st. matthew's united methodist church

14900 Annapolis Rd, Bowie Maryland 20715 Call Us 301-262-1408

Logo of St. Matthews United Methodist Church. It features a stylized cross with a mosaic design above the text St. Matthews United Methodist Church in blue and green.
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A person wearing a gray sweater is reading a Bible open on a table. The text is in columns, and some sections are underlined with notes in the margins. A patterned notebook is partially visible next to the Bible.

Adult Sunday School

Beginning September 8, there will be two Adult Classes that meet each Sunday at different times.  Both classes are open to all who want to seek spiritual insights; classes will be held in the Parlor.

8:45 a.m. – Confronting The Controversies

Cover of the book Confronting the Controversies by Adam Hamilton. It shows a close-up of an eye and lists topics like separation of church and state, evolution, death penalty, euthanasia, abortion, prayer in schools, and homosexuality.Ray Denmark will lead a discussion of Adam Hamiltan’s study, Confronting the Controversies:  Biblical Perspectives on Tough Issues.  Using a unique method established by John Wesley, the class will seek to understand God’s will concerning such issues as

  • the separation of church and state,
  • creation and evolution in the public schools,
  • euthanasia,
  • prayer in schools,
  • abortion, and
  • homosexuality.

 


This class will follow Rev. Hamilton’s publication, which is by the same name. 

11:00 a.m. – Lights, Camera, Faith:  Christianity in Popular Movies

Jim Wiedman will lead a thought-provoking exploration of Christianity as portrayed in cinema. This class will examine a range of films across multiple genres—including dramas, musicals, and even comedies—that explore themes of faith, redemption, and the human experience through a Christian lens.

Throughout the series, we will discuss how movies like The Mission, Chariots of Fire, Risen, and Sister Act depict the challenges, triumphs, and transformative power of faith. We will also explore how popular culture views and interprets Christianity through these films. Each session will include a viewing of selected film clips, followed by group discussion on both the messages within the movies and the broader cultural perspectives they reflect.

This class is open to all, whether you’re a movie buff, someone seeking spiritual insights, or simply curious about how Christianity is reflected in popular culture. Join us as we explore the intersection of faith and film, and how these stories resonate with our own spiritual journeys.