SUNDAYS:
Seeds of Faith - Sunday, 9:15 a.m. - Room 211
The Seeds of Faith class offers an exploration of different aspects of faith and life in a small group setting with an emphasis on discussion. Divided into 6-8 week studies, classes focus on spiritual growth, Biblical study, church history, or current events, but always with an eye towards how our faith is practically applied as we live our lives Monday through Saturday. Contact: Tom Fulton, Randy & Suzanne Butsch
Christians under Construction - Sunday, 10:30 a.m. in Room 206
None of us are ever “finished products”; all of us are constantly growing, changing, and being shaped and molded by our Creator. Recognizing this reality by examining issues of faith such as why we believe what we believe, how we apply the principles in the Sermon on the Mount to life in the 21st century, how we defend our faith to others, the role of faith in politics, and other issues where life and faith intersect, Christians Under Construction seeks to thoughtfully engage those places where God may be working on us the hardest. Contact: Tom Webber
Book Group - Sunday, 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel Reception Room
A group of adult disciples that gather each month to discuss a book they have chosen to read as a group. Titles of books are announced each month for the following month’s reading. Discussion is open to anyone, whether or not they have read, or finished, the book. Book topics and types vary; seeing how God is at work in the story is the most important thing! Contact: Suzanne Butsch, Doris Kamphuis
Sundays at 5:00
Abraham Lincoln and the Providence of God
(all classes taught by Dr. Stephen McConnell)
How much of the world is God in control of? Does God make bad things happen or just let them happen? These are some of the vexing theological questions that keep us wondering and praying. Never was there a time in our nation’s history than the Civil War when the question of God’s providence was at the fore of American’s interest. How were they to understand the terrible scourge of war and God’s possible hand within it? How did the President privately and publicly struggle with this issue? These and other questions we will consider during these Sunday nights in the Sanctuary.
Man for All Seasons, the life and thought of Reinhold Niebuhr
(February 26 – March 25)
Reinhold Niebuhr is not a household name today even in the most active of churches. Yet in the midst of the 20th century and during the heights of World War II and the Vietnam War there is perhaps no other Christian theologian who was listened to more by both Presidents and people in the pew. Niebuhr sought to answer the question: How does a Christian respond best to the national and international circumstances around him? How do we confront evil? How does the Church remain faithful when the world around us seems to be going in the wrong direction? Join Dr. McConnell in the Sanctuary as we consider these questions and more through the preaching, teaching and writing of Reinhold Niebuhr.
MONDAYS:
Companions in Christ (for Women) - 6:30 p.m. in Room 209
A small group opportunity in which women may nourish their faith, nurture their walk with Jesus, and experience an environment where hearts and spirits may be transformed. The curriculum varies, the relationships don’t! Contact: Margaret Wenger, Fee Mercer
TUESDAYS:
Men's Study and Breakfast - 7:00 a.m., Dutch Heritage Restaurant
An opportunity for men to experience spiritual growth and Bible study in a small groups discussion. Each week includes prayer for one another, for others, and for the world, followed a Bible study. Studies usually involve working through an entire book of the Bible over a period of weeks or months. Contact: Dale Vollrath
C.S. Lewis Reading Group - Every other Tuesday, 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel Reception Room (Check bulletin for schedule)
A reading group led by Dr. McConnell that reads, discusses, and explores various writings of the renowned theologian C.S. Lewis. Contact: Dr. Steve McConnell
S.H.A.P.E. 7:00—8:30 PM Education Bldg Rm 208-210
This 6-week series of Mini-Lectures, Exercises and Small Group Discussions will help you learn about your Spiritual Gifts, Heart (passions), Abilities, Personality, and Experiences that shape your life. Click HERE for more information.
WEDNESDAYS:
Men's Bible Study 7:45 a.m. in the Chapel Reception Room
A group of seekers of God’s truth who gather to study different books of the Bible, one book at a time. Contact: Fred Marsh, Tom Webber
Faith At Work - 4:00 p.m. in the Chapel Reception Room
This weekly mixed-gender group explores the Christian experience and discipleship journey through group-selected programs and studies. Contact: Ben & Bernie Morgan
Wednesdays @ 6:12
The Gospel of Matthew taught by Dale Vollrath
Dale Vollrath, one of our seasoned Bible teachers, will teach a Bible study on the Gospel of Matthew. Dale has for years been both a student and teacher of the Scriptures and has led many of Church of the Palms through a clear understanding of God’s word. Join Dale in the Chapel for an hour of great scholarship and equipping through this great Gospel.
Life Transitions (January 4- January 25) Led by Chip Schaaff
Chip Schaaff, a licensed counselor and no stranger to Church of the Palms, will teach a course on the spiritual approach to dealing with life’s transitions – employment, health, grief, death, retirement, etc.. Chip combines years of clinical practice with a deep faith in Christ to help in thinking and praying about how to embrace the changes of life. Join Chip for a class that may change your life!
James: Mercy Triumphs by Beth Moore
(January 4 – February 29. No class on Ash Wednesday, February 22) Carolyn Wilson leads the latest Beth Moore video-based Bible study on the life and book of James, our Lord’s brother. Topics in this study include: joy, hardship, faith, reversal of fortunes for rich and poor, wisdom, gifts from above, single-mindedness, the dangers of the tongue, humility, and prayer. Each session includes 45 minutes for small group time plus one hour with Beth Moore on video. Study books are $14.95 – reserve yours by calling the church office and registering for this study.
Key Spiritual Disciplines for Growth in Christ - Led by Laurie Haas and Carolyn Wilson(March 7 – March 28)
The normal Christian life as described in the New Testament is one of growth. Growth does not happen, however, without intention and discipline. Come join Laurie and Carolyn for a study of the Discipleship Path and the key Spiritual Disciplines that enable us to progress along that path and grow in maturity and faith in our walk with God through Jesus Christ.
Family Values - Led by Chip Schaaff (February 1-February 29. No class on Ash Wednesday, February 22)
Chip continues in his teaching with us on the topic of the family. What kind of values do you wish your child to glean from you? What values do you express without thinking about it? How do you create a family environment that embraces all that you think important? These questions and more will be talked about during this stimulation hour.
On the Road to Reformation - Led by Rev. John Cairns (March 7 – March 28)
Martin Luther and John Calvin did not emerge from a vacuum. The Christian Church had been making its way through the Middle Ages producing a few bright moments in the midst of a lot of stormy weather. Now change was in the air. This course will look at a fascinating and pivotal period in church history from the late 14th century to the early 16th century. It is - in many ways - a time like our own. The Church was struggling to hear the message of the Gospel while focusing much of its energy on the need to preserve its institutional identity. How would they discern and respond to the call of Christ in the midst of a rapidly changing culture? How would they sort through the many voices to identify those that pointed the way to salvation? How would they decide what “being faithful” looked like? You are invited to share the journey into this dramatic and decisive piece of the church’s history.
FRIDAYS
Friday Morning BIBLE STudy - 9:30 a.m. in Room 211
On January 13 we begin an indepth study of the Book of Revelation. If you are interested, please register at barzel.comcast.net. This is a dvd study led by Dr. James Efird, an ordained Presbyterian minister who has taught Greek and Bible studies at Duke University Divinity School.Contact: Barbara Zeller
Presbyterian Women
Presbyterian Women studies take place in small groups called “circles” and meet at different days, times, and locations. Check the Sunday bulletin or Church website for a schedule.
Contact: Alberta Adams, 924-8464
Circle Meetings
Monday Circles (Second Monday)
9:45 a.m. Priscilla Circle
10:00 a.m. Deborah Circle
10:00 a.m. Joanna Circle
10:00 a.m. Rebekah Circle
Tuesday Circles (Second Tuesday)
9:30 a.m. Mary Circle
9:30 a.m. Naomi-Lydia Circle
9:30 a.m. Rachel Circle
1:00 p.m. Martha Circle
Thursday Circle (Second Thursday)
9:30 a.m. Mary Magdalene Circle
1:30 p.m. Claudia Circle
