Learning Guide | Fall 2021

Learning GUIDE

FALL

2021 S P I R I T UA L F O R M AT I O N M E M O R I A L

D R I V E

U N I T E D

M E T H O D I ST

C H U R C H

HOW ARE YOU LEARNING? DISCIPLES OF JESUS CONTINUALLY STUDY, READ SCRIPTURE, AND EXPLORE THEIR FAITH TOGETHER. As you look through this edition of the MDUMC Learning Guide for fall 2021, consider ways these studies and classes will make a difference in your own life as well as in the life of your church and community! As we examine our call to serve God and our neighbors, there are many opportunities in our midst to deepen and strengthen our lives - even at a distance - with the hope that we will all become better disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Unless otherwise noted, please contact VickyHarris@mdumc.org or KellyVicente@mdumc.org with any questions or to register.

Registration is also available online at mdumc.org/register mdumc.org/register..

WEDNESDAYS AT MDUMC

THE BOOKS OF I & II SAMUEL WITH DR. BRAD MORGAN

Wednesdays Beginning September 8 10–10:50 AM or 6:30-7:20 PM Wesley Hall (also available via Zoom) Dinner is served weekly from 5:15 -6:15 PM Pastor Brad will teach a verse-by-verse study of the Books of I and II Samuel. He incorporates humor and stories along with sound biblical interpretation. Feel free to bring your questions and your Bible to this interactive study! Dinner is served weekly for $8 per person, ($5 for children 4 -10 and free for children under 4) no more than $25 per family.

YOUNG ADULT AND YOUNG FAMILIES BIBLE STUDY

Wednesdays Beginning September 8 | 5:30 - 7 PM MDUMC West Campus - The Refuge (13150 Memorial Drive) Dinner from 5:30-6:15 PM | Study from 6:15-7 PM Contact: CarrieNeal@mdumc.org

Families and Young Adults in their 30s and 40s to join together in a time of learning and fellowship. The study will be led each week by one of our pastors followed by discussion with peers. Dinner is available before the study begins and for latecomers.

Nursery care and activities for kids are provided at The Journey Worship Center.

YOUNG ADULT BIBLE STUDY

Wednesdays (Ongoing) | 7:30 - 8:30 PM | MDUMC Main Campus C201 Contact: CarrieNeal@mdumc.org Join us for our weekly Bible study for Young Adults in their 20s led by Carrie Neal. We will look at different topics and Bible passages each week as we try to deepen our faith through community.

SINGLES BIBLE STUDY | “IMAGES OF THE SPIRIT”

Wednesdays Beginning September 8 (8 Weeks) | 7:45 - 9 PM MDUMC Main Campus D101 | $7 | Contact: SheriKelley@mdumc.org We’ll look at eight word pictures of the Holy Spirit from Scripture, deepening our relationship with the third person of the Trinity.

SEPTEMBER

WORDS OF LIFE: JESUS AND THE PROMISE OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS TODAY

Thursdays Beginning September 9 (10 Weeks) | 9:30 - 11:30 AM MDUMC Main Campus D204 (or via Zoom) | Leader: Vicky Harris | $16 In this study by Adam Hamilton, we’ll explore how Jesus saw the 10 Commandments not as burdens, but as guideposts to help us experience a good and beautiful life.

These ten ancient “words” were given to us by a loving God who longed to set safe boundaries, create order out of chaos, and help communities live peacefully.

WHITE FRAGILITY: WHY IT’S SO HARD FOR WHITE PEOPLE TO TALK ABOUT RACISM

Sundays Beginning September 12 (4 weeks) | 5:30-7:00 PM MDUMC Main Campus D205 Leader: Randy John (johnrandy14@yahoo.com (johnrandy14@yahoo.com)) | $8

This book discusses ‘white fragility’ and how related matters can interfere with and become obstacles in conversations and understandings about racial issues. The book explains that racism is a system of choices (unintentional or invisible within a group) and does not try to label people as racists.

DISCIPLE IV FAST TRACK: UNDER THE TREE OF LIFE THE WRITINGS, GOSPEL OF JOHN & REVELATION

Mondays Beginning September 13 (12 weeks) and January 10 (13 weeks) 6:30 - 8:30 PM | MDUMC Main Campus D202 | Leader: Daniel Scholl | $32 This study concentrates on Old Testament Writings, the Gospel of John, the Epistles of John, James, Jude, and finally, Revelation. Throughout is the sense of living toward completion – toward the climax of the message and the promise, extravagantly pictured in Revelation. The image of the tree and the color gold emphasize the prod and promise in the Scriptures. The word under in the title is meant to convey invitation, welcome, sheltering, security, and rest – home at last.

LISTENING FOR GOD

Tuesdays Beginning September 14 | 2 - 4 PM MDUMC Main Campus D100 | Leader: Rev. Susan Wiley | $18 This awesome group meets to discuss and explore the many ways God may be speaking through the writings of others. This year, “Companions in Christ” will be our source material as we dig deeper into our relationship with God and each other. Join us for lively discussions and meaningful friendships.

SINGLES SUNDAY STUDY & DINNER THE GRACE OF LES MISÉRABLES

Watch the movie together – August 15 Study dates – August 22 | September 12, 19, 26 | October 3, 10 | 5 PM Sheri’s Home in Katy | $10 for the book | Contact: SheriKelley@mdumc.org

CONTEMPLATIVE MINISTRY

INTRO TO THE SPIRITUAL LIFE

Mondays Beginning September 13 (12 Weeks) 7-8 PM | Main Campus Library Leader: Rev. Jennifer Veres-Schrecengost Welcome to this introduction to spiritual life and Contemplative Ministry at MDUMC. Join us weekly through December 13 as we study the book Soul Feast by Marjorie Thompson.

THE MASTER STORYTELLER

Tuesdays Beginning September 14 (5 Weeks) | 6:30 - 8:30 PM MDUMC Main Campus D200 | Leader: Ange Grout | $7 Beth Moore’s teaching explores some of the parables of Jesus...how we, who come into relationship with Him, are swept into His glorious, eternal story as He is made the center of ours.

PURSUED WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY

Wednesdays Beginning September 15 (6 Weeks) | 11:00 – 12:30 PM MDUMC Main Campus D203 | Leader: Sandy Earthman | $12 Author, Jennifer Cowart, helps us discover the main theme that runs throughout stories in the Bible from Genesis to Revelation: God’s relentless love for us. We will see the big picture of God’s love for us and nurture our personal relationship with God.

LIGHTEN UP: A BIBLE STUDY FOR BUSY MOMS

Tuesdays Beginning Mid-September | 12 - 1:30 PM MDUMC West Campus | The Refuge $60 (includes book and weekly lunch) | Contact: KarenCrawford@mdumc.org Lighten Up invites you to be a part of our weekly community. Each Tuesday starts with a delicious lunch followed by a short video and great small group time. Our target audience is moms of youth, but we’ve grown to include many generations.

OCTOBER

UNDERSTANDING RACIAL JUSTICE IN 2021

Sundays | October 10, 17, 24 and November 7, 14, 21 | 5:30 - 7 PM MDUMC Main Campus D205 Leader: Corinne Maddox (cmaddox@maddoxgroup.com (cmaddox@maddoxgroup.com)) What do the terms School-to-Prison-Pipeline, Systemic Racism, and Implicit Bias mean? In this program we will cover current racial justice issues, define terms, look at key events in history, and consider Biblical guidance. This program will give you the framework to better understand the issues, and a forum to explore and deepen your faith.

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS ASSEMBLY

Sunday, October 24 | 9:30 – 10:30 AM | Wesley Hall Space is Limited. Please RSVP to VickyHarris@mdumc.org by Monday, October 18 Dr. Morgan will lead our adult Sunday school classes in an inspirational message entitled “Revival Without End: How the Wesley Brothers Continue Changing the World.” You won’t want to miss this insightful morning with Pastor Brad.

NOVEMBER

ALL THE GOOD: A WESLEYAN WAY OF CHRISTMAS

Tuesdays Beginning November 9 (through December 7) | 6:30 - 8:30 PM MDUMC Main Campus D200 | Leader: Ange Grout | $12 In this study, a group of diverse Wesleyan scholars will take you on an Advent journey guided by the practices in John Wesley’s means of grace. In four sessions of study, prayer, and conversation, we will look at preparing the way for God, the discipline of prayer, the substance of good works, and the recognition of God’s presence with us in communities that are called to serve the world.

LIGHT OF THE WORLD: A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO ADVENT

For Women: Wednesdays Beginning November 17 (4 Weeks) | 11:00 – 12:30 PM MDUMC Main Campus D203 | Leader: Sandy Earthman | $13

For All: Thursdays Beginning November 18 (4 Weeks) | 9:30 – 11:30 AM MDUMC Main Campus D204 (or via Zoom) | Leader: Vicky Harris | $13 Tuesdays Beginning November 23 (4 Weeks) | 2:30 – 4:00 PM MDUMC Main Campus D200 (or via Zoom) | Leader: Betty Cartmell | $13 Author, professor, and Biblical scholar Dr. Amy-Jill Levine shows how the Gospel narratives connect to the Old Testament; highlights the role of women in first-century Jewish culture; and emphasizes the importance of Mary’s visitation, the census, the stable, the star of Bethlehem, and the flight to Egypt.

ONGOING

MEDITATION FOR CHRISTIANS

Thursdays Beginning September 2 (Ongoing) | 1:30- 2:30 PM MDUMC Main Campus D200 (and via Zoom) | Leader: Betty Cartmell This class is for entering into the practice of Christian meditation. We have short contemplative times before our meditation. There is time for questions and responses plus suggestions for reading and practice. Think of it as heartfulness and listening for God. All it requires is an open heart and a desire to learn this ancient practice.

BODY, MIND, AND SPIRIT

Thursdays | Noon | Wesley Hall Contact SheriKelley@mdumc.org

One day each week dedicated to Boomers and Seniors! Bible Studies offered in the morning. Lunch ($7), chair yoga, & devotional shared at noon in Wesley Hall. Mission projects, choir, Chinese Mahjongg, Bridge, other table games, speakers, and more on Thursday afternoons! Wesley Hall. Everyone is welcome!

WALK TO EMMAUS: A JOURNEY WITH CHRIST

Men’s Walk | October 7-10, 2021 Women’s Walk | October 14-17, 2021

The Walk to Emmaus is an experience of Christian spiritual renewal and formation that begins with a three-day short course in Christianity. It is an opportunity to meet Jesus Christ in a new way as God’s grace and love is revealed to us through other believers.

The objective of Emmaus is to inspire, challenge, and equip local church members for Christian action in our homes, churches, communities, and places of work. MDUMC has over 100 people who have participated and about 40 people who meet weekly in small groups to talk about their spiritual life. Countless members have served in many of the Emmaus activities over many years. If you are interested, please contact VickyHarris@mdumc.org..

VickyHarris@mdumc.org

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL

Bridgebuilders

Senior Adults | Sundays at 9:30 AM | Wesley Hall (Main Campus) We are a warm, caring, supportive group of Christians who share each other’s burdens and celebrate each other’s joys, all while studying to strengthen our faith and deepen our knowledge of God’s word.

Covenant

Couples and Singles (50s-60s) | Sundays at 9:30 AM | D203 (Main Campus) The Covenant Class focuses on discussing the Bible as it relates to life and consists of couples and singles age 50’s to 60’s. We believe in participating in group projects in the community and have regular gatherings outside of class.

Discovery

Mostly Couples (Mid 40s-Early 60s) | Sundays at 9:30 AM | Via Zoom Our class lessons use a discussion format and cover a variety of topics. We sponsor service projects throughout the year and have frequent adult social events.

Alpha A series of sessions exploring the Christian faith designed to create conversation about life’s deepest questions.

Tuesdays Beginning September 7 6:30 - 8 PM

Questions? Ready to join?

Visit mdumc.org/alpha Contact ColinBagby@mdumc.org

Foundations

Families with Young Children | Sundays at 9:30 AM | C201 (Main Campus) Luke 6:48 states that a firm foundation cannot be shaken, and this group will focus on making sure the foundation in our own house stands firm. In Foundations we will support one another and grow our own faith as we strive to pass our faith on to our children.

Friendship

Couples and Singles (60+) | Sundays at 9:30 AM | D100 (Main Campus) Lessons are taught by our members and by outside speakers who cover wide-ranging, typically Methodist subjects.

Genesis

Couples (60+) | Sundays at 9:30 AM | D201 (Main Campus) Through prayer, study, lively weekly discussions, and fellowship, we seek to nurture our continued growth in the Spirit of Christ and to share our gifts through active participation in the life of the church and the community.

Good News

Couples and Singles (65+) | Sundays at 11 AM | Wesley Hall (Main Campus) Varied class lessons including lecture and spirited discussions are taught by our members and outside teachers. Outreach includes Soupmobile, and MAM, etc. Varied social activities are enjoyed also.

Grapevine

High Functioning Young Adults with Special Needs | Sundays at 11 AM | Via Zoom A place of learning and fellowship for high functioning young adults.

Kindred Souls

Single and Married Women | Sundays at 9:30 | Conference Room (Main Campus) Offering a group setting for women who attend church alone, whether single or married, our class follows the Adult Bible Study Series and is led by class members. Visitors and new members are welcome. We are open to women of all ages.

Probers

Couples and Singles (65+) | Sundays at 9:30 AM | D204 (Main Campus) The Probers class has a lively interest in the values of today’s society as they relate to Christians. Our class hosts a variety of speakers from the class, church, and community.

By probing into the hard questions, we foster lively discussion and offer our members an opportunity to grow theologically and scripturally.

Roots

Couples and Singles (60+) | Sundays at 9:30 AM C200 beginning 8/15/21 (Main Campus) Our focus is on Bible study and family issues. We are a great support group for many of our ministry events, such as workcamps and Soupmobile.

Singles in Action

Singles (40+) | Sundays at 9:30 AM | Dance Room (Main Campus) We are singles of all ages who are willing to admit our imperfections and are interested in growing spiritually toward perfection! We enjoy short-term studies presented in a discussion format by class members. This group is very welcoming and active in the Singles Ministry and in the general ministry of the church, especially missions and outreach.

Sunrizon

Singles and Couples (50s-60s) | Sundays at 9:30 AM | D202 (Main Campus) Members grow spiritually through thoughtful presentations that stimulate open-minded discussion and weave Christian teachings with today’s complex issues in progressive and traditional ways. In addition to being involved in church-related community outreach projects, the Sunrizon class is one of the most socially active groups in the church.

Sunshine

Older Youth and Adults with Special Needs | Sundays at 9:30 AM | C111 (Main Campus) A place of learning and fellowship for older youth and adults with special needs.

Upper Room

Adults of All Ages and Stages | Sundays at 9:30 AM | D206 (Main Campus) Believing that Bible study is a “contact sport of the mind and heart,” class members are responsible for leading the discussions each Sunday. One book of the Bible is studied in depth alternating between Old Testament and New Testament.

Visit mdumc.org/register to reserve your place for any of these fall learning opportunities!