Growing up, Reaching Out & Connecting To Ministries
The Adult Council of FUMC has an essential role in helping our church live out our mission to "Make Disciples who make a difference." We are intentional about providing Christian education and worship opportunities where persons can “grow up” in their relationship to God through faith in Jesus Christ. Opportunities to serve in local and world missions enable us to “reach out” beyond our walls with the Good News of God’s love. By reaching out we meet the needs of others and are able to invite others into the fellowship of followers of Jesus Christ. There are numerous ways for members and visitors to make meaningful connections within the FUMC family. By growing up, reaching out, and connecting to God and one another, members of our church become members of the body of Christ. God is at work through us as we continue the ministries of teaching, preaching and healing that Jesus began. As we are nurtured in and by the community of faith we are empowered to respond to God’s call to love and serve others.
Adult ministries also provide comfort and caring in times of need. Small groups for study and fellowship, specialized support groups, and compassionate and caring individuals become guides and companions for sharing the joys and sorrows of life. Prayer groups, retreats and worship services offer spiritual renewal and strength for meeting the challenges of everyday life. We believe that it is good to have times and places to share laughter and tears with faithful companions.
The goal of our various ministries is to make our vision a reality. Through witness and service we want to become a loving community of believers, devoted to Jesus Christ; empowered by the Holy Spirit; and committed to sharing the good news of God’s grace and salvation to all.
By Growing , Reaching Out, and Connecting persons to Christ and one another, we are equipping persons for mission and service within the church and beyond our walls. Each time we gather we are nourished through worship, education and fellowship and respond by reaching out through acts of love and service.
Adult ministries encourage and welcome persons to use their talents and invest themselves in meaningful and transformational ministries. Now is the time to find places where you can “connect.” There are places to find help in times of need as well as many places to grow in faith and invest your talents and passions in meaningful mission and service. For more information, click and explore the areas of Growing, Reaching Out, and Connecting to ministries. On the image below, you can click on a category(i.e. Reaching Out) of the image map and navigate to the area you clicked-on to learn more about it!
Adult Ministry
Joni Stephens - Adult Ministry
WNL classes start back on January 11th
A Womans Secret for Confident Living 2nd Floor Parlor, led by kathy Vockery
An in-depth women's Bible study on James, by Beth Moore. James, Jesus' own brother, started out as a skeptic. See how one glimpse of the resurrected Savior turned an unbeliever into a disciple. Bible scholars compare James to the prophet Amos. In other ways, James more closely resembles the Book of Proverbs than any other New Testament book. Topics in this study include: joy, hardship, faith, reversal of fortunes for rich and poor, wisdom, and gifts from above.
James - Mercy Triumphs M203, led by Lori Chasse
An in-depth women's Bible study on James, by Beth Moore. James, Jesus' own brother, started out as a skeptic. See how one glimpse of the resurrected Savior turned an unbeliever into a disciple. Bible scholars compare James to the prophet Amos. In other ways, James more closely resembles the Book of Proverbs than any other New Testament book. Topics in this study include: joy, hardship, faith, reversal of fortunes for rich and poor, wisdom, and gifts from above.
When Christians Get It Wrong M213, led by Mike Ballard (Men's Study)
When young adults talk about the problems they have with Christianity and the church, they often name certain attitudes and behaviors they believe are practiced too often by Christians: judging others, condemning people of other faiths, rejecting science, injecting politics into faith, and being anti-homosexual. With his familiar style, Adam Hamilton tackles these issues and addresses the how's and why's of Christians getting it right when it comes to being Christ in the world.
Imaginary Jesus M221, led by Bruce and Kim Nettleton
Imaginary Jesus is a hilarious, fast-paced, not-quite-fictional story that's unlike anything you've ever read before. When Matt Mikalatos realizes that his longtime buddy in the robe and sandals isn't the real Jesus at all, but an imaginary one, he embarks on a mission to find the real thing. On his wild ride through time, space, and Portland, Oregon, he encounters hundreds of other Imaginary Jesuses determined to stand in his way (like Legalistic Jesus, Perpetually Angry Jesus, and Magic 8 Ball Jesus). But Matt won't stop until he finds the real Jesus-and finally gets an answer to the question that's haunted him for years. Be warned: Imaginary Jesus may bring you face-to-face with an imposter in your own life.
Immersion Bible Study:Mark Conference Rm. led by Cal and Sonie Maas (6:15 pm begins a time of study and prayer)
Take a refreshing plunge into the book of Mark using the new Common English Bible and study book by popular author, Ellsworth Kalas. Find nad discuss new spiritual insights and strengthen your relationhip with God through faith in Jesus Christ. This study is for EVERYONE.
The Will of God As A Way of Life M114, led by Joni Stephens (Class for Young Adults, 18-35)
How do we know God's will for important life decisions, like who to marry, what job to take, what church to join? How can we be free if God has a perfect plan for us? Does suffering mean we are off track? How exactly does God speak? Author Jerry Sittser explores these questions and offers a practical, biblically-based approach that is truly liberating. No matter what decisions we've already made, he points out that it is still possible to live out God's perfect will---even if we think we've married the wrong person, chosen the wrong career, or landed in some kind of serious trouble.
Tai Chi Chuan Fellowship Hall, led by Mason Smith (begins at 7:30pm
Tai Chi Chuan (also spelled taijichuan) is an ancient form of Chinese exercise done for health, meditation, and self-defense. Students should wear loose, comfortable clothing. Mason Smith has been practicing Tai Chi since 1986 and studied with Yang Chen-huan at the Univ. of Ky.
A Woman's Heart: God's Dwelling Place Conference Room, led by Mary Lou Stephens (Class meets Thursdays, 11:30am-1:15pm)>
Beth Moore invites you to enter into the sanctuary of our God and let Him reveal marvelous mysteries to you. Learn more about God's will for your life, His provision for you, your fellowship with Him, and your role as His priest in this world. This study will challenge you to prepare your heart, like the holy of holies, to become a home for His love and glory - a dwelling place for the Most High God.
Sign-up on the bulletin boards beside the church office and in the MMC, or email Joni at adultmmc@richmondfumc.org.