|
Once you have participated in the first course, you can participate in any of
the others. More than 60 people in the congregation have participated in these
courses which has led to our being a congregation basing decisions on the
bible and growing in faith. You are invited to participate in this study which
is a nationwide emphasis in the United Methodist Church.
THE CHURCH STUDIES
HOMOSEXUALITY
As a part of the New York Conference program to promote study and dialogue
on homosexuality, to increasingly be a congregation and denomination with "open,
hearts, open minds, open doors" as the official United Methodist ad campaign
says, our congregation offered the study group, THE CHURCH STUDIES
HOMOSEXUALITY, for six Sunday evenings. Fortunately, in this congregation one
can have fun being together with other Christians openly discussing difficult
topics in our society. That was once again true in this study group.
The sessions were led by Mark and the Pastor.
In the last session the group shared what they had learned in the sessions and
upon finding that exercise of sharing to be very meaningful, the group decided
to share their responses with the congregation. Upon reading these
responses you may find that you would like to read more or discuss the topic.
You are invited to do so. THE CHURCH STUDIES HOMOSEXUALITY books, the
United Methodist official study resource, and a book by biblical scholar Walter
Wink, HOMOSEXUALITY AND THE BIBLE, are available in a basket in the church
entrance for you to borrow, read, and return.
Here are the responses from members of our congregation's study group:
"I am grateful to be a part of a congregation and denomination that seeks to
study and understand homosexuality rather than reach conclusions without benefit
of dialogue and study. I have learned that we are all children of God and
entitled to God's grace. While as a denomination, we continue to struggle
toward understanding on the topic, I believe our duty as a congregation of
Christ is to welcome, love, and minister to gays and lesbians in our communities
and enjoy the benefits of their God-given gifts."
"It is refreshing and affirming to be a part of a congregation where we can
explore everything and be supported in that. I am very grateful to be a
part of this kind of congregation! "
"I came into the study somewhat leery of what I would learn. However, I had been
struggling for a long time on what to believe-is homosexuality a sin or
not? My heart and my exposure to gay friends said no, but my church background
said yes. I needed some answers.
"This study gave me the clarity I was looking for to decide what I believe. The
biggest surprise to me was how little the Bible says on the subject. Only seven
scriptures were listed. Of those seven even biblical scholars cannot seem to
agree entirely on the intent and meaning. I always thought the subject was more
cut and dried. Its not! No wonder I (and others) have struggled with this!
"where there is doubt I would rather err on the side of Jesus' all inclusive
"Love your neighbor as yourself" toward my fellow Christians.
"I want to thank CUMC for sponsoring this study. I learned a lot and grew
spiritually."
I found the class to be well worth my time. The most important thing I
learned from this study is how little homosexuality is mentioned in the bible.
I always thought that there were many outright statements against it. This
reaffirms my belief that homosexuality is not a sin."
"Homosexuality is not a choice. God loves us all equally. We must welcome,
respect and support our sisters and brothers, no matter what their sexual
orientation. We as a congregation and as a church have an obligation to convince
others of this."
"I am so grateful to be a part of a congregation that goes forth with studies
like this one without fear. We belong to an open, faithful body of God which
seeks to be inclusive and accepting of differences despite the natural human
tendency to avoid and fear change. The more we studied this topic and applicable
bible readings, the more we came to believe that homosexuality is an inborn
trait just as is the heterosexuality a predominance of society enjoys."
"Having come out of a fairly conservative background, I would have to say that
I've been rather on the fence about this issue for years. This course of
study has helped me to get off the fence and to stand with our homosexual
brothers and sisters. The sharing and insights from the study authors, but
more importantly from those participating was inspirational and a blessing to
me. My hope would be others in the future could share in this experience
of God's grace and love."
Growing up as a jock, all I knew about homosexuality was what I learned in the
locker room. The locker room not only teaches you about gays, but also
about women, minorities and geeks. I long ago got my head straight about
women, minorities and geeks, but homosexuals took a bit longer. I was
fortunate to have a church like CUMC to open my mind."
"I must admit when I signed up to join this study, I wasn't quite sure of what
to expect. What I did know was that not being a biblical scholar, I really
didn't know what the Bible actually says about the subject. I also have very
dear friends who have been in committed, monogamous, long-term, homosexual
relationships, which I whole-heartily support. My concern - if I came away
being told this was wrong in the eyes of God and this church community, and that
it is a choice of lifestyle not a physiological one, then I'd be at a
troublesome crossroad. Had I come to that crossroad, I probably would have
chosen to part ways with my CUMC family. Our study was an interesting one
and my bottom-line reaction was 'so what is all the fuss about?' I was
amazed to see how little is mentioned in the scriptures and the lack of clarity
in the written word, leaving much room for interpretation. For me it was a
blessing to know that I was in the company of other CUMC members who are
accepting of all people regardless of their sexual
orientation."
EXPLORERS ADULT GROUP
The group is currently exploring India
and Pakistan, meeting Sunday mornings in Room A at 9:30-10:30 a.m. This
mission study on India and Pakistan presents the richness and diversity of the
cultures of both countries. It explores selected current key issues affecting
both countries, including gender issues, poverty, child labor, population,
caste, illiteracy, religious extremism, and globalization. The study also
explores the border conflict over Kashmir between India and Pakistan. No
background is needed, no preparation is necessary. Come every Sunday or some
Sundays. Len, Carolyn, and Sergio are coordinators.
Previous topics recently include:
Faith Questions -
What About the Devil? A Study of Satan in the Bible and Christian Tradition: To
meet the needs of people who have questions about the Christian faith and who
desire a deeper engagement with scripture and with discipleship as they explore
studies of issues in theology, ethics, missions, Bible interpretation, and
church history, Explorers Adult Group is using this theme for several weeks
beginning September 10. The group will explore understanding of Satan as
presented in the Bible and in Christian tradition and how these understandings
inform Christian life. It addresses such questions as the following: Where did
Satan come from? What does the Bible say to us about Satan? What is the Old
Testament view of Satan? The New Testament view? How has Satan been understood
in Christian history? What is the connection between Satan and evil? between
Satan and disease? what is exorcism? What are demons? Where does the word
"devil" come from? What are contemporary understandings of Satan? How do such
understandings inform our daily Christian life? Are Satan and the devil the same
being? What about the accuser in Job? and the serpent in the Garden of Eden? Can
we be possessed by Satan? Is Satan an entity such as the embodiment of evil? Are
all sins and evil the doing of Satan? Is there a battle between God and Satan?
How do I combat the forces of Satan?
Adult Too:
Sunday 9:30 a.m. Education Wing:
Invitation to the New Testament Using Matthew's Gospel as a starting point, this
study explores how the new Testament writers and the early Christian community
wrestled with the coming of Jesus - his life, actions, mission, death, and
resurrection - and the implications of his arrival for their lives and their
communities of faith. Moving through the Gospel of Matthew sequentially, the
overarching themes from this story of Jesus provide the conversation topics for
each of the eight sessions. Each theme is then traced through other related
passages in the New Testament. Who is Jesus and what is his significance for our
lives? Participants are invited to join this conversation, to study afresh this
story of Jesus, and to learn more about their calling to discipleship and to
community.
Study Contents
1. Jesus Calls Us Into God's Redemption Story
2. Jesus Calls Us to a Transformed Life
3. Jesus Calls Us to Minister to a Hostile World
4. Jesus Calls Us to Complex Communities of Faith
5. Jesus Calls Us to Serve One Another
6. Jesus Calls Us to a New Relationship With Tradition
7. Jesus Calls Us to Live in Light of His Coming Again
8. Jesus Calls Us to Experience the Gifts of His Dying and Rising
Disciple Bible Study 3:
Meets Sunday evenings at 6:30 p.m. at the home of David and Lucy: REMEMBER WHO
YOU ARE: Resident in the title is the driving idea in this study the
connection between memory and identity as the people of God. The word You in the
title is meant to be heard both in its singular form (the individual) and its
plural form (the community). We are a community of memory. Participants in this
thirty-two week study will read the major and minor Old Testament prophets, with
the exception of Daniel, and will read the thirteen letters traditionally
attributed to Paul. To establish the historical context in which the prophets
spoke for God, daily reading assignments also draw on the books of Deuteronomy
through Chronicles. Study of the prophets will follow their historical sequence
rather than their biblical sequence. The dating of Paul’s letters influences the
sequence of their study.
Several themes weave their way through the study the call to remember; the
call to repentance; the need for renewed vision (eyes to see, ears to hear); and
the place of community. REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE concentrates on the Old Testament
prophets and the letters of Paul. The prophets and Paul are continually calling
hearers and readers back to their God and to a sense of who they are as a people
"set apart". The prophets and the community cannot be separated. The prophets
spoke for God, out of the community, and to the community. Paul’s experience of
the risen Lord, his relationship to the community he addressed, his Jewish
traditions, and the Greco-Roman culture of his day merged in his writing of the
letters. Paul used the language of his culture to carry the message that arose
out of his roots in the Hebrew Scriptures and Judaism. Adult Learning Groups
beginning Sept. 11, 2005
Often video segments are used, group interaction, use of study bibles and
bible dictionaries, dramatic activities, art activities, etc. for group
exploration. Relationships with interesting people and the fellowship and
support involved are benefits of participation.
OTHER FAITH NURTURE GROUPS;
Often during Lent or during the summer there will be short-term adult
groups.
New member preparation groups
Presentations on missional topics from people involved
Participation in planning groups
School of Christian Mission of the New York Conference
CT Central District events
|
