fall2017biblestudybook

Fall 2017 Small Group Studies

There are many opportunities for you to grow
in the Word and the Spirit this Fall. Read
through the Small Group Studies listed here
and prayerfully consider joining one of these
studies to nurture your mind and soul.

Sign up Sunday
Sign up for your study on August 27 during
Coffee Time. There will be information on
each study available and you can meet the
facilitator !

Wednesday Night Supper
Wednesday Night Suppers begin September 13,
5:30 pm. No sign up needed!
The cost is $6 for adults and $4 for children, with
a $20 maximum for families.

Nursery
Nursery will be provided for the Sunday and
Wednesday evening classes.

Children’s Time:
KidsWay and BreakOut sessions for the children begin
on September 13, 6:15—7:15 pm.
KidsWay is for Preschoolers & Lower Elementary (ages
2—3rd grade). They are engaged in activities that
encourage fellowship and community with other children
here at their church. Some of these activities include
Children’s Choir, Bibles lessons, energetic games, crafts,
music and active play.
Breakout (4th and 5th Grade Fellowship) will meet in
room 209 for a lesson series, games and service projects.

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young.

Instead, set an example for the believers through your speech,
1 Timothy 4:12
behavior, love, faith.

Youth:
All middle schoolers (grades 6-8) are invited for
Wednesday night programming from 6:15-7:15 pm in the
youth room. Our programming includes a combination of
mission, art, Bible lessons, and games.
High schoolers meet off campus for Bible study from
7:30-8:30 pm. For more information, contact Rev.
Elizabeth Murray at [email protected]

Youth Choir
The Youth Choir, under the direction of Lessie Polk,
meets on Wednesdays, 6:00--6:30 p.m. evenings. Our
goal is to prepare musical selections to be sung for
various LUMC worship services throughout the year.
If you enjoy music and want to have fun singing with the
Youth Choir, please come to our first practice on
September 13! For additional information contact
Lessie Polk at 730-7498.

Adult Studies

“The more you continue to read Scripture, the more you begin
to think as He thinks and act as He acts. And that’s how, over
time, you gain the wisdom of the ages.”

― Wayne Cordeiro

Room numbers listed may change, depending on the
number of people who sign up for a Bible study.
Room MC106 is on main level, adjoining Wesley Hall
Rooms MC 00– are in the lower level of the Ministry
Center

ACTS
Study the entire Book of Acts in this
comprehensive 13-session study, beginning
with the mission to the world and ending
with Paul's journey to Rome. Some of the
major ideas explored are: a Gospel that
cannot be contained, divine initiative and
human responsibility, the subtle work of the
Holy Spirit, what holds us together, and the
plight of theology in a cynical world.
This study help readers strengthen their understanding and
appreciation of the Bible by enabling them to engage the
Scripture on three levels:
1. What does the Bible say? Questions to consider while reading
the passage for each session.
2. What does the passage mean? Unpacks key verses in the
selected passage.
3. How does the Scripture relate to my life?
Provides three major ideas that have meaning for our lives today.
The meaning of the selected passages are made clear by
considering such aspects as ancient customs, locations of places,
and the meanings of words.

Begins: September 13, 13 weeks
When: Wednesday, 615—7:15 pm

(Wednesday Night Men’s Group)
Where: MC003
Facilitator: Mark Wilson

A Bead and a Prayer: Introduction to
Christian Prayer Beads – a Tool for
Strengthening your Prayer Life by Kristen
Vincent

Do you struggle with prayer? Does your mind
wonder to grocery lists while you try to focus?
Do you want to deepen your prayer life? If so,
then this study is for you. Learn how to utilize
prayer beads to focus on, speak to and listen to
God.
The book, A Bead and a Prayer introduces Protestant
prayer beads to Christians who have no experience in
praying with beads. Author Kristen Vincent explores the
history and art of using beads in prayer, explains how to
use prayer beads, includes instructions for making your
own set of prayer beads, and offers a variety of prayers.
Prayer beads will be supplied.

Begins: September 13, 6 weeks
When: Wednesday, 6:30—7:15 pm
Where: MC017
Facilitator: Rachel Buchanan
Cost: $9 for book

Disciple I—Becoming Disciples Through
Bible Study

Are you ready for an in-depth study of
scripture? Through DISCIPLE, persons are
strengthened in their faith and guided into
service and ministry. The DISCIPLE Bible
Study program is Aimed At Transformation --Not Just
Information
The DISCIPLE Bible Study is a program designed to
develop strong Christian leaders in local churches through
the in-depth study of Scripture. Through DISCIPLE,
persons are strengthened in their faith and guided into
service and ministry. The study moves through the biblical
story from Creation to the New Jerusalem.
The program focuses on the disciple as learner, believer,
follower, proclaimer, and servant while providing the
fellowship of a small group for study, prayer, preparation,
support, and servanthood.

Introduction meeting: Sunday, August 27, 6 pm,
Asbury Hall

Please let the Mayfields know that you are interested in
this class before the 27th so books will be available:
[email protected]
Begins: September 10, Sundays, 6-- 7:30 pm 34 sessions

Absolute last date to join: September 21, please
speak to the Mayfields, if you plan to do this
Where: MC 009
Facilitators: Rev. Patty and Earle Mayfield
Cost: $39.99 for student book

Entrusted: A Study of 2 Timothy
by Beth Moore

We were never meant to take this journey of
faith alone or in secret. God has entrusted us
with the great and mighty gift of the gospel,
something too precious and life-giving to
keep to ourselves.

In this Bible study, Beth will encourage you to guard what God
has entrusted to you, further His kingdom by sharing Christ
with others, and pour into future generations just as Paul once
mentored Timothy. Because in this journey of joy and hardship,
we need each other to stay the course and live lives of
faithfulness.

Begins: September 12, 6 weeks

When: Tuesdays, 6:30 pm (Women’s Study Group)

Where: Asbury Hall

Facilitators: Robin Andrews and Cindy Graham

Cost: $13 for participant’s book

Examining and Studying the Bible

Join Pastor Ken as he leads you through a
study of the books of the Bible . This is an
ongoing study with no study books needed. He is
planning to cover these books during this time:

Saul, David, and Solomon, primarily using
1 and 2 Samuel and 1 Kings (6 weeks)
(A one week break )
Study on Corinth, primarily using 1 and 2 Corinthians
(3 weeks)

(Thanksgiving break )

Revelation (2 weeks)

Begins: September 13, 11 weeks
When: Wednesdays, 6:30-7:15 pm
Where: MC 007
Facilitator: Pastor Ken Owens
Cost: None

Living Without Enemies
We will spend 6 weeks reading and discussing
Living Without Enemies by Marcia Owen and
Samuel Wells together, learning not just what
violence looks like but the many ways to work
to overcome it. This study may be an
opportunity for many of us to discover how we
can actively live out our calling as disciples of
Christ working for peace in our world.
Participants will need to begin reading ahead of time, having
read the first chapter before our first session.
Marcia Owen and Samuel Wells come together to tell the story
of a community's journey through four different dimensions of
social engagement. A religious coalition began holding prayer
vigils for local victims of gun violence. It was then that Owen
discovered the beauty of simply being present. Through her
friendships with both victims and offenders, Owen learned that
being present was precisely the opposite of violence--it was love.

And to truly love others as God loves us meant living without
enemies and taking small steps toward reconciliation. Owen and
Wells offer deep insights into what it takes to overcome
powerlessness, transcend fear and engage in radical acceptance
in our dangerous world. Your view of ministry will be altered by
this poignant tale of coming face-to-face with our God who loves
boundlessly and has no enemies.

Begins: September 13, 6 weeks
When: Wednesdays , 6:15-7:15 pm
Where: MC005
Facilitators: Pastor Weston Pendergrass
Cost: $14-$17, depending on format and source of text

Creed
We will spend our time together reading a study
book written by and hearing talks from Adam
Hamilton about something we recite each week
in our traditional worship services: the Apostle’s
Creed. Some may recall learning about it in
Sunday School or Confirmation. Others may
have learned about it in school. Still others may
recite it but not have given it much thought.
Some of us may say, “The Apostle’s what now?” This study is
for all who would like to explore this statement of faith together.
Participants will need to begin reading ahead of time, hopefully
having read the first chapter before our first session.
Book Description: “What do I believe? Adam Hamilton believes
that for Christians, and for others seeking faith, some powerful
answers are contained in the Apostles’ Creed, a historic statement
of foundational Christian faith. In this compelling study, he ex-
plores not only what Christians believe, but why it matters.
Sessions include: God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Church
and the Communion of Saints, the Forgiveness of Sins, and the
Resurrection of the Body.”

Begins: October 25, 6 weeks
When: Wednesdays, 6:15—7:15 pm
Where: MC005
Facilitator: Pastor Weston Pendergrass
Cost: $9 to $20, depending on format and source of text

Make a deeper connection to the world of the
Psalms so that these well known scriptures
can help you give voice to all aspects of
our human experience–joy, faith, uncertainty
and sorrow.
Participants for this Invitation to Psalms do
not have to have an in-depth knowledge of the
Bible to enjoy and benefit from participation.
Reading just two chapters of Psalms a week,
they will discover the life altering stories that will invite them to
follow Christ as true disciples.
Sessions:
Word of God, Words of Prayer
The Prayer Book of God’s People
Praying the Psalms
The Language of the Heart
A Geography of the Imagination
A Theology of the Imagination
Lament and Praise
Grace and Repentance
Love and Wrath
Hallelujah and Amen

Begins: September 13, 10 weeks
When: Wednesdays, 6:15 pm
Where: MC106
Facilitator: Susan Mitton, Lynn Silvey, Julie Robinson
Cost: $16.00 for participant’s book. Available on sign up
Sunday, or you may order from another source.

Wednesday Morning Study Group
This group is planning to spend a year
going through a series of studies that follow
the development of the Christian religion,
beginning with An Invitation to the Old Tes-
tament, followed by a study on Moses
through others which will include the
Apostle’s Creed and Paul.

Begins: September 13, throughout the year
When: Wednesdays, 9:30 am
Where: Room MC 106
Facilitator: Bob Pettus
Cost: No cost

Men’s Prayer Breakfast/Bible Study

A Men’s Prayer Breakfast meets year-round on Wednesday
mornings. Men are invited to attend this time of great food,
fellowship, prayer and study. No sign up, just show up!

When: Wednesdays, 6:30 am
Where: Asbury Hall
Cost: None

Centering Prayer

This method of prayer leads to a deeper relationship with God.
Centering Prayer helps one move from more active modes of
prayer into receptive prayer, resting in God. It is a relationship
with God and a discipline of prayer to foster that relationship. It
is Christ-centered in its focus and builds communities of faith and
bonds members together. Adults and older youth would be inter-
ested in participating.

When: Fridays, 7 am
Where: Susanna Wesley Prayer Room
Facilitator: Bob Pettus, Joan Kruger

When I Read the Bible Through

by Amos R. Wells

I supposed I knew my Bible What a radiant procession
Reading piecemeal, hit and miss, As the pages rise and fall,
Now a bit of John or Matthew,
James the sturdy, John the tender
Now a snatch of Genesis, Oh, the myriad-minded Paul!
Certain chapters of Isaiah Vast apocalyptic glories
Certain Psalms (the twenty-third); Wheel and thunder, flash and
Twelfth of Romans, First of Proverbs flame,
Yes, I thought I knew the Word;
But I found that thorough reading While the church triumphant raises
Was a different thing to do, One incomparable name.
And the way was unfamiliar
When I read the Bible through. Ah, the story of the Saviour
Never glows supremely true
Oh, the massive, mighty volume! Till you read it whole and swiftly,
Oh, the treasures manifold! Till you read the Bible through.

Oh, the beauty of the wisdom You who like to play at Bible,
And the grace it proved to hold! Dip and dabble, here and there,
As the story of the Hebrews Just before you kneel, aweary,
And yawn thro' a hurried prayer;
Swept in majesty along, You who treat the Crown of
As it leaped in waves prophetic,
Writings
As it burst to sacred song, As you treat no other book
As it gleamed with Christly omens, Just a paragraph disjointed,
Just a crude, impatient look
The Old Testament was new, Try a worthier procedure,
Strong with cumulative power, Try a broad and steady view;
When I read the Bible through. You will kneel in very rapture
When you read the Bible through.
Ah! Imperial Jeremiah,
With his keen, coruscant mind;
And the blunt old Nehemiah,

And Ezekiel refined!
Newly came the song idyllic,

And the tragedy of Job;
Deuteronomy, the regal,
To a towering mountain grew,
With its comrade peaks around it
When I read the Bible through.

Living God’s Word, Sharing God’s Love

Lexington United Methodist Church
309 E Main St., Lexington, SC
Www.lexumcsc.com
803-359-6838

Since childhood you have known the holy scriptures that help
you to be wise in a way that leads to salvation through faith
that is in Christ Jesus. Every scripture is inspired by God and
is useful for teaching, for showing mistakes, for correcting,
and for training character, so that the person who belongs to
God can be equipped to do everything that is good.
Timothy 3:15-17 CEB