Curriculum

Then Jesus said ... “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” - John 8:31-32

Curriculum for Discussion & Reflection

Provided for classes, small groups, families, and individuals within and beyond FUMCR so we may expand on scriptures and ideas preached in worship, grow deeper in faith, and continue the conversations into the week.

Current series: We love you. We need you.

Worship series: Aug 10-24, 2025

As the old song says, "the church is the people." God chose to build a community of imperfect people to change the world. We're exploring ways we all belong and contribute to this special thing we call the church.

Week 2 (8/17/25) - Is there more than Sunday? Discussion Guide | Sermon
Are we living our faith beyond Sunday? This powerful message challenges us to move from self-centeredness to surrender.

Week 1 (8/10/25) - Where do I belong? Discussion Guide | Sermon
Have you ever felt God calling you to a purpose, but struggled to understand or accept it? Today, we delve into the powerful story of Simon Peter's calling by Jesus.

Completed series:

Road Trip • Wrestling with Doubt, Finding Faith • Individual Lessons

Road Trip

Worship series: June 1 - August 3, 2025

We’re diving into journeys, quests, and homecomings in the stories of scripture and how God is with us wherever we go. We'll discover how to walk with Christ no matter where our paths may lead.

Week 1 (6/1/25) - What am I afraid of? Discussion Guide | Sermon
The disciples on the road to Emmaus remind us that Jesus always shows up, even in moments of uncertainty and confusion or when we fail to recognize him.

Week 2 (6/8/25) - Where can I find community? Discussion Guide | Sermon
Pentecost reminds us that sometimes our spiritual journey involves periods of waiting.

Week 3 (6/15/25) - Is the glass half full or half empty? Discussion Guide | Sermon
The Israelites at the edge of the Promised Land show how fear can be our biggest obstacle, often holding us back from the blessings God has in store.

JWeek 4 (6/22/25) - Is God trying to get my attention? Discussion Guide | Sermon
Saul's conversion on the road to Emmaus teaches us about change, transformation, and leadership.

Week 5 (6/29/25) - What does God’s voice sound like? Discussion Guide | Sermon
Consider how, when, and where God speaks as well as the impact of listening and resting.

Week 6 (7/6/25) - Are traditions important? Discussion Guide | Sermon
This week we look at the spiritual journey of Jesus as a young boy in the temple and what this look at Jesus life teaches us in looking at our own family customs and influences of faith.

Week 7 (7/13/25) - Who is welcome here? Discussion Guide | Sermon
The Ethiopian eunuch's journey to Jerusalem, despite knowing he'd be excluded from full participation, challenges us to examine our own commitment to faith in this story of radical inclusion and unexpected grace.

Week 8 (7/2025) - How can I be a blessing? Discussion Guide | Sermon
God calling Abram reveals a God who initiates contact, offering blessing without being asked, a unique portrayal of God that sets Christianity apart.

Week 9 (7/27/25) - Is life about the journey or the destination? Discussion Guide | Sermon
In this exploration of mountaintop moments, Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John, reminding us that while we can't manufacture spiritual highs, we can prepare our hearts to receive them.

Week 10 (8/3/25) - What happens when the journey is over? Discussion Guide | Sermon
Drawing from Moses' farewell speech to the Israelites at the edge of the Promised Land, we consider how to approach opportunities of promise and possibilities.

Wrestling with Doubt, Finding Faith

Worship series, church-wide study, and More Than Sunday podcast season: March 9 - April 13, 2025

Certainty is virtually impossible, and the Bible is full of people who doubt. Doubt is a path to deeper faith, yet if we hang onto doubt, it will paralyze us. So we look to deepen our faith by examining difficult questions as guided by Rev. Adam Hamilton's book Wrestling with Doubt, Finding Faith, and we implore the prayer from Mark 9:24, “Lord I believe, help my unbelief.”

Individual Lessons

What does sacrificial love look like in action? Discussion Guide | Sermon
We are called to love through friendship as Christ did. This is essential to our faith journey.

Blessed to be a Blessing Discussion Guide | Sermon
The church exists to grow in community and acknowledge our blessings so we can bless others.

Our Spiritual Mothers Discussion Guide | Sermon
Recognizing through Moses’ story that there are others in our lives that mother and guide us.

Hope for the Future Discussion Guide | Sermon
Waiting on the Lord and relying on God's strength is not just for surviving but for thriving.

Now What? Discussion Guide | Sermon
Looking at Jesus' Great Commission, how do we go and make disciples?