Bible Studies and Other Spiritual Growth Classes
Whether you are a seasoned Bible student or just beginning your faith journey, there is a study that will carry you deeper into your relationship with God. To help reach this goal, we seek to offer Bible Study opportunities as well as various classes that can help you grow in your faith and as a person.
A variety of short term classes will be offered throughout the year for those seeking to make a connection with God and other believers. The classes vary widely in their topics, formats, and time commitments.
Disciple Bible Studies are small group in-depth studies of particular parts of the Bible. Registration for the traditional courses, which meet for the entire school year is now underway. Short-term classes are offered in the Fall and Spring. Please visit the Disciple Bible Study page for more information.
Welcome Home! Orientation for Guests & New Members --- We want to welcome our guests and new members with a fun orientation to First Church where you will get to meet others who are new to the congregation and have an opportunity to ask questions and take a tour of the campus. Learn more and register online at the Welcome Home! page.
Connections --- Whether you are a brand new guest or member or have been here a while but have yet to find a meaningful connections with a small group or ministry at First Church, Connections is a great way to learn about the different opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship, and service. Learn more about it on the Connections page.
Becoming Married This class helps couples who are considering marriage or who have recently married to understand how to create and maintain a rewarding marriage. Read more about this class and register by clicking this link.
Discover Your Spiritual Gifts/Type -- Penecost brought gifts of the Holy Spirit to the church. On Monday evenings in July, we will examine these gifts in the context of our spiritual types. Do you wonder whether God gave you any spiritual gifts? Are you not quite sure how God wants you to serve? Have you heard people around church talking about "lamplighters, shepherders, mystics, and crusaders" and wondered what they were talking about? Then come join Dr. John Clifford and Norma Harvey-Slager for this summer study. Register for the class by clicking here.
Man Alive! is a weekly men’s ministry for those men seeking what it means to truly succeed in life. This is not a Bible Study. It is not an accountability group. It is not a time for “mature” Christians to gather and share deep things of faith. Man Alive is an opportunity for men to get together to focus on men’s issues of life in practical ways that appeal to men. Man Alive meets for 8 weeks in the Fall and Spring Semesters.
He Speaks To Me (Women's Bible Study) -- Janet Reynolds is leading this study featuring videos of Priscilla Shirer and group discussion of the videos and book. The group meets on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm (class began June 18.) Get more information by clicking here.
New Adult Sunday School Class at 8:30 am A new class has started for those seeking to grow in their faith and make some new friends at First Church. This class, called Early Birds, is open to anyone interested in a small group study experience. This would be perfect for anyone attending the 9:40 am CrossRoads service. Please inquire about children's programming if needed. For more information about this class, visit their web page or contact Sue Kullerd at 415-9493 or suekullerd@yahoo.com or stop by the class -- we meet in Building 5, Room 124.
What and HOW United Methodist's Believe --- Dr. Judd Parker teaches this short course on United Methodist beliefs several times a year. Read more about the class by clicking here.
Interested in Helping Form Some New Small Groups? If you are looking for a small group Bible study for during the week or if you would like to help start some new Sunday School classes at the 8:30 hour, please complete the online interest survey or contact Laura Naiser at the church office (255-3336 or laura@fumc-rr.org). We have training, curriculum, and support to help get classes started and to be successful. We just need to know who is interested! And if you are interested in attending but are not wanting to necessarily lead, please let me know of your interest, too.
Companions in Christ -- This small group study is a journey to a deeper relationship with Christ through the studying of scripture as a spiritual discipline and the exploration of your relationship with God through your senses and your creativity. Registration for the 28-week class occurs in the summer. Short term classes may be offered at other times during the school year. See the Companions in Christ page for more information.
Have an idea for a new class? If you have an idea for a class, please contact Laura Naiser, Director of Discipling Ministries, to discuss your idea. She may be reached by phone at 255-3336, ext. 116 or by e-mail at laura@fumc-rr.org.