• Reflecting On My Journey. Walk through eight key questions to assess where you are on your spiritual journey, and what might be your next step. Prerequisite to Discipleship 101 and 102.
• Discipleship 101: Building a Close Relationship with God. Examine the teachings of Jesus directly, without the centuries of encrusted “churchiness.” What does Jesus ask of us? Do I want to follow Jesus? How can I communicate with God?
• Discipleship 102: Thriving In Christian Community. Discover what Church is supposed to be and where you fit.
• Unwrapping God’s Gifts. Explore the many gifts God has given us (spiritual gifts, personality, interests, values) and how they point us to our “sweet spot” of service, at church and elsewhere.

Classes begin the first week of July, so register soon! You don’t have to be a member to participate; all are welcome. Registration forms will be in the Weekly News on June 21, 28 and July 5.

Offered this quarter:

• Discipleship 101: Building a Close Relationship with God. Sundays at 7:30 pm with instructors Tom Chittenden and Peg Kiser beginning July 8, Thursdays at 7:00 pm with instructor Melody Merida beginning July 12, and Tuesdays at 6:30 pm with instructor Kay Olry beginning July 10. The Tuesday session is for couples only. No prerequisites.

This course is for all who want to deepen their faith and their understanding of the demands of following Jesus. Content of this class includes reflecting on our spiritual journey to date, examining the concepts of salvation and discipleship, and learning and practicing communicating with God. This course (along with Discipleship 102) is a prerequisite for higher-level courses.

• Discipleship 102: Thriving in Christian Community. Thursdays at 7:00 pm with instructor Jeff Miner beginning July 12, and Mondays at 7:00 pm with instructor Kammie Monarch beginning July 16. Prerequisite: Discipleship 101.

This course explores what it means to be part of a church community. Concepts covered include the body concept, spiritual gifts and service, generous living, appropriate expectations of a church, resolving conflict at church, the purpose of worship, and building friendship networks.

• Spiritual Principles for Successful Dating. Mondays at 7:00 pm beginning July 9, with instructor Deb Doty. No prerequisites.

Are you single? Do you sometimes experience enormous frustration with the challenges of being single—especially when it comes to dating and seeking the right spouse? Successful relationships begin well before they are formed; they begin with each person laying a solid foundation to guide dating and the early months of a new relationship. Topics covered include: key dating mistakes, strategies for choosing the right spouse, hormones and judgment, how soon to have sex, and when to move in together.

• Great Stories of the Bible. Mondays at 7:00 pm beginning July 9, with instructor David Wene. No prerequisites.

The Bible is chock-full of amazing characters—heroes and heroines, kings and queens, prophets and villains—whose stories all teach us lessons about God. This class brings alive a selection of these great stories. If you’re new to the Bible, this course is an introduction to some of the major Old Testament stories and characters, but it can also be a great “refresher” if it’s been a while since you’ve been in Sunday School.

• Exploring the Sermon on the Mount. Wednesdays at 7:00 pm beginning July 11, with instructor John Rumple. Prerequisites: Discipleship 101 and 102.

Jesus’ sermon has been called “the charter of the Kingdom” because of its important instruction on discipleship. This course provides a verse-by-verse analysis of the sermon with emphasis on application in the lives of Christians today. A few of the topics discussed are: spiritual maturity, divorce, retribution, hypocrisy, and being a focused disciple. The class will also look at differing interpretations of the sermon and how some words in the original language can impact interpretation.

About the Discipleship Classes
The foremost goal of Jesus MCC is to “make disciples”. That’s Bible jargon for encouraging ourselves and others to follow the teachings of Jesus, consistently and authentically, in every part of our lives. Our Discipleship Classes help accomplish this. These classes are a way to dig deep into Jesus’ teachings, to grow your soul, and to make friendships at church.

For all classes
Registration is required. Homework will be assigned. Registrants covenant to attend every week they are not out of town or ill. $10 registration fee; scholarships are available. To enroll, fill in the form in the bulletin and drop it in the offering, or in the basket at the info desk.