““I’ll take the hand of those who do not know the way, and I will guide them alongunfamiliar paths. I’ll make darkness before them into light and crooked things straight.

These things I will do, and I will not forsake them,” says the Lord.” Isaiah 42:16

Adult Spiritual Formation and Education Opportunities

for Winter & Spring 2015First United Methodist Church Baton Rouge, LA

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Welcometo First United Methodist Church

Come worship with us!Sanctuary Services || 8:30 am & 11:00 am

America Street Service11:00 am || Conference Center

SundayMorning

Service of Prayer for HealingThe 1st Sunday of the each month

12:10 pm || Aldrich ChapelSundayAfternoon

6:30 pm || Ory Parish HallSundayEvening

12:10 pm || Aldrich ChapelWednesdayAfternoon

The Gathering Worship5:45 pm || Conference Center

WednesdayEvening

Childcare for infants through kindergarten is regularly available Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, and Wednesday evenings. If you are in need of childcare for other classes or group meetings, please contact Fran Skipper,

Director of Children’s Ministry, at fran@firstmethodist.org or 383-4777, ext. 260.

To register for classes, please visit www.firstmethodist.org.Click: Ministries, Adults, and then View the Class Registration Page,

or contact Melissa Feigley.

For more information or questions, contact:Cherri Johnson, cherri@firstmethodist.orgDirector of Spiritual Formation & Eduation 383-4777, ext. 249

Rev. Pattye Hewitt, phewitt@firstmethodist.orgPastor of Adult Discipleship & Care 383-4777, ext. 211 Melissa Feigley melissa@firstmethodist.orgAdministrative Assistant 383-4777, ext. 257

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ContentsSunday Transformational Opportunities 4

Formational Opportunities 5

Learning and Fellowship Groups 6

Evening Classes and Bible Studies 9

Tuesday Morning Opportunities 11 and Classes

Wednesday Morning Opportunities 12 and Classes

Evening Opportunites 13 and Classes

Thursday Fellowship and Support 15

Academy for Spiritual Leadership

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Spiritual Direction 17

The Vision & Path for Discipleship 18

Campus Map 19

Spiritual Life Retreats 15

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SundayJourney GroupsThese small groups reflect the Discipleship model of The Class Meeting created and designed by John Wesley, founding father of Methodism. Members commit to journey together in a covenantal relationship with God and with one another to deepen their faith in Christ and grow as a disciple.

The Good and Beautiful Communityby James Bryant SmithEngage in a fascinating study as you learn about the Christian faith and how you can become a more faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. Meets in AB Room 104, from 9:45 - 10:40 am, January 11 - March 15Facilitated by Clay Johnson

Sacred SpaceIf you are looking for a quiet space to be with God in prayer, we invite you to the chapel or adjacent quiet rooms on the second floor of the Center for Spiritual Formation.Available 9:40 -10:40 am

Morning Transformational Opportunities

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Morning Formational OpportunitiesEssentials of the Christian Faith from a Wesleyan PerspectiveJoin us for this six-week journey as we explore and claim the basics of the Christian faith through the heart and mind of Methodist founder, John Wesley. Meets in Ory Parish Hall, 9:45 - 10:40 am, January 11 - February 15Facilitated by Rev. Brady Whitton

Spiritual Formation GroupAll agesCaring deeply for its members, this class reads and shares insights gleaned from traditional Christian writers and scholars offering a variety of topics related to Christian practice as disciples of Jesus Christ.Meets at 9:45 - 10:40 am in The Center for Spiritual FormationParticipants may join at any time for Christian Formation Studies lasting 6-8 weeks.Facilitated by Carolyn McDowell and Rev. Liz Wyatt

What We Talk About When We Talk About Godby Rob BellTackles misconceptions we have about God and why both culture and the church often resist talking about God. Bell uses storytelling to reveal how God is with us, for us, ahead of us, and how understanding this can change the course of our lives.January 18 - March 5

Discernment: Reading the Signs of Daily Lifeby Henri J. M. NouwenFeatures the wisdom of spiritual leader and counselor Henri J. M. Nouwen. Using the spiritual practice of discernment, Nouwen teaches us how to listen to the many ways God is always speaking to us.March 15 - May 31

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AldersgateAges 45+Using a variety of materials, this class engages in lively discussions offering a variety of views as they wrestle with scripture and what is means for Christians today.Meets in A.B. Room 106

ColloquiumAges 55+This class enjoys hospitality and fellowship and studies special topics, as well as series relating scripture to life and the world today.Meets in C.B. Room 109

CommunityAges 35+This class uses scripture-based studies and other resources that focus on growth in faith and ways one can draw closer to God. Community provides opportunities for Christian fellowship, social events and community service projects.Meets in S.B. Room 301 - Celebration Room (across from elevator)

CornerstoneAges 35+This class studies scripture from a very practical, “What does this mean for how I am to live?” with a focus on community needs and the desire to respond to those needs in a Christian fashion.Meets in S.B. Room 305

CovenantAges 60+Focuses on the Adult Bible Studies series with a lecture/discussion format.Meets in A.B. Room 115

Morning Learning and Fellowship Groups

A.B. - Adult BuildingC.B. - Chapel Building

L - Lower LevelS.B. - Sanctuary Building

All classes meet from 9:40 - 10:40 am, Map on last page

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FoundationsAges 20-30, couplesPrimarily aimed at young couples that are married, engaged, or dating, and looking to strengthen their faith in Christ and gain new friendships.Meets in S.B. Room L10

Good NewsAll AgesLecture and discussion on topical studies, seasonal studies, and bible studies concentrating on books of the Bible and prominent biblical personalities.Meets in Aldrich Chapel

KeystoneAges 40+Strives to increase biblical knowledge and spiritual practice through Bible study as well as addressing current issues from a Christian perspective.Meets in S.B. Room 308

Men’s HeritageMen of All AgesA small, informal group using the Adult Bible Studies series and biblical teachings as it relates to daily life. Meets in A.B. Room 118 - Adult Parlor

MilestoneAges 30 - 40Individuals and couples with young families focusing on strengthening their relationship with God, each other, their families and community through Bible study, fellowship, and missions.Meets in A.B. Room 117

The Other 6 DaysAll AgesA very informal class that typically uses TED Talks to encourage open-minded conversation relating to daily life with the goal of abundant living.Meets in S.B. Room L12

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Rings ‘n’ IvyAges 55+Engaging in studies both religious and secular, the class cares deeply for its members, serves actively in the community and offers an active social calendar. Meets in S.B. Room L04

The SeekersAll AgesThis class focuses on supportive Christian community and fellowship as they journey together through faith sharing, bible study, discussion and community outreach.Meets in S.B. Room L08

Sisters in SpiritWomen of All AgesA community of ladies joining together with a common goal to grow in Christ and in the Holy Spirit through prayer, Bible study, fellowship and mission.Meets in A.B. Room 113

TelephoneAll Ages, Homebound AdultsMeets weekly at 10:00 a.m., via the telephone, for Bible study and Christian conversation.Contact Sandra King, sandra@firstmethodist.org

TharseonOlder AdultsOffers the Adult Bible Studies series. They form strong ties in fellowship, celebration, and support of First UMC.Meets in A.B. Room 105

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Wedding RingOlder AdultsChooses a variety of studies and curricula ranging from current topics to in-depth study of scripture.Meets in A.B. Room 112

Wesley FellowshipAges 45+Supports one another through active prayer, study, and caring for the spiritual journey.Meets in S.B. Room L02

Coffee, Tea, and TheologyDuring this time of fellowship, Reverend Whitton will lead lively open discussions on those hard-to-answer questions we wrestle with in our daily lives. Meets in Ory Parish Hall, 5:00 - 6:00pmLed by Rev. Brady Whitton

24 Hours That Changed The Worldby Adam HamiltonJoin other men and women for this Lenten study, where Adam Hamilton helps us relive the one day in history that changed everything. He invites us to experience and understand the significance of Jesus’ final hours. Drawing on insights from history, archaeology, geography, and the Bible, he takes us to the Holy Land and provides a deeper understanding of the most amazing day in history, where earth-shaking events took place. We will walk where Jesus walked along the road that led to the pain and triumph of the cross.Meets in A.B. Room 104, 5:00 - 6:30 pm, February 15 - March 29Facilitated by Bob Leitner

Sunday Evening

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Covenant Bible StudyThis new and innovative introductory Bible study guides participants in a comprehensive in-depth study of the whole Bible in 24 weeks. Unlike other Bible studies, Covenant emphasizes the Biblical concept of God’s covenant as a unifying pattern in scripture connecting the Old and New Testament. This study also provides for a meditative way of reading scripture and offers an app for downloading lessons. Divided into two 8-week segments, this study allows for scheduing flexibility:

Session I November 9 - January 25Session II February 8 - March 29

Meets in A.B. Room 113, from 5:15 - 6:30pmFacilitated by Todd Rossnagel

Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace UniversityA biblically based curriculum designed by Dave Ramsey that teaches people how to handle money as Christians.Learn to take control of your money, invest in the future, and give like never before.Meets in A.B. Room 117, from 4:30 - 6:30pm, April 12 - June 7Facilitated by Chris and Amy KingTo register, contact Chris, chris.king@cox.net or (225) 279-7564.

Sunday Evening

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UMW Study: The Church and People with DisabilitesOpen to men and womenIn this workshop, members analyze four main areas around disability that faith communities need in bringing radical hospitality to all God’s children: Awareness, Accessibility, Integration, and Advocacy. Through various scripture lessons, brainstorming sessions, and a hands-on accessibility study, persons will begin to chart a plan of action that will enable the church to say “yes” and become more inclusive of the needs of all people.Meets in A.B. Room 117, 5:00 - 6:30pm, March 8, 15, 22Facilitated by Becky Poor

TuesdayKnitting the Threads of God’s LoveFor beginner or expert knitters. Class members knit hats, shawls, and prayer blankets to benefit others. This class is also open to those who have never knitted before; come and you can learn with us!Meets in A.B. Room 117, 9:00 - 11:00am

Men’s Coffee and FellowshipJoin with other men for fellowship, coffee & conversation.Meets in A.B. Room 118, Adult Parlor, 9:00 - 10:00am

Fit at FirstAn exercise class for older adults.Meets in the gymnasium, 9:30 - 10:30 amCost is $5 per session

Morning Opportunities and Classes

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WednesdayThe Bible for Every DayExplore a different biblical passage or biblical theme and what it has to say about our lives, our relationships, and our God.Meets in A.B. Room 115, 9:30 - 10:30amLed by Rev. Brady Whitton

Sisters in ChristA weekly ladies study group covering a variety of topics related to the Christian journey of faith.Meets in A.B. Room 106, 10:00 - 11:30am, begins January 14Facilitated by Lisa Shultz and Terrie Powell

Wednesday Morning GroupJoin us for fellowship, learning and discussion on a variety of topics relating to faith and the Christian journey.

• The Good and Beautiful God, by James Bryan SmithJanuary 14 - February 11

Turning to the Gospels, discover the God that Jesus knew and loved as you engage in a process of spiritual formation aimed at making the Gospel narratives real and applicable in your life.

• The Screwtape Letters, by C.S.Lewis February 25 - March 25

One of Lewis’ most popular books providing a series of lessons on the importance of intentionally examining one’s life to discern temptations inherent in everyday living.

• Imitation of Christ, by Thomas A. Kempis April 8 - May 6

For 500 years this book, filled with the spirit and love of God, has brought understanding and comfort and provided a way for heart-felt prayer. These meditations on the life of Christ will guide and inspire your journey.

Meets in A.B. Room 113, 10:00 - 11:30 am.Facilitated by Gerry Poche

Morning Opportunities and Classes

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Healing Support Covenant GroupFor those affected by illness. Are you - or someone you love - experiencing an acute or long-term health issue? Would you like to be part of a covenant group that will share your journey, offer support, encouragement, and most importantly - pray with you - and for you? Meets in A.B. Room 118, the Adult Parlor, 4:00 - 5:00 pmFacilitated by Ruth Owenby and Jon Seger

Evening Opportunity

Evening Worship

The GatheringA multi-generational experience for adults, youth and children.5:00 pm - Dinner is served in the gym5:45 pm - Worship in the Conference Center6:30 pm - Adult learning and group discussion in Ory Parish Hall with Rev. Brady Whitton, Rev. Pattye Hewitt & Rev. Katie McKay Simpson Additional classes and activites for children, youth and adults are available.7:30 pm - Classes end. Parents pick children up from Conference Center lobbyBegins January 7 - May 13

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Speaking Christianby Marcus BorgIn Speaking Christian, Borg contends that the Christian language has become a stumbling block to deeper faith and trust in God’s grace. He challenges us to consider reinvigorating our Christian vocabulary to provide meaning, depth and life application as it relates to the 21st century. Meets in A.B. Room 115, 6:30 - 7:30pm, January 28 - May 6 (Class will not meet Ash Wednesday or Holy Week)Facilitated by Sue Heflin, John Carnaham, & Rev. Liz Wyatt

Ragamuffin Gospelby Brennan ManningThe Ragamuffin Gospel dispels the myth that you must work to receive God’s gift of grace and joy. Manning writes,” The experience of the love of God comes not from study or trying harder but from sitting still in the presence of the living Word.” Revel in the comfort of a God who loves you for who you are - Join us for this fascinating and engaging formative bible study as we listen for the word of God spoken into our lives today.Meets in A.B. Room 118, Adult Parlor, 6:30 - 7:30 pm, begins February 11 - March 25Facilitated by Rev. Jerry Johnson and Alan Smith

Books of LifeSmall Group book study.Meets in McKenzie Library, 6:30pm, 1st Wednesdays of the monthContact Mary Jacob, mjacob530@cox.net

Evening Classes

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Fellowship and SupportWidow’s WalkJoin other women experiencing personal loss. Find community and support for your journey.Meets in 3rd Floor Youth Building, Crystal Palace, 10:00 - 11:30am, Thursdays, January 15 - May 15Contact Lulu Wemple, jwemple@bellsouth.net

Thursday

Women’s Spiritual Life RetreatJoin other women for a time of rest, renewal, fellowship and learning.Jesuit Spirituality Retreat Center; Grand Couteau, LAMarch 20 - 22, retreat begins Friday evening and ends Sunday after lunch.Cost is $185, includes private room with bath, meals & all materials.

Men’s Spiritual Life RetreatJoin other men for a time of fellowship, rest, study, enlightenment and renewal.Rosaryville Spirit Life Retreat Center; Rosaryville, LAAugust 21 - 23, retreat begins Friday evening and ends Sunday after lunch.Cost is $185, includes private room with bath, meals & all materials.

Spiritual Life Retreats

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An invitational opportunity to grow in discipleship and faith through prayer, learning, Christian

converstation and covenant community.

“The people who have gone through the Academy for Spiritual Leadership and then have moved into leadership roles here at FUMC, bring a depth of understanding of what it means

to have a ‘kingdom mindset’. This flows into their work both inside and outside the church…something I hope for every

person who follows Jesus.” - Rev. Brady Whitton

Academy Class

of 2015

Academy for Spiritual Leadership

Graduate Class

of 2014

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Spiritual Direction

Spritual Direction is a ministry of hospitality and Christian companionship focusing on personal spiritual growth and relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Participants meet once a month with a trained UMC spiritual director. Benefits of Spiritual Direction:• Identify and trust your experience of God• Gain clarity regarding decisions in accordance with God’s desire• Heal life’s hurts through the love and grace of the Spirit of God• Discover your spiritual gifts• Learn how to interact with God and others, and how to share your journey and faith

“Spiritual direction has helped me understand myself and my relationship with God. It has helped me find the answers within

myself to many life questions, and it has helped me trust and rely on God more and more.” - a recipient of Spiritual Direction

Contact Cherri Johnson, Certified UMC Spiritual Director, cherri@firstmethodist.org or 383-4777, ext. 249.

Spiritual Direction Supervision Peer GroupOpen to all trained Spiritual Directors in the Baton Rouge Area. Meets in The Center for Spiritual Formation, 3:15 - 5:30pm Second Tuesday of each month, September - May

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FUMC is in the process of developing and implementing a clear and intentional plan for Christian discipleship - for following and living like Jesus:

• Essentials of the Christian Faith from a Wesleyan Perspective.

• Making Sense of and Learning about the Bible from a Wesleyan Perspective.

• Discerning God’s voice as you grow deeper in faith and in love.

• Learning and practicing “The Means of Grace”.

Path for Discipleship

Transforming lives by engaging our

members to celebrate and share God’s love in

Jesus Christ.

Member Engagement

and Care Team

Develop an Intentional Path for

Chrisitan Discipleship

Improving Sanctuary Worship

Emerging Worship Off Campus

Revive225: The Urban

Mission Center

HYPE (Helping Youth

Prepare for Excellence):After School

Program

The Vision

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Campus Map

Our main welcome center can help you find any of the class locations listed.

The Welcome Center is located in the lobby of the Conference Center.

The Centerfor Spiritual Formation

Gymnasium Chapel Building(C.B.)

Adult Building(A.B.)

Conference Center& Youth Building

Children’sCenter

Sanctuary Building

(S.B.)

= elevator = stairs

Main Parking Lot

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First United Methodist Church • 930 North Boulevard Baton Rouge, LA 70802 • www.firstmethodist.org

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