow this example by being part of a small group. Small groups provide us with people who love us, will hold us accountable, study and reason with us, and pray for us. This is a channel of God’s grace into our lives and helps us mature in faith. We can truly become like Christ, but only in community.

I encourage you to join a small group which can be a Sunday school class or a Bible study or United Methodist Women groups or Men’s Roundtable, just to mention a few. From my own experience, I can tell you that small groups are very effective. I was a member of a Sunday school class and Bible study group for many years before being called into the ministry. I know that my faith matured through these relationships. It was through the living and learning together in community that I drew closer to God and understood who I am in Christ.

Here at Cypress UMC, this type of growing in faith is at the heart of our calling to partner with each person on their spiritual journey.

Blessings, Pastor Patty Bergfield

What are faith- forming relationships?

Faith is formed by the power of the Holy Spirit through personal, trusted relationships. The followers of Jesus matured in their faith by learning together in community. These relationships are the nurturing ground to help us grow in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control and generosity (Galatians 5:22-23).

Faith-forming relationships provide us with a network of support, encouragement, and direction as we seek to grow in Christ. They provide us with loving brothers and sisters who will hold us accountable for our faith journey and help us as we question and struggle with relevant life issues. Together, we will grow in faith and maturity as we become equipped to serve the world beyond the walls of the church.

Why should we develop faith- forming relationships?

The easy answer is that Jesus modeled this for us. He lived with his disciples and taught them in a small group of 12 (Matthew 11:1; Luke 11:1).

The first Christians also followed this model (Acts 1:13-14, 2:44). We, too, can follow this example by being part of a small group. John Wesley, the founder of Methodists, firmly believed that that the way to truly live out our faith and be transformed into the likeness of Christ was to participate in small groups.

Wesley’s small groups met regularly, prayed together, searched and studied the Scriptures, and went out into the community to be the hands and feet of Christ. Wesley believed that if we followed the model of Jesus, then Christians could transform the world.

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES

8:15 AM | 9:30 AM| 11:00 AM

8:15 AM Friends In Christ Close, warm friendly group of early risers. Use Adult Bible Study curriculum and have social gatherings at least once a month.

39+ singles and remarried.

Room M110 Leaders: Lou Gilster Contact: lgilster@cobbfendley.com | mgilster@att.net | 281-477-8540

Son Rise Servants A group that meets early for breakfast, fellowship, and discussion on a variety of Bible and life application studies. We seek to encourage each other as we serve in ministry in our church and beyond, and to grow authentic relationships.

Primarily a 30s to 40s group, although everyone is welcome.

Room M111 Leader: Christa Eshleman Contact: christa_eshleman@yahoo.com | 832-524-5230

F3 (Focused, Faithful, Friends) We are a women’s bible study group who are focused on growing our faith.

All ages welcome.

Room H15 Parlor Leaders: Pamela Davis Contact: davispj98@gmail.com | 281-469-9436

9:30 AM Barnabas The goal of this class is to continually develop a deeper relationship with God and clearer understanding of what it means to be a Christian. We feel it is important to take our faith, love, and belief in Christ out into the community and beyond.

Ages range from late 20s to early 80s, with teenage children visiting some Sundays.

Room W204 Leader: Debbie Parcel Contact: parceldeb@prodigy.net | 281-894-6344

Bridges Class for older children and young adults with special needs.

Room M110 Leader: Winston Cochran Contact: 281-970-2017

Crusaders This is a large class that studies new material on a different biblical subject for each yearly quarter. For example, we may study a person from Scripture, like Paul or John, or a book of the Bible, like Exodus or Romans. Refreshments each week.

Ages range from 30s to 80+ and everyone is welcome.

Fellowship Hall Leaders: Merle Parker, Bill Sincler, Lil Tharp, Sue Ann Weiser, Bill Pursell Contact: Judy Pursell | 281-370-2921

FaithBuilders A group that helps each other grow spiritually through Bible and book studies, supports each other’s service efforts and has social gatherings. We choose books from leading Christian authors in addition to biblical and life application studies.

Primarily a 40s to 50s group, although everyone is welcome.

Room W202 Leader: Sandra Rodriguez Contact: Sandra4Christ@sbcglobal.net | 832-515-9649

Inquirers Bible Study We use a variety of commentaries to illuminate our wide array of studies.

All ages welcome.

Room W206 Leader: Suzanne Dale Contact: suzdale@comcast.net | 281-376-1440

Journey Through the Bible A book-by-book study of the Bible with a rotating schedule of teachers. A Christcentered lecture and discussion is facilitated with a Bible-based series of topics from the Adult Bible Studies quarterly.

Primarily consists of senior adults, although all ages welcome.

Room W201 Leader: Roy Larner Contact: roylarnerjr@yahoo.com

Jubilee This is a class dealing with varied contemporary Christian issues through the study and group discussion of different Christian books.

Room M223 Leaders: Carrie Bowman & Susan Nyland Contact: snyland@houcity.com | 281-890-7782

Wesley Class Adult Bible Series with discussion and application of biblical truths.

All ages welcome.

Room M109 Leader: Jerry Runyon Contact: gvplanes@comcast.net | 281-550-1202

11:00 AM Compass A group of married 30-somethings with mostly elementary and younger aged children and babies. We study a mixture of Bible studies voted on by the class. They usually consist of a video, which the class watches together, followed by a group discussion.

Primarily a 30s group, although everyone is welcome (babies are also welcome).

Room W201 Leader: Lisa Wittliff Contact: lisawittliff@yahoo.com | 832-618-7910

Faithbook Connecting with God and others through bible study and discussion, missions and fellowship. This class is open to all adults who want to learn and apply the teachings of Christ to their everyday life while enjoying social activities together.

Primarily consists of adults with teenage children, although all ages are welcome.

Room M110 Leaders: Debbie & Jay Jordan Contact: deb.jordan@sbcglobal.net | 281-859-5726

Footprints A group of married, single, or widowed men and women. As a group, we discuss the Scripture used in the sermon and points in the sermon that relate to our personal lives. We study mostly Scripture, but have done book studies in the past.

Ages range from 45-65, although everyone is welcome.

Room W206 Leaders: Sarah Holbrook & Chuck Kemper Contact: Sholbrook@cypress-umc.org | churck7612@hotmail.com | 281-469-0730

“ This type of growing in faith is at the heart of our calling to partner with each person on their spiritual journey. �

Pastor Patty Bergfield

Free Spirits Please join us for open discussion, growing in applicable understanding of the Bible as members of the family of God. All ages welcome.

Room W23 Leader: Suzy Thornton Contact: suzythornton@comcast.net | 281-904-6705

His Treasures Study and discussion group. We explore the Bible, have book studies, and discuss the meaning in our everyday lives.

All ages welcome.

Room W204 Leader: Aleta Hansen Contact: aleta.hansen@gmail.com | 832-483-9813

Impact Mission-focused class that will sometimes use class time to go out and serve our community.

All ages welcome.

Room M109 Leader: Michael Oliver Contact: michael.oliver00@gmail.com | 832-359-7765

SMALL GROUPS, BIBLE STUDIES

& FALL CLASSES

for women: Square Pegs Bible Study Women’s Bible Study, usually broken up into 6-week studies. We usually have a takehome workbook with light homework, and then meet together for a group discussion about the weekly lesson, and watch corresponding videos.

All ages are welcome.

Wednesdays, 6:30-8 PM Room W206 Leader: Karen Bidinger Contact: Karen@bidingerdesign.com | 281.635.7005

Lamplighters A United Methodist Women’s group that focuses on biblically-based devotionals and studies, who frequently enjoy lunch together after our meetings.

All ages are welcome. Childcare is always available.

Monday, 9:30-11:30 AM Room W206 Leader: Cheryl White Contact: thelittlelulu@comcast.net | 281-304-7858

Truthseekers A United Methodist Women’s group desiring deep connection with God through book studies and devotionals that explore current issues affecting our families, churches and neighborhoods. We are committed to growing and learning and deepening our relationships with both God and each other.

Primarily 50s plus, although all ages are welcome.

Tuesday, 10 AM-12 PM Room M111 Leaders: Jean Feller Contact: 281-890-8153

for men: Men’s Roundtable Roundtable is a United Methodist Men’s group that focuses on fellowship, discussion, cookies (yes, cookies), Bible study and prayer. No homework is given. Bible studies are generally video based, from people like Max Lucado, Francis Chan, Andy Stanley, Louie Giglio, and Bruce Wilkinson.

All ages are welcome.

Wednesday, 7-9 PM Room M109 Leader: Wayne Parcel Contact: wayne.parcel@timken.com | 281.894.6344

FALL 2013

for everyone: Beginnings Beginnings is a small-group spiritual journey for seekers, new believers, and longtime Christians who want to explore the basics of Christianity in a relaxed, nurturing atmosphere. Participants can bring questions, gain knowledge, and form or deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Tuesday, 7-8:30 PM September 3– September 24 Leader: Dr. Jerome Brimmage

Disciple Bible Study (DBS) I Disciple is a program of disciplined Bible study aimed at developing strong Christian leaders. The study gives the Old and New Testaments equal time, emphasizing the wholeness of the Bible as a revelation of God. Disciple draws upon the work of scholars, the personal Bible reading and study of the participants, and dynamic group discussion to aid understanding of the Bible.

Monday, 6:30-8 PM September 9– May 2014 Leaders: Libby Allen & Janine Saunders

Disciple Bible Study (DBS) IV The study concentrates on the Writings (Old Testament books not in the Torah or the Prophets), the Gospel of John, and Revelation. Emphasis on the Psalms as Israel’s hymnbook and prayer book leads naturally to an emphasis on worship in the study.

Present through the entire study is the sense of living toward completion – toward the climax of the message and the promise, extravagantly pictured in the Revelation. The image of the tree and the color gold emphasize the proof and promise in the Scriptures for DISCIPLE: UNDER THE TREE OF LIFE. The word “under” in the title is meant to convey invitation, welcome, sheltering, security, and rest – home at last.

Prerequisite for the class: completion of DBS I. Wednesday, 7-9 PM September 4– May 2014 Leader: Larry Thieme

Experiencing God Experiencing God is a 13-week study based on seven scriptural realities that teach us how to develop a true relationship with the Creator. By understanding how God is working through us, we can begin to clearly know and do His will and discover our lives greatly and gracefully changed. This study starts where we are and takes us further along our Christian journey, helping us hear God more clearly. It is designed to benefit mature Christians, new Christians, non-Christians, and anyone in between seeking to know more about God. This study can be repeated and will provide new insights about ourselves and God. Sunday, 2:30-5 PM September 8– December 8 Leader: Debbie Parcel

Financial Peace University We all need a plan for our money. FPU will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely. FPU presents biblical, practical steps to get from where you are to where you’ve dreamed you could be.

Sunday, 2-3:30 PM September 8– November 3 Leader: John Stanford

FPU Legacy Dave Ramsey’s biblically-based class teaches you how to truly live and leave a legacy for generations to come. This class will lead you deeper into investing, basic estate planning, purposeful living, safeguarding your legacy, and then discovering the keys to generational wealth and true generosity.

Sunday, 2-3:30 PM September 8– October 27 Leader: Glenn Kirk

Grief Share Grief Share is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone. You’ll gain access to valuable Grief Share resources to help you recover from your loss and look forward to rebuilding your life.

Sunday, 2-4 PM September 8– December 1 Leader: Peter Ellis

Prayer Paths Do you ever wonder what prayer really is? Do you want to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17)? Do you want to deepen your prayer life? Prayer is not only the lifting up of the mind and heart to God, but it is also the response to God within us.

Prayer is more than talking to God, it changes us. It leads ultimately to the discovery and fulfillment of our own true being in God. Through this class, you will learn about the different types of prayer and the purpose of each. You will also learn what to do when you feel like you can’t pray and how to pray out loud without feeling uncomfortable. You will learn what prayer is and what it is not. This is a ‘hands on’ class with a special emphasis on different styles and methods of prayer to help keep your prayer life alive and effective.

Monday, 10-11:30 AM September 23– October 28 Leader: Pastor Patty Bergfield

Twelve World Religions Did you know that there are twelve major religions in our world today? This can make our task to tell others about Jesus quite challenging (Matthew 28:19-20). It can be difficult to talk to people of other religions about our faith in Jesus Christ, especially if we don’t know about their religion. Why can’t we just tell them about Jesus? We may say what we believe but they may hear something other than what we intended and that may be a stumbling block to them coming to faith in Jesus. We need to know what other religions believe and what they hear when Christians tell them about Jesus. We will learn the history of the twelve major religions and how they perceive life and faith. We will also learn where God has left a connecting point in their religion for us, as Christians, to begin telling them about our faith. This class will help you be more effective when you talk to people of other religions so they will truly hear and understand the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.

Wednesday, 7-8:30 PM September 25– November 20 Leader: Pastor Patty Bergfield

Cypress UMC’s calling is, “To be a leading church in Cypress that grows God’s kingdom, prepares children and youth for Christ-centered living, and partners with each person on their spiritual journey.”

Out of this, we feel that there are four core areas we must work to develop in our lives: faith-forming relationships (purple), missions (blue), children’s ministry (green) and youth ministry (orange).

The foundation of these four things is faith-forming relationships. This involves prayer, worship, studying the Scriptures, and seeking the fellowship and accountability of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Out of this first foundational block comes missions and outreach, which stretches into discipleship of children and youth.

The center and sole reason for why we gather together as the body of Christ, is because of Christ. Therefore, the center of the four blocks is a cross.

To live out the calling set before us by God, we must develop each of these areas in our lives, starting with ourselves. That is why there is a circle connecting each of the blocks.

This calling is embedded into our church logo that is stamped on everything we put out into the community. Let our lives be stamped with the same calling as we go out into the world as the people of God.

testimonies Jerry Maxwell “ The small groups I am in are more or less accountability groups of men pouring into other men. We meet with old friends and new friends on a weekly basis to encourage one another and hold each other accountable, and we do lots of mission work together, too. We pray together, cry together, we cook turkeys for families at Thanksgiving together, and we just basically live life together. ”

Debbie Blough “ I think perhaps the sense of shared study and learning—everyone found different points in our study that touched them in a special way, and the discussion allowed us all to widen our viewpoints and increase our understanding.

Then again, the caring fellowship that we established across the weeks of study was hard to top in and of itself. When one of us was struggling with something, the others just naturally offered support during our time of sharing concerns.

We lifted each other in prayer every week. ”

Pam Davis “ My family is hundreds of miles away, so my small group became my family.

They loved and nurtured me and gave good advice. Because my small group is also of various ages, I get to hear opinions from different generations. ”