welcome [] · we’ve read and discussed studies by max lucado, frederick buechner, and walter...

WelcomeHappy New Year! The turning of the calendar brings a sense of anticipation and excitement. There are 12 brand new months to live! There is the opportunity to change as well as the chance to build on helpful practices. These thoughts often lead us to make resolutions. We resolve to work out, eat better, or get organized. The problem is that resolutions are based on good intentions, on our own resolve, and often are not so reliable. So, this year, I decided to covenant with God. Covenants are different than resolutions. Covenants in scripture point to how God is faithful. God is consistent. God makes our joy complete. We can’t lose! Knowing God’s faithfulness can greatly impact our approach to life.

However, there is another dimension to covenants. They are God’s invitation for us to be in relationship with Him. God lets us choose whether we want to be on the receiving end of all this goodness. One way we can learn about and respond to God’s faithfulness is by diving into scripture with a community that helps grow our faith. This is precisely the purpose of our bible studies, small groups, Sunday School classes, and other gatherings.

This year, I invite you to join me in responding to God’s faithfulness by covenanting to be intentional in our study and to discover more about God’s deep love for us. Join us at RUMC, where we hope you will find a place of community and faith. The full slate of opportunities and information about worship services are available at rumc.com, or you can contact me at [email protected]. Have a wonderful new year!

Peace and Blessings,

Rev. Melissa MobleyRev. Melissa Mobley

Associate Pastor

With offerings throughout the week, Bible studies allow participants to dive deeper into Scripture while building relationships with others in the group. The variety of studies listed below offer opportunities for short-term and long-term study as well as men’s and women’s studies. To register for the classes listed in this guide, please visit rumc.com/biblestudies. For more information about any of these opportunities, please contact:

Rev. Melissa [email protected]

bible Studies

The Prodigal God: Finding Your Place at the Table Timothy Keller In this six-session small group Bible study, pastor and bestselling author Timothy Keller uses one of Jesus’ best-loved parables—the Prodigal Son—to illustrate the depth of God’s love and how His grace extends into some very unexpected places.

Taking you beyond the traditional focus on the wayward younger son, Keller helps you glean insights from each of the characters in Jesus’ parable: the irreligious younger son, the moralistic elder son, and the Father who lavishes His love on both. We’ll explore questions that will help you experience the truths of Jesus’ parable in your own life. Whether you’re a devout believer or a skeptic, The Prodigal God will challenge you to see Christianity in a whole new way.

When: Tuesdays, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Jan. 14 - Feb. 18 Where: Room 239, Chapel building No cost Facilitator: Dr. Joe McKechnie

Christian Believer Cokesbury Publishing The Christian Believer program focuses on classical teachings of the Christian faith—presenting, explaining, and interpreting them in a way that participants can understand through the use of words, symbols, and hymns. Over a 30-week period, participants will examine the writings of ancient and modern Christian commentators and view video presentations by leading Bible scholars.

When: Wednesdays, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Mar. 18 - May 27 (this is a 30-week study that will break for summer and resume in the fall) Where: Room 123/125, Chapel Building Cost of participant book: $38 Facilitator: Denny McFarland

Walking with God in the Desert Ray Vander Laan In this 12th volume of the Faith Lessons series, you’ll discover only when you are totally dependent on God that you will experience God’s amazing grace and provision.

When: Tuesdays, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Jan. 14 - Mar. 3 Where: Room 239, Chapel building Cost of participant book: $8 Facilitator: Penny Monk and Lynn Nichols

Life and Ministry of the Messiah Ray Vander Laan In this 3rd volume of the Faith Lessons series, we see the illustration of how Jesus’ call to follow Him turned the world upside down. Discover how the events of Jesus’ day impacted His life and ministry…and how it affects yours today.

When: Tuesdays, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Mar. 10 - May 5 Where: Room 239, Chapel building Cost of participant book: $8 Facilitator: Penny Monk and Lynn Nichols

Galatians & James: Faith and Works The Kerygma Program This is a study of the two books of the New Testament crucial to understanding and living the Christian life. To a church in crisis in Galatia, the Apostle Paul, with impassioned eloquence, puts forth his doctrine of justification by faith alone. The author of James is in full agreement with Paul: salvation is found solely through Christ. However, James is indignantly opposed to a popular distortion of Paul’s doctrine and insists that the Christian life should be expressed through love of one’s neighbor.

When: Wednesdays, 10 - 11:30 a.m., Feb. 5 - Apr. 29 Where: Room 250/252, Sanctuary building Cost of participant book: $21 Facilitator: Sally Dowland

ONLINE COURSEElijah: Spiritual Stamina in Every Season Melissa Spoelstra Study the Bible when and where you are able by enrolling in this online Bible study. Life is like a rollercoaster: one day life seems good, and the next day it can feel like everything is falling apart. The prophet Elijah experienced this rollercoaster ride known as life as well, to the point of growing weary, telling God, “I have had enough” (1 Kings 19:4). Spiritual stamina helped him keep going and fulfill all God’s plans for his life. Explore what helped Elijah hold on and persevere in faith, including practical habits that led to him finishing well—which was his ultimate legacy.

When: Jan. 12 - Mar. 1 Where: Two onsite meetings will be held on Jan. 12 & Mar. 1 at 12:15 p.m. in the Parlor, Chapel building. All other classes will be ONLINE at a specific time to be determined by the class at the first meeting. Cost of participant book: $13.25 Facilitator: Camisha Corporan

PRECEPT MINISTRIES STUDY GROUPFor questions regarding studies, please contact Nancy Erwin at [email protected]

When: Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Where: Room 250/252, Sanctuary building Cost of participant book: Purchased through precept.org Facilitator: Judy Hawkins, 770.993.9003

I Peter: How to Stand Firm When Tested Are you prepared for suffering? Will trials and persecutions reveal your faith and bring glory to God? Listen to what Peter says to believers enduring tribulations.

When: Jan. 2 - Feb. 26

2 PeterIn a day when false teachers are leading countless people astray, to live effectively for Christ we need to know the truth. Learn to live effectively and grow in spiritual discernment.

When: Mar. 4 - Apr. 15

MEN’S STUDIESHoly RollersThis men’s Bible study meets weekly to explore a variety of studies and topical conversations from contemporary Christian leaders including Adam Hamilton and Andy Stanley. All men within RUMC and the community are welcome to attend!

When: Mondays, 7 - 8:30 p.m., meets year round Where: Room 251, Sanctuary building Facilitator: Dave Cunningham ([email protected])

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDIES

Epic of Eden: Jonah Sandra L. Richter In this study, we will take a journey through Jonah’s life that leads us all to the places where we realize that God is way bigger than we thought. Not only will we learn everything we ever wanted to know about the brutal Assyrians of Nineveh, ancient seafaring ships, and large aquatic creatures, but we will also be challenged with the same message that confronted Jonah. Are we willing to let God be God, to move us out of our comfort zones, and to embrace a calling that might just take us to the edges of the world we know?

When: Mondays, 9:45 - 11:30 a.m. Jan. 13 - Mar. 16 Where: Room 252, Sanctuary building Cost of participant book: $14 Facilitator: Mary Ann Bender

It’s Not Supposed to be this Way Lysa Terkeurst Life often looks different than we hoped or expected. Some events may simply catch us off guard for a moment, but others shatter us completely. We can feel disillusioned and disappointed, and we may quietly start to wonder about God’s goodness. Lysa Terkeurst understands this, but she also believes our disappointments can be divine appointments for our souls to radically encounter God. Lysa invites us into her own faith journey and helps us understand how to better process unmet expectations and grow in our belief that God is protecting and preparing us.

Offered at two different times

• When: Wednesdays, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Jan. 8 - February 19 Where: Room 246/248, Chapel building Cost of participant book and study guide: $23Facilitator: Patty Greenwell

• When: Mondays, 9:45 - 11 a.m., Mar. 30 - May 18 Where: Room 252, Sanctuary building Cost of participant book: $11 Facilitator: Mary Ann Bender

Finding God Faithful: A Study on the Life of Joseph Kelly Minter Trace the path of Joseph’s life in the Book of Genesis to observe how God’s sovereignty reigns, even in our darkest moments. Learn to recognize when God is working during periods of waiting, trust God’s plan when life doesn’t make sense, and rest in the sufficiency of His presence in every circumstance. His provision is enough, His presence is constant, and His purpose is unstoppable.

Offered at two different times

• When: Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Jan. 8 - Mar. 4 Where: Room 246/248, Chapel buildingCost of participant book: $14Facilitator: Kathy Carpenter

• When: Wednesdays, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Mar. 11 - May 13 (excl. 4/8 & 4/15) Where: Room 246/248, Chapel building Cost of participant book: $14 Facilitator: Martha Roberts

ONGOING OPEN SMALL GROUPS

Come As You Are Join us as we work to build an inviting place and a community for moms to explore faith through short devotions. Don’t let the exhaustion from hectic schedules, carpool lines, and burdens of daily duties inhibit you from taking a short time out of the middle of your week for fellowship and connection with God and others. As the name says…come as you are!

When: Wednesdays, 6 - 7 p.m. Where: Room 161C, first floor of Sanctuary building Facilitator: Meghan Walter, [email protected] Registration not necessary

Sister Stones Small group for women who are seeking community with other women from all walks of life. Classes include a short video and light reading outside of class. Studies vary.

When: 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Where: Trinity Café, Chapel building Facilitator: Mary Jones, [email protected] Registration not necessary

Very Small Small Group We are presently 3 couples (and counting) all counting our married lives in decades. Our group has grown kids, grandkids, kids in college, and no kids. We all have dogs, some have cats. We are musicians and artists, engineers and planners. We are a faithful group of Christ-followers who work to share Christ’s message of hope, love, and inclusion for all of God’s children.

We’ve read and discussed studies by Max Lucado, Frederick Buechner, and Walter Bruggeman. We’ve read and discussed Paul, the gospels, the gnostic gospels and how first century teachings inform our 21st century lives. We’re intellectually curious and theologically diverse, open to all viewpoints, all shared without judgment. We are children of God, creating a safe place to ask questions, wrestle angels and seek God’s grace and wisdom.

When: Thursdays, 7 - 8:30 p.m. (ongoing) Where: West Wing Conference Room, 3rd floor, Chapel building Registration not necessary

Young Adults The young adult Bible study is a great place to examine beliefs and be encouraged by other young adults. Together, we choose a book of the Bible to study in-depth. This strengthens understandings of scripture and stretches us to view the Bible and Jesus’ plan for our lives in new and challenging ways. This group is for adults aged 18-30.

When: Thursdays, 7 - 8:30 p.m. (ongoing) Where: Parlor, Chapel building Facilitator: Mark Kramer, [email protected] Registration not necessary

D.O.T.S. Group Dads of Teenagers Support Group (D.O.T.S. Group) is a place for dads to build fellowship and find some solace in knowing there are other dads dealing with the same issues. We will even pick up some good advice along the way that might help us be better parents to our teens.

When: Fridays, 7 - 7:45 a.m. (ongoing) Where: Back room, RUMC Coffee HouseFacilitator: Jason Scott, [email protected], 770.261.1774Registration not necessary

MOM & METhis is an on-going small group that is open to all moms who want to connect and journey together while enriching their lives through faith and friends. This group meets at the following times:

When: Thursdays, 9:45 - 11 a.m. Where: Welcome Center, Sanctuary building Facilitator: Melissa Mobley

The Turquoise Table Kristin Schell Have you ever felt like your life is just too busy but struggled to know how to slow down? Have you ever wished you could find a place to gather with other people and just connect? Kristin Schell knew these feelings all too well when she ran across Romans 12:13, “Take every opportunity to open your life and home to others.” This verse encouraged her to seek ways to live out “Welcome” in practical ways. Over time, she realized that in order to do this she needed to focus more on “being present” rather than “doing.” She knew it was the right thing but was not sure how to accomplish it...until a picnic table landed in her front yard. In a moment of inspiration, she knew this table would be a vehicle for her to create community. She painted it turquoise and began inviting friends and neighbors to join her. This simple act helped change life in her community. In the book, Kristin shares her journey of community and faith. Join us as we look at Kristin’s story alongside scripture and discover how we can create spaces of connection in our own lives.

When: Jan. 23 - Feb. 27 (excl. Feb. 6)Cost of participant book: $9

Called: Hearing and Responding to God’s Voice Susan Robb God calls us to a life that we could never imagine on our own. Samuel, Esther, Jonah...they all lived pretty ordinary lives...until they didn’t. In Called, author Susan Robb shows us how God interrupts the lives of ordinary men and women, calling and empowering them to lives of service they never would have imagined on their own. She shows us that the same God who called six of the Bible’s most iconic characters also calls us to bring hope and transformation to the world.

When: Mar. 19 - Apr. 30 (excl. Apr. 9) Cost of participant book: $13

COMMUNITY GROUPS

Giving Garden Join this fledgling ministry that serves with the mission of planting seeds of change, teaching the church and surrounding community to grow produce, providing food for those in need and for the church kitchen, and beautifying the church grounds! To get this ministry off the ground, volunteers are needed to fill roles such as garden gurus, a building team, a seed starting team, and more! If you’re interested in this exciting new ministry that will ultimately help grow your own faith as well as that of others, please contact Shaunna Fretwell at [email protected] or Lauren Murphy at [email protected]

Chapel Roswell Hikes! Jesus often took time to recharge in nature, and once a month we follow His example and do the same. Join us for these family-friendly hikes on local Roswell trails. Check out chapelroswell.com to stay current on upcoming hike dates, or email [email protected] for more information.

Romans 12:1-2 reminds us to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to God. This is your appropriate priestly service.” Here at RUMC, we believe this call to holy living is an offering of our whole selves: mind, heart, and body. One final piece of this call to holy living is to care for and offer our bodies to God so that God may transform us inside and out. We hope you will join us as we seek to honor our bodies through health and fitness. These classes are offered at a variety of times and are designed to awaken, rejuvenate, and invite us all to be healthier so we may continue to serve God with our whole selves.

Classes meet on the 1st floor of the Chapel building in room 123/125. Childcare is available on the second floor of the Chapel building on the Roswell Kids hallway.

Punch cards are available for purchase before and after class. Cost is $25 for 10 classes. Come try your first class for free!

Questions? Please contact:

Rev. Melissa [email protected]

770.261.1732

Recreation

Mondays:9:45-10:45 a.m. – Power 20This class offers a little bit of everything: cardio, weights, core, and flexibility training. Divided into 20-minute segments, you will get a full body workout with variety each week. Please bring an exercise band or set of 5-10 lb. weights along with a mat or towel.

Wednesdays:9:45-10:45 a.m. – PiYoPiYo combines the muscle sculpting moves of Pilates with the flexibility moves of yoga and adds in nonstop, fluid movement set to some amazing music. Bring your yoga mat and get ready to sweat!

11 a.m.-12 p.m. - Yoga with MindiThis Gentle Yoga class moves at a slower pace to make it more accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. The atmosphere created in this class is one of safety, compassion, and acceptance. Gentle Yoga is a great way to relieve stress and improve strength and flexibility. Each class includes Sun Salutations, basic standing balancing poses, restorative backbends, and basic twists. This class is appropriate for all levels, including beginners.

Fridays:9:45-10:45 a.m. – Power 20This class offers a little bit of everything: cardio, weights, core, and flexibility training. With a different format every class, you will get a full body workout with variety as well as modifications for all ages and fitness levels. Please bring an exercise band or set of 5-10 lb weights and a mat or towel.

With weekly gatherings on Sunday mornings, adult Sunday School classes offer a place of fellowship, study, and growth to enhance your faith journey. Feel free to visit a few classes until you discover the place that feels like “home.” There is no need to call ahead or sign up: just drop in. If you would like someone to walk with you to class and introduce you to a few folks, please contact:

Rev. Dr. Jeff [email protected]

9:30 A.M.Young Couples Class Marriage built on a Christian foundation is a true art form. This newest addition to our Sunday morning classes offers young couples the opportunity to explore how to build strong relationships and families. Using The Art of Marriage from Family Life, this study weaves together expert teaching, real-life stories, humorous vignettes, and more to portray both the challenges and the beauty of God’s design.

Where: Room 161C, Sanctuary building

Rejoice! (All Ages) This class is distinguished by its diversity, curriculum, and focus on interaction. Multigenerational with both singles and couples, the class strives for spiritual enrichment and growth through traditional Bible study, blended with multimedia presentations by contemporary authors and historical perspectives of the church. Discussion and interaction are top priorities in each session. This class is very supportive of missions, fellowship, and RUMC activities.

Where: Room 179, Sanctuary building

Sunday School

BYKOTA (50s-60s) “Bykota - Be Ye Kind One to Another.” This class experiences life changes as a group. Facing the same issues as other Christians, class members encounter them together, loving and supporting one another in times of need. The Bible and other topics are studied as they continue their Christian walk. This class is active in local and foreign missions. Some of Bykota’s social activities include dinners, concerts, and theater outings.

Where: Room 358, Chapel building

Crosstalk (50+) No topic of discussion is too big or too small for the members of this class, and the variety of topics covers everything from the Bible to aging to current issues—taught by our classmates, our ministers, and subject matter experts and enthusiast. All are discussed with a Christian heart, and everyone’s opinion is respected and appreciated. The class is made up of people who like to share their views as well as those who would rather just listen. The classmates are also a loving, praying group who genuinely care for one another and laugh and cry together. Monthly socials and community service activities are additional, wonderful opportunities to build relationships and form friendships with other classmates. The door is open, and the circle will be joyfully expanded to include all who are looking for a loving, praying fellowship with people who truly care about each other.

Where: Room 246/248, Chapel building

CUC (65-80s) “Christians Under Construction,” an active class of singles and couples, has a strong commitment to service both within and beyond RUMC. Lessons are taught each Sunday by invited speakers and class members. Together they enjoy small group dinners, retreats, and other gatherings, and their primary outreach organizations include Homestretch transitional housing, Foster Care Support Foundation, Murphy-Harpst Children’s Center and MUST Ministries’ Summer Lunch program.

Where: Dining Room, Chapel building

Friendship (60+) This class focuses on Christian fellowship and the mutual support of its members. They explore the Scriptures in detail to learn the relevance of the Bible in their lives, host monthly social activities, and participate in various outreach programs. Bring your Bible and expect to use it!


Seekers (65+) This class has both singles and couples with a deep interest in exploring Scripture, both Old and New Testaments, and its application in their lives today. Lessons are taught by invited speakers and class members. It also has a strong emphasis on being a caring community to its members. The class enjoys three social gatherings per year. Their outreach emphasis is on the North Fulton Community Charities, Murphy-Harpst, and various other ministries as the need arises. Many of the members also volunteer in different areas of the church.

Where: Room 250-252, Sanctuary building

Single Friends of Faith (55+) This is a class of active single adults who want to enhance their spiritual and personal growth through fellowship, study, and missions. The class invites all singles in the community, whether widowed, divorced, or never married to join them.


Journey (All Ages) Come develop lasting friendships with this Spirit-led group. Through guest speakers and self-led, “kitchen table” style discussions, their goal is to learn how to recognize and apply God’s direction in daily life. This little class with a big heart is active in numerous ministries and missions of the church.

Where: SERVE Conference room, Chapel building

Open View (All Ages) Do you like discussing what you believe and why you believe it, or are you still wrestling with whether you believe certain things? This class explores all sides of issues facing Christians today using an open mind, diversity of viewpoints, and the Wesleyan Quadrilateral (Scripture, Tradition, Reason, and Experience).

Where: Room 139, Dodson building

Voice Our Faith (All ages) Voice Our Faith is an inclusive fellowship where all are invited to participate in a friendly and lively atmosphere. Guest speakers and volunteers lead our discussions on Christianity and social issues from a Christian perspective. We actively seek to serve others within RUMC and the community and endeavor to voice our faith in our daily lives. Many of us sing in the choir and participate in other musical and theatrical outreach groups. Each Sunday begins with food and fellowship and includes a time for cares, concerns, and celebrations. We enjoy local outings, dinners, and social gatherings. “Food and fellowship” begins at 9:15 a.m. to accommodate the choir schedule.


Noah’s Ark (All Ages) RUMC’s love and concern for adults with developmental challenges led to the establishment of this class which has grown from three members to more than 35. Members are encouraged to grow spiritually and develop lasting friendship. Members also participate in worship as acolytes, greeters, and ushers.


11 A.M.Builders This is a class for couples in their 40s and 50s that enjoy lively discussions and lessons taught by a variety of people. We focus primarily on the Bible and change our studies aproximately every eight weeks.

Where: Room 123/125, Chapel building

Cornerstone Cornerstone is a group of parents with children from elementary school through college that studies the Biblical perspective on various topics. We want to build a sense of community and friendship and to be there for each other, as this is needed in a bigger church. We enjoy socials outside of church and welcome you to try us out!


Friends in Faith (45+) Together this group of friends grows spiritually through study, service, and socializing. Members of the class lead various studies that the group selects with a strong focus on the daily application of God’s word. There is never a shortage of discussion and support for each other.


Discovery (40s-50s) This friendly group includes both married and single adults, with or without children. The class’ goal is to support individuals and to grow spiritually through Bible-based lessons.

Where: Room 250-252, Sanctuary building

Transitions Where: Room 201, Dodson building

ALTERNATING CLASSESThese classes alternate meeting times: 9:30 a.m. during even months and 11 a.m. during odd months.

Bereans (50+) This active class focuses on topical programs with a Biblical basis. Class members experience spiritual growth, spread God’s word and deeds in the community and around the world, and support each other in times of need. Social activities include small group and large group events. Members serve in various local and global missions. Although it is generally composed of ages 50s through 70s, the class welcomes adults of any age and stage of life

Where: Large Room 206, Scout Hut

Women of Faith (All Ages) Together this class serves and supports women of all age groups and from all walks of life in their journey for spiritual growth through interactive discussions, Bible study, and prayer. Their mission outreach extends to the Atlanta Women’s Day Shelter, Heart of Africa, and other missions.


FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT DISCIPLESHIP OPPORTUNITIES AT RUMC,

PLEASE CONTACT:

REV. MELISSA MOBLEY ASSOCIATE PASTOR: FAMILY & CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

[email protected] • 770.261.1732

DR. JEFF ROSS ASSOCIATE PASTOR: ADULT DISCIPLESHIP


ESTHER COLLINS MINISTRY COORDINATOR


Questions?

814 Mimosa Boulevard Roswell, GA 30075770.993.6218rumc.com

welcome [] · we’ve read and discussed studies by max lucado, frederick buechner, and walter...

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