Disciple Bible Study, Aug. 13
Do you remember August 2020? Schools were trying to figure out how they would begin the school year and keep students, staff and faculty safe. Hospitals were bracing for a surge of patients as the weather cooled off and people went indoors. Your church was pivoting each week to assess which fall programs we could safely launch. Perhaps it feels like that again, but I have some great news for you, Faith. Last year, we learned how to offer Disciple Bible Study online. We offered four sections of this trademark United Methodist bible study and had a great response. Over 50 people signed up for 24 weeks in the scriptures! That is remarkable and I’m so proud of everyone who made the commitment.
This year, we are excited to offer three sections of Disciple Bible Study: Red -- Introduction to the Old and New Testaments; Green -- Genesis & Exodus; Luke & Acts; Purple -- Prophets; Letters of Paul
All the classes will be offered on Thursday evenings. The first 12 weeks (Sept. through Christmas break) will focus on the Old Testament and the second 12 weeks (Jan. through Easter) will focus on the New Testament. All the classes will be offered over Zoom so no matter where you are, you can join us.
I enjoy teaching the Red (Introductory) class each year and am excited to do so again this year. We always have a few students who take it a second or third time. Honestly, we go through material so quickly that some find a second or third trip allows them to deepen their learning and faith. It doesn’t really feel like a repeat because each class has its own personality depending on who enrolls. For those who’ve never read all the way through the Bible, this class is ideal - a guided trip through the historical arc of salvation for God’s people. For those who have read lots of scripture, the class is also ideal because it focuses on the big picture and deepens the study you’ve already done. If you’ve taken the red class, I encourage you to sign up for either the green or purple classes and go deeper with a few books of the bible.
Throughout last year, I learned so much about teaching bible study on Zoom. I learned that it works better to move the start time later. Since everyone joins from home, it is easy to do that. I learned that the chat feature allows group discussions to keep moving. I learned that closing the evening with a traditional order of prayer brought closure not only to our lesson, but also to the day -- and that was beautiful. Last year’s class told me Zoom was not a detriment to their learning or connection with each other. It was different than being in person, but it was still just as rich.
Consider enrolling in Disciple for the 2021-22 session. The sign up links are below:
Red Class *prerequisite for the other two classes
Cost for study manuals is $30.00. When you sign up, I’ll send you instructions for payment. We will begin with an orientation session on Sept. 2, so now is the time to sign up!
Learning along with you,
