Educational Opportunities
DISCIPLE STUDIES STARTING AUGUST 15
Disciple I ( Sunday, 5:30-7pm): BECOMING DISCIPLES THROUGH BIBLE STUDY—This study is an overview of the Bible, moving from Creation to the New Jerusalem. There are daily readings each week which follow the chronological movement of the biblical story. Disciple I must be completed before beginning any other Disciple class. Led by Hal and Paula Heiney.
Disciple II(Sunday, 4-5:30pm): INTO THE WORD INTO THE WORLD—This study 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. 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). This study approaches all experiences of life as opportunities for faithful witness and service. Led by Joel and Shelley Ross.
Disciple III (Sunday,5:30-7pm): REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE—This study emphasizes the connection between memory and identity as the people of God. We are a community of memory. Participants in this 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. Several themes weave their way through the study: the call to remember, the call to repentance, the need for renewed vision (eyes to see, ears to hear), and the place of community. Led by Mickey Johnston.
Disciple IV (Sunday, 5:30-7pm & Thursday, 9:30-11am): UNDER THE TREE OF LIFE –This study concentrates on the writings in the Old Testament – Ruth, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Lamentations, and Daniel. New Testament Scriptures include the Gospel of John; 1, 2, and 3 John; James; Jude; and Revelation. Present though the entire study is the sense of living toward completion, toward the climax of the message and the promise, extravagantly pictured in the Revelation. Sunday class led by Llani Ray and Thursday class led by Janice Compton.
CHRISTIAN BELIEVER ( Sunday, 5:30-7pm, starts Aug. 22)– This study of the classical doctrines of the Christian faith aims at presenting, explaining, and interpreting Christian doctrine as the basic teaching of the church to the end that informed believing leads to committed discipleship. CHRISTIAN BELIEVER emphasizes the relationship of worship, belief, and daily life. The beliefs of the Christian community, taught within the Christian community, equip the Christian community for living faithfully and for passing on the faith entrusted to it. Led by Sue Wallace, Lorna Martin, and Rev. Angie
These studies last 30-32 weeks. Strengthen your walk with Christ and form lasting friendships with other Christians.To register for any of these classes contact Rev. Angie, 770-926-3488 or angie@thepumpkinchurch.org Cost for Disciple is $32 and Christian Believer is $30.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT STUDIES START AUGUST 18, 6:45-7:45PM.
PLEASE JOIN US FOR DINNER AT 5:45. RESERVATION FOR DINNER MUST BE MADE BY TUESDAY OF THAT WEEK BY 12 NOON.
The Green Church-August 18-Sept. 15- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rejoice–Citing Scripture and science, Rebekah Simon-Peter weaves in personal stories of Sabbath, gardening, recycling, camping, and the power of faith. She challenges us to consider our role in the care of Creation and to help save the earth for future generations. Adults led by Sheryl McClure. Classes also for youth and children. Cost for adults $12
The Twelve Disicples—August 18–Who were the disciples? What were they like? Why did Jesus call them to share in his ministry? Learn answers to these questions and more. Led by Wallace Doss
Andy Griffith, “Rafe Hollister sings”—August 25—“Judge not that you be not judged” is the lesson learned from this episode of The Andy Griffith Show. We will look at prejudice and how easy it can be to judge someone and how to develop an attitude of unconditional acceptance in our own lives. Discussion led by Randy Carter.
The Parables of Jesus—Sept. 1—What is a parable? Why did Jesus teach in parables? What can we learn from parables? Led by Wallace Doss
Nooma—Sept 8—Tonight’s video is called “Open” and leads to a discussion on God answering prayer. Some of us are angry with God for not answering the prayers we have prayed for years. Why did he answer their prayer but not ours? Maybe if we understood how Jesus prayed, our expectations of prayer would change. Discussion led by Kimberly Weatherford.
Jesus’ “I Am” Statements—Sept 15—Jesus described himself in many ways, often beginning with “I am.” “I am the Good Shepherd,” “I am the Light of the World.” Discuss how these statements give us a good picture of who Jesus is and his relationship to humanity. Led by Wallace Doss
Wild at Heart:Discovering the Secret of a Man’s Soul—Sept. 29—Nov. 17–Helping men rediscover their masculine heart, this guide to understanding Christian manhood and Christian men offers a refreshing break from the chorus of voices urging men to be more responsible, reliable, dutiful… and dead. God designed men to be dangerous, says John Eldredge. Simply look at the dreams and desires written in the heart of every boy: To be a hero, to be a warrior, to live a life of adventure and risk. Sadly, most men abandon those dreams and desires-aided by a Christianity that feels like nothing more than pressure to be a “nice guy.” It is no wonder that many men avoid church, and those who go are often passive and bored to death. Eldredge gives men permission to be what God designed them to be-dangerous, passionate, alive, and free. Led by Ed Resendez and Vic Knight. Cost: $12
Captivating:Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman’s Soul—Sept. 29-Nov. 17– Every little girl has dreams of being swept up into a great adventure, of being the beautiful princess. Sadly, when women grow up, they are often swept up into a life filled merely with duty and demands. Many Christian women are tired, struggling under the weight of the pressure to be a “good servant,” a nurturing caregiver, or a capable home manager. By revealing the core desires every woman shares-to be romanced, to play an irreplaceable role in a grand adventure, and to unveil beauty-John and Stasi Eldredge invite women to recover their feminine hearts, created in the image of an intimate and passionate God. Cost: $12
Methodism 101—Sept. 29-Oct. 27—Learn about the history of John Wesley and Methodism, the organization of the United Methodist Church, our beliefs and doctrine, and how we “do church.” This class is valuable to new members as well as life-long Methodists. Led by Rev. Mack and Rev. Angie
Finding Your Place in Ministry—Sept. 29-Oct. 27—Learn about your spiritual gifts, personality, abilities, passions and experience and how these all work together to help you find your place of ministry. God expects us to use what he has given us to serve him within his church. This class will guide you in discovering your PLACE. Led by Howard Mellen. Cost:$10
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES 9:30 AM
CONNECTIONS – room 125
This is a cross generation class for men and women. Various topics and studies will be discussed.
ALDERSGATE CLASS – room 120
Lessons are 9-12 week studies of a book in the Bible. This is a diverse class where discussion is encouraged.
LESTER RUMBLE CLASS – Sanctuary, left back
Composed of members above the age of 60, Adult Bible studies for mature years.
PATHFINDERS CLASS – room 130
General Bible study, including historical and cultural background in a lecture format. A new study beginning, Walk through the Bible, will start with Genesis and follow God’s plan all the way throuogh the Bible
SEARCHERS CLASS—room 133
Study of books of the Bible and application of the Word of God to everyday life. Bible topics as well as books of the Old Testament and the New Testament.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES 10:45 AM
FREE RADICALS—room 119
The “Free” Radicals class has begun a new study by Max Lucado called Cast of Characters: Common People in the Hands of an Uncommon God. Come discover your story in the ancestors of Jesus. If God can find a place for these characters…he just might have a place for us, too.
YOUNG ADULTS–conference room
This is a class designed for the needs of young men and women ages 19-25. We cover various topics and contemporary issues.
WE HAVE CLASSES AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN and YOUTH-All Ages-at 9:30 and 10:45.
Friday Morning-6:30 am
Men’s Breakfast and Bible Study
Take a close look at the Scripture and discuss what the Bible is saying to us today.