Growing Together by First United Methodist Church of McKinney

GrowingTogether MARCH - APRIL 2011

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SHARINGTHEHEART.ORG

ADULT DISCIPLESHIP AT FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Reaching Higher “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 3:18)

Growing Deeper

“Reading and studying the Bible are important steps on a disciplined walk of faith.” Choosing to Walk

ne of the popular features of this Growing Together bimonthly publication is the daily Bible reading plan developed by the Adult Discipleship Leadership Team and made available in each issue and on a companion bookmark. During March and April, we will complete our reading of the Old Testament Prophet Isaiah, where you will find a number of passages familiar to this season. Then, nearer to Holy Week and Easter, we will read the gospel accounts of the week leading up to Christ’s resurrection. Since we have just read through the Book of Luke, we will read these accounts from Matthew, Mark, and John. There is something about disciplined personal reading of Scripture and regular meeting 2

together with our companions on the journey of faith that gives us strength and depth. The season of Lent (traditionally the 40 days before Easter, not counting Sundays) is a special season at FUMC when we call ourselves to a disciplined walk of faith. Reading and studying the Bible are important steps on that walk. And taking that walk through the gospel stories that remind us so vividly of the love and grace of our God in Jesus Christ will make this an especially rich season for us all. Take time to plan for this season by doing several things now: first, commit yourself to weekly worship and perhaps a Sunday morning Bible class. Second, choose one of the four special Lent studies on pages 4-5 as a way to focus on your spiritual health and growth during the week. And third,

plan to follow the daily readings as you take a few devotional moments each day to open your life to the Word and presence of God, and to the great history of God’s mighty and gracious acts for you in Christ Jesus. Let the following pages help you prepare. And may you continue “to grow in the knowledge and love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:18) during this special time of year. Rev. John Harman Adult Discipleship Pastor

Growing Together on Sunday Mornings in LENT 2011

Join the Journey A Newcomer’s Exploration Beginning April 3

f you are new to First United Methodist Church, you’ll find the Join the Journey experience to be an opportunity to make a meaningful connection. It is especially designed to answer your questions about the Christian faith, the Methodist Church, and life in the church family. As you explore some basic topics in Christianity, Methodism, personal Bible study, and service and discipleship, you will get to connect with Join the Journey other newcomers and begin a journey of learning and spiritual growth together in this family of faith. The weekly sessions are designed to inform and equip you to understand and respond to the biblical call to a life of discipleship. Sessions will also use as a supplement for

discussion United Methodist Bishop William Willimon’s This We Believe: The Core of Wesleyan Faith and Practice (Abingdon Press, 2010). We hope that every person in the church family has a regular place of connection where you can learn and grow in community. We believe that Join the Journey will help you find a pathway to that connection that is right for you. Pick up a brochure in the main church lobby or visit the Short-Term Studies area at sharingtheheart.org/adults to learn more. This is an ongoing class that you can join at any time in its 12-week cycle. So come along, connect with us, and join the journey! Contact Rev. Liz Greenwell for more information: lgreenwell@sharingtheheart.org.

Adult Sunday School: A Place to Connect What Some of our Classes are Doing . . . (Plan a visit and see for yourself!) CLASS

TIME

ROOM

HomeBuilders

10:05

B205

Marriage: Learning from Couples in Scripture

Faith Connec ons

9:00

C210

The Book of Revela on: The Beginning of the End (cont’d)

Legacy

10:05

C205

Doing Life Together, a study of living, growing, and serving in community, as God created and called us to do

Solo Act

10:05

A225

The Short Le ers of the New Testament: 1, 2, and 3 John

B200

Go Fish, a study by Andy Stanley about sharing your faith in ways that come naturally to you; Beginning 4/3, reflec ons and teaching from Tina Ripperger on her recent trip to the Holy Land.

Genesis

9:00

CURRENT STUDY

Lent 2011 Growing Together in LENT 2011

A “Menu” of Special Studies for Lent Take Your Pick and Let’s Grow Together

The Hole in Our Gospel Led by Roger Smidt on Wednesday evenings, 7:15-8:45 p.m. (Parlor) Six weeks beginning March 23

his powerful journey is based on the bestselling 2010 ECPA Christian Book of the Year The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us? by Richard Stearns. As president of World Vision (U..S.), Stearns raises the biblical challenge to Christians to expand our personal faith into a public and transforming relationship with the poor, and this study connects us with that challenge. Any gospel, says Stearns, that does not engage the issue of global poverty and its many effects has a “hole” in it. How do we as American Christians live a “whole” gospel instead? In six soul-probing sessions during this season of Lent, you will study the Bible, hear and discuss stories of biblical compassion from around the world, reflect personally on Christ’s call on us to be world Christians, and apply what you are discovering and learning in practical ways. Books and materials will be available for you to engage on a variety of levels, according to how you want to approach this discipline for Lent. Adult Discipleship Leadership Team (ADLT) chair Roger Smidt will lead this interactive study. Register at sharingtheheart.org/lent.

Invitation to the New Testament Led by Rev. Tim Payne on Sunday evenings, 5:00-6:30 p.m. (Room B200) Eight weeks beginning March 6 (so register today!)

he Gospel of Matthew forms the framework of this study of the New Testament, as you encounter the coming of Jesus, his life, his mission, and his call to community and discipleship. You will read widely from selected portions of the New Testament and have the opportunity to reflect on your reading during the week and with other members of your group in the Sunday evening class. The combination of the daily readings and the weekly group time is one of the great strengths of this Disciple Bible study format. Rev. Tim Payne will lead this Lent session. Invitation to the New Testament is not meant to be a comprehensive survey, but a beginning step to an ongoing conversation with and about the Word of God. This is an excellent way to get started, to grow deeper, to connect with the community (and make some friends along the journey), and to practice spiritual disciplines through the season of Lent. No previous experience with Bible study is necessary. Register at sharingtheheart.org/lent. 4

I Believe Therefore I Serve Led by Dr. Ron Bentley on Monday evenings, 7:00-8:30 p.m. (Room C210) Five weeks beginning March 21

very week, Methodists are called to leave worship and serve others in the name of Jesus Christ. But why do we serve? Ultimately, what we believe about God motivates our Christian service. In the context of our worship the church family has recently been engaging what it means to say that God’s people are “called to serve,” and we have all been challenged to answer that calling.

This six-week study examines some of the earliest statements of Christian core belief. Christian leaders such as Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, and Origen relied on early statements of belief not just to interpret Scripture, but also to identify Scripture. This study of core belief concludes with a comparison of the older Apostles’ Creed to the later Nicene Creed, where Christians expressed as succinctly as possible who they believe God to be and how they believe God works. This fascinating look into early Church history and the struggles of the first few generations of Christians to understand, to articulate, and to live their faith will both strengthen and stretch your understanding during this special season of Lent. Church member Dr. Ron Bentley will lead this Lenten journey. All are welcome and encouraged to join us during these blessed weeks of spiritual discipline and study. Register at sharingtheheart.org/lent.

Personal Bible Study Basics Led by Pastor John Harman on Tuesday evenings, 7:00-8:30 p.m. (Room C200) Four weeks beginning March 22

ave you been wanting to get into studying the Bible on your own, but haven’t felt equipped or confident to get going and to do it regularly? That’s what Personal Bible Study Basics is all about. This four-week “hands-on” workshop is designed for those who want to discover some basic methods, tools, and information for studying, understanding and applying the Bible.

We’ll discuss the role of Scripture in a Christian’s life, we’ll navigate the sea of different Bible versions, study aides, and tools, and we’ll offer some guiding principles to make personal Bible study less intimidating. You will also get some actual practice as we work interactively through some examples together. An important part of spiritual growth in Scripture is simply learning how to ask good questions. This study will help you develop your skills and will introduce you to several ways to apply those questions to the Bible. Then you can apply the answers to your life in a way that aids and deepens your spiritual growth and, as a result, your relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lent season traditionally emphasizes growth in our spiritual disciplines, including Bible study. So this is a great time in the life of the church to focus on learning to be good listeners when it comes to the Bible and its application to our lives and to get in a little practice. No previous Bible study experience is necessary. Register at sharingtheheart.org/lent. 5

Personal Bible Reading Reading the Bible for Growth and Strength in 2011

he glorious themes of salvation and restoration are the focus of our readings from Isaiah 41-66. We read Isaiah 1-40 to conclude the year in November/December, and we pick up here to conclude Isaiah’s magnificent message of hope and healing. This great restoration has not come without a price, and as we enter the season of Lent, we reflect on the merciful grace that paid that price. We see it pictured in the suffering servant passages in our Isaiah readings in March, and we see it fulfilled in the passion accounts of the gospels. Join us as we prepare for Easter this season with disciplined reading, reflection, and prayer, walking in this grand story of God’s grace as it unfolds before us. You can get a copy of this reading schedule printed on a bookmark at the Information Desk in the main church lobby. Let’s read and grow together!

March 2011

1 Isaiah 41:1-16

14 Isaiah 48:12-22

27 Isaiah 57:14-21

Matthew 26:1-16

20 John 12:12-50

2 Isaiah 41:17-29

15 Isaiah 49:1-7

28 Isaiah 58:1-14

Matthew 26:17-30

21 John 13:1–14:31

3 Isaiah 42:1-13

16 Isaiah 49:8-26

29 Isaiah 59:1-21

Matthew 26:31-56

22 John 15:1–16:4

4 Isaiah 42:14-25

17 Isaiah 50:1-11

30 Isaiah 60:1-22

10 Matthew 26:57–27:10 23 John 16:5–17:26

5 Isaiah 43:1-13

18 Isaiah 51:1-8

31 Isaiah 61:1-11

11 Matthew 27:11-26

24 John 18:1–19:16

6 Isaiah 43:14-28

19 Isaiah 51:9-16

12 Matthew 27:27-66

25 John 19:17-42

7 Isaiah 44:1-5

20 Isaiah 51:17-23

13 Matthew 28:1-15

26 Psalm 130

8 Isaiah 44:6-23

21 Isaiah 52:1-12

1 Isaiah 62:1-12

14 Mark 14:1-11

27 John 20:1-18

9 Isaiah 44:24–45:13 22 Isaiah 52:13–53:12

2 Isaiah 63:1-19

15 Mark 14:12-31

28 John 20:19–21:25

10 Isaiah 45:14-25

23 Isaiah 54:1-17

3 Isaiah 64:1-12

16 Mark 14:32-65

29 Matthew 28:16-20

11 Isaiah 46:1-13

24 Isaiah 55:1-13

4 Isaiah 65:1-16

17 Mark 14:66-72

30 Mark 16:9-20

12 Isaiah 47:1-15

25 Isaiah 56:1-8

5 Isaiah 65:17-25

18 Mark 15:1-41

13 Isaiah 48:1-11

26 Isaiah 56:9–57:13

6 Isaiah 66:1-24

19 Mark 15:42–16:8

April 2011

He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniqui es; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, And by his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)

Welcome to GrowingTogether! GrowingTogether is the bimonthly newsletter of the Adult Discipleship Leadership Team (ADLT). Its purpose is to highlight upcoming opportunities to connect and grow in the First United Methodist Church family, and to encourage you on your journey of faith. We believe that a journey of faith is a journey of growth and that connecting with God through Bible study and with one another in Christian community are essential to our growth. If the ADLT can provide information or guidance for you along the discipleship pathway, please let us know: discipleship@sharingtheheart.org. 6

This Calendar features the opportunities to connect and grow contained in this edition of GrowingTogether. For a comprehensive list of church-wide ministries and events, visit the calendar at sharingtheheart.org.

March FUMC Calendar Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday 1

Every Sunday Morning: 8:00 am

Thursday

Friday 3

Saturday 4

7:00 am

Traditional Worship 9:30 am

9:00 am

Disciple I Young Women’s Study

Adult Sunday School Traditional Worship

Men’s Bible Study

9:30 am Women’s Bible Study

12:30 pm Disciple Study: Invitation to Romans

10:05 am Adult Sunday School Wellspring Worship Traditional Worship

7:00 pm

11:10

Disciple I Christian Believer

Wellspring Worship Traditional Worship

Join the Journey

7 9:30 am

7:00 am Men’s Bible Study

Women’s Bible Study

12:30 pm Disciple Study: Invitation to Romans

6:30 pm

Disciple I 7:00 pm

Ash Wednesday Worship

7:00 pm

Small Groups

Disciple I Christian Believer

7:00 am Men’s Bible Study

9:30 am

Disciple I Young Women’s Study

3:00 pm Financial Peace University 4:30 pm Disciple I 5:00 pm Invitation to the New Testament (Lent Study) Disciple II, Disciple III

5:30 pm

12:30 pm Disciple Study: Invitation to Romans

Evening Worship Small Groups

7:00 pm Disciple I Christian Believer

Small Groups

Women’s Bible Study

6:30 pm

Disciple I 7:00 pm

7:00 am Men’s Bible Study

9:30 am

3:00 pm Financial Peace University 4:30 pm Disciple I 5:00 pm Invitation to the New Testament (Lent Study) Disciple II, Disciple III

5:30 pm

3:00 pm Financial Peace University 4:30 pm Disciple I 5:00 pm Invitation to the New Testament (Lent Study) Disciple II, Disciple III

Women’s Bible Study

Disciple I 7:00 pm

I Believe (Lent Study) Small Groups

Evening Worship

Personal Bible Study Basics (Lent Study) Disciple I Christian Believer

Disciple I Young Women’s Study

I Believe (Lent Study) Small Groups

The Hole in Our Gospel (Lent study)

9:30 am Women’s Bible Study 6:30 pm Evening Worship

Disciple I 7:00 pm

7:15 pm

29 9:30 am

5:30 pm

12:30 pm Disciple Study: Invitation to Romans

6:30 pm

7:00 pm

10:05 am, Room C210

9:30 am

Disciple I Young Women’s Study Footprints

10:05 am, Room C210

Join the Journey

5:30 pm

10:05 am, Room C210

Join the Journey

ASH WEDNESDAY 9:30 am

Disciple I Young Women’s Study Footprints

10:05 am, Room C210 3:00 pm Financial Peace University 4:30 pm Disciple I 5:00 pm Invitation to the New Testament (Lent Study) Disciple II, Disciple III

Join the Journey

7:00 pm Personal Bible Study Basics (Lent Study) Disciple I Christian Believer

7:15 pm The Hole in Our Gospel (Lent study)

April FUMC Calendar Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday 1

Every Sunday Morning: 8:00 am

7:00 am

Traditional Worship

Men’s Bible Study

9:00 am Adult Sunday School Traditional Worship 10:05 am Adult Sunday School Wellspring Worship Traditional Worship 11:10 Wellspring Worship Traditional Worship

Join the Journey

Disciple I Young Women’s Study Disciple I

6:30 pm Evening Worship

7:00 pm

7:00 pm I Believe (Lent Study) Small Groups

Personal Bible Study Basics (Lent Study) Disciple I Christian Believer

The Hole in Our Gospel (Lent study)

14 7:00 am

9:30 am

Men’s Bible Study

Women’s Bible Study

5:30 pm Disciple I

6:30 pm

I Believe (Lent Study) Small Groups

Personal Bible Study Basics (Lent Study) Disciple I Christian Believer

Join the Journey

Evening Worship

7:00 pm

7:15 pm The Hole in Our Gospel (Lent study)

19 9:30 am

7:00 am Men’s Bible Study

9:30 am

Disciple I Young Women’s Study

10:05 am, Room C210

Women’s Bible Study 12:00 pm Good Friday Worship

5:30 pm Disciple I 7:00 pm

7:00 pm

I Believe (Lent Study) Small Groups

7:15 pm

Disciple I Christian Believer

7:00 pm

The Hole in Our Gospel (Lent study)

7:00 pm

Maundy Thurs. Worship

Good Friday Worship

29 7:00 am

EASTER SUNDAY

9:30 am

9:00 and 10:05 am 5:30 pm

Disciple I Young Women’s Study Footprints

Disciple I 7:00 pm Small Groups

9:30 am Women’s Bible Study

6:30 pm Evening Worship

7:00 pm Disciple I Christian Believer

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 315 N. CHURCH ST. MCKINNEY, TX 75069 SHARINGTHEHEART.ORG 972.562.8556 DISCIPLESHIP@SHARINGTHEHEART.ORG

7:15 pm

12 Disciple I Young Women’s Study Footprints

10:05 am, Room C210

Special Easter Adult Sunday School Gathering across Church St. at the Heard-Craig Gallery

Men’s Bible Study

Women’s Bible Study

5:30 pm

9:30 am

3:00 pm Financial Peace University 4:30 pm Disciple I 5:00 pm Invitation to the New Testament (Lent Study) Disciple II, Disciple III

9:30 am

3:00 pm Financial Peace University 4:30 pm Disciple I 5:00 pm Invitation to the New Testament (Lent Study) Disciple II, Disciple III

7:00 am

10:05 am, Room C210 3:00 pm Financial Peace University 4:30 pm Disciple I 5:00 pm Invitation to the New Testament (Lent Study) Disciple II, Disciple III

7:00 pm Small Groups

Men’s Bible Study