Click here to view a list of Adult Curriculum available for your use.

Vinelife is the name we've given to our small groups and Bible studies that are offered throughout the week. Vinelife is about getting connected to God, about connecting to a community of Christian believers. That doesn’t just happen one day of the week, but takes place anytime, or any day when Christians come together to read, study, pray, and seek to understand where God is in everyday life. Nourish your soul by participating in a growth opportunity that will challenge you and help you to grow in your connection to God and other Christians. Nourish your body with Family Dinners Wednesday nights at 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Sign-ups available in the Fellowship Hall on Sundays and in the church office during the week. For more information about small group and bible study opportunities listed below or to order curriculum, contact Sue Highfield.

DISCIPLE SERIES:

Disciple I - “Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study” 

New session to begin infall of 2008.

Bring your Bible and lunch and join us for this 9-month course that presents a thorough overview of the Bible.  More than 70% of the Bible is covered in this small-group opportunity that focuses equally on both Old and New Testaments.  A strong Christian foundation course, and preferred prerequisite for other Disciple courses. Join Karen Muhl and Sue Highfield for this lunch time study. Begins September18 at noon. Disciple I study guide is $35. (34 weeks)

Disciple II - “Into the Word Into the World”

New session to begin in fall of 2008.

Step deeper into Scripture with this Disciple course that concentrates on the four books of Genesis, Exodus, Luke, and Acts (8 lessons on each book). It encourages persons to open themselves to hearing what God has to say to them through the Bible and to be guided into service in the world by Scripture and their study of it. (33 weeks)

Disciple III - “Remember Who You Are”

Remember your roots, consider your past, and renew your vision for the future. this bible study confronts persistent questions like "What are my priorities?" and "How can I be a part of the obedient community?" This study, led by Rosemarie Foster, begins Monday, September 22, at 7 p.m. Study guide is $33.

Disciple IV - “Under the Tree of Life”

The word under in the title is meant to convey invitation, welcome, sheltering, security, and rest–home at last. This Disciple study concentrates on the Writings in the Old Testament–Ruth, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Lamentations, and Daniel. New Testament Scriptures include the Gospel of John; 1, 2, and 3 John; James; Jude; and Revelation. (32 weeks)

“Jesus in the Gospels”

This Disciple course focuses on the portraits of Jesus found in the four Gospels–Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. It looks at the way each Gospel writer presents events and teachings and at the picture of Jesus that emerges in each of the Gospels. (30 weeks)

Christian Believer

This study of the classical doctrines of the Christian faith aims at presenting, explaining, and interpreting Christian doctrine as the basic teaching of the church– to the end that informed believing leads to committed discipleship. (30 weeks)

Shared Inquiry Bible Study

This type of bible study is a distinctive method of learning in which participants seek meaning in scripture by the thought-provoking questions raised by the facilitator. Each participant should be prepared by reading text in advance, be an active listener, agree to participate in the discussion, and listen to others' points of view. Begins Wednesday, September 17, at 7 p.m. Read Acts 1 & 2 for the first session.

SPIRITUAL FORMATION :

"Companions in Christ "

This study offers a powerfully transforming experience in spiritual formation. All resources in the series explore classic spiritual practices and invite participants to develop daily patterns that open their lives to a deepening relationship with God and one another. This 5-week spiritual formation journey will be led by Paulette Moore Hall. Companions in Christ begins Monday, September 15, at 7 p.m. Participant guide is $8.

FOUNDATIONS:

ALPHA

A ten-week practical introduction to the Christian faith offers answers to some key questions.  Each weekly session begins with an informal dinner, followed by a video learning experience, and ends with small-group discussion and interaction.  A great beginner or refresher Christianity course.  More information can be found at www.alphacanada.org and www.alphausa.org.

Methodism Class

Reverend Jim Foster and staff leads a 4-week study on the history, theology, beliefs, structure, and connectionalism of the United Methodist church for new members or those new to the United Methodist Church. Held during the Sunday School hour at 9:45 a.m. quarterly.

CHRISTIAN LIFE APPLICATION:

Financial Peace University

Just Walk Across the Room–Learning to Share Your Faith

This 6-week course will help you find the words and methods to share your faith in a natural and comfortable manner with friends, family, and others. Each participant will create a statement that will effectively tell their faith story in a meaningful way. Learn what to do and what to avoid when speaking to others about faith matters. Led by Dr. John Young and Sue Highfield. Thursdays beginning September 25th at 7:00 p.m. Participant guide $10.

The Marriage Course

This 7-week program is designed for couples in every stage of marriage. The Marriage Course is very practical and will help equip you with the tools needed to build a healthy marriage that lasts a lifetime. Lesley and Fred Himburg will be facilitating this Friday evening (date night!) study. Each week you are given the opportunity to enjoy a special meal together gathering at 6:45 p.m. for dinner before watching the video message. Then, there is plenty of time to discuss the topic as a couple. There is no group work involved at any stage of the course. It's a great opportunity to spend time together as a couple looking at the important issues in your marriage. Cost is $150 per couple for meals. Date to be announced.

Wholyfit - Christian Exercies for the Whole Body and Mind Experience

Wholyfit is devotional exercise: fitnett for the whole you. This is a Christian exercise program that provides all the benefits of Yoga, Pilates, and Tai Chi, presented from a Biblically Christian worldview. Their mission statement is."to inspire through exercise the the Word of God, in order to build up the body of Christ and reveal God's love through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace." Led by certified instructor Lisa Hernandez. Classes begin September 11 and are held Thursdays at 9:15 a.m. Cost for the 6-week class is $35.

ESPECIALLY FOR WOMEN:

C&C Time–Coffee & Connecting

Women's Fall Study–"I Saw the Lord"

Join us for a "Personal Revival," a wake-up call for your heart. Summer is almost over, Fall is around the corner, and a new school year will soon be getting underway. Are you seeking a fresh encounter with God? Perhaps you yearn for an authentic personal revival? Come join the Women's Bible study at John Wesley that begins September 17 and runs 8 weeks on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. I Saw the Lord is the study written by Anne Graham Lotz. Leaders for this study are Reverend Pam Jackson and Nancy McClune. Participant guide is $11.