The Vine - News Blog

Pathways Winter/Spring 2015 Classes and Groups Preview

 
Here are some of the highlights of upcoming classes and groups planned for the new year.
 
Pastors’ Bible Study: “From the Lost and Found
Department of the Bible: Surprising Stories of
Loss and Redemption”
 
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) transports millions of passengers each year through New York City’s expansive bus, train, and subway system. In their rush to reach their destinations travelers often leave things behind. A lot of things. On any given day there are approximately 150,000 to 200,000 items in the Lost and Found inventory. On a typical day in July 2014 the lost and found items included 147 bicycles, 370 personal diaries, 67 airline tickets, 23 saxophones, and 19 death certificates.
 
The Bible has its own collection of Lost and Found stories. Stories of lost hope, lost causes, lost health, and lost people. But also stories of people finding their way, finding new hope, and reclaiming what they thought was lost forever. Join us for this tour of the Bible’s Lost and Found Department. The series will be offered on Wednesday evenings January 14 through February 11 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. and Thursday mornings January 15 through February 19 from 10:00-11:00 a.m.
 

Women of the Word (WoW) Study:
“Children of the Day: 1 & 2 Thessalonians”
 
Walk the shores of Thessalonica in this Beth Moore verse-by-verse study. You’ll learn how to let go of past mistakes and discover your circumstances are not coincidental – God’s timing is impeccable! Wednesdays, Starting January 14, 10:00-11:30 a.m., led by Pam Horton and Dana Cook.
 
Women of the Word (WoW) Study:
“Jesus the One and Only”
 
Join Beth Moore in “Jesus the One and Only,” a life-changing journey leading you through Galilee with the Teacher, across the lake with the Master, and finally, on the road toward the cross with the Savior. Get to know Jesus intimately... as if you had walked with Him during His days of earthly ministry. Wednesdays, Starting January 14, 10:00-11:30 a.m., Elizabeth Cramer Chapel, led by Jan Crowell.
 
Women of the Word (WoW) Study:
“The Book of John”
 
The Gospel of John is filled with profound truths and rich spiritual stories; stories of Christ’s miracles that inspire His followers; stories of death that redeems the lost; and the stories of Resurrection that provides us with hope for eternal glory. Wednesdays, Staring January 14, 10:00-11:30 a.m., Room 225, led by Lisa Garrett.
 
Place to Belong Study:
“A Disciple’s Path”
 
“A Disciple’s Path” by James Harnish is an engaging approach to discipleship from a distinctly Wesleyan perspective. The study guides individuals to take the next step in discipleship and become dynamic, engaged followers of Jesus Christ. Thursdays, January 15 through February 19, 7:00 p.m., led by Bette West.
 
Connecting With Arborlawn
 
The Arborlawn Story. Your Story. The Points of Connection that Bring Us Together. Over the course of three weeks we will spend time getting to know one another, sharing our stories, offering a background of Arborlawn and the United Methodist Church, and helping you to find points of connection to spiritual growth, service, and fellowship. Sundays, February 8, February 15, and February 22, 9:50-10:40 a.m. Facilitators: Ben Disney, DeAndrea Dare, Bayard Pratt, Dave Brower, and Verne Fuqua.
 
Grief Support Group
 
This six-week support group is designed to provide individuals who have lost loved ones with a comfortable environment to express their thoughts and feelings regarding their loss, find a sense of hope for the future, and equip them with the tools to help others. Through group discussion, prayer, Bible study, and journaling, the participants examine a variety of factors that play a role in blocking their ability to adequately grieve. Wednesdays, February 25 through April 1, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Contact: Melissa Austin-Weeks.
 
Prospective & New Member Luncheon
 
Join us for lunch as we fellowship, get to know one another, answer questions about Arborlawn and explore meaningful ways to deepen our faith and connect with the mission and ministries of Arborlawn. All new members within the past year are invited to this lunch as well as anyone who may be searching for a place to connect and who are considering uniting with Arborlawn. Sunday, March 22, 12:15 p.m. Location: Children’s Gathering Area (Room 146). Facilitators: Ben Disney, DeAndrea Dare, Bayard Pratt, Dave Brower, and Verne Fuqua.
 
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Pathways Fall 2014: The Intentional Journey to Faithful Living

 
The Fall 2014 season is upon us, and that means a new collection of Pathways offerings are now available.
 

Look for “Pathways: The Intentional Journey to Faithful Living” catalogs at the Welcome Kiosks on Sundays. Here are a few highlights of this fall’s classes:
 
Connecting with Arborlawn
 
The Arborlawn Story. Your Story. The Points of Connection that Bring Us Together. During these three weeks we will spend time getting to know one another, sharing our stories, offering a background of Arborlawn and the United Methodist Church, and helping you to find points of connection to spiritual growth, service, and fellowship. Sundays, September 21, September 28, and October 5, 9:50-10:40 a.m. Location: Room 222. Facilitators: Ben Disney, DeAndrea Dare, and Dave Brower.
 
Pastors’ Bible Study: “Say What? Exploring the Most Misunderstood Scriptures in the Bible”
 
Wednesday Evenings / Thursday Mornings, October 1/2 Through November 5/6
 
Scripture can be found not just in the Bible but also on coffee mugs, bumper stickers, pieces of jewelry, and plaques on the wall. Little snippets are printed on signs on Pinterest and held in the end zones of football games. The question is, do those Scriptures really say what we think that they do? What is the larger Biblical context? What was happening to the people who were hearing those words for the first time? What is the fuller meaning of these sacred texts? Join us as we take a deeper look and strive to have a fuller understanding of what these popularly quoted Scriptures really mean. Wednesdays, 6:00-7:00 p.m. Location: Worship Center. Thursdays, 10:00-11:00 a.m. Location: Worship Center.
 
A Disciple’s Path: Deepening Your Relationship With Christ and the Church
 
Have you ever felt that there was something you wanted, something you were missing, something you needed to do but did not know how? Have you ever had a sense that there ought to be more to church than just attending worship, making a pledge and being on a committee? Have you ever felt that church should not just be where we go, but who we are? If you answered yes to any of those questions we invite you to join us on Sunday mornings as we help one another develop spiritual practices, discover our unique gifts, and become engaged in ministry that brings transformation to our lives, the lives of others, and the world. Sundays, October 12, 19, 26 and November 2, 9, 16, 9:55-10:45 a.m. Location: Room 222. Facilitator: Rev. DeAndrea Dare.
 
Grief Support Group
 
This six-week support group is designed to provide individuals who have lost loved ones with a comfortable environment to express their thoughts and feelings regarding their loss, find a sense of hope for the future, and equip them with the tools to help others. Through group discussion, prayer, Bible study, and journaling, the participants examine a variety of factors that play a role in blocking their ability to adequately grieve. Wednesdays, October 15 through November 19, 6:30-8:00 p.m. in Room 212. Contact: Melissa Austin-Weeks.
 
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Pathways Training Continues August 26

 
If you have a passion for connecting with people, then Pathways is for you. Want to know more? Join us for Pathways training in the Worship Center on Tuesday, August 26, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. This will be a continued discussion of what we started on August 19. (You are still invited, even if you could not make it on the 19th.)

In 2012 the Pathways Strategic Team was formed to engage our congregation in living our faith in the everyday intersections of life. Believing we are called by God to care for and connect with one another, Pathways is the intentional effort to create connections between people and be the church wherever we are.
 
Through meaningful, intentional conversation, trust is developed offering the opportunity to simply continue the conversation or connect the person with others who are on a similar journey, points of mission, and opportunities for growth. Pathways is about transforming the culture of Arborlawn in a way that connects us to each other on a deeper level and empowers us to live our faith 24/7. Pathways challenges us to grow in our faith allowing God to work through each of us.
 
For more information or to sign up for the training, please contact DeAndrea Dare or Diane Johnson.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Pathways Training Begins This Tuesday!

 
In 2012 the Pathways Strategic Team was formed to engage our congregation in living our faith in the everyday intersections of life. Believing we are called by God to care for and connect with one another, Pathways is the intentional effort to create connections between people and be the church wherever we are.
 

Through meaningful, intentional conversation, trust is developed offering the opportunity to simply continue the conversation or connect the person with others who are on a similar journey, points of mission, and opportunities for growth. Pathways is about transforming the culture of Arborlawn in a way that connects us to each other on a deeper level and empowers us to live our faith 24/7. Pathways challenges us to grow in our faith allowing God to work through each of us.
 
If you have a passion for connecting with people, then Pathways is for you. Want to know more? Join us for Pathways training in the Worship Center on Tuesdays, August 19 and 26, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. For more information or to sign up for the training, please contact DeAndrea Dare or Diane Johnson.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Pathways Training August 19 and 26

 
In 2012 the Pathways Strategic Team was formed to engage our congregation in living our faith in the everyday intersections of life. Believing we are called by God to care for and connect with one another, Pathways is the intentional effort to create connections between people and be the church wherever we are. Through meaningful, intentional conversation, trust is developed offering the opportunity to simply continue the conversation or connect the person with others who are on a similar journey, points of mission, and opportunities for growth. Pathways is about transforming the culture of Arborlawn in a way that connects us to each other on a deeper level and empowers us to live our faith 24/7. Pathways challenges us to grow in our faith allowing God to work through each of us.
 
If you have a passion for connecting with people, then Pathways is for you. Want to know more? Join us for Pathways training on Tuesdays, August 19 and 26, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. For more information or to sign up for the training, please contact DeAndrea Dare or Diane Johnson.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Pathways: highlights of some upcoming programs for Fall 2013

 
Following are highlights of some upcoming programs we'll be offering this fall at Arborlawn (in addition to The Story Bible study and WoW studies covered elsewhere in this issue). The entire lineup can be seen in the Pathways Fall 2013 catalog available at church this Sunday and online here.
 
Place to Belong: Embraced by God - Place to Belong is a women’s study and fellowship group for those experiencing worship alone. This 8-week study by Babbie Mason is designed  to help you discover God’s deep, sweet love for you. DATES/TIMES: Thursdays, Sept. 5 - Oct. 24, 7:00 p.m. / PRESENTER: Bette Smith / BOOK: Available through Cokesbury or Amazon
 
Connecting with Arborlawn (Formerly Introduction to Arborlawn) - The Arborlawn Story. Your Story. The Points of Connection that Bring Us Together. During these three weeks we will spend time getting to know one another, sharing our stories, offering a background of Arborlawn and the United Methodist Church, and helping you to find points of connection to spiritual growth, service, and fellowship. DATE/TIMES: Sundays, Sept. 15, 22, and 29, 9:50-10:40 a.m. / LOCATION: Gathering Area / FACILITATORS: Ben Disney & DeAndrea Dare
 
First Things First! - A brief informal gathering for guests to get acquainted with our clergy, share stories, and ask questions. DATES/TIMES: Sundays, Oct. 6 and Dec. 1, 9:50-10:40 a.m. / LOCATION: Gathering Area / FACILITATORS: Ben Disney & DeAndrea Dare
 
The Compassionate Friends - The Compassionate Friends is a non-profit, non-denominational self help support group for bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings age 16 and older. The vision of TCF is that everyone who needs us finds us and that everyone that finds us will be helped. The Compassionate Friends offer friendship, understanding, and hope for families after a child dies. DATES/TIMES: 2nd Tuesdays, Starting Oct. 8, 7:00-9:00 p.m. / LOCATION: Room 271 / CONTACT: Bryan Bellamy
 
Beyond the Broken Heart (Grief Support Group) - Beyond the Broken Heart is a 6-week grief support group designed to provide those who have lost loved ones a safe, comfortable space to learn the skills and move gently through the pain and sorrow of a broken heart. DATES/TIMES: Wednesdays, Oct. 9 - Nov. 13, 6:00-7:30 p.m. / LOCATION: Room 212 / FACILTATOR: Deb Sewell
 
Place to Belong: The Organic God - This 6-week video-driven Bible study by Margaret Feinberg uses breathtaking scenes from her native Alaska as a stage for seeing what an organic relationship with God would look like when stripped of all pollutants, additives, and other distractions. DATES/TIMES: Thursdays, Nov. 7 - Dec. 19, 7:00 p.m. / PRESENTER: Bette Smith / BOOK: Available through Cokesbury or Amazon
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Adult Discipleship catalogs are here for the fall semester

 
The Fall 2012 Adult Discipleship catalogs are in, and you can find them at the Welcome Kiosks and in the church office. This semester's theme is "The Well: Find Your Place," and we're offering opportunities for everyone to find a place to Encounter Christ, Practice Compassion, Build Community, Embrace Diversity, Discover Arborlawn, and Strengthen Discipleship.
 

Look through the printed catalog (or see the classes, groups, events, and communities online) and see what might suit your discipleship needs this autumn.
 
If you have questions about Adult Discipleship at Arborlawn, contact DeAndrea Dare (817-731-0701).
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Adult Discipleship semester starts soon; here are some highlights

 

The autumn will be here before we know it. And that means a new round of classes, Bible studies, and other discipleship opportunities are coming. Watch for our fall catalog - The Well: Find Your Place - in print and online starting Sunday, Aug. 26. Meanwhile, here are some highlights:
 
Faith-Based Parenting
 
It has been said, “It takes a village to raise a child.” We at Arborlawn recognize the importance of partnering with families to provide a solid foundation of faith for our children. Sunday morning worship and Sunday School are important in faith development, but Sunday mornings are not enough. Join us at this one night seminar on Sept. 9 as Rev. Christie Robbins and Rev. Joel Robbins share practical, day-to-day examples of how to instill the faith in our future generations while growing closer together as families. Your family will be blessed by this.
 
Where Can I See God? A Study on Prayer
 
A large part of the focus of the Examen, or the Daily Examination of Consciousness designed in the 16th century by St. Ignatius of Loyola, was to help individuals see and experience God through times of prayer. Over time, this ancient practice is still helpful to individuals as they move forward on their faith journey. Practitioners credit this type of praying with opening up various insights into their lives, such as bringing them “new life,” helping them to grow more honest with God, providing reconciliation, deepening the relationship with God, or seeing God more readily in the world. This four-week class will be an applied approach to the study of the prayer. We will learn its parts, make some journal notes, and share with one another how we experience the impact of the discipline.
 
Intersections of Faith
 
The world is filled with remarkable expressions of faith. From Hindu ascetics, who walk from the southern tip of India across the country to the Himalayan Mountains as an act of pilgrimage, to Muslims, who seek to connect with the divine through dance, there are a vast array of images of what it means to be faithful.
     
How did the dramatically varied expressions come to be? How are they related to one another? How can they co-exist in a modern global environment? This three-session program led by a professor from Texas Wesleyan University offers an introduction to the foundational philosophical ideas that fuel many of the world’s largest religions.
 
Dementia 101
 
This one night seminar on Sept. 24 looks at some of the issues our culture faces with dementia. Learn all of the latest from Bill Crawford, Jr. (Comfort Keepers), Becky Kubiak (A Place for Mom), and  Dr. Sid O’Bryant (UNT Health Science Center).
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Stop worrying about money?!

By Mike Trinka
 
That’s what Dave Ramsey wants you to do, and that can mean only one thing: Financial Peace University is returning to Arborlawn! If you’re anything like me, your first reaction will be something like, “I don’t want to hear about how Dave hates credit cards for 13 weeks.” Let me be the first to say that I was so wrong about what Financial Peace University is. FPU is a 13-week video curriculum covering a broad spectrum of financial areas. Dave Ramsey covers topics including the psychology of dealing with money, making and sticking to a budget, different types of investments, and the Christian response to money.
 
Financial Peace University also targets a wide audience, which is to say that Ramsey includes something in the class for everyone. He addresses people who are married, single, divorced, in debt, debt free, young, old, homeowners, and renters. The class will meet you where you are in your personal and financial life, allowing you to devise a tailored plan that will get you on track and living the life you want to live. Not all the topics may apply to you, but there is definitely something in the class that you can use to improve your financial life.
 

If you are interested or even think you might be, please come to one of our informational sessions on Aug. 28 or Sept. 4 from 9:45-10:45 a.m. in Room 262. The class will be on Wednesday nights starting Sept. 14 at 5:45 p.m. in Room 222. Don’t worry if you are in Chancel Choir; we will make sure you get to rehearsal on time.  We’ll skip Thanksgiving week and end in mid-December. The cost of the class is $100, but if you can’t afford it and still want to participate, please talk to Beth Evers about it. We don’t want anyone missing out on this opportunity because of the cost.
 
I hope and pray that you will consider taking this class. I am super excited about it because I can tell you personally that it can change your life. If you have any questions about the class or the content, please find me and ask me.
 
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[Editor's Note: This article is about one of our many Adult Discipleship offerings coming this autumn. Catalogs for the Fall 2011 "Come to the Well… Quench Your Thirst" season will be available soon.]
 
ArborlawnUMC.org