THE BOOK OF ACTS

The disciples stood around staring at the sky after they lost sight of Jesus.  After the angel showed up and told them to move on – they had to figure out how.  The Book of Acts is theology, history and a faith FAQ file all rolled into one.  Verse by verse we’ll see what Peter and Paul and the rest of the disciples were up to – and how God used them to turn the world “upside down” which was really “right side up.”

September – November 2021 by Pastor Mitch

STUDYING THE BIBLE FOR LIFE

The latest polls show that the church is becoming more illiterate when it comes to the Bible.  While some of that is because there are fewer people in church, even those who attend regularly aren’t spending as much time in the Word as previous generations.  This study will take a look at the Bible – why God gave it to us, what It can do for us and we’ll look at several different ways to study what is inside so God can make a difference on our inside!

June – August 2021 by Pastor Mitch

GEOGRAPHY AND THE BIBLE

What does Geography have to do with the stories from the Bible?  Everything.  From the culture to the weather to the people who live next door – they all shape who we are and how we live.  By looking at the geography surrounding the stories of Abram, Lot’s Wife, King David and others – we’ll find a few details that will help us understand their stories and live (and learn a little for ourselves).

April – June 2021 by Pastor Mitch

HEALING, WHOLENESS AND THE SCRIPTURES

Mental Health has always been a challenge in any society or culture – but during the pandemic it has been a silent and unseen enemy that has been stalking even those who have been otherwise unaffected by COVID-19.  An enemy that has a face and a name and can be confronted on the battlefield is one thing – but something that comes quietly and often without warning – and robs us of sleep, relationships, health and love is quite another. Tapping into resources by Henri Nouwen, David Ludwig, Henry Cloud, Diana Gruver, David Cook – we will wander through the Scriptures and the modern day church to see how King David, Job, Elijah, Martin Luther and others face depression, anxiety, pain and darkness.

February – March 2021 by Pastor Mitch

THE TEMPERED RESILIENCE OF THE PROPHETS

The prophets are not easy to listen to – all that “repent, turn around, get right with God” yelling and screaming they do.  But are they really yelling and screaming – or are they just whispering?  Is the loudness and grating of their words really them – or is it us?  Are we so anxious and worried and afraid that even a whisper sounds like someone is shouting?  We’re going to spend time talking about the Prophets and using Tod Bolsinger’s new book Tempered Resilience to frame our study.  You won’t need ear plugs – but it still won’t be easy to listen to the prophets – unless we listen by faith!

November – January 2020/2021 by Pastor Mitch

CANOEING THE MOUNTAINS

So, you are an expert at canoeing – your calling is to find a passage from where you are to where you need to be – only you’ve run out of water.  The only thing in front of you are mountains – lots and lots of mountains.  Now what do you do?  We are in uncharted territory as a church.  And our future as individuals and as a community will be determined by what our next steps are.  Fortunately the church has been “here” many times before – so as we leave our canoes behind we can expect some help from Daniel and Abraham and Moses and Peter and Paul as we step into the unknown and discover an amazing future that God already knew and prepared us for!

May – July 2020 by Pastor Mitch

PSALMS OF LIFE AND LOVE AND ETERNITY

The Psalms reflect our life.  From the highest highs to the deepest depths – and sometimes in the space of just a few verses.  J.I. Packer said,  “Wait on the Lord” is a constant refrain in the Psalms, and it is a necessary word, for God often keeps us waiting. He is not in such a hurry as we are, and it is not his way to give more light on the future than we need for action in the present, or to guide us more than one step at a time. When in doubt, do nothing, but continue to wait on God. When action is needed, light will come.”  This study is looking for that light!

July – November, 2020 by Pastor Mitch