FALL
S P I R I T UA L F O R M AT I O N
HOW ARE YOU LEARNING? DISCIPLES OF JESUS CONTINUALLY STUDY, READ SCRIPTURE, AND EXPLORE THEIR FAITH TOGETHER. As you look through this edition of the MDUMC Learning Guide for Fall 2020, consider ways these studies and classes will make a difference in your own life as well as in the life of your church and community! As we examine our call to serve God and our neighbors, there are many opportunities in our midst to deepen and strengthen our lives - even at a distance - with the hope that we will all become better disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Unless otherwise noted, please contact VickyHarris@mdumc.org or KellyVicente@mdumc.org with any questions or to register. Registration is also available online at mdumc.org/register mdumc.org/register..
WEDNESDAYS AT MDUMC
RE:WORD - TOOLS FOR READING THE BIBLE ON YOUR OWN
Wednesdays | August 5 - 26 | 7 - 8 PM | Via Zoom
We want to encourage you to study scripture on your own. Easier said than done, right? During the month of August, join Pastor Colin as he gives you the tools you’ll need to study the Bible with accessible scholarly resources, step-by-step processes to unpack the sctiptures, and discovering how to apply the Bible to our day-to-day lives.
THE BOOK OF ROMANS WITH DR. BRAD MORGAN
Wednesdays Beginning September 9 10–10:50 AM or 6:30-7:20 PM Via Zoom (Returning to Wesley Hall when we are able to safely gather again.) Pastor Brad will teach a verse-by-verse study of the Book of Romans. He incorporates humor and stories along with sound biblical interpretation. Feel free to bring your questions and your Bible to this interactive study!
SEPTEMBER
LISTENING FOR GOD
Tuesdays Beginning September 1 – October 20 | 2:00 - 4:00 PM Via Zoom | Leader: Rev. Susan Wiley | $15 Through contemporary literature selections, brief author profiles, and lively discussions, we “listen” for the many ways in which God speaks through the everyday experiences of our lives. Authors include John Cheever, Mary Gordon, Wendell Berry, Oscar Hijuelos, Reynolds Price, Louise Erdrich, Tess Gallagher, Tillie Olsen.
MDUMC MOMS FIERCE WOMEN OF THE BIBLE WHO CHANGED THE WORLD
Tuesdays Beginning September 8 | 10 - 11:15 AM C201 or Via Zoom | $12 | Contact: AllysonGeorge@mdumc.org
A study for mothers of children in elementary school. This study by Jennifer Cowart tells of many fierce female Bible characters who made hard decisions, offered hope, boldly repented, shared their faith, and blessed those around them.
THE JESUS CHALLENGE 21 DAYS OF LOVING GOD AND NEIGHBOR
Wednesdays Beginning September 9 (4 Weeks) | 10 – 11:30 AM Via Zoom | Leader: Sandy Earthman | $15 This study by Justin LaRosa will help us become more attentive to our relationship with God. It invites us to move from forgetfulness to remembering, from being distracted to becoming intentional, and from self-sufficiency to reliance on God.
WHY? MAKING SENSE OF GOD’S WILL BY ADAM HAMILTON
Thursdays Beginning September 10 (4 Weeks) | 9:30 – 11:30 AM Via Zoom | Leader: Vicky Harris | $10
In this study, best-selling author Adam Hamilton brings fresh insight to the ageold question of how to understand the will of God. Rejecting simplistic answers and unexamined assumptions, he lays out core ideas for comprehending God’s plan for the world, including: God will never abandon us, especially in the midst of our suffering. While God is not the author of suffering, God will bring blessing out of tragedy.
DISCIPLE FAST TRACK - REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE THE PROPHETS
Mondays Beginning September 14 (13 Weeks) And Beginning January 11 (12 weeks) 6:30 - 8 PM | Via Zoom | Leader: Daniel Scholl | $32
Find common themes, including calls to remember, calls to repent, calls for renewal, and calls for community. There are 13 sessions on the Old Testament Major and Minor Prophets (except Daniel). Daily reading assignments draw on the books of Deuteronomy through Chronicles. Classes meet for a total of 25 weeks, studying the Prophets and the letters traditionally attributed to Paul.
MOMS WITH YOUNGER CHILDREN
2nd and 4th Tuesdays Beginning in September (Start Date TBD) 9 - 10:30 AM | Via Zoom | Contact: CarrieNeal@mdumc.org Join us for a devotional, discussion, and prayer. Our topics are almost exclusive issues that surround ‘mommying.’ Our goal is to create a community of Christian moms just doing their best to raise little humans and help each other!
THE WALK: FIVE ESSENTIAL PRACTICES OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
Thursdays Beginning September 17 (6 Weeks) | 2 – 3:30 Via Zoom | Leader: Betty Cartmell | $14
Examine five essential spiritual practices rooted in Jesus’ own walk with God through this book by Adam Hamilton. How do we walk with Christ—daily follow him, grow in him, and faithfully serve him? In each chapter, Hamilton’s engaging teaching style will help you explore one of these five practices—each of which is intended to be a part of our daily walk with Christ—its New Testament foundation, and its potential effect on our personal lives and our lives together as the church.
LIGHTEN UP - A BIBLE STUDY FOR BUSY MOMS
Tuesdays Beginning Mid-September | Noon - 1:30 PM West Campus - The Refuge | $60 (Includes Book and Lunch) Contact: KarenCrawford@mdumc.org
Lighten Up is a community of women of all ages that meet weekly for lunch, a short video, and small group discussion. Each Tuesday starts with a delicious lunch followed by a short video and great small group time. We plan to pass out the study guides in September and conclude before Thanksgiving. Friends and neighbors welcome!
OCTOBER
ACTS: CATCHING UP WITH THE SPIRIT
Thursdays Beginning October 8 (6 Weeks) | 9:30 – 11:30 AM Via Zoom | Leader: Vicky Harris | $13 There’s no better explanation for how to live out the Great Commission—following the instruction of the resurrected Jesus Christ to spread his teachings to all the nations of the world—than in the book of Acts. Explore key themes that illustrate the ways in which reading Acts is capable of igniting our imagination about the character of the Christian gospel, the work of God’s people (the church), and the challenges of living faithfully in a complex and changing world in this study by Matthew L. Skinner.
PROVERBS: PATHWAYS TO WISDOM BY DOMINICK HERNANDEZ
Wednesdays Beginning October 28 (4 Weeks) | 10 – 11:30 AM Via Zoom | Leader: Sandy Earthman | $12
There is a lot of talk these days about “the good life.” It’s not a new topic—the Book of Proverbs talked about just that. Its sayings and bits of wisdom were collected to make the lives of people just like us run a little more smoothly. This study explores the biblical book’s well-known verses and prevalent themes in a manner that offers various interpretations, opening the way for us to see how they apply to our modern world.
REVEAL CONTEMPLATIVE MINISTRY
SELAH CONTEMPLATIVE WORSHIP
Wednesdays | 11 - 11:30 AM Via Zoom (Meeting ID: 446-274-110) Please login to the meeting at 10:50 AM This mid-day time of silent prayer, scripture, and reflection led by Rev. Victor Resendiz. We hope you’ll join us for an opportunity to be quiet and still in the midst of a busy week.
MONDAY CONTEMPLATIVE DISCUSSION
Mondays | 4 - 5 PM Via Zoom (Meeting ID: 284-589-696) Leader: Rev. Victor Resendiz Please login to the meeting at 3:50 PM
Pastor Victor will assign material to watch every week, then discuss God’s presence in that material via Zoom. Everyone and anyone are welcome to join.
GOD IS LOVE: CONVERSATIONS ON COMPASSION, JUSTICE AND SPIRITUALITY
Tuesdays Beginning August 4 (5 Weeks) | 1 – 2 PM Leaders: Rev. Victor Resendiz and Liz Peterson
Join us for a 5-week series of conversations exploring our role as Christian believers in today’s national dialogue around race and racism. Together we will dive into the stories behind the headlines, unpacking common terms and concepts and identifying ways we can make a difference in our spheres of influence. Most importantly, we will explore spiritual practices that will help us process our grief, fear, and uncertainty and enable us to more fully embody the commandment to love God and love neighbor. Conversations are posted weekly on Facebook, YouTube, and at mdumc.org/contemplative mdumc.org/contemplative..
ONGOING
MEDITATION FOR CHRISTIANS
Tuesdays | 3 – 3:50 PM Via Zoom | Leader: Betty Cartmell
This class is for entering into the practice of Christian meditation. We have short contemplative times before our meditation. There is time for questions and responses plus suggestions for reading and practice. Think of it as heartfulness and listening for God. All it requires is an open heart and a desire to learn this ancient practice.
MEN’S LIFE ZOOM COFFEE
Thursdays | 7:30 AM Via Zoom
Grab a cup of coffee and check-in with fellow men of MDUMC. Contact
MichaelJarboe@mdumc.org for more information and to be connected.
ONGOING
OLDER ADULT MINISTRY (BOOMERS & SENIORS)
Contact: SheriKelley@mdumc.org
Our hope is to schedule the Social Security Seminar and the Medicare Seminar later in the fall. Body, Mind, & Spirit will probably continue to be suspended until health concerns are alleviated. We may continue with such activities with Drive-by Donuts and Pop In for Popsicles and add a devotional time. Concern for your safety and health are paramount. As soon as we can gather safely though, we will!
SINGLES MINISTRY Our hope is to once again have a Singles Bible Study on Wednesday evening. It will probably be on Zoom. Watch for details as they develop.
THE WEEKLY | A BIBLE STUDY FOR 20-SOMETHINGS
Mondays | 7:30-8:30 PM Via Zoom
Join us for our weekly Bible study for Young Adults led by Carrie Neal. We will look at different topics and Bible passages each week as we try to deepen our faith through community. Contact CarrieNeal@mdumc.org for more information and with any questions.
WALK TO EMMAUS: A JOURNEY WITH CHRIST
Men’s Walk | April 22 - 25, 2021 Women’s Walk | April 29 - May 2, 2021
The Walk to Emmaus is an experience of Christian spiritual renewal and formation that begins with a three-day short course in Christianity. The objective of Emmaus is to inspire, challenge, and equip local church members for Christian action in our homes, churches, communities and places of work. MDUMC has over 100 people who have participated and about 40 people who meet weekly in small groups to talk about their spiritual life. Countless members have served in many of the Emmaus activities over many years. If you are interested, please contact VickyHarris@mdumc.org VickyHarris@mdumc.org..
Alpha A series of sessions exploring the Christian faith designed to create conversation about life’s deepest questions.
Wednesdays Beginning September 2 (10 Weeks)
Questions? Ready to join? Visit mdumc.org/alpha Contact ColinBagby@mdumc.org
L EA RN IN G AT HOME How do you keep up and connected with friends who you love as family while socially distancing? How do you mesh together the creativity and spirituality of our members to make a difference in our lives and the church? How are you serving others during this time of physical distancing? Many of our church members are learning at home, and, as we are growing closer to each other, we are also growing in our faith! A few of our class leaders are sharing what they are doing and where they see God.
Where have you seen God while learning from home?
We’ve seen God working through our members to reach out to others to encourage and support them during this time. We can see and speak with each other, even via Zoom, and share our joys and concerns in a holy manner. God's work can be seen in the many heartfelt ideas being advanced to overcome current community and national challenges. Such terms as tolerance, understanding, love, justice, communication, kindness, etc., are heard routinely throughout the discussions, and, along with God's loving guidance, are needed more than ever.
What are you learning?
Our class devotions are rich in topic with meaningful discussions. Meeting virtually has been a remarkable experience for all of us and we are grateful for the opportunity. Some classes are having normal attendance and others are seeing average attendance increase dramatically. One class saw attendance increase by almost 50%. It has provided an opportunity for those who have second homes or are traveling to join in no matter where they are. We thought this format might be a deterrent to discussion and keeping our bonds, but it seems that we have traveled in the opposite direction. Our discussions are very good, and it seems to be something that everyone looks forward to.
A few Zoom classes had the wonderful opportunity of getting to know Dr. Brad and Laura Morgan, and eagerly await being with them in person. How fortunate we are to have such wonderful people in our midst! One class studied Great Courses’ presentations on various religious topics. Recently the DVD subject was on the “Second Great Awakening” (1790 - 1840), and the historical context surrounding this period. These presentations have generated robust discussions on the part of all class members, who have really taken to this format. Other classes have studied Longing for Revival: From Holy Discontent to Breakthrough Faith, a Max Lucado study, and the Book of Hosea. We can catch up with each other and spend time in prayer with and for our class members and others near and far. It helps us stay connected and supported by God and our members during these unusual times. How are you serving?
One class of senior members who are especially housebound at this time found they could help others in need by raising about $2,400 to help others in their emergency needs.
How are you connecting?
Our classes have become very creative with meeting by Zoom, connecting through weekly newsletters, making many phone calls, and sending emails.
Adult Sunday School classes meet online on Sunday mornings and afternoons, Tuesday afternoons, and Saturday at noon. If you are interested in joining a class, please e-mail VickyHarris@mdumc.org for more information!
Visit mdumc.org/register to reserve your place for any of these fall learning opportunities!