Sunday School & Studies

Psalms Study

Open and Unafraid: The Psalms as a Guide to Life
by W. David O. Taylor
Adult Study | 8 Weeks | Sept. 9 - Oct. 28
12noon @ Worship Center
6pm @ Worship Center & Streaming Online
A few years ago, David Taylor made a splash online with his short documentary titled “Bono & Eugene Peterson: The Psalms” created by FULLER Studios of Fuller Seminary. Taylor was finishing his doctoral work while I was attending seminary at Duke Divinity School. Bono, of course, is the lead singer of the Irish rock band U2. If you are familiar with U2’s music, you have recognized the Christian themes in their lyrics including their hit song “40” based on Psalm 40, “I waited patiently for the Lord, He inclined and heard my cry, I will sing, sing a new song.” Bono shares that his life of faith has been shaped by author and pastor Eugen Peterson who is best known for his contemporary translation of the Bible known as The Message. The 20 minute conversation between Bono, Peterson, and Taylor is enlightening and encouraging. Watch it here! Peterson wrote the foreword and Bono wrote an endorsement for Taylor’s book, Open and Unafraid.
You have heard me celebrating the Psalms through our “A Psalm A Day” scripture and prayer initiative. As I write this, we are finishing up August, the first month and first fifth of these scriptures. My concern for the Psalms is practical and personal. On a practical note, the Psalms are the prayer book of the Bible and have been the central spiritual guide to Chrisitans for centuries. I cannot imagine shaping a Christian faith outside of regularly reading and praying the Psalms. I think this is of utmost importance for our church and its members, especially in this time of dislocation and abnormalities. Personally, the Psalms mean a great deal to me. Prayer is not something that comes natural to me and so I feel deeply indebted to helpful guides including the Psalter. My spiritual life has been strengthened and deepened by learning and praying the Psalms. Though, admittedly I am still a beginner in developing a Psalm-based prayer life.
This is a really helpful book in understanding the patterns and teachings of the Psalms. Open and Unafraid is different from our typical curriculum and video series. This is a theological book, endorsed and celebrated by seminary professors. But it's also an edgy book with illustrations from everyday life.
We will use this book for an 8 week study of the Psalms, roughly reading two chapters per week. You’ll find it informative and a great compliment to our “A Psalm A Day” prayers. We will offer the study Wednesdays, Sept. 9 - Oct. 28, at 12noon & 6pm. We will meet in the Worship Center, wearing masks, and spread out for safety. You’ll need to register your attendance each week the same as Sunday worship. The 6pm study will be streamed online similar to Sunday worship for those who feel safer at home. Books will be available at church.
For what it’s worth, I would encourage you to read and use this book, even if you don’t attend one of these studies. You might consider using it for your own group study. If your Sunday School class has not been meeting or has been meeting with no curriculum, you could reconnect by reading this book in this season. You could meet in-person at church in a safe way, or at someone’s home (perhaps outside?), or online video chat.
I’m looking forward to growing with you by reading and praying the Psalms and with the help of Taylor’s Open and Unafraid. Please join me in this study!

Due to concerns with COVID-19, these classes have been suspended for the time-being

Sunday School Classes for Adults

9:00 am Class

Early Bird - Since all other Sunday School Classes meet at 10:00 a.m., the Early Bird Class was started several years ago for those members of FUMC who ordinarily attend 8:00 church and wanted to meet together for study immediately after that early service. Most of our members are in the age range of middle-age to older, but we welcome any person who would like to attend our class. We have two great teachers—Beverly Crawford and Donna Jones—who present our weekly lessons from Adult Bible Studies and lead our discussions. We are ongoing in mission by making regular monetary donations to various FUMC projects and to community charities. Members of the Early Bird Class provide loving group support for each other in times of any kind of need. This class meets in the room outside the sanctuary.

10:00 am Classes

Alpha Class - This class ranges in age from mid to late 40s and up. They enjoy study that provokes discussion. They meet on the 2nd floor next door to the music office.
Coffee Break Class - Single and married adults, loosely in the age range of 35-50. They use various studies that lead to class discussion. They meet on the second floor.
Fellowship Class/Prayer Corner Class - This class consists of members of all ages, married and single. They meet on the first level.
Homemakers Class is our longest running class. This class has been together well over 50 years. In fact, a few of them remember the "old" church. They are a vibrant group of women (and men) who love studying together. They meet in the chapel, just off of the narthex.
Pairs and Spares meet in the Welcome Center Classroom. There is a wide range of ages, generally from the 60's upward, although all ages are welcome. The class consists of married couples as well as singles coming from a broad range of backgrounds and life experiences. The members of this class are deeply and actively involved in many ministry areas of our church. They use the Adult Bible Study for curriculum.
Sisters in Spirit is a women's class that meets in the room off of the sanctuary. They vary in ages and enjoy study material relative to their faith walk with Christ.
Transitions Class - This class consists of mostly married and single young adults. Many of them have young children. This class studies contemporary topics that meet them where they are in their lives: beginning families, living out our faith in our jobs, dealing with life, etc. They meet in the Gathering Room near the kitchen.
Wesley Class This class is a mixed age group class. This group enjoys study material written by authors like Kalas, Moore, and others. They have a great time in study and fellowship. They meet in the classroom on the first floor.
Life Class - This class meets on the 2nd floor behind the choir loft. This group of young adults includes couples, singles, and some are parents. They discuss books by UMC authors and other curriculums.