Adult Bible Classes Sundays 9:15am-10:15am ~ Every Week 1.) THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW: HIS KINGDOM FOREVER Begins September 8th. This Bible study examines the Gospel of Matthew from the perspective of Christ as King. Considering one chapter each week, we gain understanding about Jesus & his Kingdom, draw closer to the King, and grow as daily followers of the King. (Led by Deacon Shirley Algozzine in Rm. 204, Christian Education Building). 2.) SHINE JESUS SHINE Began Sunday Jan. 19th. This 7-week Bible Study examines the four Gospels, coinciding with “Shine, Jesus, Shine” daily readings (see Reading Schedule link above). In each class participants will read together, study & consider life application for key sections from the prior week’s reading, so even those who have not done the daily reading can fully participate. (Led by Elder Tom McManus.) 3.) UNWRAP YOUR GIFT. Learn about the supernatural enabling God gives Christians to fulfill his purposes. Discover your own personal gift(s) of the Holy Spirit & how best to use them for the benefit of God’s Kingdom. Sessions include: What Scripture tells us about spiritual gifts; Defining the Gifts of the Spirit; Discovering your gift(s); Proceed with knowledge & caution; Your gift/your ministry; Ministry models; Experiences with spiritual gifts; Living with & by the Spirit. (Led by Elder Ed Donath in R. 202, Christian Ed. Bldg.) 4.) INTENTIONAL PARENTING: 10 WAYS TO BE AN EXCEPTIONAL PARENT IN A QUICK-FIX WORLD No matter how good their intentions, all parents at times resort to quick-fix parenting: things we do to stop a kid's negative or annoying behavior. Quick-fix parenting may temporarily ease a parent's stress level, but it does little to positively impact a child's future. Quick-fix parenting is a terrible long-term strategy for parenting. Intentional parenting is the opposite of quick-fix parenting. Intentional parenting is a way to raise children to become healthy, independent young adults. It's based on solid principles which, applied over time, actually result in less-stressed parents and happier, better-adjusted, and more successful kids. Intentional parenting means you've got more than good intentions; you've got a plan. (And it's always better to have a plan for dealing with the stuff that inevitably crops up between parents and their kids, than it is to wing it.) In Intentional Parenting: 10 Ways to be an Exceptional Parent in a Quick-Fix World, through book & video, Doug & Cathy Fields draw on their own extended experience with young people & as parents to guide you through 10 specific actions that will help you become a more effective parent. This book, video & discussion class is Led by Pastor Nelson, father of four children, grandfather of six children. (Led by Pastor Victor Nelson) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ongoing Mid-Week Small Groups These small groups of God's people are committed to meeting regularly for study of God's Word, prayer and fellowship. Newcomers are invited & encouraged at any time! 5.) MEN'S GROUP Open to all men - Every 1st, 3rd, & 5th Fridays at 7:00 am. Led by Pastor Nelson at the Church. 6.) WOMEN'S EVENING GROUP Open to all women - Mondays at 6:00 pm led by Marcia Nelson in the Narthex. 7.) WOMEN'S AFTERNOON GROUP Open to all women - Meets every 1st & 3rd Tuesday at 2:00 pm in the Narthex. Led by Deacon Shirley Algozzine. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Special Classes & Opportunities 8.) BAPTISM: GOD'S FAMILY CONNECTION Offered Periodically as Requested. This 90-minute, 1-session course prepares parents for baptism of their young children. Through this course parents gain insight & understanding about the purpose of Baptism, the blessing of Baptism, and how Baptism connects a person to God’s family. Parents receive encouragement for raising their children in the Christian faith, & learn how the church supports parents in this process. There will be opportunity to raise any questions they may have. Taught by Pastors or Deacon. 9.) WALKING WITH JESUS: DISCIPLESHIP & CHURCH MEMBERSHIP Offered Periodically as Requested. Want to get to know Jesus better? ...Learn how to walk with Him daily? This course is for you! Based on the Gospel of Luke, we will follow Jesus from his birth thru his death & resurrection. This class will help you understand the basic truths of the Christian faith & the Lutheran Denomination, & what they mean for your daily life. It also provides an opportunity to discuss questions you have about the faith. For Adults who desire Baptism, or those who want to become a member of RLC, this 8 week course is the basic requirement. Taught by Pastors or Deacon.