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When & Where: Sun • Feb 21 - Mar 21 • 7-8:30 pm • via Zoom
Led by: Dr. Clayton Oliphint & Dr. Josh Fitzpatrick
Childcare: No
Gain a deeper understanding of the themes and scriptures of the Lenten sermon series by joining Pastors Clayton and Josh for a church-wide, 5-week Bible study. The study will include pastors’ thoughts and small group discussion each week. No fee and no materials to purchase.
REGISTER ONLINE Feb 21
When & Where: Thur • Feb 4 - 25 • 11:30 am - 1 pm • via Zoom
Led by: Dr. Jason Berman and Lisa Hancock
Childcare: No
Our shadow is the aspect of each of us that can obstruct fulfillment and contentment. The Enneagram says our “shadow” side includes our Passions. This is the focus of this advanced Enneagram course. We will take a non-judgmental and curious look at our unconscious ways of reacting to stress and difficult people. Knowing our Passion is a way to become more aware of our actions, increase our self-awareness, and strengthen relationships with our neighbors. Prerequisites include the Enneagram Journey curriculum.
Cost: $50 per person/device
Zoom meeting link will be provided in the confirmation email upon registration.
Please register only the household member who should receive the confirmation email with the Zoom link.
REGISTER ONLINE 02/02/2021
When & Where: Tue • Feb 2 - 23 • 7 - 8 pm • Via Zoom
Led by: Dr. Mark Stamm, Professor of Christian Worship, Perkins School of Theology
Childcare: No
Throughout history people have chosen to worship in a variety of ways, sometimes challenging the norms of the day. The pandemic has accelerated a tendency to online worship while raising concerns about offering Holy Communion virtually. Early Christian communities worshiped in their homes in small groups. John Wesley challenged the Anglican practice of worship by moving into the “fields.” This course will explore historical, theological, and pastoral considerations of the practice of Christian worship.
Cost: $25 per person
Zoom meeting link will be provided in the confirmation email upon registration.
Please register only the household member who should receive the confirmation email with the Zoom link.
REGISTER ONLINE 02/01/2021
When & Where: Sat • Jan 16 - Feb 27 • 9 - 11 am • Via Zoom
Led by: Thalia Shirley and Peter Williams
Childcare: No
White people’s reactions to challenges to their assumptions about race are often counterproductive and actually serve to maintain racial inequality. Author Robin DiAngelo explores white privilege, what it means and where it comes from; systemic racism; and white supremacy in order to promote constructive engagement toward racial justice. We invite you to journey toward more understanding of racism in the US.
Zoom meeting link will be provided in the confirmation email upon registration.
Please register only the household member who should receive the confirmation email with the Zoom link.
REGISTER ONLINE 01/14/2021
When & Where: Sat • Jan 9 • 9 - 11 am • Via Zoom
Led by: Rev. Edlen Cowley, Sr Pastor, Trophy Club Fellowship UMC
Childcare: No
The United Methodist Church takes pride in its diversity. However, a look at its history with an eye toward race relations illuminates its less than exemplary role. Follow the sometimes turbulent story that has led to influential contributions by people of color to the church today.
Zoom meeting link will be provided in the confirmation email upon registration.
Please register only the household member who should receive the confirmation email with the Zoom link.
REGISTER ONLINE 01/08/2021
When & Where: Thur • Jan 7 - 28 • 7 - 8:30 pm • Via Zoom
Led by: Dr. Dan Flanagan
Childcare: No
Explore evidence of God in the world. Start the year with a study that will enhance your experience of the January sermon series based on the book Simply Christian by Bishop N. T. Wright. This study will offer a wider examination of each week’s topic: Spirituality, Relationships, Justice, and Beauty.
Zoom meeting link will be provided in the confirmation email upon registration.
Please register only the household member who should receive the confirmation email with the Zoom link.
REGISTER ONLINE 01/06/2021
When & Where: Tue • Jan 5 - Mar 9 • 6:30 - 8 pm • Via Zoom
Led by: Jenifer Williams and Michelle Neely
Childcare: No
In order to bring about change in race relations, vulnerable conversations between white people and people of color will have to take place. Author Ijeoma Oluo offers a conversational guide for anyone who wants to be smarter and more empathetic about matters of race and engage in more productive anti-racist action. We invite you to journey toward deeper understanding of racism in the US.
*NOTE: In this book you may encounter a few moments of graphic language and an unexpected expletive or two. This is part of the authentic and conversational voice that this author brings to the table. It may be familiar to us or it may be uncomfortable for us. Either way, we hope that this will not distract from your engagement with this important text and study.
Zoom meeting link will be provided in the confirmation email upon registration.
Please register only the household member who should receive the confirmation email with the Zoom link.
REGISTER ONLINE 1/4/2021
When & Where: Sun • Nov 29 - Dec 20 • 6-7 pm • via Zoom
Led by: Dr. Dan Flanagan
Childcare: No
Based on a book by Rev. Ed Robb, this study will shed light on the Christmas story themes of loving our neighbors, welcoming strangers, inviting people into our circles of relationships, and guiding others into the loving community of God. Making Room will help us grow closer to God and offer compassion to others.
Participants should purchase Making Room by Ed Robb, available from Cokesbury and other retailers. Zoom meeting link will be provided in the confirmation email upon registration.
REGISTER ONLINE Nov 29
When & Where: Sat • November 7 • 9 am - 3 pm • Virtual via zoom meeting
Led by: Lisa Hancock
Childcare: No
REGISTER ONLINE 8/17/2020
When & Where: Wed • Oct 28 - Dec 9 • 11:30 am - 1:30 pm • via Zoom meeting
Led by: Lisa Hancock and Jason Berman
Childcare: No
This six-week advanced course is for those who have taken the Enneagram Journey curriculum and are ready to deepen their Enneagram knowledge about subtypes, instinctual drives and their impact on behavior. Becoming aware of our Subtype helps explain differences in people with the same Enneagram number. Subtypes are: Self Preservation, Social, and One-on-One.
Cost $90 per device/household. Please register only once per device.
Zoom meeting link will be provided in the confirmation email upon registration.
REGISTER ONLINE Oct 27
When & Where: Sat • Oct 24 • 9 am - 12 noon • Online via Zoom
Led by: Rev. Phil Dieke
Childcare: No
Young adults are not entering the doors of the church at the same rate as older generations, and the church is concerned about it. If the absence of this generation from church continues, the future church will suffer. This generation of young adults is critical of the church and institutions in general. And the church is spending considerable time and resources in understanding young adults and how to attract them to the church. Attempting to attract this generation is forcing the church to change, and will force future changes. What will today's young adults contribute to the future church? What will the church look like in the future if this generation of young adults remains absent from its sanctuaries?
Zoom meeting link will be provided in the confirmation email upon registration.
Please register only the household member whose device will be used for the virtual meetings.
REGISTER ONLINE Sept 1 - Oct 23, 2020
When & Where: Sun • Oct 4 • 7-8:30 pm • Zoom
Led by: Dr Terry Parsons
Childcare: No
The pandemic has again confronted us with the age old problem of evil. Where is God in the midst of suffering? The pandemic has also challenged our image of God. Is the nature of God the loving and caring presence? Or is there a gap between the Creator and evil that emerges during events like the pandemic that negatively affects our faith and mental health? In a give and take format, Dr. Parsons will help us deal with our questions of faith around the pandemic.
Zoom meeting link will be provided in the confirmation email upon registration.
Please register the family member whose device will be used.
When & Where: Mon • Sept 21 - Nov 16 • 7:30 - 8:30 pm •
Led by: Scott and Shannon Smith
Childcare: No
Learn how to pay off debt, save, and invest for your future. Connect with others, just like you, who can hold you accountable, encourage you, and celebrate your progress!
We’ll watch the videos on our own and meet together for 45 - 60 minutes for discussion and activities each week.
Cost is $129.99 per household, and registration is through Financial Peace University directly.
REGISTER ONLINE 09/03/2020
When & Where: Wed • Sept 16 - Oct 28 • 7 pm • Virtually via Zoom meeting
Led by: Drs. Clayton Oliphint and Josh Fitzpatrick
Childcare: No
Take a deeper dive into the themes and scriptures of the sermon series by joining Pastors Clayton and Josh for a Bible study on Paul's letter to the Romans. Youth and adults are invited to participate in the 7 week study on Zoom. The program will consist of pastoral teaching and small group discussion. There is no fee to participate or materials to purchase. Registration is required and will close on September 15.
Zoom link will be provided in the confirmation email upon registration. One registration per device.
Children’s Ministry will support the Romans sermon series with their curriculum and suggestions for parents. "Dear Church" children's bags will be available for families to pick up from a plastic tub outside the main entrance doors.
Youth Ministry will have their own Bible study on Wednesday nights that covers the book of Romans, but youth who are interested in participating in the study with Josh and Clayton are welcome.
REGISTER ONLINE 8/10/20
When & Where: Tue • Tue, Sept 15 - Nov 24 • 6:30 - 8 pm • Virtual via Zoom meeting
Led by: Shandon Klein and Jenifer Williams
Childcare: No
With so much in the news about racism, it can be hard to know where to start in such difficult, polarizing conversations. Ijeoma Oluo's So You Want To Talk About Race engages with a variety of important topics and themes, ranging from the interpersonal ("Why can't I touch your hair?") to the systemic ("What is the school-to-prison pipeline?"). It offers us key foundational definitions ("What is racism?") and it invites us to turn insight into action ("Talking is great, but what else can I do?"). This 10-week virtual book study will provide a safe space to talk about race and our own call as Christians in the midst of racism.
*NOTE: In this book you may encounter a few moments of graphic language and an unexpected expletive or two. This is part of the authentic and conversational voice that this author brings to the table. It may be familiar to us or it may be uncomfortable for us. Either way, we hope that this will not distract from your engagement with this important text and study.
Zoom meeting link will be provided in the confirmation email upon registration.
Please register only the household member whose device will be used for the virtual meetings.
REGISTER ONLINE Sept 22
When & Where: Mon • Beginning Sept 14 for 19 weekly sessions • 7:30-8:30 pm • virtual via Microsoft Teams meeting platform - link provided at registration
Led by: Taylor Newsom, Andrew Harris, and Justin Edge
Childcare: No
Sometimes our worship loses its passion. Our prayer life becomes stagnant. We forget why we are serving God. And slowly, subtly, the world's ways become our ways. In this 19-session study, the book of Romans addresses these problems, showing us how we can break out of old patterns and become new in Christ.
No charge for the class, but please purchase a copy of Romans: Becoming New in Christ.
A link to the Microsoft Teams meeting will be provided in the registration confirmation email.
Please contact Taylor Newsom at taylor.newsom82@gmail.com with questions.
REGISTER ONLINE Nov 30
When & Where: Sat • NEW DATES: Sept 12, 19, 26; Oct 3, 17, 31; Nov 14 • 9 - 11 am • Virtually via Zoom meeting
Led by: Shawna Lewis and Thalia Shirley
Childcare: No
Have you been wanting to take a deeper dive into white privilege, what it means, and where it comes from? Are you wanting to understand more about systemic racism and white supremacy?
This book takes a critical look into these topics and others. It explores the counterproductive reactions white people have when their assumptions about race are challenged and how these reactions maintain racial inequality. Anti-racist educator Robin DiAngelo deftly illuminates the phenomenon of white fragility and allows us to understand racism as a practice not restricted to "bad people" (Claudia Rankine). In this in-depth exploration, DiAngelo examines how white fragility develops, how it protects racial inequality, and what we can do to engage more constructively.
This 7-session journey over 10 weeks will provide a safe space to learn, challenge our old ways of thinking, gain insight, and grow.
Zoom meeting link will be provided in the confirmation email upon registration.
Please register only the household member whose device will be used for the virtual meetings.
When & Where: Wed • Weekly, Sept 8 - May 25 • 1-2:30 pm • Room 206
Led by: Rev. Mary Howard
Childcare: No
Join a continuing group in the practice of Lectio Divina, praying the scriptures and historical Christian documents. Instead of focusing on facts and background information, participants seek to hear God speaking to them through the scriptures. Drop in whenever you choose.
REGISTER ONLINE None
When & Where: Tue • Sept 1, 8, 15 and 22 • 7 pm • Virtually via Zoom meeting
Led by: Dr. Dan L. Flanagan
Childcare: No
In Genesis, we get stories about the creation of the universe, God's covenant with Abram, which is really a covenant with the people of Israel, narratives about Jacob and Joseph, and the beginning of the nation of Israel's family history. In our four sessions, we will explore these stories of pre-history and early family narratives and see how they fit into our faith story. You will find these stories whimsical, humorous, sad and hopeful.
Zoom meeting link will be provided in the confirmation email upon registration. Please only one registration per device/household.
REGISTER ONLINE 08/10/2020
When & Where: Sun • August 30 • 2 - 3:30 pm • via Zoom meeting
Led by: Lisa Hancock
Childcare: No
When we carry our anxiety and suffering in solidarity we heal our sense of separation and isolation. In this webinar we’ll take a tour of the nine Enneagram numbers and hear from a representative from each number. Beginners and advanced Enneagrammers are welcome as we share our experiences and explore more of the wisdom the Enneagram has to offer.
Zoom meeting link will be provided in the confirmation email upon registration. One registration per device.
Watch the August 2 Enneagram and the Pandemic session
REGISTER ONLINE Aug 13 - Aug 30, 2020
When & Where: Thur • June 4 - July 23 • 7 PM • Virtual Learning Community to be held via Zoom Meeting
Led by: Joni Way, MA Christian Ministries, Servant Leadership, Asbury Theological Seminary
Childcare: No
REGISTER ONLINE 5/13/20 - 07/23/20
When & Where: Wed • June 3 - July 1 • 7 pm • Zoom
Led by: Dr. Clayton Oliphint and Dr. Josh Fitzpatrick
Childcare: No
Join Pastor Clayton and Pastor Josh as we read and discuss Love Does by Bob Goff. Youth and adults are invited to participate in the 5-week study on Wednesday nights at 7 pm from June 3 - July 1.
There is no fee to participate, but registration is requested by June 2.
Participants must obtain a copy of the book on their own prior to the start of the study.
REGISTER ONLINE May 15 - June 2
When & Where: Tue • Weekly, June 2-23 • 7-9 pm • Via Zoom Meeting
Led by: Dr. Scot Bontrager
Childcare: No
What does it mean to be Methodist in the 21st Century? Who are we? Who have we been? Who are we called to be? How do we get there? A 4-week conversation which will be guided by selected readings in Methodist history and contemporary theology and philosophy.
Everyone will be encouraged to do the readings and engage in the conversations.
Week 1: What is identity?
Week 2: Who have Methodists been?
Week 3: Where do we see Methodists going?
Week 4: How do we get there?
Class is open to all at no charge. Zoom link will be sent to registrants.
REGISTER ONLINE 4/20/20 - 6/9/20
When & Where: Sat • Apr 25 • 10 am - 2 pm • Ogden Fellowship Hall
Led by: Phil Dieke, Pastor, Highland Park UMC
Childcare: Yes. Please make reservations when you register for the class or at www.fumcr.com/reservechildcare at least 4 business days in advance.
Pew Research Center found that nearly three-quarters of religious “nones” in the US were raised as Christians. Millennials are now being replaced by Gen Z as the least religious generation. While the headlines aren’t very hopeful, and the statistics are there to support their claims, there is an invitation for the church. Will we continue the status quo, hoping they will eventually come? Or, will we engage their questions and concerns with a willingness to adapt? Scripture and tradition suggest the latter is needed for the church to not only survive, but thrive.
Cost: $25 (includes lunch and book)
REGISTER ONLINE Dec 23, 2019 - Apr 25, 2020
