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2015 WOMEN’S FOCUS STUDIES

Women’s Focus Studies

Join us at First Baptist Church of Glenardenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s WOMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FOCUS STUDIES Ministry You are my refuge and my shield, I have put my hope in your word. Psalm 119:114 NIV

Our Vision: Every woman will be able to apply the Word of God to every circumstance of life. Our Mission: Developing Dynamic women by training and equipping them through short-term studies to apply biblical principles to their circumstances. Register at www.fbcglenarden.org/institutes/focusstudies

Welcome to Women’s Focus Studies Greetings Focus Studies Students, Stay focused! Nehemiah encountered opposition on the path God called him to in rebuilding the wall. Regardless of the situations he encountered he stayed focused. I have an hour or more driving commute to work, Monday through Friday. During the course of a year’s time, I am faced with all types of weather conditions that cause me to give my full attention when driving. Depending on the road conditions during my commute, I must give it an even greater focus, in order to arrive to my destination safely. Struggles and challenges in our lives can distort our view and distract us from God’s purpose and plan for us. To help us stay focused, we need others to come along side us to help us see the bigger picture God has in store for us. The Focus Study team has developed a lineup of lifeimpacting sessions that are just right for where you are in this season of your life. We invite you to take a few moments to see what is being offered this year and to register for one or more of these life-changing sessions. I look forward to meeting you in one of our Focus Study sessions. May the blessings of the Lord be upon you.

Jackie Parker

Director, Focus Studies Ministry

Women’s Focus Studies

Nuturing Dolls (above)

“One of the problems I struggled with before taking ‘Nurture, Give and Get What

You Need to Flourish,” was loneliness. Although loneliness is described as fear of intimacy or closeness with others, it is worth noting that loneliness is not necessarily a condition experienced by “loners” only, but can be experienced by anyone. My solution to this problem was to go to the gym, read, go shopping or wonder what my few friends were doing and wondering if I could tag along. However, the void in my life was becoming more apparent with each passing day. God has a purpose for all of us and fear of being alone is not part of that picture. I realized that to alleviate a self-induced pity party that I needed to get involved. I felt a spiritual prompting to get involved and the scripture that came to mind was Ephesians 2:10 where is says, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” This class brought out how much our world needs us! There are many sad, lonely, hurting people in our world and they need Christian nurturing! Thanks to God first and foremost and to Carolyn O’Bryant (and Sierra) for making this such a wonderful class and to offer a completely new insight into nurturing. I have really learned a lot from this class.” Doris

Welcome to Women’s Focus Studies

How to Choose a Class

In our effort to support the vision and mission of our church developing dynamic disciples - we want to provide a broad selection of life impacting classes that are designed to strengthen your faith and prepare you to live a victorious life. Take a few moments to leaf through the information contained in this newly designed resource guide, to see which of the classes resonate with you.

There are many different classes to choose from and it can be challenging to decide.

Why Attend a Focus Study Class? These courses are tailored primarily for women and are designed to enrich your life. They will help you begin or continue on a path toward spiritual maturity. We have intentionally developed these sessions for women like you, who want to take advantage of biblically sound, short-term studies (4-10 weeks in length) that address a variety of needs for women in every season of life. You can benefit from our diverse offerings whether you are a new or seasoned believer or somewhere along the continuum. They can also be taken along with other FBCG discipleship ministries – whatever way best suits you and helps Jesus Christ to be more fully developed in your life. We have also launched several “Focused Living” classes in collaboration with the Family Life Ministries, that were developed to address issues that are common to men, women and the entire family. We have identified these “Focused Living” classes throughout the guide.

How To Use This Resource Guide The class descriptions are listed alphabetically. We have provided the name of the class; facilitators; the session the class is being offered in (Spring or Fall); beginning dates for each class and a brief summary intended to give you a glimpse of what the class will highlight. We have also included a bio for each facilitator. For your convenience, we have also included a 2015 calendar to assist you in selecting courses that fit your schedule. The Spring 2015 session begins in March and the Fall session starts in September.

We recommend the following: 1. Determine your availability. We offer classes in the evening during the week and on weekends. We encourage you to take multiple classes if your schedule permits. 2. Review the class schedule. While some classes could possibly be repeated the next semester, the majority will only be offered one time to give students fresh new choices. 3. Decide which classes match your spiritual needs. Ask the Lord to show you where you need to grow and which classes would best meet the need at this season in your life.

How Do I Register for Class? 4 Easy Steps to register: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Go to our website at www.fbcglenarden.org Hover over the Inside FBCG tab Click “The Institutes” Click “Course Selection” Click “Women’s Focus Study”

Upon completion you will receive a receipt to confirm your registration has been processed. *Note: There is a $5.00 non-refundable registration fee which is payable at the completion of your registration.

To ensure that you receive information from the Focus Studies Team, please make sure you have signed up to receive our emails at focusstudies@fbcglenarden.org or 301-773-3600.

Women’s Focus Studies

Frequently Asked Questions Is child care available during class time?

Parents requiring childcare must register their children for “Kid’s World” seven days prior to the class starting at www.fbcglenarden.org/kidsworld Details listed on the website.

What locations will the classes be held? Classes are offered at both locations: Ministry Center (MC) 3600 Brightseat Rd Landover, MD 20785 Worship Center (WC) 600 Watkins Park Dr Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 Locations are listed on website at time of registration.

What happens if I miss a class?

Each class has an attendance policy dependent upon the number of weeks the class is in session.

Are grades earned for the classes?

You are not given a letter or number grade for these classes. You would earn either a complete or incomplete.

Women’s 2015 Focus Studies CLASSES AT-A-GLANCE SPRING 2015 Sessions

Fall 2015 Sessions

A New Kind of Normal (10 Weeks: March 2 - May 11)

Ambushed by Grace: Caring for your Loved Ones (7 Weeks: September 16 - October 28) *

Adorned With Beauty (7 Weeks: March 18 - April 29) *

Dialoguing With Your Sons (8 Weeks: September 9 - October 14)

Dancing With Broken Bones (6 Weeks: March 18 - April 29) *

In Pursuit of Purpose - Discovering God’s Purpose for Your Life (7 Weeks: September 24 - November 12) *

Faithful, Abundant & True, Part 2 (7 Weeks: March 7 - April 25) *

Faithful, Abundant & True, Part 3 (7 Weeks: September 12 - October 31)

Happy Wives Club (5 Weeks: April 1 - May 6) *

Kitchen Coaching (5 Weeks: September 4 - October 2) *

Healing for a Woman’s Emotions (7 Weeks: March 5 - April 23) * Lost & Found (7 Weeks: September 30 - November 14) * Overcoming Betrayal, Part 1 (7 Weeks: March 11 - April 29) *

Overcoming Betrayal, Part 2 (7 Weeks: : September 9 - October 28) *

The Gift in You (9 Weeks: March 2 - April 27) *

Seasons of a Woman’s Life (9 Weeks: September 12 - November 14)

Spiritual Bootcamp - Disciplines of a Godly Woman

Spiritual Bootcamp – Disciplines of a Godly Woman (10 Weeks: September 2 - November 4)

(10 Weeks: March 4 - May 13) The Home Experience (10 Weeks: March 14 - May 23)

Successful Women Think Differently (6 Weeks September 12 - October 24) *

21 Day Brain Detox (7 Weeks: April 15 - June 24) *

Marriage From A-Z (For Married Women Only) (6 Weeks: September 12 - October 24) *

Battlefield of the Mind (9 Weeks: April 1 - May 20) **

The Secret of Journaling (7 Weeks: September 12 - October 31) *

Raising Kingdom Kids (8 Weeks: March 5 - April 20) **

Women Sharpening Their Leadership Skills (8 Weeks: October 5 - November 23) * Blended & Blessed Families (6 Weeks: September 9 - October 14)* **

* New Course Offering ** Focused Living Classes

Women’s Focus Studies

SPRING 2015 SESSION

Focus Study Classes Adorned with Beauty: Cracking the Dress Code! Start Date: Wednesday, March 18

Faithful, Abundant and True – Going Deeper, Still: Part II Start Date: Saturday, March 7

Purpose/Overview: This six-week class is designed for women of all ages to examine godly principles of her adornment, as it relates to clothing. Participants will learn how to apply these principles in the secular world of fashion and trends, coupled with the Christian world of modesty and discretion.

Purpose/Overview: You get three studies in one. While reviewing the book of Hebrews, you will see the example of God’s faithfulness and His challenge to believers to be faithful in difficult times. Reviewing Ephesians 3:20-21 will reveal God’s abundance. A fundamental basis for every believer is the absolute reality that God can do whatever He chooses to do. God’s ability empowers our faithfulness. And finally, there is the topic of discernment. In these difficult days, it is absolutely essential that we learn to trust the Holy Spirit to enable us to determine what is true and what is false. This seven-week versatile study will challenge us during these difficult days. If you didn’t participate in Part I, you can still join us for Part II – III.

A New Kind of Normal Start Date: Monday, March 2 Purpose/Overview: How do you move forward when your life is changed irreversibly and will never be what you hoped and dreamed? You create a new kind of normal. “A New Kind of Normal” is about choices. It’s about willfully choosing to make the future better and giving hope to others when life turns upside down. This is a 10-week class.

Battlefield of the Mind

(FOCUSED LIVING - For Men and Women)

Start Date: Wednesday, March 18

Purpose/Overview: Worry, doubt, confusion, anger and feelings of condemnation are all attacks on the mind. If you suffer from negative thoughts, take heart. If you did not make our fall session you will not want to miss this nine-week focus study, which will help you win these all important battles of the mind.

Dancing with Broken Bones: A Guide to Life’s Challenges Start Date: Wednesday, March 18 Purpose/Overview: Every person in pursuit of a dynamic and fulfilling life will be challenged by obstacles, setbacks and even tragedy. In this thought provoking study, “Dancing with Broken Bones” will empower you to persevere in the face of challenges. This six-week study is a powerful reminder of the capacity that God has put within each of us to “dance”, even if our bones have been broken.

Healing for a Woman’s Emotions: Released from Damaging Thoughts and Feelings Start Date: Thursday, March 5 Purpose/Overview: It’s time to love you the way God loves you! Whether you have been abused, lost a child, married to an addict, lived through a divorce, gotten an abortion, or have trouble connecting with your teenager(s) at home, here is a message of hope and healing that hears the anguished cries of your heart. This down to earth seven-week focus study is for women who want to make changes and improvements! Handling emotions is tricky business, but this study will take it even one step further and will encourage you to do so in redemptive and constructive ways. These sessions offer sensitive and liberating insights that will help you cope with feelings, deal with grief and sorrow, identify sources of pain, express emotions, sort through confusing signals and experience emotional wholeness.

Purpose/Overview: When your life has been turned upside down by the devastating blow of betrayal, this sevenweek study is filled with profound wisdom and clear healing guidance. “Overcoming Betrayal” is the essential companion for any woman whose life has been shattered by infidelity. You will be able to share your experiences and strength of other women on how to find healthy outlets for rage, survive the inevitable rough spots, regain trust in others and allow truth to heal the pain. These sessions will help women be empowered to live their lives with grace, dignity and calmness.

Raising Kingdom Kids

(FOCUSED LIVING - For Men and Women)

Start Date: Thursday, March 5

Purpose/Overview: “Raising Kingdom Kids” equips parents to raise their children with a kingdom perspective and also offers practical how-to advice on providing spiritual training as instructed in Scripture. We will begin with an overarching look at the need for kingdom parenting, our roles and responsibilities in raising God-following children and how to prepare children to take on the assignments God has for their lives. This eight-week study for every dad and mom who wants to fulfill the parenting role God has given them.

Spiritual Boot-camp – Disciplines of a Godly Woman Start Date: Wednesday, March 4 Purpose/Overview: The Godliness Workout! The apostle Paul links the idea of necessary training or discipline with the spiritual life. 1 Timothy 4:7 says “Train yourself to be godly.” The word train is derived from the ancient Greek which we get the English word gymnasium. Paul is saying “Gymnasticize yourself for the purpose of godliness.” Meet us at the gym for this 10-week study for a powerful workout to get you in shape spiritually. Registration for the Spiritual Bootcamp will remain open for the duration of each class.

Women’s Focus Studies

The Gift in You Start Date: Monday, March 2 Purpose/Overview: No matter what you may have been told, the tests that you may have taken or what you may believe about yourself, you have a unique gift inside of you that can change the world. So what does God say about your gift? And how does neuroscience prove that you are uniquely equipped to fulfill your purpose? In this ground-breaking study, Dr. Caroline Leaf illustrates the revolutionary link between brain science and God’s purpose for each of us. This practical and easy-to-grab hold of nine-week focus study will help you discover your special gift, overcome what may be standing in the way of living in your gift and identify your true value.

The Happy Wives Club Start Date: Wednesday, April 1 Purpose/Overview: One woman, Fawn Weaver, undertakes a worldwide search to learn the secrets of a great marriage and finds one foundational truth that could change everything. Join us on this journey to meet new friends and discover what makes their marriages great. This exciting five-week focus study will help you to see that a Happy Wives Club is possible and that there are great marriages all around us when we look for them. It will be a great time for us to share and see the best marriage secrets the world has to offer.

The Home Experience Start Date: Saturday, March 14 Purpose/Overview: This is a 10-week intensive study designed to train, disciple and encourage women that their homes are a sanctuary of love and a haven of peace and where ministry takes place. This study is for married or single women and intended to draw women’s heart back towards home.

The 21-Day Brain Detox Start Date: Wednesday, April 15 Purpose/Overview: This is study takes only 7 – 10 minutes of your time each day. For 21-days, we will walk through and guide you to a toxic-free mind. Your thoughts impact your spirit, soul and body. Each moment of your day, you will be able to change your brain with thoughts that are positive, directing you to think and choose to cause structural changes in your brain. By changing the direction of your mind, you control the direction of your life. Join us in this seven-week study as Dr. Leaf coaches us into positive thinking.

SPRING 2015 SESSION

Overcoming Betrayal – Hope and Help for Women: Part I Start Date: Wednesday, March 11

FOCUSED LIVING:

KINGDOM MAN KINGDOM WOMAN

Ambushed by Grace: Caring for your Loved Ones Start Date: Wednesday, September 16

Faifthful, Abundant and True - Going Deeper, Still: Part III Start Date: Saturday, September 12

Purpose/Overview: Caregiving is probably the hardest work you will ever do. Yet, it can also change your heart and transform your life. In this seven-week focus study you will experience practical help and spiritual insights for those facing the challenges of caregiving.

Purpose/Overview: You get 3 studies in 1. While reviewing the book of Hebrews, you will see the example of God’s faithfulness and His challenge to believers to be faithful in difficult times. Reviewing Ephesians 3:20-21 will reveal God’s abundance. A fundamental basis for every believer is the absolute reality that God can do whatever He chooses to do. God’s ability empowers our faithfulness. And finally the topic of discernment. In these difficult days it is absolutely essential that we learn to trust the Holy Spirit to enable us to determine what is true and what is false. This seven-week versatile study will challenge us during these difficult days.

Blended and Blessed Families

(FOCUSED LIVING - For Men and Women)

Start Date: Wednesday, September 9

Purpose/Overview: Some common blindsides occur when blended married couples believe that stepfamilies are just like first families and discover their stepfamily is very different from anything they’ve ever experienced. They realize they don’t have the tools to successfully manage their home. Smart blended family couples however don’t get blindsided; they see it coming. They study the qualities of successful blended families and work at their marriages. They overcome well intended but misguided assumptions with “street smarts” and they are doing fine. Join us on this six-week journey in a focus study where we can come together and see what God has planned for our blended families.

Dialoging with Your Sons Start Date: Wednesday, September 9 Purpose/Overview: A dialogue takes place between two people; it isn’t just one person doing all the talking. During this study, you will not just read the book but you will learn how to reflect on it, think about how meaningful it is to you and remember situations in which is applicable. To better help you do this, join us in “Dialoging with Your Sons.” This eight-week session is for mothers with sons of any age. Women’s Focus Studies

In Pursuit of Purpose - Discovering God’s Purpose for Your Life Start Date: Thursday, September 24 Purpose/Overview: This seven-week study will show women how to embrace God’s unique call for their life. Women across the country want to know the same thing: “I want to do something meaningful for God, but I don’t know what to do, or how.” Participants will learn how to overcome insecurities, busyness and other obstacles in order to focus their gifts and passions on their God-given assignment. With biblical insights and inspiring stories from a variety of women, this action oriented guide will speak to every woman who has felt a nudge from God – from the visionary who wants to end poverty to the empty-nest mom who feels called to help the young single mother next door. If this sounds like your thoughts this is the study for you.

FALL 2015 SESSION

Focus Study Classes

FALL 2015 SESSION

Kitchen Coaching Start Date: Friday, September 4

Marriage from A - Z Start Date: Saturday, September 12

Purpose/Overview: What does my kitchen have to do with my walk with God? Our bodies are not our own, but are the temple of the Holy Spirit and we are called to glorify God. Doing so begins by establishing a nourishing kitchen. In this five-week, in-depth study, participants will learn practical steps for establishing a kitchen that promotes the totality of wellness: mind, body and spirit. Through examination of Scripture and in-class activities, participants will receive tools that can be applied immediately to transform their kitchens into nourishing centers where the temple is fortified and strengthened for the Father’s use.

Purpose/Overview: This six-week study will give you Godly principles for a successful marriage. The writers vulnerability about the challenges in her marriage blended with biblical truth will engage you and enable you to be prepared.

Lost and Found - Finding Hope in the Detours of Life (Young Women 18-25years) Start Date: Wednesday, September 30 Purpose/Overview: Like every little girl, Sarah Jakes dreamed of a life full of love, laughter and happy endings. But her dreams changed dramatically when she became pregnant at age 13 and the reality compounded by the fact that her father, Bishop T.D. Jakes, was one of the most influential pastors in the nation. She was shunned at school, gossiped about at church and had a marriage that ended in hurt and rejection. She could have let her pain dictate her future, but instead she found herself surrounded by a God she’d given up on. Perhaps like Sarah, you find yourself wandering the detours of life. Regardless of how you feel, you too can be found. Let us take the journey in this sevenweek study together.

Overcoming Betrayal - Hope for Women: Part II Start Date: Wednesday, September 9 Purpose/Overview: When your life has been turned upside down by the devastating blow of betrayal, this seven-week study is filled with profound wisdom and clear healing guidance. “Overcoming Betrayal” is the essential companion for any woman whose life has been shattered by infidelity. You will be able to share your experiences and strength of other women on how to find healthy outlets for rage, survive the inevitable rough spots, regain trust in others and allow truth to heal the pain. These sessions will help women be empowered to live their lives with grace, dignity and calmness.

Seasons of a Women’s Life Purposeful Living in the 3rd Quarter of Life and Beyond! Start Date: Saturday, September 12 Purpose/Overview: Designed for women in the fall and winter season of their life, this nine-week focus study will help you view and understand God’s call and purpose during this journey of your life. With biblical references, women will be challenged through the Word to embrace the lessons in each season of her life. Senior women will be able to see God’s unique design and orchestration of events along her journey, strategically placed for her to bring glory to the Kingdom.

Purpose/Overview: The Godliness Workout! The apostle Paul links the idea of necessary training or discipline with the spiritual life. 1 Timothy 4:7 says “Train yourself to be godly.” The word train is derived from the ancient Greek which we get the English word gymnasium. Paul is saying “Gymnasticize yourself for the purpose of godliness.” Meet us at the gym for this 10-week study for a powerful workout to get you in shape spiritually. Registration for the Spiritual Bootcamp will remain open for the duration of each class to accommodate women whose schedule may not permit them to attend all of the classes.

Successful Women Think Differently - 9 Habits to learn from! Start Date: Saturday, September 12 Purpose/Overview: If you have ever watched other women with no more talent than you excel beyond your level of success or happiness, then you’ve likely wondered what made them different. What makes one woman succeed at high levels while another with seemingly more resources and experience falls

short of similar goals? Let us explore together in this six-week focus study, nine specific habits you can develop that will make you happier, healthier and more resilient.

The Secret of Journaling Start Date: Saturday, September 12 Purpose/Overview: Learn how to make your journal the place where you chronicle the spiritual truths that quicken your spirit while you’re in the secret place. “I will not forget your word,” says Psalm 119:16. Join us in this seven-week journey.

Women Sharpening their Leadership Skills Start Date: Monday, October 5 Purpose/Overview: How is today’s woman leader to view herself? Through insights from the biblical text, this focus study will help you discover and facilitate the strengths and abilities that women bring to the leadership arena. This eight-week study provides fresh perspective concerning women who are called by God to do the work of the ministry. We will share how women can communicate and use the power of influence, while working cooperatively in leading together with men.

Secrets of the Secret Place Focus Study

Women’s Focus Studies

FALL 2015 SESSION

Spiritual Bootcamp - Disciplines of a Godly Woman Start Date: Wednesday, September 2

... Sanctuary of Love and a Haven of Peace The Home Experience Focus Study

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am so fortunate to have taken this class (Married But Emotionally Divorced) at this time.

I was hesitant at first because of own limitations and bias. However, the first meeting reassured me that I was in a safe nurturing environment. In this class I learned that forgiveness is the path to avoid bitterness. Also, I learned that really letting go and letting God works when you effectively apply it to life with prayer. The class was very emotional for me because I had to confront events that I had long forgotten. However, with Reverend Linda Thomasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; guidance through the book and real life application assignments, I was able to examine my role in my relationship. The applications also gave me concrete directions about decisions I had made in my marriage, as well as the part I played in the dysfunction of my marriage. The reality was difficult but I now realize that there were many things missing in my relationship. The class inspired me to rededicate my life to Christ. I wish there was a part two ... â&#x20AC;&#x153; Nichole

First Baptist Church of Glenarden Pastor John K. Jenkins Sr. Family Life Ministries Director Department & Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ministry Group First Lady Trina Jenkins womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s focus studies Director Jackie Parker

Worship Center (WC) 600 Watkins Park Dr Upper Marlboro, MD 20774

Ministry Center (MC) 3600 Brightseat Rd Landover, MD 20785