Studies & Small Groups
Long-Term Studies
Disciple 1 - DISCIPLE 1 is being offered in 2 short-term sections this fall, so Disciple 1 can be found and registered for under the Short Term Studies listed below. Begins August 2008
Alpha - If you are interested in knowing more about Christianity, or if you are visiting a Christian church for the first time, Alpha is the PERFECT course for you. Offered every fall at Trinity UMC, Alpha is a 10-week course that covers the basic principles of our faith. Alpha is a very open and inviting environment where people are encouraged to ask questions – and no question is too controversial or too dumb! Alpha meets at 6PM and begins the second Tuesday following Labor Day (September 9, 2008). Participants are assigned to a small group, and eat dinner together. Most nights the group watches a video and then discusses the material. Class is two hours long each week, and dinner and childcare are provided at no cost. To learn more about Alpha, visit http://www.alphausa.org. Begins July 2008
Strengths! - This class is built to help folks identify where to serve OR how to use your strengths most effectively in your current place of ministry. This class is insightful, practical, and fun--it is based on the book “Now, Discover Your Strengths” by Gallup Poll. Many corporations use the online tool to build successful teams and develop their employees. Now, many UMCs in our conference are using it to build ministry teams. Dates for Strengths! this fall are as follows: SUNDAYS @ 6pm: Sept 7, 14, 21, 28 WEDNESDAYS @ 6pm: Sept 3, 10, 17, 24 SUNDAYS @ 4pm: Oct 5, 12, 19, 26 WEDNESDAYS @ 6pm: Oct 8, 15, 22, 29 THURSDAYS @ 9.30AM: Sept 4, 11, 18, 25 Nursery provided for all sessions. For more information: http://www.gallup.com/consulting/61/Strengths-Development.aspx to learn more about the tool we will use. Begins July 2008
Disciple 1 OLD TESTAMENT - “Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study” is being offered as 2 short-term sections this year. The Old Testament section is 13 weeks and begins the week of Septmeber 7. The New Testament section is a 15 week study that starts in January ‘09. If you cannot take both sections this year, we plan to offer both sections in the fall of 2009. If you want to take both sections this year, register for both to be included on both rosters. Cost is $40 for one or both. A minimum of 12 is needed for theseclasses. Leader: Sunday 6PM, Jane Smith; Wednesday, 6 PM, Jim Summers. Register here for the OLD TESTAMENT study in the fall. Begins June 2008
Disciple 1 NEW TESTAMENT - “Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study” is being offered as 2 short-term sections this year. The Old Testament study is 13 weeks and begins the week of Septmeber 7. The New Testament study is a 15 week study that starts in January ‘09. If you cannot take both studies this year, we plan to offer both studies in the fall of 2009. If you want to take both sections this year, register for both to be included on both rosters. Cost is $40 for one or both. A minimum of 12 is needed for theseclasses. Leader: Sunday 6PM, Jane Smith; Wednesday, 6 PM, Jim Summers. Register here for the NEW TESTAMENT study in the fall. Begins June 2008
Disciple 2 - “Into the Word, Into the World” concentrates on the books of Genesis, Exodus, Luke, and Acts. Disciple 1 is a prerequisite to this 32 week course. A minimum of 12 is needed for this class. Begins week of September 7. Cost is $40. Leader: Wednesday, 6 PM, Eddie Scott. Online registry Begins June 2008
Disciple 4 - “Under the Tree of Life” covers Ruth, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Lamentations, Daniel, the Gospel of John, James, 1, 2 & 3 John, Jude & Revelation. Disciple 1 is a prerequisite to this 32 week course. Begins week of September 7. Minimum of 12 needed for this class. Cost is $40. Leader: Thursday, 9:15 AM, Kneeland Wright. Online registry Begins June 2008
Jesus in the Gospels - Disciple 1 is a prerequisite to this 30 week course that takes critical scholarship seriously and requires skill in comparing and analyzing various Gospel passages. Participants will need biblical knowledge that enables them to place specific New Testament passages about Jesus in their Old Testament context. Jesus in the Gospels takes a look at Jesus in the various ways to Gospels present him. The aim of this course is the same as in previous Disciple studies – to deepen discipleship through better understanding of the biblical texts and their messages. This course offers the opportunity to let each of Jesus’ stories challenge us in its own way. Class is 30 weeks, and each session is 2 hours. A minimum of 12 is needed for this class. Cost: $40. Leader: Wednesday, 6 PM, Mack Chapman. Online registry Begins June 2008
Men’s Study Group - If you have been hoping for a men’s study group, this is an opportunity for you! We will be using the study guide, “A Spiritual Formation Workbook,” which contains the following: the life of Christ and the following traditions: Contemplative, Holiness, Charismatic, Social Justice, Evangelical, and Incarnational. We will use these topics as a launching point of discussion as to how men can improve their spiritual foundation to improve their lives. Begins Sept. 10. Class meets for 9 weeks, and each session is 1 hour. Cost: $12. Leader: Wednesday, 6 PM, Scott Shurett. Begins June 2008
Unplug the Christmas Machine - If the thought of Christmas immediately stresses you out, this class is for you! Based on the popular book, this workshop will help participants make simple, thoughtful changes to holiday plans. Participants will examine current celebration practices, define their Christmas values, and then combine all their insights into a workable plan fo the coming holiday season that reflects Christ as the “reason for the season.” Begins Sept. 10. Class meets for 4 weeks, and each session is 1 hour. No charge. Leader: Wednesday, 6 PM, Sarah Robinson. Begins June 2008
Lessons We’re Learning the Hard Way - (for parents of children 5th grade and under) - Parenting can be the most rewarding and challenging role we serve in each day. At times, it seems it is all we can do to make it to bedtime, much less guide our children in a grace-filled manner. Therefore, let’s take some time for ourselves to focus on key components that strengthen our parenting with Godly purpose and patience. Begins October 8. Class meets for 8 weeks, and each session is 1 hour. No charge. Leaders: Wednesday, 6 PM, Steve & Stephanie Arnold. Begins June 2008
Women’s Study: Beth Moore’s A Heart Like His - This study of David teaches us how to be a woman after God’s own heart. Although he lived thousands of years ago, David dealt with many of the same issues that trouble God’s people today. Begins Sept. 10, 11. Class meets on Wednesdays (teacher Tempie Brunson) or Thursdays (teacher Sharon Giddens) for 12 weeks, and each session is 2 hours. Maximum number of participants: 15. Cost: $16. Begins June 2008
Psalms - This study invites us to engage the Psalms at the deepest levels of our hearts, where God’s faithfulness confronts the most challenging aspects of our lives, compelling us to ask, “How long, O Lord? Will you hide yourself forever?” (Psalm 89) and in the same breath pray, “Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised” (Psalm 48). Begins Sept. 10. Class meets for 10 weeks, and eac session is 1 hour. A minimum of 8 is needed for this class. Cost: $10. Leader: Wednesday, 6 PM, Ken Stalnaker. Begins June 2008
The Way of Blessedness - This course explores Jesus’ first teaching from the Sermon on the Mount commonly referred to as teh Beatitudes. His teaching may first strike us as strange or confusing. Each statement is concise and direct, yet layered with profound wisdom. To explore the depth of Christ’s words, we will engage the Bible with mind and heart by drawing on classic practices of scriptural meditation and prayer. Begins Sept. 11. Class meets for 10 weeks, and each session is 1.5 hours. A minimum of 8 is needed for this class. Cost: $13. Leader: Thursday, 9:15 AM, Tish Patton. Begins June 2008
Short-Term Studies
Disciple 1 - DISCIPLE 1 is being offered in 2 short-term sections this fall, so Disciple 1 can be found and registered for under the Short Term Studies listed below.
Alpha - If you are interested in knowing more about Christianity, or if you are visiting a Christian church for the first time, Alpha is the PERFECT course for you. Offered every fall at Trinity UMC, Alpha is a 10-week course that covers the basic principles of our faith. Alpha is a very open and inviting environment where people are encouraged to ask questions – and no question is too controversial or too dumb! Alpha meets at 6PM and begins the second Tuesday following Labor Day (September 9, 2008). Participants are assigned to a small group, and eat dinner together. Most nights the group watches a video and then discusses the material. Class is two hours long each week, and dinner and childcare are provided at no cost. To learn more about Alpha, visit http://www.alphausa.org.
Strengths! - This class is built to help folks identify where to serve OR how to use your strengths most effectively in your current place of ministry. This class is insightful, practical, and fun--it is based on the book “Now, Discover Your Strengths” by Gallup Poll. Many corporations use the online tool to build successful teams and develop their employees. Now, many UMCs in our conference are using it to build ministry teams. Dates for Strengths! this fall are as follows: SUNDAYS @ 6pm: Sept 7, 14, 21, 28 WEDNESDAYS @ 6pm: Sept 3, 10, 17, 24 SUNDAYS @ 4pm: Oct 5, 12, 19, 26 WEDNESDAYS @ 6pm: Oct 8, 15, 22, 29 THURSDAYS @ 9.30AM: Sept 4, 11, 18, 25 Nursery provided for all sessions. For more information: http://www.gallup.com/consulting/61/Strengths-Development.aspx to learn more about the tool we will use.
Disciple 1 OLD TESTAMENT - “Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study” is being offered as 2 short-term sections this year. The Old Testament section is 13 weeks and begins the week of Septmeber 7. The New Testament section is a 15 week study that starts in January ‘09. If you cannot take both sections this year, we plan to offer both sections in the fall of 2009. If you want to take both sections this year, register for both to be included on both rosters. Cost is $40 for one or both. A minimum of 12 is needed for theseclasses. Leader: Sunday 6PM, Jane Smith; Wednesday, 6 PM, Jim Summers. Register here for the OLD TESTAMENT study in the fall.
Disciple 1 NEW TESTAMENT - “Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study” is being offered as 2 short-term sections this year. The Old Testament study is 13 weeks and begins the week of Septmeber 7. The New Testament study is a 15 week study that starts in January ‘09. If you cannot take both studies this year, we plan to offer both studies in the fall of 2009. If you want to take both sections this year, register for both to be included on both rosters. Cost is $40 for one or both. A minimum of 12 is needed for theseclasses. Leader: Sunday 6PM, Jane Smith; Wednesday, 6 PM, Jim Summers. Register here for the NEW TESTAMENT study in the fall.
Disciple 2 - “Into the Word, Into the World” concentrates on the books of Genesis, Exodus, Luke, and Acts. Disciple 1 is a prerequisite to this 32 week course. A minimum of 12 is needed for this class. Begins week of September 7. Cost is $40. Leader: Wednesday, 6 PM, Eddie Scott. Online registry
Disciple 4 - “Under the Tree of Life” covers Ruth, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Lamentations, Daniel, the Gospel of John, James, 1, 2 & 3 John, Jude & Revelation. Disciple 1 is a prerequisite to this 32 week course. Begins week of September 7. Minimum of 12 needed for this class. Cost is $40. Leader: Thursday, 9:15 AM, Kneeland Wright. Online registry
Jesus in the Gospels - Disciple 1 is a prerequisite to this 30 week course that takes critical scholarship seriously and requires skill in comparing and analyzing various Gospel passages. Participants will need biblical knowledge that enables them to place specific New Testament passages about Jesus in their Old Testament context. Jesus in the Gospels takes a look at Jesus in the various ways to Gospels present him. The aim of this course is the same as in previous Disciple studies – to deepen discipleship through better understanding of the biblical texts and their messages. This course offers the opportunity to let each of Jesus’ stories challenge us in its own way. Class is 30 weeks, and each session is 2 hours. A minimum of 12 is needed for this class. Cost: $40. Leader: Wednesday, 6 PM, Mack Chapman. Online registry
Men’s Study Group - If you have been hoping for a men’s study group, this is an opportunity for you! We will be using the study guide, “A Spiritual Formation Workbook,” which contains the following: the life of Christ and the following traditions: Contemplative, Holiness, Charismatic, Social Justice, Evangelical, and Incarnational. We will use these topics as a launching point of discussion as to how men can improve their spiritual foundation to improve their lives. Begins Sept. 10. Class meets for 9 weeks, and each session is 1 hour. Cost: $12. Leader: Wednesday, 6 PM, Scott Shurett.
Unplug the Christmas Machine - If the thought of Christmas immediately stresses you out, this class is for you! Based on the popular book, this workshop will help participants make simple, thoughtful changes to holiday plans. Participants will examine current celebration practices, define their Christmas values, and then combine all their insights into a workable plan fo the coming holiday season that reflects Christ as the “reason for the season.” Begins Sept. 10. Class meets for 4 weeks, and each session is 1 hour. No charge. Leader: Wednesday, 6 PM, Sarah Robinson.
Lessons We’re Learning the Hard Way - (for parents of children 5th grade and under) - Parenting can be the most rewarding and challenging role we serve in each day. At times, it seems it is all we can do to make it to bedtime, much less guide our children in a grace-filled manner. Therefore, let’s take some time for ourselves to focus on key components that strengthen our parenting with Godly purpose and patience. Begins October 8. Class meets for 8 weeks, and each session is 1 hour. No charge. Leaders: Wednesday, 6 PM, Steve & Stephanie Arnold.
Women’s Study: Beth Moore’s A Heart Like His - This study of David teaches us how to be a woman after God’s own heart. Although he lived thousands of years ago, David dealt with many of the same issues that trouble God’s people today. Begins Sept. 10, 11. Class meets on Wednesdays (teacher Tempie Brunson) or Thursdays (teacher Sharon Giddens) for 12 weeks, and each session is 2 hours. Maximum number of participants: 15. Cost: $16.
Psalms - This study invites us to engage the Psalms at the deepest levels of our hearts, where God’s faithfulness confronts the most challenging aspects of our lives, compelling us to ask, “How long, O Lord? Will you hide yourself forever?” (Psalm 89) and in the same breath pray, “Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised” (Psalm 48). Begins Sept. 10. Class meets for 10 weeks, and eac session is 1 hour. A minimum of 8 is needed for this class. Cost: $10. Leader: Wednesday, 6 PM, Ken Stalnaker.
The Way of Blessedness - This course explores Jesus’ first teaching from the Sermon on the Mount commonly referred to as teh Beatitudes. His teaching may first strike us as strange or confusing. Each statement is concise and direct, yet layered with profound wisdom. To explore the depth of Christ’s words, we will engage the Bible with mind and heart by drawing on classic practices of scriptural meditation and prayer. Begins Sept. 11. Class meets for 10 weeks, and each session is 1.5 hours. A minimum of 8 is needed for this class. Cost: $13. Leader: Thursday, 9:15 AM, Tish Patton.
Other Studies
Disciple 1
DISCIPLE 1 is being offered in 2 short-term sections this fall, so Disciple 1 can be found and registered for under the Short Term Studies listed below.
Alpha
If you are interested in knowing more about Christianity, or if you are visiting a Christian church for the first time, Alpha is the PERFECT course for you. Offered every fall at Trinity UMC, Alpha is a 10-week course that covers the basic principles of our faith. Alpha is a very open and inviting environment where people are encouraged to ask questions – and no question is too controversial or too dumb!
Alpha meets at 6PM and begins the second Tuesday following Labor Day (September 9, 2008). Participants are assigned to a small group, and eat dinner together. Most nights the group watches a video and then discusses the material. Class is two hours long each week, and dinner and childcare are provided at no cost. To learn more about Alpha, visit http://www.alphausa.org.
Strengths!
This class is built to help folks identify where to serve OR how to use your strengths most effectively in your current place of ministry. This class is insightful, practical, and fun--it is based on the book “Now, Discover Your Strengths” by Gallup Poll. Many corporations use the online tool to build successful teams and develop their employees. Now, many UMCs in our conference are using it to build ministry teams.
Dates for Strengths! this fall are as follows:
SUNDAYS @ 6pm: Sept 7, 14, 21, 28
WEDNESDAYS @ 6pm: Sept 3, 10, 17, 24
SUNDAYS @ 4pm: Oct 5, 12, 19, 26
WEDNESDAYS @ 6pm: Oct 8, 15, 22, 29
THURSDAYS @ 9.30AM: Sept 4, 11, 18, 25
Nursery provided for all sessions.
For more information: http://www.gallup.com/consulting/61/Strengths-Development.aspx to learn more about the tool we will use. 
Disciple 1 OLD TESTAMENT
“Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study” is being offered as 2 short-term sections this year. The Old Testament section is 13 weeks and begins the week of Septmeber 7. The New Testament section is a 15 week study that starts in January ‘09. If you cannot take both sections this year, we plan to offer both sections in the fall of 2009. If you want to take both sections this year, register for both to be included on both rosters. Cost is $40 for one or both. A minimum of 12 is needed for theseclasses. Leader: Sunday 6PM, Jane Smith; Wednesday, 6 PM, Jim Summers.
Register here for the OLD TESTAMENT study in the fall.
Disciple 1 NEW TESTAMENT
“Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study” is being offered as 2 short-term sections this year. The Old Testament study is 13 weeks and begins the week of Septmeber 7. The New Testament study is a 15 week study that starts in January ‘09. If you cannot take both studies this year, we plan to offer both studies in the fall of 2009. If you want to take both sections this year, register for both to be included on both rosters. Cost is $40 for one or both. A minimum of 12 is needed for theseclasses. Leader: Sunday 6PM, Jane Smith; Wednesday, 6 PM, Jim Summers.
Register here for the NEW TESTAMENT study in the fall.
Disciple 2
“Into the Word, Into the World” concentrates on the books of Genesis, Exodus, Luke, and Acts. Disciple 1 is a prerequisite to this 32 week course. A minimum of 12 is needed for this class. Begins week of September 7. Cost is $40. Leader: Wednesday, 6 PM, Eddie Scott. Online registry
Disciple 4
“Under the Tree of Life” covers Ruth, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Lamentations, Daniel, the Gospel of John, James, 1, 2 & 3 John, Jude & Revelation. Disciple 1 is a prerequisite to this 32 week course. Begins week of September 7. Minimum of 12 needed for this class. Cost is $40. Leader: Thursday, 9:15 AM, Kneeland Wright. Online registry
Jesus in the Gospels
Disciple 1 is a prerequisite to this 30 week course that takes critical scholarship seriously and requires skill in comparing and analyzing various Gospel passages. Participants will need biblical knowledge that enables them to place specific New Testament passages about Jesus in their Old Testament context. Jesus in the Gospels takes a look at Jesus in the various ways to Gospels present him. The aim of this course is the same as in previous Disciple studies – to deepen discipleship through better understanding of the biblical texts and their messages. This course offers the opportunity to let each of Jesus’ stories challenge us in its own way. Class is 30 weeks, and each session is 2 hours. A minimum of 12 is needed for this class. Cost: $40. Leader: Wednesday, 6 PM, Mack Chapman. Online registry
Men’s Study Group
If you have been hoping for a men’s study group, this is an opportunity for you! We will be using the study guide, “A Spiritual Formation Workbook,” which contains the following: the life of Christ and the following traditions: Contemplative, Holiness, Charismatic, Social Justice, Evangelical, and Incarnational. We will use these topics as a launching point of discussion as to how men can improve their spiritual foundation to improve their lives. Begins Sept. 10. Class meets for 9 weeks, and each session is 1 hour. Cost: $12. Leader: Wednesday, 6 PM, Scott Shurett.
Unplug the Christmas Machine
If the thought of Christmas immediately stresses you out, this class is for you! Based on the popular book, this workshop will help participants make simple, thoughtful changes to holiday plans. Participants will examine current celebration practices, define their Christmas values, and then combine all their insights into a workable plan fo the coming holiday season that reflects Christ as the “reason for the season.” Begins Sept. 10. Class meets for 4 weeks, and each session is 1 hour. No charge. Leader: Wednesday, 6 PM, Sarah Robinson.
Lessons We’re Learning the Hard Way
(for parents of children 5th grade and under) - Parenting can be the most rewarding and challenging role we serve in each day. At times, it seems it is all we can do to make it to bedtime, much less guide our children in a grace-filled manner. Therefore, let’s take some time for ourselves to focus on key components that strengthen our parenting with Godly purpose and patience. Begins October 8. Class meets for 8 weeks, and each session is 1 hour. No charge. Leaders: Wednesday, 6 PM, Steve & Stephanie Arnold.
Women’s Study: Beth Moore’s A Heart Like His
This study of David teaches us how to be a woman after God’s own heart. Although he lived thousands of years ago, David dealt with many of the same issues that trouble God’s people today. Begins Sept. 10, 11. Class meets on Wednesdays (teacher Tempie Brunson) or Thursdays (teacher Sharon Giddens) for 12 weeks, and each session is 2 hours. Maximum number of participants: 15. Cost: $16.
Psalms
This study invites us to engage the Psalms at the deepest levels of our hearts, where God’s faithfulness confronts the most challenging aspects of our lives, compelling us to ask, “How long, O Lord? Will you hide yourself forever?” (Psalm 89) and in the same breath pray, “Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised” (Psalm 48). Begins Sept. 10. Class meets for 10 weeks, and eac session is 1 hour. A minimum of 8 is needed for this class. Cost: $10. Leader: Wednesday, 6 PM, Ken Stalnaker.
The Way of Blessedness
This course explores Jesus’ first teaching from the Sermon on the Mount commonly referred to as teh Beatitudes. His teaching may first strike us as strange or confusing. Each statement is concise and direct, yet layered with profound wisdom. To explore the depth of Christ’s words, we will engage the Bible with mind and heart by drawing on classic practices of scriptural meditation and prayer. Begins Sept. 11. Class meets for 10 weeks, and each session is 1.5 hours. A minimum of 8 is needed for this class. Cost: $13. Leader: Thursday, 9:15 AM, Tish Patton.