1 Corinthians: Faithful Living in Divisive Times

When & Where

• Wednesdays, beginning May 8 from 7:00-8:30pm in Rm 103 &
  Thursdays, beginning May 9 from 10:30-12:00pm via Zoom

Many have lamented “If only we could get back to the way the early Church was, we’d be so much better off!” Hmm, have they read the New Testament – and especially the book of 1 Corinthians?! The Christian community in 1st century Corinth was confronted by bitter in-fighting, indifference toward sexual impropriety, confusion as to gender roles, disagreements over money, theological questions, lawsuits, contentious worship practices, and serious problems with leadership – all at the same time! Not exactly the ‘good old days’ – and perhaps more like the Church today than we might realize. In his quintessential letter in response to divisive issues, Paul shares with these struggling disciples the wisdom regarding the Cross, spiritual gifts, human sexuality, death, the Resurrection, and the joys and challenges of living together in Christian community. Perhaps it’s time for a new look?

Join Pastor Dave ( ) and Deacon Troy ( ) for this latest edition of the Pastors’ Bible Study using Jaime Clark-Soles’ book, 1 Corinthians: Searching the Depths of God. We encourage you to read the Introduction and Chapter 1 before the first session.

register here

When: Sundays, May 12-June 9 at 9:30am
Where: Room 171

Join the Perspectives Sunday School Class to consider some common phrases that may have a kernel of truth but are really clichés that are often more harmful than good. They'll be using Adam Hamilton's book, Half Truths.

Perspectives Sunday School is designed to meet the needs of working-age adults with or without family responsibilities, but it is open to all. To get connected to the class leaders, contact Deacon Troy Sims ( ).

When: Sundays, May 19-June 16 at 9:30am
Where: Room 303

In a time of division and discord, Christians have come to be seen not as bearers of good news and love but of judgement and intolerance. How did we get here? And what can we do about it? Join the Searchers Sunday School for Philip Yancey's study, Vanishing Grace, as they explore how we can respond with both grace and truth. To get connected to the class, contact Deacon Troy Sims ( ).

When: Sundays at 9:30am
Room: 174

Join the Marvin Willard Sunday School for a study of the early years of the Jewish nation after the Exodus. The study will help you get into the Bible by providing historical and cultural context as well as insights into the Hebrew language. It also gives you insight into life application as individuals and a community of faith. To get connected to the class, contact Deacon Troy Sims ( ).

Each Fall, WUMC offers long-term, in-depth studies of the Bible that focus not only on studying Scripture but also on developing deeper covenant relationships with God and each other, which leads to more fruitful discipleship. Some examples of studies offered in the past (and that may be offered in the future include):

• Covenant Bible Study
  This 24-week in-depth group Bible Study invites participants to read and discuss the Bible together to learn how to love God and each other better. Participants will study the entire story of the Bible while considering the covenant God creates with us, inviting us to live into and trust that covenant as a community.
  Prerequisite: None
• Disciple I: Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study
  This first in the Disciple series serves as the basis for all other studies in the Disciple family that follow. Over the course of 34 weeks, this covers some 80% of the Bible, following the biblical story from Creation to the New Jerusalem. We have started using the aforementioned Covenant Bible Study in place of Disciple I as the prerequisite for the following classes.
  Prerequisite: None
• Disciple II: Into the Word Into the World
  This 32-week study offers a deep examination of Genesis, Exodus, Luke, and Acts, emphasizing the rhythm of coming to God and going for God – approaching all experiences of life as opportunities for faithful witness and service.
  We recommend that you take Covenant or Disciple I before Disciple II.
• Disciple III: Remember Who You Are
  In the Old Testament Prophets and the Letters of Paul, this 32-week study examines the connection between memory and identity as the people of God. Participants will find common themes, including calls to remember, calls to repent, calls for renewal, and calls for community.
  We recommend that you take Covenant or Disciple I before Disciple III.
• Disciple IV: Under the Tree of Life
  The phrase, “under the tree of life,” conveys the promise of finding shelter, security, and rest in God’s love. In this 32-week study of Old Testament writings, the Gospel of John, the Epistles of John, James, and Jude, and finally Revelation, participants will see the entire process of living toward final completion of rest and reward.
  We recommend that you take Covenant or Disciple I before Disciple IV.
• Jesus in the Gospels
  Known as a “Second Generation Disciple Study,” this 30-week study looks at the four gospels side-by-side and asks the question, "Who is the Jesus that you see?” As a group, participants encounter Jesus who is both hard to ignore and hard to put in a box.
  We recommend that you take Covenant or Disciple I before Jesus in the Gospels.
• Christian Believer: Knowing God With Heart and Mind
  This 30-week study focuses on “orthodox” theology using the Bible along with the writings, symbols, and hymns of patriarchs and matriarchs of the Christian faith.
  We recommend that you take Covenant or Disciple I before Christian Believer.

For more information about long-term, in-depth studies of the Bible like the above, contact Deacon Troy Sims (  or 757-229-1771).