Connecting all generations to Jesus, His Word and each other; Reflecting His Love in Word and deed.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
A DOSE OF THE GOSPEL
Sunday Mornings (9 sessions) 9:30 - 10:15 a.m.
We are sick. Each of us is ravaged with a disease. It's medical term is SIN. But we have a medicine. A medicine that is so sweet, so
easy to swallow. It's the Gospel. The gospel never begins with man and his needs, but with God and his glory. The issue of the
gospel is not how do we get sinful people to a holy God; but how does a holy God come to sinful people without violating His holiness
and justice? And the answer is the cross-- the once for all atoning and sacrificial work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Join us for this course
which explores the context and the structure of the assigned Gospel for the day.
ADVENT READINGS
November 22 - December 20 Sunday Mornings (4 sessions) 9:30 - 10:15 a.m.
The word Advent means "coming" or "arrival." The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his
First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent. Thus, Advent is far more than simply marking
a 2,000 year old event in history. It is celebrating a truth about God, the revelation of God in Christ whereby all of creation might be
reconciled to God. That is a process in which we now participate, and the consummation of which we anticipate. Scripture reading for
Advent will reflect this emphasis on the Second Advent, including themes of accountability for faithfulness at His coming, judgment
on sin, and the hope of eternal life. In this double focus on past and future, Advent also symbolizes the spiritual journey of individuals
and a congregation, as they affirm that Christ has come, that He is present in the world today, and that He will come again in power.
So, as the church celebrates God's inbreaking into history in the Incarnation, and anticipates a future consummation to that history
for which "all creation is groaning awaiting its redemption," it also confesses its own responsibility as a people commissioned to "love
the Lord your God with all your heart" and to "love your neighbor as yourself." Join us as we explore these themes as they are present
in our Advent readings.
A SAVIOR IS BORN
November 22 - December 20 Sunday Mornings (4 sessions) 9:30 - 10:15 a.m.
Has Christmas lost its significance? It's one of the most familiar stories in human history: the birth of Jesus in a lowly manger in
Bethlehem. A Savior is born, which is Christ the Lord. Yet, how can we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of our Savior in our
frantic, consumer-driven society? How do we make sure the Christmas holiday remains a Holy Day?
In each of these four sessions, viewers will experience cinematic short films that capture events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ.
Then scripture will be brought to life to bring us back to the roots and heart of our faith in Christ. As we prepare for Christmas Day,
we will have Hope, Peace, Love, and Joy.
BAPTISM
October 8 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. April 22 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Whether or not this is your first child, parenthood brings feelings of joy and wonder with each birth. However, along with excitement
comes the responsibility of providing for another life - seeing to your baby's welfare physically, emotionally, and most important,
spiritually. Scripture and our Lutheran Confessions call Baptism a second birth, the creation of a brand-new life begun in Christ, and
reaching its fullness on the day of resurrection. One of our sacraments, Baptism brings forgiveness to all Baptized. Come and discover
during this seminar the full benefits and blessing of baptism. Any family who is expecting or recently baptized a child is urged to attend.
BASICS OF THE FAITH
September 13 - November 15 Sunday Mornings (9 sessions) 9:30 - 10:15 a.m.
January 4 - February 8 Monday Evenings (5 sessions) 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
May 7 and 8 Weekend Emersion Friday 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Saturday8:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Appropriately titled, this course begins a six unit examination of the basics of the Christian Faith. Taken from the Bible and as
understood by the Lutheran Church, we will explore the role of the triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The revelation of God
through the Bible and the role of the catechism will be discussed first. The Biblical message of Law and Gospel will be detailed. Finally,
we will end with discussing the victorious and sanctified life of the Christian.
DENOMINATIONS AROUND OUR TOWN
January 3 - February 7 Sunday Mornings (6 sessions) 9:30 - 10:15 a.m.
Drive around our town. Churches are plentiful, and there is a variety to select from. There is St. Mary Roman Catholic Church,
St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, St. Mark's United Methodist Church, Parkview Evangelical Free Church, and the River Church to
name a few. In our consumeristic mentality, churches in our town are no different than a variety of laundry soaps in the discount
stores aisle. It's easy to think all Christians believe the same thing, the same doctrine, but the differences are astounding. Baptism,
Communion, and free will are all examples of some of the major differences among Christian denominations. In Denominations
Around Our Town, the teachings of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and other Christian denominations are examined and
compared. Students develop a deeper understanding of the similarities as well as the differences that exist between Christian
denominations.
ESTHER: IT'S TOUGH BEING A WOMAN
January 5 - March 9 Every Tuesday Mid-Morning 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. 10 Week Study
Beth Moore wrote a Bible Study titled Esther: It's Tough Being a Woman. If you have ever attended one of her studies then you know
that her target audience is women. This study was made for a woman. She even dedicated it to her two daughters. Before making the
study she sent out an email asking woman what three things make it "Tough Being a Woman." During the study she shares her "Red Book",
the responses to that email. Those responses, some very emotional, some funny are very relatable to any woman. This study is not a
man bashing study like some might think, but rather a good look at what it means to be a woman. Our emotions, our need for a mother
figure in our life, our insecurities, and even our feelings for other women are discussed. This study also contains homework for 5 days
a week. The homework is only about 30 minutes to 45 minutes long depending on the student. During your homework you will generally
stay in the Book of Esther. Some of the material you will read in other chapters is to reinforce the Book of Esther or to show some history
behind the book (this is minimal). Over the course of this study you will gain some insight about yourself as well as others, and most
importantly God. Overall this is a great Bible Study for any Christian woman of any denomination.
EVERY WEEK EPISTLES
January 3 - February 7 Sunday Mornings (6 sessions) 9:30 - 10:15 a.m.
An epistle is a writing directed or sent to a person or group of people, usually a letter and a very formal, often didactic and elegant one.
The letters in the New Testament from Apostles to Christians are usually referred to as epistles. Those traditionally attributed to Paul
are known as Pauline epistles and the others as 'catholic' or general epistles. Epistles are written in strict accordance to formalized,
Hellenistic tradition, especially the Pauline epistles. This reflects the amount of Hellenistic influence upon the epistle writers. Any
deviancy is not the result of accident but indicates an unusual motive of the writer. In our Divine Liturgy, the assigned epistle has a
commonality with the Gospel lesson. Often times, the epistle gives guidance in living the Christian life. That is to say, they often times
direct our "every week" lives. Attend this study to dive into the words of the lectionary epistle.
LENTEN BIBLE STUDY
February 24 - April 7 Wednesday Evenings (5 sessions) 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Lent, in Christian tradition, is the period of the liturgical year leading up to Easter. The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation
of the believer -- through prayer, penitence, almsgiving and self-denial -- for the annual commemoration during Holy Week of the
Death and Resurrection of Jesus, which recalls the events linked to the Passion of Christ and culminates at Easter.
Conventionally it is described as being forty days long, not counting the Sundays from Ash Wednesday until Easter Morning. The forty
days represent the time that, according to the Bible, Jesus spent in the wilderness before the beginning of his public ministry, where
he endured temptation by Satan. Participate in this Bible Study to prepare your hearts and minds for the forthcoming Passion Week.
This session will conclude with one study celebrating the resurrection of our Lord.
LIFE OF DAVID
November 18 - February 10 Wednesday Evenings (10 sessions) 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Many remember David as the fair-haired shepherd boy who defeated a giant named Goliath. Others recall David as the wise Jewish
ruler who brought the tribes of Israel together as a united nation. The ancient texts also present David as a powerful warrior, cunning
diplomat, and talented musician. However, with all these tremendous accolades, the foundation of David's fame and faith can be
traced to a period of severe trial and doubting in his life. Indeed, David was a true philosopher. As students follow the life of David,
they watch a crucial part of God's plan of salvation unfold. From the vantage point of David's life, participants find themselves on a
spiritual mountain top from which the whole range of God's work in Christ can be seen.
MICAH
February 14 - March 21 Sunday Mornings (6 sessions) 9:30 - 10:15 a.m.
Micah's purpose in writing was to show Judah that a necessary product of her covenant relationship to God was to be justice and
holiness. His focus on God's justice was to remind the people that God would judge them for their sin and disobedience but that
he would ultimately establish a kingdom whose king would reign in righteousness. He convicts Israel and Judah of their sin and
sentences them to judgment. "Micah" means "Who is like God?" Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression
of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. Micah 7:18 Come hear about this God of
Law and Gospel, a God of grace and mercy.
MIRACLES
September 9 - November 11 Wednesday Evenings (10 sessions) 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Miracles are defined as unusual acts of divine self-manifestation in the spiritual and natural world. Various interpretations and
conceptions of miracles have been held since ancient times. Miracles in the Bible were distinguished from magic. Miracles of Christ
were used as evidence for His deity. The view that miracles demonstrated the authority of the OT and NT became prominent.
Martin Luther emphasized the faith-strengthening function of miracles and stressed the inner miracle of faith more than the external
phenomena of miracles. This course, Miracles will explore the miracles Jesus performed during His ministry on earth and studies
His miraculous power over sickness, Satan, creation, and more. In addition, Miracles covers miracles from the Old Testament and
questions about miracles today.
PARENTING THE EARLY YEARS
April 21 - May 26 Every Wednesday Evening 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. 6 Week Study Child Care Provided
Husband-and-wife team, Les and Leslie Parrott, not only share the same name, but the same passion for helping others build
healthy relationships. They are master communicators; they are entertaining, thought-provoking and immeasurably practical.
Now, this study goes deeper than any technique of just getting kids to eat their broccoli and clean their room. It takes a Biblical
approach into the traits parents want their children to have and what traits they want their children to see modeled in them.
Topics explored include: Time, Affirming, Defiance, Authenticity, Worry, and Legacy.
PSALMS
March 28 - May 16 Sunday Mornings (6 sessions) 9:30 - 10:15 a.m.
For centuries the book of Psalms has informed, directed, and inspired the worship of God's people. Without minimizing the
struggles of living in a fallen world, this book exudes a confident trust in the God who is good and rules over all. The structure
of the Book of Psalms is interesting and intriguing. Come and explore the rich theology found in the Psalms. During this class,
we will read, study, and inwardly digest only a few of the 150 Psalms.
STORIES IN STAINED GLASS - OUR REDEEMER'S WINDOWS
March 28 - May 16 Sunday Mornings (6 sessions) 9:30 - 10:15 a.m.
Every week the sunlight beams through the sanctuary's stained glass windows as we worship our Risen Lord and Savior. Come
and explore the depth of meaning and symbolism of these windows as they tell the greatest story ever told - the Biblical story --
from creation through redemption. Each window, pointing to Scripture, has a particular message to share. Additional windows
remind us of the blessings given to us by God, namely the sacraments and the Church. Our own resident art historian will lead
the class.
TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE
February 14 - March 21 Sunday Mornings (6 sessions) 9:30 - 10:15 a.m.
In explaining the joy and sanctity of traditional marriage the Christian needs have a full understanding of scripture to have a
response to the gay community and its defenders.
Topics included in this study include:
Scriptural Assumptions
Dispelling Myths - Bible Twisting
Dispelling Myths - Nature Versus Nurture
Why Be Gay?
The Causes and Effects
The Blessings of True Marriage
WHO AM I? WHAT AM I DOING HERE? By: Dr. Joel D. Biermann
September 19 October 17 November 21 January 16 February 20 March 20 7:00 until 8:00 a.m.
The universe, God's will, speaking the Christ story, true human fulfillment,
God's Law, the point of it all-these are some of the ideas in this Bible study. In six sessions, he takes us from the beginning
to that place where, on the Last Day, we find our greatest realization as humans. It's essentially about us being God's creatures,
redeemed by Christ and restored through faith. Our role is to fulfill God's place for us within His creation. God's Law involves
the ordering and function of His creation throughout the universe. Our sin perverts our grasp and understanding of God's will
for His creation. Accepting that God is in charge in all things is not a popular idea among modern man. God's purposes will be
accomplished and His creatures thrive best when living coherently within His design. We are all here to do what God put us here
to do. Though our vocations are many, church work does not supersede family responsibilities and other necessary obligations.
We fit into God's creation and His scheme of things, not vice versa. God's law is good, His will for His people is that they speak
the Gospel message and share the life of Jesus Christ with others. Proclamation is paramount, not optional. The Last Day fulfills
God's will for the earth and its creatures; it doesn't conclude world history but redeems and restores this planet. The point of
our lives is to live as God's creatures. Join us in regular Bible Study!
