SPRING
2021 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 spring 2021, 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
THE BOOK OF ROMANS WITH DR. BRAD MORGAN
Wednesdays Beginning January 13 10–10:50 AM or 6:30-7:20 PM Via Zoom During January Zoom ID: 987-1936-3709 (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!
YOUNG ADULT BIBLE STUDY
Wednesdays Beginning January 13 | 7:30 - 8:30 PM | Via Zoom Contact: CarrieNeal@mdumc.org Join us for our weekly Bible study for Young Adults led by Carrie Neal. We are going to start going through the Gospel of John in January and would love for you to join us!
MEN’S LIFE: STUDYING 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS
Wednesdays Beginning January 13 | 7 - 8 AM Via Zoom and Wesley Hall when it’s safe to gather in person. Zoom ID: 988-317-630 | Contact: MichaelJarboe@mdumc.org Join us for a short lesson, and fellowship with other MDUMC men. Coffee and breakfast tacos are always available! We’ll have you out the door by 8 AM to get on the road to work as better men, dads, husbands and disciples of Christ!
ALPHA ONLINE
Wednesdays Beginning February 3 | 6:30 - 8 PM Via Zoom | Contact: ColinBagby@mdumc.org You’re invited to try Alpha online - a series of conversations that explore life, spirituality and faith in a non-judgmental and open environment, all from the comfort of your own home. Pastor Colin leads this group each Wednesday at 6:30 PM via Zoom beginning February 3. Learn more and register at mdumc.org/alpha.. If you can’t participate this time, look for more opportunities in summer and fall!
JANUARY
DISCIPLE FAST TRACK III: REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE THE LETTERS OF PAUL
Mondays Beginning January 11 (12 Weeks) | 6:30 - 8 PM Via Zoom | Leader: Daniel Scholl | $16
This study provides a thorough study of the letters traditionally attributed to Paul. It examines the connection between memory and identity as the people of God. Paul is continually calling hearers and readers back to their God and to a sense of who they are as a people “set apart.”
THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT
Thursdays Beginning January 14 | 9:30 – 11:30 AM | Leader: Vicky Harris Via Zoom | $13 Explore the most popular sermon ever delivered! The Sermon on the Mount contains some of Jesus’ most profound and most memorable teachings. What might these teachings have meant to his disciples and to the others who first heard them? How does Jesus provide us a road map to living as God would have us live?
MDUMC MOMS - STORIES JESUS TOLD
Tuesdays Beginning January 19 | 10 – 11:15 AM Via Zoom | $13 | Contact: AllysonGeorge@mdumc.org A study for moms of elementary aged children. Who doesn’t love a good story? Jesus told stories, or parables to teach and help us understand how God wants us to live in life. Learn how to read, interpret, and understand the parables of Jesus. We will explore six of Jesus’ parables.
LISTENING FOR GOD
Tuesdays Beginning January 19 | 2:30 - 4 PM Via Zoom | $20 | Leader: Rev. Susan Wiley Participants are invited into dynamic faith conversations centered around short stories, essays, and other selections. We will explore “GOD Stories,” edited by C. Michael Curtis, which includes selections by John Updike, Philip Roth, Alice Munro, and others. Join this spirited group!
UNDERSTANDING RACIAL INJUSTICE IN 2021
January 24, January 31, and February 7 | 4 - 5:30 PM Via Zoom | Leader: Corinne Maddox | Contact: corinnemaddox@gmail.com We have all heard about George Floyd and observed the controversy over the protests. What do the terms School-to-Prison-Pipeline, Systemic Racism and Implicit Bias really mean? Are you troubled that people may be oppressed or harmed due to their skin color? In this brief program we will review current racial justice issues, define terms, look at key events in history, and consider Biblical guidance. This program will give you the framework to better understand how racial injustice developed and how it persists even now. For more information, contact VictorResendiz@mdumc.org..
FEBRUARY
THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT
Thursdays Beginning February 18 | 2:30 – 4 PM | Leader: Betty Cartmell Via Zoom | $13 Explore the most popular sermon ever delivered! The Sermon on the Mount contains some of Jesus’ most profound and most memorable teachings. What might these teachings have meant to his disciples and to the others who first heard them? How does Jesus provide us a road map to living as God would have us live?
THE WOMEN OF EASTER BY LIZ CURTIS HIGGS
Wednesdays Beginning February 24 (5 Weeks) | 11 AM – 12 PM Library or Via Zoom | $11 | Leader: Sandy Earthman The Lord’s resurrection is the most glorious, victorious moment in history. We will watch these ancient scenes unfold through the eyes of the three women who were witnesses. All three Marys will show us what happens when we encounter a loving Savior and are transformed. That is what Lent is all about. Mary of Bethany prepares the way for the Lord’s burial when she anoints His feet and fills the air with her perfume. His mother, Mary of Nazareth, remains by His side from His first breath to His last, her loyalty unwavering. Mary Magdalene, delivered of seven demons, bravely supports her Teacher through His darkest hours, then proclaims the glorious news of His resurrection.
PROVERBS: PATHWAYS TO WISDOM BY DOMINICK S. HERNÁNDEZ
Thursdays Beginning February 25 (4 Weeks) | 9:30 – 11:30 AM Via Zoom | $13 | Leader: Vicky Harris
There is a lot of talk these days about “the good life.” It is 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.
MARCH
HEBREWS: GRACE AND GRATITUDE BY DAVID A. DESILVA
Thursdays Beginning March 1 (6 Weeks) | 9:30 – 11:30 AM Via Zoom | $13 | Leader: Vicky Harris
Author and New Testament scholar David deSilva traces these themes through the book of Hebrews, helping us to see the connection between God’s grace in our lives and the gratitude we can express for our salvation when we answer the call to invest ourselves in God’s mission in the world. This study helps us discover a bold perspective on the meaning and significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection in light of the Old Testament, allowing us to hear afresh God’s call to a life of faithfulness.
APRIL
ROMANS: GOOD NEWS THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING BY MELISSA SPOELSTRA
Wednesdays Beginning April 21 (6 Weeks) | 11 AM – 12 PM Library or via Zoom | $13 | Leader: Sandy Earthman
You simply cannot escape bad news. Even when you vow not to listen to the news or read the latest blog, somehow negative headlines find ways to seep into your life. Amid stories of natural disasters, violence, and conflict, we sometimes forget the most important news of all. In this study, we’ll learn that the gospel truths shared with the early church at Rome echo into our day, reminding us that we still have good news to embrace and to share with others.
WALK TO EMMAUS: A JOURNEY WITH CHRIST
Men’s Walk | April 22 - 25 or June 3 - 6 Women’s Walk | April 29 - May 2 or June 10 - 13
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. If you are interested, please contact VickyHarris@mdumc.org.. VickyHarris@mdumc.org
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 is 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 Beginning January 18 | 5:30 - 6:30 PM Via Zoom (Meeting ID: 284-589-696) Leader: Rev. Victor Resendiz Please login to the meeting at 5:20 PM.
Pastor Victor will assign material to watch every week, then discuss God’s presence in that material via Zoom. The goal is to reflect in a contemplative scope and look for God’s presence in the material we will be watching. Everyone and anyone are welcome to join.
THE WORK OF THE PEOPLE FILM SERIES MARCHING FROM PAIN TO POSSIBILITY
Mondays, February 22 - March 22 | 5:30 - 6:30 PM Via Zoom | Meeting ID: 284-589-696 | Leader: Rev. Victor Resendiz Please login to the meeting at 5:20 PM. Pain proposes perplexing questions: What is the meaning of pain? How can I survive it? What do I do with it? However, Lent offers a way of grappling with the unintelligibility of pain; it invites us to look at our lives and our deepest longings for healing, restoration, and fulfillment.
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.
BODY, MIND, AND SPIRIT
2nd & 4th Thursdays | 11:30 AM Resumes when we are able to gather together safely again. Contact SheriKelley@mdumc.org Boomers and Seniors are invited the 2nd & 4th Thursdays for lunch, devotional and fellowship. Lunch is $7. After lunch, we have a time of devotion. Hopefully, one day soon, we’ll be able to once again schedule movies, table games, educational classes, and both American and Chinese Mahjongg. Watch the Messenger and the weekly e-mail blast for more information.
SINGLES COMMUNITY BIBLE STUDY
Wednesdays | 7:30 PM Via Zoom | Contact SheriKelley@mdumc.org
Singles gather to study the Word of God using the Lifeguide Bible Study series. This is an ongoing group that takes a short break between series. At the completion of each study, the group decides the topic for the next study. Since participants include those from a variety of Christian faith communities, there is always good discussion. All singles, whether you’re a member or not, are welcome!
Alpha A series of sessions exploring the Christian faith designed to create conversation about life’s deepest questions.
Wednesdays Beginning February 3 6:30 - 8 PM | Via Zoom
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 spring learning opportunities!