Share the News

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. 

REGISTER ONLINE 

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

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. 

REGISTER ONLINE 

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

When & Where: Tue  •  Apr 21 - May 12  •  7 - 8 pm  •  Room 213
Led by: Ian Gill, Associate Director of Music
Childcare: Yes. Please make reservations when you register for the class or at www.fumcr.com/reservechildcare at least 4 business days in advance.

Learn how music is used in both traditional and contemporary worship services, the history of choral and instrumental music with regard to the church, and how music relates to particular seasons within the church. Learn what goes into choosing music for worship services, and have the opportunity to plan your own worship service.

REGISTER ONLINE Dec 23, 2019 - Apr 21, 2020

When & Where: Mon  •  Mondays, April 20 - June 1  •  7:30 - 8:30 pm  •  Online via Microsoft Teams
Led by: Taylor Newsom and Gary Newsom
Childcare: No

During this period of social distancing, we are facing new challenges. For some, it's how to connected to the church, for others without a regular Sunday service or Bible study its a lack of connection to God. Losing these connections can have a big impact on our spiritual journey and how we see the world and react to it.

All men are invited to a virtual Bible Study of Adam Hamilton's The Walk: Five Essential Practices of the Christian Faith via Microsoft Teams on Monday nights, April 20 - June 1, from 7:30 to 8:30.
  *   Week 1: Introduction - Walking with God
  *   Week 2: Worship and Prayer
  *   Week 3: Study
  *   Week 4: Serve
  *   Week 5: Give
  *   Week 6: Share
  *   Week 7: The five Practices from the Cross

If you're interested, you can buy the book yourself or you can reach out to Gary Newsom to coordinate buying one from him before the study starts. If you're unfamiliar with Teams, we have people who can help. 

Join the Study via MS Teams

Contact Taylor Newsom at 214.535.1138 for additional information.

REGISTER ONLINE 04/15/2020

When & Where: Mon  •  Mar 23 - Apr 27  •  7 - 8 pm  •  Room 205
Led by: Dr. Scot Bontrager
Childcare: Yes. Please make reservations when you register for the class or at www.fumcr.com/reservechildcare at least 4 business days in advance.

What is unique about the United Methodist witness? Why is it the better option? The United Methodist Church is rooted in great tradition. The work of the Holy Spirit is foremost in the life of the church. Scripture is central to teaching. The central teaching is that Christ’s love saves. No registration fee. No meeting on April 13.

REGISTER ONLINE 12/23/2020 - 3/30/2020

When & Where: Mon  •  Mar 9 - Apr 6  •  7 - 8:30 pm  •  Room 203
Led by: Dr. Justin Tull
Childcare: Yes. Please make reservations when you register for the class or at www.fumcr.com/reservechildcare at least 4 business days in advance.

Using his latest book, Reflections on the Christian Faith, Dr. Justin Tull focuses on the religious concepts that are at the center of a Christian’s religious life: biblical interpretation, salvation, prayer, worship, communion, discipleship, and eternal life. These reflections attempt to address the following issues: What the Bible isn’t and what it is. How are we to use the Bible? How might we understand salvation? How might we approach prayer? What are essential elements of worship? How might we understand communion anew? What are the marks of a good disciple? How might we understand death and resurrection?

The book can be ordered online or purchased at the Welcome Desk for $10.

REGISTER ONLINE Jan 1 - Mar 9, 2020

When & Where: Tue  •  Mar 3 - Apr 7  •  11:30 am - 1 pm  •  Ogden Fellowship Hall (except 3/31 in 217)
Led by: Debbie O'Reilly and Marsha Mayo
Childcare: Yes. Please make reservations when you register for the class or at www.fumcr.com/reservechildcare at least 4 business days in advance.

In How Happiness Happens, Max Lucado shares the unexpected path to a lasting happiness, one that produces reliable joy amidst any life circumstance. Based on the teachings of Jesus and backed by modern research, this book presents a surprising but practical way of living that will change you from the inside out. Cost $9. 

REGISTER ONLINE 2/6/2020 - 3/10/2020

When & Where: Fri, Sat  •  Feb 28 & 29  •  7-9:30 pm Fri, 9am-6pm Sat  •  Youth Worship Space
Led by: Stacey Ruff, M.Ed., LPC, and Dr. April Johnson Bristow
Childcare: No

NEW DATES AND COST

Fri, Feb 28, 7–9:30 pm
Sat, Feb 29, 9 am – 6 pm
Youth Worship Space 

This two-day retreat will use Enneagram knowledge to help participants grow personally and spiritually. The retreat, strategically placed at the beginning of Lent, will focus on specific steps and spiritual practices that each Enneagram type can utilize for transformation. Our hope is that the knowledge gained at the retreat will help each participant grow closer to Essence. Participants will leave with a spiritual growth plan to practice during Lent and will culminate virtually after Lent is over. 

Registration

Participants MUST have basic knowledge of the Enneagram and know his/her number.
Open to men and women.
Cost: $125, which includes Saturday lunch

REGISTER ONLINE 

When & Where: Thur  •  Feb 27 - Apr 2  •  7 - 8 pm  •  Ogden Fellowship Hall
Led by: Dr. Dan Flanagan
Childcare: Yes. Please make reservations when you register for the class or at www.fumcr.com/reservechildcare at least 4 business days in advance.

A Rob Fuquay video series. With the 2020 United Methodist General Conference approaching, this class will look at how United Methodists interpret scripture, the influence of culture, the Jesus Ethic, and where the United Methodist Church goes from here. No registration fee.

REGISTER ONLINE Dec 23, 2019 - Feb 27, 2020

When & Where: Sat  •  Feb 22  •  8:30 am - 12 noon  •  Mays Hall
Led by: Lisa Hancock
Childcare: Yes. Please make reservations when you register for the class or at www.fumcr.com/reservechildcare at least 4 business days in advance.

This workshop will help parents manage and understand their parenting style and help develop compassion for their children’s differences. As we learn to nurture our children in appropriate ways, we make space to recognize the common traps each of us falls into as we parent through our Enneagram number. When we recognize our children’s unique personality styles, we encourage them along their own path to resiliency and resourcefulness. The course will be most impactful if parents know their Enneagram number prior to the class.

Cost: $50 per individual / $75 per couple
Sign in begins at 8 am.

REGISTER ONLINE Dec 23, 2019 - Feb 27, 2020

When & Where: Tue  •  Feb 11 - Apr 7  •  7 - 8:30 pm  •  Room 213
Led by: James Montgomery
Childcare: Yes. Please make reservations when you register for the class or at www.fumcr.com/reservechildcare at least 4 business days in advance.

I hear it all the time, that God loves me unconditionally, but does He really? Because sometimes I feel like I’m not worth it. And the Bible talks about a wrathful, angry God who metes out vengeance. That scares me. I don’t know how to sort out the dogma and know what is real. So, what is God’s nature, really? Why should he care about me? Author, photographer, and theologian John MacMurray invites us to walk along with him as he unpacks his personal journey of discovering God’s true nature and what His justice really looks like. It is strongly recommended that you read The Shack by Paul Young before this class.

Cost: $15 for the book

REGISTER ONLINE 12/23/2019

When & Where: Mon  •  Feb 10 and 24, Mar 2 and 9  •  7 pm  •  Room 211
Led by: Dr. Ted Campbell, Professor of Church History, Perkins School of Theology
Childcare: Yes. Please make reservations when you register for the class or at www.fumcr.com/reservechildcare at least 4 business days in advance.

United Methodists today are faced with the very real possibility of a denominational division over issues of ordination and marriages of “self-avowed and practicing homosexual persons.” Underlying this conflict is a deep division over the issue of biblical authority. What do our United Methodist doctrinal standards, our Articles of Religion and Confession of Faith, say about biblical authority? How can we understand the scriptures in the light of the “quadrilateral” of authorities (scripture, tradition, experience, and reason) affirmed by United Methodists since 1972? How can we understand particular biblical tests, especially those that speak directly about same-sex relationships?

Cost: $25

REGISTER ONLINE Dec 23 2019 - Feb 10, 2020