Share the News

When & Where: Sat  •  Sep 14  •  9 am - 2 pm  •  Ogden Fellowship Hall
Led by: Dr. Leroy Howe
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

The first line of one of our very oldest hymns asks a pointed question: “Art thou weary, art thou languid, art thou sore distressed?” From the eighth century to the present day, even the strongest believers among us sometimes have to answer with a Yes! But the hymn goes on to offer a way beyond our low spiritual moments: Jesus Christ.

The purpose of this workshop is to remind us in a number of ways of how to find on his Way a renewed sense of peace and joy, and energy to help others to experience it also through distinctively Christian caregiving.

Join us for a day of fellowship and renewal!

Continental Breakfast and Lunch Included.

Register Aug 10 - noon Sep 13

When & Where: Wed  •  Sep 11 - Nov 13, 2nd & 4th Wed.  •  12:30-2:30 pm  •  Room 2A, Bartula Family Life Center
Led by: Rev. Mary Howard & Rev. Marilyn Dickson
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

The Bible reveals many fascinating names and title for God that can yield rich insights for one’s spiritual journey. Naming in the ancient world functioned differently than in today’s context because the names for anything perceived as Divine had both a cultural aspect as well as an identifying characteristic of the nature of God. Group discussion, presentations, and home study will all be a part of this session.

Register Aug 1 - Sep 18

When & Where: Tue  •  Sep 10, 2013 - May 2014  •  7 - 9 PM  •  Room 209
Led by: Benita Belsley & Kay Fleming
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

Cost: $40

As the second of four Disciple studies, Disciple II proclaims the transforming power of Scripture while teaching Bible study skills that take participants deeper into the Scripture through readings and study of Genesis, Exodus, Luke and Acts.

The importance of keeping Bible study related to witness is reinforced while participants are encouraged to practice spiritual disciplines arising out of Scripture for the purpose of changing habits and transforming lives.

The study also emphasizes the rhythm of coming to God and going for God, of being in the Word and in the world individually and corporately.

Disciple II approaches all experiences of life as opportunities for faithful witness and service.

Register Aug 01 - Sep 15

When & Where: Sun  •  Sep 8 - Oct 23  •  11 am - 12 noon  •  Harvey Assembly Room, 217 A
Led by: Earnest Deadwyler
Childcare: Nursery: 0-23 mos. Sunday school: ages 2-5 at 8:45, ages 2-18 at 9:45, ages 2-6 at 11.

This will be an open-ended discussion of contemporary issues regarding the growing influence of Islam world-wide and in the U.S., basic Muslim beliefs in conflict with Christianity and how to address them. This session may involve guest speakers from the local Muslim community. Topics of discussion will be based on current events and specific questions and interests of class participants.

Register Aug 01 - Sep 15

When & Where: Wed  •  Sep 4  •  7 pm  •  Mays Hall
Led by: Rev. Marilyn Dickson and Rev. Joy Anderson
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

Marilyn Dickson and Joy Anderson will lead a discussion of the this year’s selection for the Richardson Reads One Book, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.

It is suggested that you read the book prior to the discussion so that the story won’t be given away as we talk about it.

Registration not Required 

When & Where: Tue  •  Aug-May, 3rd  •  9:30-11:00 am  •  Members Homes
Led by: Nancy Healy & Mary Ellen Szuwalski
Childcare: No

Rejoice Circle has been in existence for many years.  Members number 21 and have a very wide age range.  There are long-time members and newer members.  The group is very mission oriented and supportive of each other and meet in each other's homes.  Their mission focus this year is Dallas Methodist Medical Center.

Registration not Required 

When & Where: Mon  •  Sep-Jul, 3rd  •  10:30-12:30  •  First Center
Led by: Ida Dwight
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

Koinonia is one of the older Circles.  Members number 27 and ages are the 60's and older.  The Circle has a lot of long-time UMW members who are still very active and are constantly attracting new members with their energetic and caring spirits.  This group enjoys lunch together after the meeting.

Registration not Required 

When & Where: Thur  •  Monthly, 2nd  •  7-8:30 pm  •  Members' Homes
Led by: Louise Riley
Childcare: No

Ruth Circle is an intimate group of 13 which meets in members' homes.  In June, July, and August they meet for casual get-togethers.  Ages range from 50's to 70's.  Members are blessed with leadership and dedication.  Several are retired teachers.  The group would welcome women of all ages.  Their mission focus this year is Dallas Bethlehem Center.

Registration not Required 

When & Where: Mon  •  Apr 8 - May 28  •  7-8:30 pm  •  Room 212
Led by: Angela Jones
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

* Final session will be held Tuesday, May 28.

Using Matthew's Gospel as a starting piont, this study explores how the New Testament writers and the early Christian community wrestled with the coming of Jesus--his life, actions, mission, death, and resurrection--and the implications of his arrival for their lives and their communities of faith.

Moving through the Gospel of Matthew sequentially, the overarching themes from this story of Jesus provide conversation topics for each session. Each theme is then traced through other related passages in the New Testament.

Who is Jesus and what is his significance for our lives? Participants are invited to join this conversation, to study afresh this story of Jesus, and to learn more about their calling to discipleship and to community.

Register Mar 20 - Apr 4

When & Where: Sun  •  Apr 7 - 21  •  11 am - 12 noon  •  Mays Hall
Led by: Ed Frantz
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

You are a professing Christian… and your neighbor is “simply” a good person. Can others see any significant differences - in the kind of person you are, and in how you treat others? The Jesus Ethic – is it really so different from simply being a good person and a good citizen? Take it seriously - Why? And if moved to do so – how?

Register Feb 10 - Apr 7

When & Where: Sun  •  Apr 7, 14, 28, May 5  •  11 am - 12 noon  •  Room 212
Led by: Rev. Fred Trevino
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

Gain an understanding of Wesleyan Heritage by getting to know John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement. Increase your knowledge and understanding of United Methodist theology, learn more about the sacraments of baptism and communion, appreciate how the United Methodist Church is set up to prepare and support Christian growth and action in the church today.

This class is for newcomers, life-long Methodists and anything in between.

Register Mar 7 - Apr 7

When & Where: Thur  •  Apr 4 - 25  •  7 - 8:30 pm  •  Room 208
Led by: Dan Hrnack
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

If these Books of Scripture were used as the basis for a screenplay, it could very easily be turned into an engaging soap opera. Jealousy, disobedience, murder, idol worship, battles, and more including a Biblical version of a rating index for these rulers of the land which the Lord gave to His chosen people.

Register Feb 3 - Apr 4

When & Where: Tue  •  Sep-Jul, 1st  •  7-9 pm  •  Room 203
Led by: Karen Morgan & Vesta Umphress
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

The Hannah Circle is a large group of approximately 25 vibrant, active women of all ages and stages of life. Our members serve in multiple roles within the church-wide UMW. We are passionate about serving the people of God through local, national and international mission opportunities. Our primary mission focus for 2016 is the Wesley-Rankin Community Center. We welcome all women to come fellowship and grow with us. Our members provide a light supper during each meeting.

Registration not Required 

When & Where: Mon  •  Sep-Jun, 1st  •  10-11:30 am  •  Room 203
Led by: Diana Ramsower & Marta Mountjoy
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

Morning Glory Circle has about 30 members with ages ranging from mid 50 to 70's.  All ages are welcome and would fit in.  The ladies are dedicated to supporting each other and to learning about mission.  Education is another interest shared by several of the women.  The Circle's mission focus this year is Bethlehem Center.

Registration not Required 

When & Where: Sun  •  Mar 3 - Mar 10  •  11 am - 12 pm  •  Room 212
Led by: LaRuth Morrow
Childcare: Nursery: 0-23 mos. Sunday school: ages 2-5 at 8:45, ages 2-18 at 9:45, ages 2-6 at 11.

In this study we will explore the amazing story of one woman's story of survival.  The book of Ruth tells how two widows raise one household from death to life.  We will reexamine how Ruth and Naomi Become the mothers of the most respected household in Bethlehem into which David, the future monarch of Israel will be born.

Register 1/15/2013 - 3/10/2013

When & Where: Tue  •  Feb 19 - Mar 26  •  7 - 8:30 pm  •  Room 211
Led by: Richard Crawford
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

In Life and in death, Jesus' words were powerful and meaningful.  Despite the serious effort and increased pain required for Jesus to speak as he hung on the cross, Jesus spoke seven "final words" - statments what ahve much to teach us about Jesus, his Father, and ourselves.  Using Adam Hamilton's book and video presenation, Final Words from the Cross, we will explore the last day of jesus' life and the meaning of Jesus' dying words for our lives today.

Text: Final Words by Adam Hamilton

Register Jan 15 - Feb 26

When & Where: Mon  •  Feb 11 - Mar 25  •  6:45 - 8 pm  •  Room 221
Led by: Allyson George
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

Namesake is a six-week Bible study that explores the transformational power of God through the stories of biblical characters who met God and whose lives and names were changed forever. As you meet Abraham and Sarah, Jacob, Naomi, Daniel, Peter, and the unnamed woman, you will discover that God wants to be just as intimately involved in your story, offering an identity that shines with the purpose for which you were created.

Book cost: $10 (Pay online with registration.)

Register Dec 19 - Jan 10

When & Where: Sun  •  Feb 10  •  7-8:30 pm  •  Sanctuary
Led by: Dr. Frederick Grinnell & Dr. Leroy Howe
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

An in-depth dialogue about new and exciting developments and capabilities in genetic/DNA technology and the religious, ethical and moral implications involved.

The speakers will present their views and then take questions from the audience.

Frederick Grinnell's Everyday Practice of Science:Where Intuition and Passion Meet Objectivity and Logic and Leroy Howe's Seeking a God to Glorify will be available for sale and signing following the discussion.

Register through Feb 10

When & Where: Sun  •  Feb 10 - Mar 3  •  5:30 - 6:30 pm  •  TDB
Led by: Allyson George
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

A conversation between parents of teenagers concerning raising faith-filled students in a secular world and the struggles and challenges that presents.

Books recommended are The Five Love Languages and Parenting Teens with Love and Logic.

Register Dec 22 - Feb 7

When & Where: Sun  •  Feb 10 - Apr 21 (no class Mar 31)  •  11 am - 12 noon  •  Room 213
Led by: Jim Montgomery
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

How did this book we call “The Bible” come to be? What stories does it tell, and how do the stories relate to each other? What can I do to discover the relevance of this ancient text to my modern-day life? In this 8-week series you will learn about the origins of the Bible, the content of its major storylines, and how to read scripture so that it leads to personal, spiritual growth. All of this will bring you to a greater understanding of the text, a closer relationship with God and a renewed experience of faith and hope in your life.

Register Jan 10 - Feb 10

When & Where: Sun  •  Feb 10 -OR- Mar 17  •  11 am - 12 noon  •  Room 214
Led by: Rev. Marilyn Dickson
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

Learn more about yourself, your relationship with God, your spiritual gifts and your journey of faith. A spiritual gifts assessment, group discussion and group sharing will help you gain insight into the path God may have for you in this place at this time. 

Register Within 1 month of class date

When & Where: Tue  •  Monthly, except June & Aug, 3rd  •  1- 2:30 pm  •  First Center
Led by: Rosanna Whitfield
Childcare: No

Agape Circle is a small, intimate group of long-time, dedicated members with an age range of 60's and above. UMW gives them an opportunity to share fellowship, support one another and they are open to women of all ages. Wesley-Rankin is their local mission for this year. 

Registration not Required 

When & Where: Mon  •  Jan 14 - Mar 18  •  7 - 8:30 pm  •  Harvey Assembly Room (217A)
Led by: Angela Jones
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

This is a 9-week introduction to the Old Testament. You are invited to hear the story of God and God's calling of the people of Israel through the many "voices" of the biblical text. Through this study, participants will be invited to listen afresh to the witness of the Old Testament to hear God's call and purpose for their own lives and respond to that call. 

Fee: $12

Register Dec 24 - Jan 21

When & Where: Sun  •  Choose One: Jan 13, Feb 17, Mar 24, Apr 21  •  11 am - 12 noon  •  Room 210
Led by: Clergy
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

Learn about the sacrament of Christian baptism and how we, as United Methodists, practice and uphold newly baptized Christians in this community of faith. 

Register Within 1 month of class date