First United Methodist Church, St. Petersburg: Bible Studies

Priscilla redefines interruption and shows that interruption is actually God's invitation to do something beyond our wildest dreams. When Jonah was willing to allow God to interrupt his life, the result was revival in an entire city.

Please contact Leslie Marsh at mmarsh01@tampabay.rr.com to reserve your workbook and/or make your childcare reservations.

If You Want to Walk on Water,

You Have to Get Out of the Boat

You are invited to join the Pathfinders in their study of this book by John Ortberg resuming on Wednesday, September 8, at 6:15 in Room 101. All ages are welcome. We will also be studying the sermon-series book, Enough by Adam Hamilton beginning later in September.

Become Bible Literate by enrolling in a

Disciple Bible Study

Disciple Bible Study is a course designed to inform you about the Old and New Testaments and also to transform you into a loving spouse, parent or neighbor. Religious scholars give the background for non-denominational exercises that encourage discussions of Bible readings leading to ways you can help build this and other churches of God.

Disciple I covers 70% of the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.

Disciple II spends four months on Genesis and Exodus and four months on Luke and Acts.

Disciple III studies major and minor prophets for four months and the letters of Paul for four months.

Disciple IV explores the Writings of the Old Testament for four months, followed by a study of John’s Gospel and concludes with a six-week study of Revelation.

Disciple Bible Study classes will begin the week after Labor Day. An orientation session will be held Tuesday, September 14, at 7 p.m. in Room 304 for anyone who has not yet taken a Disciple class and would like more information about these excellent Bible studies. Contact Frank LaCamera at 867-1341 or flacjr@yahoo.com for more information. Watch for class offering dates and times coming next week.

Next New Member Class

Our next Discover First Church New Member Class will be held Saturday, October 30, from 9 am to 12 pm in the Fellowship Hall. This is the last class that will be held in 2010. If you would like to join this church, or just learn more about it and United Methodist beliefs, please contact Patti Adams, 894-4661, ext 112, or padams@fumcsp.org to reserve your place.

"Faithful, Abundant, True" Bible Study

Wednesdays, October 27 – December 8

10:00 a.m. – noon, Room 101

Kay Arthur uses Hebrews to teach of God's faithfulness and to challenge believers to be faithful in difficult times.

Priscilla Shirer teaches Ephesians 3:20-21 on God's abundance. A fundamental basis for every believer is the absolute reality that God can do whatever He chooses to do.

Beth Moore teaches on the topic of discernment. In these difficult days it is absolutely essential that we learn to trust the Holy Spirit to enable us to determine what is true and what is false.

Please contact Leslie Marsh to reserve your workbook and make your childcare reservations.

DISCIPLE Bible Study

We offer all 4 Disciple Bible Studies at various times. If you are interested in joining a class, please contact the church office for registration. Dates and times of the classes are to be determined from the registrations.

If you are interested in leading a Disciple Class, please contact Frank LaCamera through the church office.

Disciple Bible Study is:

Transformational: Priorities of heart and life will be changed by those who invest themselves in this Bible study.

Informational: Learn the overarching Biblical themes that tie the Old and New Testaments together, as well as the stories of the Christian faith.

Faith deepening: Even those who have been Christians for many years experience a deepening of faith unlike any other Bible study.

Community building: Develop deep and lasting friendships in these small groups that meet weekly to study, reflect, pray and grow together.

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF DISCIPLE PARTICIPANTS?

One hour (dependent on reading speed) of study six days each week, primarily reading of the Bible plus material in the study manual.
Regular attendance at and participation in the weekly study session of 2½ hours each.
Pray daily for members of the group.

Questions? Please contact Patti Adams (phone) at (727) 894-4661 ext. 112.

DISCIPLE 1: BECOMING DISCIPLES THROUGH BIBLE STUDY

(32 week study + Closing Retreat)

Beginning with Genesis and continuing through Revelation, participants will read approximately 80% of the Bible during this life-changing study. It is designed not only to increase your knowledge of the Bible, but to lead you into a deeper faith and more committed discipleship on your faith journey. During this class, you will discover your spiritual gifts and where God is calling you in ministry. This study involves about an hour of reading time each day, as well as participation in a 2.5 hour small group time each week. There is no prerequisite required.

DISCIPLE 2: INTO THE WORD INTO THE WORLD

(32 week study - Completion of Disciple Bible Study 1 required to take this class)

An in-depth study of Genesis, Exodus, Luke and Acts. In Genesis and Exodus you will explore the foundations of our faith. In Luke and Acts you will watch your faith explode into action with the coming of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. This study is designed to both help you understand the text (Into the Word) and to allow the text to challenge and inspire you to respond in practical ways (Into the World).

DISCIPLE 3: REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE

(32 week study - Completion of Disciple Bible Stucy 1 required to take this class)

A study concentrating on the Books of Prophecy in the Old Testament and the Letters of Paul in the New Testament. By remembering our faith heritage as explained by the Prophets, we are better prepared to follow Paul’s teachings on the Christian life and to use these teachings to respond to our world today.

DISCIPLE 4: UNDER THE TREE OF LIFE

(32 week study - Completion of Disciple Bible Study 1 required to take this class)

This study explores the Faith Community and its relation to us. In the Old Testament writings, the narrative books tell of the Community of Israel during their time of exile and return, and the poetry and wisdom books tell of the Community's worship and praise. In the New Testament, study of the writings of John leads us into a better understanding of how the Christian Faith Community can respond to challenges in our world today.

To register for a Disciple class, click here.

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