Eugene Peterson describes Christian Discipleship as "a long obedience in the same direction". Jesus sets the direction and invites us to follow and learn how to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love our neighbors as God has loved us. The Apostle Paul describes the growth of the church in Ephesians 4 as a process of growing until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God and maturing until we reach the full measure of the stature of Christ. Through vital worship, participation in small groups and Bible studies, and discovery and development of our spiritual gifts, we seek to help each other grow both individually and corporately as disciples who are fully engaged in mission and ministry. We deeply desire Grace Church to be a community grounded in God’s grace, growing in faith, and reflecting the fullness of God’s love in our relationships and ministries.

Adult Ministries & Small Groups

Life Long Learning Opportunities at Grace

Fall 2012

Serendipity

Meets Sunday morning at  9:30 a.m.

Wesley Room

Led by Tony Buscemi and Tracey Flater

Join us as we discuss the subject of faith.  We will be looking at what the bible says about faith in the book of Hebrews. Then we will look at how several biblical characters lived out their faith in the book of Acts.  You’ll meet Stephen, Simon, Phillip & Paul.  See where their faith took them and where our faith takes us today.  All are welcome.

Deep and Wide

Meets Sunday mornings 9:15 to 10:30ish

Susanna Wesley house (next door to GUMC on Walker Avenue)

Led by various class members

This fall we will begin a study of The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skeptism by Tim Keller.  There are many questions that believers struggle to answer, questions that test their faith, questions from non-believers that deserve a thoughtful answer:

• Why does God allow suffering in the world?
• How could a loving God send people to Hell?
• Why isn’t Christianity more inclusive?
• How can one religion be “right” and the others “wrong”?
• Why have so many wars been fought in the name of God?

“Keller uses literature, philosophy, real-life conversations, and reasoning to explain how faith in a Christian God is a soundly rational belief, held by thoughtful people of intellectual integrity with a deep compassion for those who truly want to know the truth.”

Our class includes scripture, discussion, fellowship, and food during the Sunday School hour. We love to see new faces. Please give us a try this fall! For info contact Eydie Searles at searles@starpower.net or 301-990-0110.

Exploring the Good News Class

Meets Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m.

Walker Building Room 205. 

Dick Rhorer, Class Coordinator   301-869-9434

The fall program for the Exploring the Good News class will start on September 9, 2012. We will be starting a study of the book: “6 Amazing Stories to Strangely Warm Our Hearts” by James W. Moore.  Rev. Moore is a United Methodist Pastor who has written many books published by Abingdon Press. Our class leader, Dr. Kaz Kawata, states in his review of this book: “In the Introduction of the book, Moore sets the tone of the book. He makes the statement: We can never master the Bible; we can only be mastered by it and the One it reveals. He also raises the question for readers to ponder: How do we read the Bible so that it really comes alive for us?”

Our class is open to all and we hope you can join us for one, or all, of the six lessons from this book. We will be meeting for this study every Sunday Morning from September 9, 2012 through October 14, 2012 during the regular Sunday school hour in our classroom in Walker 205 (upstairs above the Fellowship Hall.) Our study topic starting on October 21, 2012 will be announced in the next issues of Grace Notes.

For any questions or suggestions, please contact Dick Rhorer (rrhorer@rcn.com).

Lasting Legacy: Making a Difference with My Life

Meets Sunday morning at 9:15 a.m.

Walker 210

Led by Joyce Derby

Lasting Legacy is a 13-week class designed to develop mentoring skills in believers that will help them “Make a Difference” in the lives of those around them.  The class titles include: Sharing My Story, Becoming an Authentic Christian, Spiritual Disciplines in My Life, Learning to Affirm, Being and Encourager, Sharing My Faith, and Experiencing Authentic Christian Community.  We will be sharing, looking at scripture, and praying together as we explore these topics together.  Come and join us as we deepen our experience of Christian community and make a difference in each other’s lives.  Please email Joyce Derby at joyce.derby@verizon.net to register and reserve a book.   

Raising Children of Faith

A six-week study focused on parenting

Will begin Sept. 23, meetings during the Sunday school hour at 9:30 a.m.

Owen Hall (basement under sanctuary)

Led by Robin Smithgall

More than anything else, what your children believe about God shapes their lives. It's the most important thing about them. And you're doing the shaping.

If you long for them to have genuine, life-altering faith, gather with some friends for 6 weeks of these vital discussions on:

• Finding practical ways to lead your children to God and help them walk daily with him
• Raising them with an awareness of their God-given purpose
• Gaining confidence as your children's faith-builder

Your family's faith is critical and precious. Give it the attention it needs through Raising Children of Faith. Shared faith is stronger faith.

For more information contact Robin at cupupj@aol.com.

In God’s Time (A Wesley Ministry Network course)

Meeting Sunday mornings at 9:30am, beginning October 9^th

Walker Room 209

Led by Bev Payne and Jim Akin

This is a study of what the Bible says about the future and End Times using scripture from both the Old and New Testaments. This course opens up the Bible and reveals its teaching of God’s ultimate victory. The text book for our class is:  In God's Time by Dr. Craig C. Hill of Wesley Seminary. Dr Hill writes for Christians who don’t know what or how to think about the End Time and what Scripture says about it. He tackles hard questions and comes up with sane answers. Our class will also use a work book for each participant and a video for each session. For information contact Bev Payne, 301-972-4715.

Reflective Adent Study

Meeting Sunday mornings 9:15 to 10:30am, Dec. 12 through 23

Owen Hall (basement beneath Sanctuary)

Leadership by Brittany Gillen

            For more information, contact Brittany at brittany@gillinator.com. 

Tea and Scones; Fellowship and Study

Meeting weekly, a weekday morning to be determined

Led by Laura Hall Freeburn

A weekday Bible study ideal for stay-at-home parents, complete with childcare, and also for anyone else looking for daytime fellowship. 

The study will be in a morning once a week and will include a Bible lesson and, of course, teas, scones and fellowship! Questions?  Contact Laura at lauranhall@yahoo.com.

­Pastor’s Tuesday Morning Bible Study

Meets at 9:30 a.m. in the Wesley Room

Led by Pastor Derby

This fall we will continue our study in the Gospel of Luke

Disciple Bible Studies

Meeting weekly beginning in mid-September on days and times to be determined.

Led by Rich Roberts, Vickie DiSanto, Pastor Derby and Dick Carelli

Disciple Bible Studies are 34-week studies focused on the fundamentals of Bible study from the perspective of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.  Each week includes daily Bible reading and small-group interaction during a weekly meeting of about 2 hours in length.  Disciple I is perfect for any level of Biblical knowledge, and is a fantastic way to connect and build relationships with your family here at Grace.   Childcare is provided.  Participants can expect to benefit from greater knowledge of God's Word, prayer, and fellowship.  Disciple is fun!  Come join us!

To learn more, please reach out to Rich Roberts at (703) 463-7482 or by email at: RichRoberts1971@netscape.net.

INFANT & CHILDREN SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES