Adult Ministry

*Note: If you are participating in a class that requires a book, you are more than welcome to purchase one when you register online for your class. We also encourage you to check the secondary book market at www.bigwords.com that searches the databases of over a million bookstores worldwide. You may also want to check out Amazon, eBay, abebooks.com, or Cokesbury.com.

Sunday Classes-

Empty Nesters:

Every Sunday; 9:30-10:30 a.m., Rm 121, led by various leaders

Join our “seasoned” adults as we study and review the Book of Psalms while “peppering” in some guest speakers from time to time!

F.O.G.:

Every Sunday; 9:30-10:30 a.m., Rm 124, led by various leaders

For a fresh perspective on Gods Word for our lives, join our Followers of God class. Right now we are studying Max Lucado’s “Anxious for Nothing” series.

Cornerstone:

Every Sunday; 9:15-10:15 a.m., Rm 22 (lower level), led by various leaders

Join us as we are currently studying a comparison and contrast series on Christianity and Islam. These sessions are being led by Jim Bach. In September we’ll be back into our regular NIV Commentary Series on the Bible.

Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts *NEW CLASS*

Sunday’s, Oct. 6-27; 9-10 a.m., Library/Conference Rm., led by Natalie Oehler and Stephanie Zircher

Last month we talked about spiritual gifts in our sermon series. Now to follow up on that we are offering a Discover Your Spiritual Gifts class. Join us as we walk through the spiritual gift assessment, talk about the different gifts, discover what gifts you have, how do you connect those gifts back to the church, and where do they fall on the Discipleship Wheel. Register online starting Sept. 15th. There is no cost for this class.

Weekday Classes-

Financial Peace University

Thursday’s, Sept. 12 – Nov. 21st, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Library/Conference Room; Led by Curtis and Shaina Murphy

What if we told you there was a way that you could get out of debt, learn to save more, and develop better budget principles all within a loving and supportive community? We’re offering up FPU again (one of our most popular classes) to teach you how to spend less, save more, and create the best budget. Join us for our Preview Night (no charge to attend) and then sign up to be a part of this journey with others in creating a better financial future for yourself and your family. Childcare is provided. Course cost is $120.

“The Holy Spirit & Power”, Wednesday’s, September 11th – October 16th, 10:30- Noon, Library/Conference Room, Led by Chris Thornsberry, Minister of Adult Discipleship

The Holy Trinity is the combination of 3 in 1; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We talk a lot about the Father and Son, but not so much about the Holy Spirit. Join us as we look at 10 classic John Wesley sermons on the Holy Spirit and how we can activate the Holy Spirit in our own lives. Using a sensitively updated edition on Wesley’s Holy Spirit sermons, we’ll be guided through thought provoking questions, discussions, and personal reflection. Register online through www.carmelumc.org. Cost of book is $12. Registration opens Sunday, August 25th.

“Canoeing the Mountains”, Wednesday’s, September 18th – October 2nd , Led by Rev. Patti Napier, Senior Pastor (Option 1: 11-12:30 p.m.) (Option 2: 6:30-8 p.m.)

Explorers Lewis and Clark had to adapt. While they had prepared to find a waterway to the Pacific Ocean, instead they found themselves in the Rocky Mountains. You too may feel that you are leading in a cultural context you were not expecting. You may even feel that your training holds you back more often than it carries you along. Drawing from his extensive experience as a pastor and consultant, Tod Bolsinger brings decades of expertise in guiding churches and organizations through uncharted territory. He offers a combination of illuminating insights and practical tools to help you reimagine what effective leadership looks like in our rapidly changing world. If you're going to scale the mountains of ministry, you need to leave behind canoes and find new navigational tools. Now expanded with a study guide, this book will set you on the right course to lead with confidence and courage. Register online through www.carmelumc.org. Cost of book is $16. Registration opens Sunday, August 25th.

“Disciple III: Remember Who You Are”, Monday’s, September 16th – April 2020, 6:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m., Room 8 (lower level), Led by Bill Leonard, Disciple Bible Study Facilitator

The driving idea in this study is the connection between memory and identity as the people of God. The word You in the title is meant to be heard both in its singular form (the individual) and its plural form (the community). We are a community of memory. In this 32 week study you will read the major and minor Old Testament prophets, with the exception of Daniel, and will read the thirteen Letters traditionally attributed to Paul. To establish the historical context in which the prophets spoke for God, daily reading assignments draw also on the books of Deuteronomy through Chronicles. Several themes weave their way through the study – the call to remember; the call to repentance; the need for renewed vision; and the place of community. The prophets and Paul are continually calling hearers and readers back to their God and to a sense of who they are as a people"set apart." Join us for this indepth study into Gods Word and to meet others in our biblical studies community here at CUMC. Register online through www.carmelumc.org. Cost of book is $32. Registration opens Sunday, August 25th

The Art of Neighboring, Wednesday’s, Oct. 23 – Nov. 13, 10:30-Noon, Library/Conference Room, Led by Chris Thornsberry, Minister of Adult Discipleship

When Jesus was asked to sum up everything into one command, he said to love God with everything we have and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Most of us have turned this simple idea of loving our neighbors into a nice saying, putting it on bumper stickers and refrigerator magnets and then going on with our lives without actually putting it into practice.

What would happen if every follower of Jesus took the Great Commandment literally? Is it possible that the solution to our society’s biggest issues has been right under our noses for the past two thousands years? Join us we discuss these questions and more learning how to be a great neighbor! Registration opens Sunday, Sept. 29th. Cost of book is $8.

Online Opportunities-

To register for an online class, please email Chris Thornsberry at cthornsberry@carmelumc.org.

A Daily Dose of Faith, Hope, and Love

Sept. 16-20; Led by Debbie Ross, UMC Lay Servant; Cost of class $50

“And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.”

What does it mean, as Christians, to live by the tenets of 1 Corinthians 13:13? How do we apply the concepts of faith, hope and love in our daily lives and what meaning do these words have for us? Author and teacher, Debbie Ross, shows us one way of answering these questions in this week-long course. No books are needed for this course as the lesson texts will be uploaded for student reading and use.

Daily readings will be assigned along with discussion questions and personal journaling.

Hope and Justice for Creation

Sept. 16-28; Led by Rev. Beth Galbreath, UMC Deacon; Cost of class $55

“In the beginning, God created…humans in God’s image, and gave them dominion among all the creatures of God’s creation.” What does that mean for us American Christians in 2019? Does God care how we live on the earth? Is how we treat our environment, and our fellow human and non-human inhabitants of the planet, only a political issue, or is it primarily a spiritual issue? Is it just a private lifestyle matter, or can and should our churches “go green” as well? And if so, how do we start processes of change that some might consider controversial – for ourselves and our congregations?

We will take an exploration of faith, science and the message of Jesus, providing facts, inspiration, and practical help in beginning such change. The emphasis will be on personal and congregational ways to leverage small steps to enable bigger leaps in living lightly on the earth for the sake of loving God and loving our neighbors, doing no harm, doing good, and staying in love with God.

A Survey in the Life of Jesus

Sept. 16-Nov.22; Led by Rev. Dr. Jim Reiter, UMC Elder; Cost of class is $65

Want a way to preview or review a trip to the Holy Land? Want to learn about key sites and events in the life of Jesus, but can’t afford a trip to the Holy Land? Are you interested in the ways that culture and geography illuminate the Gospels and the Life of Jesus?

Using a host of media from studies in the Holy Lands (with Dr. Jim Fleming), Pastor Jim Reiter will take you on a tour of Israel — with an eye to the ways that considerations of 1st Century Middle Eastern customs/culture, geography, and a variety of sciences (including archaeology and sociology) illuminate the life, ministry, and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.

No books are required, however, there will be list of recommended readings as well as downloadable materials and handouts each week.

The instructor will work with students to determine the best day and time of week to hold occasional Zoom (live video chat) meetings. Recordings of these meetings will be posted for those who are unable to attend.

Finding Serenity

Sept. 24 – Oct 4; Led by Debbie Ross, UMC Lay Servant; Cost of class is $50

Do you find yourself struggling at times to feel peace? Christians are not insulated from all of the stresses and fears in the world today. Finding peace and calm in the midst of stressful living, both in our individual lives and in the world around us, can be a challenge. Constant stress can sap us of our energy and leave us lacking serenity. This course helps you find your quiet center.

Did you know that the Serenity prayer actually contains more text than just the well known “Grant me the serenity…” phrase that we have heard used throughout our lives? Using the book, The Serenity Prayer: A Simple Prayer to Enrich Your Life, by Trevor Hudson, participants will discover how the full text of the Serenity Prayer can point us toward finding peace even though the world and events around us may not be peaceful.

Participants will need to purchase a copy of Trevor Hudson’s book before the course begins. This course will take the form of an online “book discussion club” format in which participants have daily reading assignments and then join in the discussion through daily question prompts on the Discussion Board.

Conference Opportunity-

8th Annual Holy Spirit Seminar, Impartation and Activation of the Gifts of the Spirit

Friday, Dec. 6th, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Christ Church United Methodist, Dayton, OH

Cost is $69 and includes lunch

Join Chris Thornsberry, Minister of Adult Discipleship, as we take a trip to this seminar on the Holy Spirit sponsored by United Theological Seminary and Spirit and Truth Ministries. We’ll have a chance to listen to Rev. Dr. Randy Clark leading us in a time of understanding who the Holy Spirit is. Randy Clark preaches around the world as an itinerant pastor whose message is simple: “God wants to use you.” A graduate of United Theological Seminary, he is passionate about training church leaders and followers of Jesus to tap into their gifts and utilize them to spread the Gospel. His first session will focus on The Gifts of the Spirit including what they are, how to identify them and how to utilize them. During his second session, Gifts of the Spirit: Activation/Impartation Randy will pray impartation for attendees to have their gifts activated.

Come to learn, be inspired and take part in the awakening that is happening in global Methodism today. Registration will be open from Sept. 8th – Oct. 30th.

Grow Groups-

The Art of Neighboring, Sept. 8 – Oct. 10; Various times and locations

Many of our groups will be offering this book as part of their group studies. If you’re not currently in a group and would like to be a part of a grow group offering this study, please email Chris Thornsberry, Minister of Adult Discipleship, at cthornsberry@carmelumc.org.

The Jesus Challenge, Sept. 8 – Oct. 10; Various times and locations

“Following Jesus is hard. If anyone tells you that it isn’t then they are misinformed or just plain lying.”

Author Justin LaRosa learned this truth through a journey to Christ filled with more than the average person’s (and certainly more than the average pastor’s) roadblocks and potholes. He discovered spiritual practices that helped him navigate the way, changing his life and his understanding of love. This series will challenge you to follow Jesus and live out his commandment to love God and neighbor.

A few of our groups will be offering this book as part of their group studies. If you’re not currently in a group and would like to be a part of a grow group offering this study, please email Chris Thornsberry, Minister of Adult Discipleship, at cthornsberry@carmelumc.org.

Men-

Jesus & The Nerds

1st and 3rd Tuesday, Library/Conference Room; led by Matt Wardwell and Chris Thornsberry

Join us on Sept 17th as we will be FaceTiming with DC and Marvel comic creator, writer, and cover artist; Rev. Mike Friedrich. Mike is also the co-creator of the infamous Marvel villain Thanos featured in the Avenger movies. Mike will be talking to us about what it’s like to be a UMC Deacon and how his nerd life intersects with his faith life. For more information, email Chris Thornsberry at cthornsberry@carmelumc.org.

R.O.M.E.O.’s (Retired Older Men Eating Out)

Every Wednesday, 9 a.m., Panera Bread @146th St. (Near Hobby Lobby); led by Bob Phillips, Jim Shirey, and Ron Williams

Join other retired men each Wednesday for a cup of joe, a devotion, and fellowship conversations. For more information, contact Jim Shirey at jshirey@carmelumc.org.

Monday Morning Men’s Group

1st, 3rd, and 5th Monday’s; 9 a.m., Library/Conference Room; led by various leaders

Join other men as we gather for conversation around Gods Word. We are currently studying the Book of Hebrews. For more information, contact Jim Shirey at jshirey@carmelumc.org.

Iron Men Bible Study

Every Friday, 7:30 – 9 a.m.; Library/Conference Room; Led by Eric Stickford

Join other men for a time of Bible study and great conversation. We are currently studying “Galations” through Max Lucado’s “Life Lessons” series. All are welcome to join us. For more information, contact Eric Stickford at eric_stickford@glic.com

*WE NEED YOUR HELP!*

We are looking for a couple of guys who would be willing to take on these opportunities in the near future…

1. Monthly Guys Night Organizer (2 volunteers needed)

2. Men’s Weeknight Grow Group Facilitator (2 volunteers needed)

If you are interested in having a conversation about one or both of these opportunities, please contact Chris Thornsberry, Minister of Adult Discipleship at cthornsberry@carmelumc.org. Conversation does not equal commitment, so don’t hesitate to reach out!

ADULTMINISTRY