Sunday Morning Offerings

Christian Enrichment classes meet from 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. on Sunday mornings. The beginning and ending dates of each class vary. Childcare is available during the church school hour.

The New Testament—An Academic Overview
This is an opportunity to learn what modern scholarship has to say about the New Testament. In each class we will watch a thirty-minute video lecture by Professor Bard D. Ehrman of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Lectures will include themes of each Gospel, the “historical” Jesus, Paul’s Letters, the Book of Revelation, and “Do We Have the Original New Testament?” The class will discuss our reactions to Professor Ehrman’s presentations.

LEADER: Jim Wiedman        PLACE: Room 126      DATE: September 7

Getting to Know John Wesley
Many of us have only a nodding acquaintance with the founder of Methodism and would like to know more but don’t want to make a tremendous project of it.  Come on Sunday mornings and explore with me a small book,  Three Simple Rules, which Bishop Reuben P. Job has written about the three simple rules of John Wesley.  The latter part of the semester we will use a different text, John Wesley: Holiness of Heart & Life by Bishop Charles Yrigoyen. This second small book tells us of Wesley’s tireless efforts and his theology. 

LEADERS: Jane Dodd          PLACE: Room 127       DATE: September 7          

Spirituality Course
Class chooses the book it will discuss.

FACILITATOR: Beth Obear   PLACE: Room 23         DATE: September 7

Parables From the Back Side
Jesus used parables to communicate a religious principle, a spiritual truth or moral lesson.  We will study at least 12 of his 40 parables to understand the  lesson for his hearers then and the truth for us today.  By looking at minor or unsympathetic characters we will look for fresh insights for our living today. Through the parables we will understand more completely what it means to follow Jesus and to seek the kingdom of God.  In addition to the Bible, we may read Parables from the Back Side by J. Ellsworth Kalas.

LEADER: Steve Pennington     PLACE: Room 225      DATE:  September 7

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New Members' Classes 
Classes to prepare persons for membership in St. Matthew's United Methodist Church will be offered as needed throughout the year. The first class of five sessions will begin in the Fall.  Please call the church office (301-262-1408) for information.
Leader:     Reverend Richard Stetler

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Weekday Offerings

Disciple Bible Study Classes

If you're interested in a Disciples class, please contact Irene Schneider by email (disciples@stmatthews-bowie.org).  There are 31-week studies and 8-10 week study programs which assist persons interested in in-depth Bible study.

Pastor's Bible Study:  I Corinthians
These classes are designed so that people can drop in and out.  Group discussion is encouraged.  Anyone available during this hour is welcome to attend as we continue study of I Corinthians.
Leader:         Rev. Dick Stetler 
Resource:      The Bible 
Location:       Room 126 
Date & Time: Tuesdays, 9:45 - 10:45 a.m.

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The "Angel Gang"  
This group's mission is to draw on their common experiences as they assist others who are faced with challenges to their wellness. The group's focus is laughter, fellowship, and story-telling.  Everyone is welcome.
Leader:         Rev. Dick Stetler 
Location:       Room 126 
Date & Time: Tuesdays, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

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United Methodist Women's Circle Studies

An invitation to attend any of the circle meetings is extended to all women. For specific information, please call the leader of the circle in which you are interested or contact Jody Kelley.

AGAPE CIRCLE  
Leader:          Jane Anderson 
Resource:        When All Else Fails, Read the Instructions
                          by James Moore
Location:        In members' homes 
Date & Time:   First Thursday of the month, 9:30 a.m. 

EVENING CIRCLE 
Leader:          Jo Ellen Thompson
Resource:         When All Else Fails, Read the Instructions
                          by James Moore
Location:        In members' homes 
Date & Time:   Second Monday of the month, 7:30 p.m. 

FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE
Leaders:         Mickey Fisher 
Resource:         Noah Built his Ark in the Sunshine
                          by James W. Moore
Location:        St Matthew's, Room 223 
Date & Time:   Second Thursday of the month, 12:00 noon 

MARTHA CIRCLE
Leader:          Jenny Garmon, Linda Harbaugh
Resource:        Discovering God's Will for Your Life
Location:       St Matthew's, Room 102 (Parlor)-Babysitting provided
Date & Time:  Second Friday of the month, 9:30 a.m. 

KOINONIA CIRCLE
Leaders:        Karen Laumoli
Resource:        Living Free
Location:       St Matthew's, Room 102 (Parlor)-Babysitting provided
Date & Time:  Third Monday of the month, 7:30 p.m. 

SUSANNA WESLEY CIRCLE 
Leader:         Pat Bond 
Resource:      Listening for God. Volume 1
Location:       In members' homes 
Date & Time:  Third Wednesday of the month, 7:30 p.m.

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