St. Andrew United Methodist Church
Welcome home.
Happiness and the Spiritual Life
with Dr. Ann Graham Brock
Thursday • March 31, April 7, 21, & 28
7 — 8:30 PM
What is the connection between happiness and spiritual well-being? What difference does hope vs. optimism make? We will delve into the gospels, especially John, for insights into finding a quiet place amid all the chaos.
We invite you to join us in several of the exciting classes offered this season.
January 23 – May 1, 2022
Sundays • 4 – 6 PM
Disciple Fast Track, an adaptation of the original, bestselling Disciple Bible Study, provides a viable option for busy people seeking comprehensive engagement over time with the entire biblical text. This 12-week study immerses the participant in the Old Testament. Participants read a manageable 3-5 chapters of the Bible daily in preparation for the weekly meeting. During weekly gatherings, a brief, illustrated review video enables participants to recall important facts and ideas; lively and engaging video presenters then offer insights into the current week’s session. The participant workbook also includes suggestions for individual and study-related activities, provides space for taking notes while reading Scripture, for recording thoughts and questions arising out of daily study, and for notes during the weekly group session. Led by Rev. Jerry Butler
In Person
Sundays | 10:30-11:30 am
September 5, 2021 – June 5, 2022
On Zoom
Tuesays | 7:00-8:00 pm
September 7, 2021 – June 7, 2022
The narratives in our Bible provide the outline for this 36-week video/discussion course. The Old Testament tells of migration and disobedience; plotlines trace tensions arising from anticipation and disappointment, conflict and reconciliation. Characters, with flaws and failings, show courage and evasiveness; God displays both mercy and outrage, is present yet sometimes seems inscrutable. Prophets are considered within the narrative framework at times showing hope for a different future. Other writings are included; different points of view draw readers deeper into the questions. Each New Testament gospel speaks with its own perspective; themes of suffering and service, death and life, carry the action forward. Letters offer glimpses into the struggles and hopes of Jesus’s followers throughout the Roman empire as authors grapple with their understanding of God and Jesus. The interplay of the Old and New Testaments engage readers in reflection.
Author/lecturer of this unique course, Dr. Craig Koester, Ph.D. Union Theological Seminary, is known for interweaving texts with their impact on art and literature and opening paths to explore differing views in meaningful ways. Led by Penne’ Duncan.
January 13 – April 7
Thursdays • 6:30 - 7:30PM
Gain a deeper understanding of the Bible, in its historical and cultural setting, and increase insight into life applications. This study highlights pivotal points in the Scripture, lifting up the most significant stories, themes, events and people. This winter we’ll study the book of Revelations as part of the Journey Through the Bible series. This ongoing group is for those with little Bible study experience, and those who have participated in other Bible studies. Weekly readings are short and manageable and the discussion is lively! No previous experience needed. Led by Jeff Klaus and Steve Starliper.
January 12 – April 27
Wednesdays • 3 — 4 PM
In-person or online
Gain a deeper understanding of the Bible, the historical and cultural setting, and increase insight into life applications. The curriculum is Journey Through the Bible, which highlights pivotal points in the Scripture, lifting up the most significant stories, themes, events and people. The study starting in January, 2022 is the Revelation This ongoing group is for beginners and those who have participated in other Bible studies. Weekly readings are short and manageable and the discussion is lively! No previous classes are needed. All are welcome. Study books are available in the Book Alcove. Led by Rhonda Mizeur.
This class will be a hybrid model. Participants can attend in-person or on Zoom.
March 1 — April 12
Tuesdays • 6:30 - 8 PM
In Glittering Vices Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung notes that contemporary culture has too often trivialized and unfortunately dismissed these cardinal vices, treating them apart from any serious or moral spiritual implication. The traditional teachings compiled by saints such as Augustine, Pope Gregory I and Aquinas are “pure gold,” according to DeYoung. “These are ideas that have stuck around for nearly 2,000 years,” she said. “They tap into something deeply true about human nature.” By providing a brief history of the vices and offering an informative chapter on each of the seven, DeYoung provides readers with a practical understanding of how these "deadly sins" shape our culture and why it is that pride, gluttony, greed, sloth, and others are incredibly destructive. But the book goes beyond diagnoses: It offers remedies through the practice of spiritual discipline and character formation. “The counterpart [to the tree of vices] is the tree of virtues rooted in love and humility,” writes DeYoung, “and we have the perfect example of that. Our project is to become more and more Christ-like. We have a very clear picture of the way it’s supposed to be.” Led by Rev. Jerry Lee Butler.
April 25 — May 9
Mondays • 6:30 - 8 PM
Where did all these Methodist come from? Who was John Wesley? What do Methodist teach and believe? Join us for a lively three-week class exploring the historical origins and teachings of a people called Methodist. Methodism made its way to the shores of America in the early 18th century, but the movement was shaped much earlier through the life of John and Charles Wesley. This short course will dive into cultural influences that shaped early Methodism, the introduction of Methodism to early America, and the basic teachings and structure of Methodism today. Led by Rev. Jerry Lee Butler.
May 1 & 8
Mondays • 6:30 - 8 PM
Open and Relational Theology is an updated and more accessible expression of our previous offering entitled Process Theology. Led by Rev. Mark Feldmeir.
Session one: Core Beliefs of Open and Relational Theology
Session two: Open and Relational Faith in Everyday Life
Sundays • 10:30 — 11:30 AM
On Zoom
The Contemporary Issues Adult Sunday School class discusses current issues from a Christian perspective. Topics include book reviews, politics, the Bible, arts and more. Drop in visitors are welcome and many attend this way. Led by Steve Baska.
Email Pathways to receive the Zoom link.
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Second & Fourth Thursdays • 6 — 8:30 PM
This ongoing evening group is an opportunity to come together in community to practice knitting and make scarves and hats for someone in need. Finished items are donated to Knitting 4 Peace, an outreach organization that delivers handmade items to women, men and children in local and global areas of conflict. Led by Terri Bartlett and Laine Thomas.
Email Pathways to register.
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Ongoing Mondays • 1:15 PM
On Zoom
Join Senior Pastor, Rev. Mark Feldmeir, for this weekly class that focuses on the upcoming Sunday sermon passage. Read the text and discuss the context and possible interpretations. Have a Bible available.
Contact Sarah Davis for more info.
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Ongoing Sundays • 10:30 – 11:30 AM
On Zoom
A Christian sharing group that discusses current global, theological and local issues through various ideological lenses. Led by Missy Kautt.
Email Pathways to register.
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Wednesdays • 9:30 AM
September 8, 2021 – May 18, 2022
We select and discuss fiction and non-fiction books for inspiration as we continue on our spiritual journey together. Our first book for the fall will be The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd. Led by Carol Tyson.
Email Pathways to register.
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Wednesdays • 9:30 – 11:00 AM
September 8, 2021 – May 25, 2022
For all women who wish to grow in faith by studying the Bible together. Short-term studies allow members to participate according to interest and availability. We begin our year reading, I Corinthians – Searching the Depths of God by Jaime Clark-Soles, Professor of New Testament and Altshuler Distinguished Teaching Professor at Perkins School of Theology. Highly recommended by two of the group’s favorite authors, Amy-Jill Levine and Adam Hamilton, as well as our very own Rev. Jerry Butler, whose New Testament and Greek professor was Dr. Clark-Soles. This study is very accessible as Dr. Clark-Soles’ style is conversational and she provides a helpful guide to this most important letter. Led by Melanie Rowlison.
Email Pathways to register.
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First & Third Tuesdays • 12 – 1:30 PM
September 7, 2021 – May 17, 2022
On Zoom
We invite you to join us as we read and gather in community to share and explore mindfulness and compassion.
Our new book is: Radical Compassion: Learning to Love Yourself and Your World with the Practice of RAIN by Tara Brach. In this heartfelt and deeply practical book, Tara Brach offers an antidote to life’s stresses-: an easy-to-learn four-step meditation that quickly loosens the grip of difficult emotions and limiting beliefs. Each step in the meditation practice (Recognize, Allow, Investigate, Nurture) is brought to life by memorable stories shared by Tara and her students as they deal with feelings of overwhelm, loss, and self-aversion, with painful relationships, and past trauma–and as they discover step-by-step the sources of love, forgiveness, compassion, and deep wisdom alive within all of us. Led by Christine Dozal and Mary Webster.
Email Pathways to register.
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First & Third Wednesdays • 6 PM
Second & Forth Saturdays • 10:30 AM
In-person & On Zoom
The Women’s Growth Group builds on the book This Year I Will... by M.J. Ryan, Each January we use the book to identify and plan our individual personal growth goals for the year. At our meetings throughout the year, we report on our progress accomplishing those goals. We also support each other as we journey together. Participants are welcome to attend as few or as many meetings as fit their schedule. If you share our passion for growing in a community of likeminded women, come join us.
Email Pathways to register.
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