Faith Formation Corner & Disciple Fast Track
by Rev. Mary
Over the summer I have spent a lot of time thinking and praying about how to grow my relationship with God better, especially in light of our Summer Sermon Series on Spiritual Practices. Coming out of a very eventful springtime, I needed to find some rest with God and my family. I felt called to invest more time in my prayer life, for example, making more time in the mornings and God has used that time to speak to me and show me the way. God has also used it to help me recognize the blessings in my everyday life.
Another practice we have taken up as a family is reading the Bible together. At the end of June, Ethan and I went to Teddy Bear Camp, and as we met for Bible Study time, our leader encouraged us to read the Bible together. We had read many devotionals together, but not just the Bible, so we began doing this together. The exciting thing for me is hearing him read it to us and remember the stories from time to time. These moments with my family will always be cherished as we discover more about God’s creation, love, and everyday blessings.
Another tipping point for me this summer has been working with our Faith Formation Team that fulfilled one of our VCI prescriptions. Our task was to create a Discipleship Pathway for all believers. I found myself yearning for more in my relationship with God, like diving into scriptures more on a daily basis. I heard God calling me to lead a Bible Study and then I went around telling everyone so I could be held accountable. So I am teaching a 12-week Disciple Bible Study about the Old Testament. Please come join me on Tuesday mornings as we grow together as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Growing in our relationship God takes courage on our part to make the step towards God’s grace that is always there beckoning us to dive deeper. Let your hearts and minds be open to God’s calling as we commit to growing faithfully with God, connecting with others in Christ’s love, and serving others the way God loves them.
Ephesians 4:11-13 He gave some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers. His purpose was to equip God’s people for the work of serving and building up the body of Christ until we all reach the unity of faith and knowledge of God’s Son. God’s goal is for us to become mature adults—to be fully grown, measured by the standard of the fullness of Christ.
Disciple Fast Track
After our Summer Sermon Series, is anyone else looking for an opportunity to deepen your knowledge of scripture? I know I am. Disciple Fast Track, is an adaptation of the original, bestselling Disciple Bible Study, and it provides a viable option for busy people seeking comprehensive engagement over time with the entire biblical text. Fast Track groups meet for a total of 24 weeks, devoting 12 weeks each to the Old Testament and the New Testament. Participants read a manageable 3-5 chapters of the Bible daily in preparation for the weekly meetings, which last approximately 75 minutes.
A brief, illustrated video enables participants to recall important facts, and ideas, and offers insights into the current week’s session. Participants have the opportunity to take a spiritual gifts assessment and determine meaningful ways they can serve and live out their discipleship commitment.
We will be offering two classes, one on Monday evenings at 7 pm with Brent Howlett, and another one on Tuesday mornings at 10 am with Rev. Mary Hagley. Both classes will be held at church in the conference room. The cost of the study manual for the Old Testament is $16; however, there is a kindle version, though I recommend having a book to write in. Classes will begin the week of September 9. Please contact Rev. Mary at revmaryhagley@gmail.com.
Another practice we have taken up as a family is reading the Bible together. At the end of June, Ethan and I went to Teddy Bear Camp, and as we met for Bible Study time, our leader encouraged us to read the Bible together. We had read many devotionals together, but not just the Bible, so we began doing this together. The exciting thing for me is hearing him read it to us and remember the stories from time to time. These moments with my family will always be cherished as we discover more about God’s creation, love, and everyday blessings.
Another tipping point for me this summer has been working with our Faith Formation Team that fulfilled one of our VCI prescriptions. Our task was to create a Discipleship Pathway for all believers. I found myself yearning for more in my relationship with God, like diving into scriptures more on a daily basis. I heard God calling me to lead a Bible Study and then I went around telling everyone so I could be held accountable. So I am teaching a 12-week Disciple Bible Study about the Old Testament. Please come join me on Tuesday mornings as we grow together as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Growing in our relationship God takes courage on our part to make the step towards God’s grace that is always there beckoning us to dive deeper. Let your hearts and minds be open to God’s calling as we commit to growing faithfully with God, connecting with others in Christ’s love, and serving others the way God loves them.
Ephesians 4:11-13 He gave some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers. His purpose was to equip God’s people for the work of serving and building up the body of Christ until we all reach the unity of faith and knowledge of God’s Son. God’s goal is for us to become mature adults—to be fully grown, measured by the standard of the fullness of Christ.
Disciple Fast Track
After our Summer Sermon Series, is anyone else looking for an opportunity to deepen your knowledge of scripture? I know I am. Disciple Fast Track, is an adaptation of the original, bestselling Disciple Bible Study, and it provides a viable option for busy people seeking comprehensive engagement over time with the entire biblical text. Fast Track groups meet for a total of 24 weeks, devoting 12 weeks each to the Old Testament and the New Testament. Participants read a manageable 3-5 chapters of the Bible daily in preparation for the weekly meetings, which last approximately 75 minutes.
A brief, illustrated video enables participants to recall important facts, and ideas, and offers insights into the current week’s session. Participants have the opportunity to take a spiritual gifts assessment and determine meaningful ways they can serve and live out their discipleship commitment.
We will be offering two classes, one on Monday evenings at 7 pm with Brent Howlett, and another one on Tuesday mornings at 10 am with Rev. Mary Hagley. Both classes will be held at church in the conference room. The cost of the study manual for the Old Testament is $16; however, there is a kindle version, though I recommend having a book to write in. Classes will begin the week of September 9. Please contact Rev. Mary at revmaryhagley@gmail.com.
