Adult Classes

Christian Enrichment classes meet from 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. on Sunday mornings. The beginning and ending dates of each class vary. Childcare is available during the church school hour.

The Book of Psalms – The adult Bible study group will spend the rest of this year exploring the Book of Psalms. We will use multi-media and multiple stories to divine the meaning, authors, and meaning of the Psalms as they relate to the New Testament. All are invited to participate in this journey of discovery.
Leader:        Jeanné McWilliamson
Resources:   The Bible
Location:     Room 227

Listening for God – This spirituality class is for adults who want to explore and discuss how their Spirit mingles with others and the daily events they encounter in the world.  We will be using the Listening for God series this fall.  The short stories and accompanying video about the authors will “challenge us to pay attention everywhere.  Listening for God is a resource intended to help readers investigate how life and faith merge in surprising ways and places.”  Volume 1 is eight weeks.
Leader:        Beth Obear
Resources:  Listening for God (volume 1)
Location:     Room 127

Through the Writings of Bonhoeffer – Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a Christian pastor and martyr of World War II, has challenged the world with his writings.  This class will continue discussing Bonhoeffer’s book, The Cost of Discipleship, that they started last spring.  The first class will review highlights of chapters covered and set the stage for discussing a chapter at a time each week going forward.  All are welcome including newcomers.
Leader:        Jim Wiedman
Resources:   The Cost of Discipleship
Location:     Room 126

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New Members’ Classes

“A Disciples’s” is our six week “membership” class and it provides an environment to consider whether God is calling you to take the step into covenant with St. Matthew’s.  The course will invite your questions as you learn a bit more about the ministries and resources for spiritual growth and service that exist here.  A wide range of topics will be addressed including history and theology of the United Methodist Church, worship and sacraments, spiritual gifts and lay leadership, discipleship, covenant, and whatever issues are most important to you!  Exploring Covenant meets two to three times per year on Tuesday evening from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.  Please call the church office (301) 262-1408 for information.
Leader: Reverend Ginger Gaines-Cirelli

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Weekday Offerings

Pastor’s Bible Study – Using The New Interpreter’s Bible Commentary as a guide, this class is currently studying the book of Isaiah.  The format of the class is conversational and allows participants to “drop in” as they are able-in other words, come when you can, all are welcome! We meet Tuesdays from 9:45-10:45am in Room 126.

The “Angel Gang” – This group’s mission is to draw on their common experiences as they assist others who are faced with challenges to their wellness.  The group’s focus is laughter, fellowship, and story-telling.  Everyone is welcome!  We meet Tuesdays from 11am-12pm in Room 126.

Bible Study for Health – If you are looking for a group to help you focus on your health through Scripture, prayer, lifestyle and exercise support, this is the group for you!  We meet Wednesdays from 10:30-11:30am in Room 126.  All are welcome!

Disciples Studies is a program of disciplined Bible study aimed at developing strong Christian leaders.

Disciple 1:  Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study is a 34-week study of the Bible divided between Old and New Testaments.  Daily preparation (20-30 minutes) prepares you to participate in the weekly group sessions and helps you become biblically nourished and committed to live as a disciple of Christ.  Reflect on how the biblical message illuminates our own commitment to follow Jesus.   Disciple 1 is the foundation and prerequisite for the other in-depth Disciple classes.    Participants are asked to commit to daily study and attending classes each Sunday.  Interested but not sure?  Attend the introductory class on September 11 and then decide.
Leaders:      Bill Schneider and Les Thompson
Resources:   Study manual ($36.75) and a good study Bible
Location:     Room 125

Jesus in the Gospels – invites participants to look at Jesus in each of the four Gospels and asks the question, “Who is the Jesus that you see?”  This study will deepen discipleship through better understanding of the biblical texts and their message.  This class is for all adults who want to explore a personal understanding of Jesus.  Participants are asked to commit to daily study and attending classes every Sunday.  Interested but not sure?  Attend the introductory class on September 11 and then decide.
Leaders:      Ray Denmark and Irene Schneider
Resources:   Study manual ($46.75) and a good study Bible
Location:     Room 224

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United Methodist Women’s Circle Studies

An invitation to attend any of the circle meetings is extended to all women. For specific information, please call the leader of the circle in which you are interested or contact Jody Kelley.

AGAPE CIRCLE
Leader: Jane Anderson
Resource: Ten Prayers God Always Says Yes To by Anthony DeStefano
Location: In members’ homes
Date & Time: First Thursday of the month, 9:30 a.m.

EVENING CIRCLE
Leader: Jo Ellen Thompson
Resource: Listening for God, various authors
Location: St. Matthew’s, Room 102 (Parlor)
Date & Time: Second Monday of the month, 7:30 p.m.

FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE
Leader: Mickey Fisher
Resource:  TBA
Location: Local restaurants
Date & Time: Second Thursday of the month, 12:00 noon

MARTHA CIRCLE
Leader: Linda Harbaugh, Pam Waterworth
Resource: Living Above Worry and Stress
Location: St. Matthew’s, Room 102 (Parlor)-Babysitting provided
Date & Time: Second Friday of the month, 9:30 a.m.

KOINONIA CIRCLE
Leaders: Mary McClurg, Debbie Pierson
Resource:  Slightly Bad Girls of the Bible by Liz Curtis Higgs
Location: St. Matthew’s, Room 102 (Parlor)-Babysitting provided
Date & Time: Third Monday of the month, 7:00 p.m.

SUSANNA WESLEY CIRCLE
Leader: Pat Bond
Resource:  What’s So Amazing About Grace by Philip Yancey
Location: In members’ homes
Date & Time: Third Wednesday of the month, 7:00 p.m.

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