Disciple Bible Studies

DISCIPLE Bible Study is based on the model of Jesus and the twelve disciples. Group members may come from all walks of life, may or may not be members of the church, or may be first time or experienced students of the Bible. Regardless of their background, groups covenant together in terms of commitment of time, daily and weekly preparation, and attendance at all weekly sessions. DISCIPLE can reach its fullest potential when group members prepare, attend weekly sessions and participate fully. DISCIPLE is not a United Methodist Bible Study only – it’s active in over 30 denominations.

ORIENTATION FOR ALL LONG TERM DISCIPLES,  SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 11:45 – 12:15

DISCIPLE I: BECOMING DISCIPLES THROUGH BIBLE STUDY is the foundation for the Disciple series. No matter your experience level with the Bible, all are invited to participate. In this study, large portions of scripture are read each week during the course of the thirty-four weeks. This class is a prerequisite for the other long-term Disciple classes, except the short-term studies. $45

New classes forming in August, 2012

DISCIPLE II: INTO THE WORD INTO THE WORLD encourages persons to open themselves to hearing what God has to say to them through the Bible and to be guided into service in the world by Scripture and their study of it. This thirty-two-week study selects specific portions of Scripture and delves deeper into them. In-depth study of Scripture will be the work both of individual members and of the group in its weekly meeting. Equal attention is given to both the Old and New Testament with concentration on four books: Genesis, Exodus, Luke and Acts (eight lessons on each book).  $45

New classes forming in August, 2012

DISCIPLE III: REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE  - The driving idea in this study is the connection between memory and identity as the people of God. The word You in the title is meant to be heard both in its singular form (the individual) and its plural form (the community). We are a community of memory. Participants in this thirty–two week study will read the major and minor Old Testament prophets, with the exception of Daniel, and will read the thirteen Letters traditionally attributed to Paul. To establish the historical context in which the prophets spoke for God, daily reading assignments draw also on the books of Deuteronomy through Chronicles.  $45

New classes forming in August 2012


SHORT-TERM DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDIES:
$15 per study

FALL
INVITATION TO PSALMS - The human emotions expressed in the Book of Psalms rise to peaks of joy and descend into valleys of despair. In the Psalms, the promise of the reign of God meets the historical experience of God's people. Faith in God's faithfulness collides with human experiences of pain and suffering, enslavement, oppression, and exile. God's people-given voice in the Psalms-struggle to make sense of who God is and who they are, and in so doing they have composed a collection of moving testimonies of grace, glory, sorrow, and beauty unmatched in sacred literature. For students of the Psalms today, this study offers greater understanding of how these ancient texts of praise, lament, worship, and prayer can still speak to us and for us.  10 weeks

New classes forming in the fall of 2012

SPRING
INVITATION TO JOHN - In its wisdom, the early church chose to keep four Gospel accounts of the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Three of these Gospels are very similar to each other in both what they tell about the story of Jesus and how they tell it. However, the Gospel of John stands apart. In it, we find Jesus speaking not in parables but in lengthy discourses. We overhear Jesus talking with Nicodemus, a Samaritan woman, and Mary Magdalene. We marvel at Jesus turning water into wine, calling Lazarus from the tomb, and washing his disciples’ feet. We linger over Jesus’ great promises: “For God so loved the world.…” “I am the bread of life.…” “I am the resurrection.…” “Peace I leave with you.…” In the very first chapter of John’s Gospel, Jesus issues two invitations: “Come and see,” and “Follow me.” They echo the invitations of this study: to come and see this Jesus—to hear him speak, to see his signs—and to consider anew what it means to be his followers.  11 weeks

New classes forming in fall 2012