The Academy Of Christian

and Life Enrichment Studies

Wednesday Evening

6:00-7:00 p.m. (unless otherwise stated)

The Prayer-filled Life
Led by Dalton Styes
August 25-October 6  •  Room 208
As followers of Jesus, we are called to take a most incredible journey, one that is filled with great demands, strong promises and blind adventure.  How are we to travel and what do we take with us?  The New Testament calls us to travel light and to travel in a spirit of prayer. This study will invite us to practice a “Prayer-filled Life” as we journey with Jesus.

Imarriage
Led by Kathy and Myrle Grate
August 25-October 6  •  Room 323
Giddy with excitement and burning with love’s fire, engaged couples are filled with desires and expectations! Wonder and eager anticipation propel them forward. Then comes the marriage and if they take the wrong approach, those unrealized expectations and unmet wants can turn a life-giving covenant relationship into a dead-end contractual agreement. Suddenly your marriage has no love, joy, or peace. In this marriage-makeover DVD and study, Andy Stanley ’s three key teachings help you transform your expectations and examine the “I’s” of marriage: “Keeping My ‘I’ On You,” “Putting Your ‘I’ Out,” and “It Takes Three.” This is one session your marriage won’t survive without.

Spiritual Gifts Workshop:
God’s Holy Spirit Empowering YOU to Live HIS Story!
Led by Carolyn Douglass and Ellery Berryhill
August 25, September 1, September 8
6:00-8:00 p.m.  •  Room 202
Did you know that God gives at least one spiritual gift to every Christian? Don’t know what your spiritual gift is? Then join us for this study! God has great work for us to do and empowers us to do it by the Holy Spirit. Discover what you’re equipped to do, so you can serve competently; how you best serve, so you can serve authentically; and where you’re motivated to serve, so you can serve
enthusiastically. MAKE YOUR MARK IN GOD’S WORLD!

Hymnology 101
Led by Dale Reynolds
September 8-29  •  Room 207
Join Organist Dale Reynolds for a 4-week exploration of our Methodist tradition through song.  Explore the history and background of some of our favorite hymns as well as taking a look at the musical tools included in our hymnal.  Whether a musician or not, this is a class sure to be enjoyed by all!

Gospel: An Invitation to Faith
Led by Joe Elmore
August 25-September 29  •  Room 201
The central message of the Bible is the Good News about Jesus Christ – the news of God’s unconditional and eternal love.  This Gospel is an invitation to faith.  The nature of the invitation and the meaning of our faith response is the focus of this six-week study.

Faithful, Abundant, True: Three Lives Going Deeper Still
Led by Phyl Smith
September 8-October 20  •  Room 207B
$15 cost of book
Optional – December 3 –4 Women’s Event Conference, Deeper Still, at BJCC
God is faithful. His provision is abundant. His promises are true. Join Kay Arthur, Priscilla Shirer, and Beth Moore in this seven-session women’s Bible study. While these three women each speak on the distinctive topic the Holy Spirit had led them to teach, the messages result in a marvelous blend. Kay challenges us to faithfulness in difficult days. Priscilla points to the essential trust in God’s ability, and Beth teaches on how to discern truth from error in these difficult days. Made to fit women’s busy schedules, Faithful, Abundant, True involves daily study in a brief format. Most women will spend 15 to 30 minutes in study each day.

Short-term Disciple Study – Invitation to Romans
Led by Linda Frost and Ron Dennis
September 15-November 10
6:00-7:30 p.m.  •  Room 322
$15 cost of book
Exploring how people have interpreted Romans through the ages is a good lens to view the history of Christianity itself. Compare what Paul writes in Romans to what theologians like Augustine, Luther and Calvin say in trying to understand Paul in their time. Each week, there are two video segments followed by discussion. The first video presents text read aloud against a backdrop of a wide variety of church settings followed by conversation between a church historian and a church theologian. Storyteller, Michael Williams, who shares snapshot views of how Romans has been read through history, leads the second weekly video. At the end of this study, the group will have a more informed commitment to Paul’s radical vision of God’s relationship to both Christians and Jews and to their relationship to each other, thanks to the “love of God in Christ Jesus.”

Disciple I – Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study
Led by Mike Coffey
September 2010-May 2011
6:00-8:00 p.m.  •  Room 318
$35 cost of book
Have you wanted to read the Bible through a year? Have you wanted to understand the Biblical story? This 34-week overview of the entire Bible emphasizes the wholeness of the Bible as a revelation of God. The video-based study draws upon the work of scholars, personal reading and study of the Bible, and dynamic group discussion to help you understand the Biblical story and live as a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.

Disciple III – Remember Who You Are:
The Prophets and Letters of Paul
Led by Tony Ballard and Tammy Trapp
August 25-May 4
6:00-8:00 p.m. •  Room 320
$35 cost of book
The driving idea in this study is the connection between memory and identity as the people of God. The word You in the title is meant to be heard both in its singular form (the individual) and its plural form (the community). We are a community of memory. Participants in this 32-week study will read the major and minor Old Testament prophets, with the exception of Daniel, and will read the thirteen Letters traditionally attributed to Paul. To establish the historical context in which the prophets spoke for God, daily reading assignments draw also on the books of Deuteronomy through Chronicles.
Several themes weave their way through the study – the call to remember; the call to repentance; the need for renewed vision; and the place of community. The prophets and Paul are continually calling hearers and readers back to God and to a sense of who they are as a people “set apart.”

Christianity and World Religions by Adam Hamilton
Led by Mryle Grate and Sherry Harris
October 20-November 17  •  Room 208
Join Myrle and Sherry for another Adam Hamilton video-based study that explores four major world religions - Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Judaism -comparing the beliefs of each with those of Christianity. This study deals openly and honestly with questions people ask about other religions, including why we should believe the claims of Christianity over those of other faiths. As part of the study, author and presenter Adam Hamilton interviews a religious leader from each tradition. He treats the world religions with great respect, recognizing the unique contributions of each. In examining these major world religions and the beliefs of their followers, the Reverend Hamilton urges us as Christians to build bridges with others so that we might grow in our faith, seek peace in our world, love our neighbor, and find positive ways to share the gospel.

Opening Ourselves to Grace
Led by Susan Groseclose
October 20-November 17  •  Room 323
God, through Jesus Christ, gives us the ultimate gift of unmerited love and grace.  John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, sealed his letters with these words – “To witness to Jesus Christ in the world, and to follow his teachings through acts of compassion, justice, worship and devotion, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.” We too, yearn to live and witness to this grace in our lives. We open ourselves to God’s gift of grace by allowing God’s love to forgive our sins, heal our brokenness, and form us as persons God created us to be. Join this DVD-based Bible study as we seek to live a grace-filled life.

Understanding Justice as Part of the Story
Led by Advocacy Committee
October 20-November 17  •  Room 206
This fall as our church begins a year-long focus on part of our mission statement ----“Learning the Story,” the Advocacy Committee will explore an aspect of the biblical story that often times doesn’t get as much attention as some other parts --- God’s mandate, God’s requirement for justice, which is a completion, a fulfillment of love and grace. We will look at the Old Testament and New Testament to see how and where justice is mentioned, both explicitly and implicitly.  We will look at what John Wesley said and did in regard to justice. We will look at what the Book of Discipline of our United Methodist Church says about justice, and how our General Board of Church and Society works for justice. Jesus reminds us, as his followers not to neglect justice. We invite you to come and learn more about this part of our story and ways we can be justice-seeking Christians.

Christmas Memories
Led by clergy
December 1 and 8  •  Room 208
Advent is a time of anticipation and waiting for the birth of Jesus Christ. We all have memories of waiting for Christmas, a special family tradition, or a meaningful Christmas gift. The clergy will be sharing one of their favorite Christmas memories.



Lighthouse Ministries
Led by David Hodges
December 1
Room 202
As we celebrate the 10th year anniversary of the Lighthouse, come explore the various ministries that we offer for our church family and community.

Outreach: Orientation to Leadership
Led by Patti Rice Eggers
December 8  •  Room 202
Have you ever wondered about all of the amazing servants who lead our 32 Outreach teams?  Have you ever thought about getting involved in serving others in a new way?  Have you ever thought about leading a project during a Day of Service but you weren’t sure where to start?  While we truly appreciate the time, effort, talent, and commitment of these current servant leaders, they are members of VHUMC just like you!!!!!
 
Join us to learn about team and project leadership. Patti will demystify the process and possibilities for you.  No pressure, just come and learn and think about the future or think about what role you’d like to play in the future.


Monday Mornings

Lectionary Study
On-going, 6:30 a.m.
Led by Dalton Styes,
Room 201

Children’s Prayer Partners
Ongoing, 9:15-10:30 a.m.
Facilitated by Lee Matthews, 823-7390 scottandlee3@aol.com
Room 106
Children’s Prayer Partners is a women’s ministry to pray written, scripture-based prayers for our church’s children from birth to senior high school. The group also invites the staff to join us once a month to intercede for them.

Wednesday Mornings
Young Men’s Bible Study
On-going, 6:30 am
Led by Dan Lovell
Room 202

John Rutland Prayer Group
On-going, 6:30 am
Led by Rob Moxley
Room 203

Lectionary Study
On-going, 6:30 am
Led by Dalton Styes
Room 201

Men’s Bible Study
On-going, 6:30 am
Led by Brad Kimbrough
Room 322

United Methodist Men
On-going, 6:30 am
Coordinated by Hal Wilson and Jimmy Neely
Room 320

Seekers in Conversation
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
September 1, 2010-May 2011  •  Room 323
Study – Eternal Life: A New Vision… by John Shelby Spong
Facilitator: Doug Layton
Contact Person: Opal Norris (823-6157)
This on-going study group utilizes a variety of materials as the basis for exploring a new paradigm of faith through conversation that is open and respectful of the views and thoughts of all participants. The study is open to all who are interested in being challenged to a deeper and more relevant faith.


Message of the New Testament – Promises Kept
Led by Wade Morgan and Jeanne Walls
September 1, 2010 – April 27, 2011  •  Room 318
9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
This study explores twenty-eight sermons including one overview of every book of the New Testament, and one introductory sermon summarizing the New Testament as a whole. Mark Dever, pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C, originally preached each sermon. The Message of the New Testament is divided into three sections: Jesus, containing the sermons on each of the gospels and Acts; Key Ideas for the Times, containing the sermons on all of Paul’s epistles; and Living in the Real World, containing the rest of Hebrews through Revelation. This study is a fresh new way of looking at the New Testament and what it is teaching us.

Pursuing More of Jesus (study of John)
Led by Ruth Farris
September 15 – October 20
9:30 AM – 11:30 AM – Room 320
$15 cost of book
If you want MORE than the bare minimum God has to offer, MORE than what the average Christian seems to settle for, MORE than just enough to get by, then join Anne Graham Lotz in Pursuing MORE of Jesus. In this dynamic study from John’s Gospel, you’ll spend time in the upper room with the disciples, absorbing the rich depth of all that was on the mind and in the heart of Jesus as He shared intimately with them during the Last Supper.

He Speaks to Me (study of Samuel)
Led by Ruth Farris
October 27 – December 1
9:30 AM – 11:30 AM – Room 320
$20 cost of book
He Speaks to Me by Priscilla Shirer is based on the life of Samuel, who first heard God’s voice while still a small boy. Packed with practical examples from Priscilla’s own life, this study delves directly into the need to develop a richer prayer life and a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. You’ll also learn how to comfortably share your experience of God with others. God has a message for you! Do you want to hear from Him in practical ways? Let Priscilla Shirer help you prepare by giving you a deeper understanding of the Holy Spirit.




Thursday Mornings
First Thursday Study Group
Beginning September 2
First Thursday, 10:30 AM – 12:00 Noon  •  Room 322
Study book: The First Christmas by Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan
Contact Person: Opal Norris (823-6157)
This study is a group discussion of selected materials aimed at giving persons a place to explore and enhance their faith journey.

Am I Messing Up My Kids?…and Other Questions Every Mom Asks
Led by Kelly Lipford
September 2 – October 14
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM  •  Room 320
$15 cost of book
Lysa TerKeurst, mother of five and President of Proverbs 31 Ministries, knows the bouts of “mommy stress” that come with parenting and managing a home and a life. From her own experience and conversations with hundreds of other women, Lysa shares how mothers can release their mommy guilt when they:
•    Simplify life to create breathing room.
•    Quit comparing themselves to the “perfect” moms.
•    Turn to God for support, peace, guidance and patience.
•    Stop blaming their parenting every time a child does wrong.
•    Let kids live with the consequences of their bad choices.
Overflowing with practical ideas, short Bible studies, and plenty of encouragement, this inspiring study will help overwhelmed mothers turn to God’s grace as their lifeline.

Growing Older and Wiser
Led by Barbara Lee
September 9-Novemeber 4
10:00 AM-11:00 AM  •  Room 318
$5 cost of book
Life expectancies have stretched, but the Bible reveals that human nature has
not changed. Wisdom does not automatically come with age. Join this study/discussion group as we explore a biblical perspective on aging and explore how powerfully God can use those who have grown wiser with the years. The study looks at older people who should have listened to younger ones and vice versa. 
It will highlight the constancy of God amid honest expressions of hopes and fears as life advances.