“Let the word of Christ dwell within you richly….” – Colossians 3:16
Fall Bible Studies
2023
Sunday Classes
Connections – 9:30 am @ Church in the Great Room – Leaders: Multiple Members of our congregation
Connections is Christian Education for the whole congregation! Any and all households are welcome to join this "faith family" as we study familiar accounts from scripture, applying God's truth to our lives. We begin and end our time each week with brief intergenerational components. Unpacking and discussing the lesson happens in appropriate age groups for students and adults. Let's take time to CONNECT - with one another and with the Word!
The Chosen – Viewing and Discussion of The Chosen – 9:30 am @ Church, Downstairs, Rm #2 in the Education Wing – Leaders Doug and Rita Martin.
Monday Classes
“Following Jesus Through the Gospels” – 10:00 am @ Church in the Great Room – Leader: Bill Cullen
This study approaches the four Gospels as Jesus’ discipling course for his follower (both 2000 years ago and today). In the study participants will read, reflect on, and discuss both the teachings of Jesus through both Jesus’ words and through His deeds. Participants will also observe and discuss how the different people Jesus encountered responded to both His person and to His message. The course is meant to enable participants to be discipled by \Jesus today.
Tuesday Classes
Ladies Bible Study – “Experiencing Contagious Joy” 2nd & 4th Tuesdays – 10:00 am in variety of members home (contact Sue Kolb for details – 815-708-1802
St Paul encourages us to “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). Join us as we discover how.
Wednesday Classes
"Life of the Beloved - Spiritual Living in a Secular World." – 10:00 am @ Church, Downstairs, Rm #2 in the Education Wing – Leader: Jeannie Newton –
This study group will read Henri Nouwen's book, "Life of the Beloved - Spiritual Living in a Secular World." In this work, Nouwen gets to the heart of our life as a Christian as he explores the implications of the truth that each of us is a redeemed and beloved child of God. Cost of the book is $13.00. Order on your own, or contact Jeannie Newton for the group order by 9/17
Thursday Classes
Genesis – 6:30 pm via ZOOM – Leader: Bill Cullen
The book of Genesis is a book of beginning and new beginnings, of sin and forgiveness. In Genesis we learn the beginning of God’s heilsgeschichte – God’s salvation story which will continue to be unfolded and revealed through the rest of Scripture (as well as today). Heilsgeschichte is a German word meaning “holy history” or “holy story.” It is God’s story as He works to redeem and restore humankind to His originally created purpose(s). – Gen. 1:26-31; Eph. 1:9-10 – Please join us as we (1) explore and reflect upon God’s story, and (2) as we explore and reflect our part in God’s story as He continues to work out His created, redemptive, and restorative plan. – Gen. 50:20-21; Jn. 15:1-17; Acts 1:8; 2 Cor. 5:17-20; Eph. 2:8-10; Phil. 2:12-13 The link to join the Zoom study is:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81065487628?pwd=NFBCSWhnb0xxcC80c25TbnQ4bjgvUT09
Saturday Class
Heilsgeschichte Via Biblical Eras – 9:00 am (1st & 3rd Saturday) @ Mt Olive in the Great Room, led by Bill Cullen (Breakfast included)
This class is designed to help participants how the individual pieces (e.g., Bible stories) fit into the big picture of God’s salvation and restoration plan. It is also designed to help each of us as individuals fits in as a part of God’s plan in redeeming and restoring His creation.
Vocation: The Priesthood of All Believers & The Pastoral Epistles – 2nd, 4th & 5th Saturdays, 9:00 @ Church, Downstairs, Rm #2 in the Education Wing – Leader: Bill Cullen
The "priesthood of all believers" was one of the major tenets of the Reformation. with both Martin Luther and John Calvin serving as its major champions. Biblically, the concept of the "priesthood of all believers" is found throughout Scripture (see Exodus 19:6; 1 Peter 2:9).
In this study we will explore what Scripture means and what the reformers meant when they talk of a "kingdom of priests" and a "royal priesthood" of which all Christians are a part, and how the ministry of "pastor/shepherd" is a subset of this priesthood. We will also look at 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus (known as "the Pastoral Epistles") and what they have to say to pastors and to those of us in the more encompassing priesthood of all believers. This is a valuable study at any time, but perhaps particularly valuable now during our pastoral vacancy.
Missional Communities
Monday
7:00 pm (1st & 3rd Mondays) – Missional Community @ Bill Cullen’s home (includes dinner), led by Bill Cullen
6:30 pm (2nd Monday) – Missional Community @ Bill Cullen’s home (includes dinner), led by Bill Cullen
Thursday
6:00 pm (2nd & 4th Thursdays) – Missional Community led by Karen Freudenberg
TBA Missional Community @ led by Rick Anderson
TBA Missional Community @ led by Rick & Sharon Meyer
TBA Missional Community @ led by David Roskowic