January 11 – April 1
God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. – 1 John 4.16
Who is love? God is Love! What is love? Love is patient and love is kind. Love does not envy and it does not boast, it is not proud and it is not rude. God never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Love will last forever!
This Church supports a Small Group Ministry in order to help us grow beyond an irregular “visit” to love and into a full-time “living in God.”
Each of the gifted group leaders listed in this catalog has committed to facilitate their group in such a way that everybody involved will be encouraged and led into a deeper experience of Love, or God. Jesus has saved us, and the Holy Spirit is at work in us so that our hearts can become more and more regular and consistent in the way we live in Love.
Please be persuaded to take advantage of what God is doing in the life of His congregation here by being part of a small group, and grow your love for God, for His Church, and for the world.
STUDY GROUPS
Sundays
S – 1: The New Testament
9:45 am, Adult Sunday School in the Church Lounge
Dan Anderson continues his partnership with Bart Ehrman in
bringing a video lecture and discussion format to our Sunday School hour. This
is a 24 lesson course on the New Testament. This course is designed to introduce
the writings of the New Testament—“…the most widely read, quoted,
studied, debated, maligned, and believed book in the history of Western
civilization.” Dan’s class will draw on modern biblical scholarship, recent
archaeological discoveries, and careful literary analysis to trace the history
of the New Testament and of the early Christian Church. Child-care is
available in the Church nursery, and Sunday School is in session for children K
- 12th grades.
S – 2: John: The Gospel
9:45 am, Adult Sunday School in Room 11 (Choir Room)
Doug Reynolds and Candace Crews will lead this class, using The Visual Bible. The Gospel of John
comes to life in a faithful and powerful dramatization of the biblical text,
which is narrated word for word from the Good News Bible by Christopher Plummer.
Child-care is available in the nursery, and Sunday School is
in session for children and youth, K – 12th grade.
S – 3: Life’s Journey With God
9:45 am, Young Adult Sunday School in Room 2
Come, join Jennifer Whorton and Austin Wagner in this Sunday
School class for our college – aged young adults, and bring a friend with you
too! “This time of your life can be such a huge transition time… concluding
one chapter in your life and preparing for a new one. Join us in Room 2
(downstairs) for an hour of discovering God and His presence on our journey.”
S – 4: Freedom of Simplicity
9:45 am, Adult Sunday School Study in Room 3
Freedom of Simplicity
“For those who seem forced to rush headlong through their lives in an exhausting obstacle course of conflicting demands…For those who care deeply about the world around them but often feel overwhelmed by the breadth and depth of agonizing need…For those who seek the peace of knowing God yet struggle to reach the intimacy they long for across the divide of personal anxiety or religious burdens…There is a gracious gift.”
Rebecca Gilbert and Stephanie Meath are leading a journey through Richard Foster’s Freedom of Simplicity. In this Sunday school class, you will come to understand that “simplicity” is both grace and a discipline – a way of living in holy obedience to God that reorders the rest of life into a joyful harmony in the midst of life’s complexity. Sunday mornings, from 9:45 to 10:45 in room 3 downstairs, there is a wonderful opportunity to take advantage of this Godly offering, facilitated by two gifted disciples. Child-care is available in the nursery, and Sunday School is in session for children and youth, K – 12th grade.
S – 5: Brunch and Bibles
10:30 am, Adult Sunday School at a location to be determined
For those who attend the 8:30 Worship service and who have
not found a Sunday School class to match their needs, David Rumph is offering
another option – a Bible study over brunch on Sunday mornings after Church. We
will look closely at the passage Reverend Dave has chosen to preach from. Two
requirements for participation are a Bible and an appetite.
S – 6: IMAGE (Inspiring and Motivating Adults to Generate Esteem)
2 pm, Church Lounge
The mission of Love INC is to “mobilize the church to
transform lives and communities in the name of Christ.” As part of this
mission, our local Love INC has created two courses of study as part of their
Relational Ministry Program. These classes are intended to be offered in
Churches around town for Love INC clients and for church members.
Our Church’s Small Group Ministry is excited to join Love
INC and offer the first of these courses this Spring. Patti Gallagher and
Betsy Bonnell have felt God’s call to facilitate this group, which will address
issues such as healing from past hurts, the importance of forgiveness,
effective and successful decision making, holy strategies for handling anger
and addressing the stressors of life.
Mondays
S – 7: Paul’s Letters
4 pm, Bible study at Mary Mitchell’s home
This afternoon Bible study group will continue their study
of Paul’s Letters. No preparation is necessary; just bring your favorite
Bible. “We carefully read the scripture and use commentary and historical
perspective to bring understanding to Paul’s theology and the experience of the
early Christian church.” This is a precious group, led by Wendy Anderson and
hosted by Mary Mitchell.
S – 8: “Into the Word, Into the World”
6 – 7:30 pm, DISCIPLE Bible Study in Room 2
Into the Word, Into the World is prepared for those who have completed DISCIPLE: BECOMING DISCIPLES THROUGH BIBLE STUDY. It encourages people to open themselves to hearing what God has to say to them through the Bible and to be guided into
service in the world by their study of Scripture. This semester resumes with a detailed look at Luke and Acts. Participants will read familiar passages and yet see them in fresh ways, anticipating that God will speak through them.
This is a “long-term” DISCIPLE study, which promises to enrich the lives of both participants and our Church. Bonnie Coghlan and Tama Rucker will serve as co-facilitators.
S – 9: Exodus
7 – 8:30 pm, Bible Study at Nona Howard’s home
“Trust God. Sounds simple, right? Yet, you know it is
often very, very difficult to trust God with the things that matter most to
you–money, career, marriage, health. As you study the book of Exodus, you’ll
see that Israel faced similar struggles to trust God completely. In this story
of hardship and hope, you’ll discover along with Israel that God–and God
alone–is worthy of our trust.”
Dr. Mary MacFarlane and Ross Adkins have agreed to co-facilitate this group’s study of the Old Testament book of Exodus, in the gracious warmth of Nona’s hospitality.
S – 10: “Our Methodist Roots”
7 pm, Small Group study at the Merideth’s home
What makes us, as United Methodists, unique in the modern world of believing Christians? Have we strayed from what the Wesley brothers believed in and practiced so tirelessly and doggedly? This group will combine a level of accountability (after the example of the early Class Meetings) with an examination of our United Methodist history and theology. David Rumph is facilitating in the home of Elizabeth and Ronnie.
Wednesdays
S – 11: Crazy Love
6 pm, Book study at Amanda Tate’s home
“God is love – crazy, relentless, all-powerful love. Have you ever wondered if we’re missing it? The God of the universe–the Creator of nitrogen and pine needles, galaxies and E-minor–loves us with a radical, unconditional, self-sacrificing love. And what is our typical response? We go to church, sing songs, and try not to cuss. God is calling each of us to a passionate love relationship with Himself. Because when we’re wildly in love with someone, it changes everything.”
Amanda Tate is offering a group study based on the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan. If you believe in God but are not obsessed with him; if you have asked Jesus into your
heart but have not felt him change your life; if you are not Crazy in Love with God; this study might be for you. The group will meet in Amanda’s home and will be limited to 8 participants.
AFFINITY GROUPS
Mondays
A – 1: Craft Group
9 am – 12 pm, Church Lounge, facilitated by Suzanne Henning
The craft group meets weekly for a time of fellowship (this
means a lot of laughing) and crafting. Suzanne invites you to “drop by” anytime
between 9 and noon. The doors are open and the hearts are warm around the
crafting table. The first Monday of each month is known as “salad day,” and
involves a potluck lunch.
A – 2: Jubilee Bell Choir
5:30 – 6:30 pm, Church Sanctuary, facilitated by Dianne Coursey
The Jubilee Bell Choir is inviting new members to join the
group. No bell ringing experience is necessary. There are positions open for
people who read music and those who do not. Not sure? Come and try for a week
or two just to see.
Wednesdays
A – 3: Vocal Choir
5:30 pm, Church Sanctuary, facilitated by Francis Lupton
The Church’s vocal choir rehearses weekly on Wednesdays and
brings their offering to Sunday morning worship at the 8:30 service. Together
with our organist, Karen Spaleta, Francis and the rest of this group play an
essential role in the life of our Church. Consider yourself invited to join
this vital ministry team!
Saturdays
A – 4: Praise Band
10 – 11:30 am, Church Sanctuary, facilitated by Patti Gallagher
The Praise Band rehearses on Saturday mornings and ministers
on Sundays at the 11 o’clock worship service, in addition to other settings
within the Fairbanks community. Patti will be happy to talk to you about how
you can be part of this important team.
A – 5: Drama Team
11:45 am, Church Lounge, facilitated by Patti Gallagher
Patti is looking for people interested in sharing their gift
of performance. Weekly group meetings consist of instruction in the art, as
well as rehearsal for the presentation of dramatic stories. If you are feeling
called to a more committed role within the life our congregation, and sense a
level of giftedness, please prayerfully consider becoming part of the Drama Team.
The meeting date and time will be decided by those who become part of this
group.
ADDITIONAL CONNECTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Tuesdays
ACO – 1: Tamar Circle
1st Tuesday of each month, 7 pm, Bakery Restaurant
This is a “book club” type fellowship group, which meets to
share food and conversation. All women are invited to this evening alternative
to the daytime Ruth Circle. Darlene Stover will be happy to fill you in on the
group’s “book of the month.”
Wednesdays
ACO – 2: Evening UMW
3rd Wednesday of each month, 7 pm, Room 2
“The organized unit of United Methodist Women shall be a
community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as
whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive
fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the
global ministries of the church.” So declares the General Board of Global
Ministries.
Lisa Holyfield has organized and leads our evening UMW
group. Women of all ages are encouraged to share time together one evening per
month for fellowship, shared activities and ministries.
Thursdays
ACO – 3: Ruth Circle
1st Thursday of each month, 10 am – noon, Suzanne Henning’s Home
This “book club” meets for fellowship over a meal and
discussion of a selected book once per month. Sign up for the Ruth Circle and
Suzanne Henning will be in touch with book titles and meeting location
information.
ACO – 4: United Methodist Women
3rd Thursday every even-numbered month, 1 pm, Church Lounge
“The organized unit of United Methodist Women shall be a
community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as
whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive
fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the
global ministries of the church.” So declares the General Board of Global
Ministries. Carol Moore is the leader of our UMW group which meets in the afternoon.
Women of all ages are invited to participate.
ACO – 5: United Methodist Men
2nd Thursday, 7 am, the Bakery Restaurant
This group involves men gathering once a month with the same
interest- BREAKFAST! It is a great time of conversation and working hard
to solve the world’s problems over a wonderful meal at The Bakery. Keith Sworts
is the contact person for this group.
Fridays
ACO – 6: Parent’s Night Out
2nd Friday of each month, 6 – 8 pm, Church Lounge
Every “Second Friday,” the Church is open for parents with
young children to co-op with each other in order to have a “date night.” Four of
the participating adults are utilized each time, and one youth worker has been
hired to provide child care. With enough families involved, each couple or set
of adults will work about once every 4 months, watching each other’s kiddos.
“In the past, we have found that parents become great friends; the kids really
claim the church as their own space, and many are now active youth group
members!”
ACO – 7: UFO’s
3rd Friday of each month, 3 – 10 pm, Church Lounge
This fellowship group is a monthly gathering to work on any
“un-finished objects” – any sewing, quilting, cross-stitch projects you
may have. The plan is to meet with others in the Church lounge anytime between
3 and 10 pm. You are also invited to bring something to share for a potluck
around 6 pm. You can call Esther Murray or Carol Moore for more information.
Sundays
ACO – 8: Young at Heart
3rd Sunday of each month, 6pm, Church Lounge
This group involves a pot luck supper and fellowship for
those retired from the work force (or those who have ever thought about it!).
This is not an exclusive “club” of old-timers, but an inviting group of men and
women who have raised their families and like sharing time and food with others
who remain “young at heart.” Some of the Church’s very best story-tellers,
with many wonderful tales are readily accessible, for the price of your
favorite pot luck dish.
ACO – 9: Dinners For 6
The days and times will be determined by group members
Esther Murray has done a good job re-organizing this
fellowship group, which involves a shared meal with six group members plus two
invited guests. The hosting responsibilities rotate each month among three
couples, and the hosting privilege is
the guest invitations. Each semester, the groups are reorganized; giving
everybody involved new opportunities to host and to be hosted by members of our
Church family.
