Christian Education
The Christian Education ministry provides opportunities for learning and missions that serve to nurture and encourage people of all ages as they grow and mature in their journey of faith in Jesus Christ.
An Invitation … a Blessing
One of the most important responsibilities that we have as disciples of Jesus Christ is teaching the faith to children. The Christian Education Ministry invites members to consider serving Jesus Christ in a very meaningful way: through the ministry of teaching. Sharing one’s faith in the classroom is a chance to enter into a significant relationship with a group of learners. Not only are teachers a blessing to their students, but teachers often are recipients of the surprising blessings which abound when one shares faith with others.
Children’s Sunday School – 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
| Threes and fours – Room 123 | Grades 4 & 5 – Room 204 |
| Kindergarten – Room 209-211 | Mid High – Room 227 |
| Grades 1 & 2 - Room 214 | Confirmation Class - Room 216-218 |
| Grade 3 – Room 207 | Senior High – Room 222 |
Adult Christian Education Classes:
Alpha Class – Room 011 – Sundays at 9:30 am
The Alpha Class is a community who gather to study God’s Word and carry that Word into our daily lives. We follow a curriculum from our denomination (The
Present Word) that is based on the Uniform Series of International Sunday School Lessons, a lesson series that is also used by many other denominations here and around the world. The texts for these lessons are organized into themes that give practical structure to the Bible studies. At the same time, the studies are arranged so that over several years, we examine every section, indeed every book of both the Old and New Testaments.
This fall our study is The Inescapable God and is based on readings in Exodus and Psalms. During September we will study parts of Exodus and explore the
ways God revealed himself to Moses and the Hebrew people in those early times. Then in October and November we will use various Psalms to appreciate
the ways that God sustains and protects the people of God, both in ancient times and still today.
Following this unit, in the winter quarter we will look in Isaiah, Matthew, and Mark at the topic of Assuring Hope. In the spring, we will have a themed study
over several New Testament books ranging from Matthew to Revelation on the topic We Worship God. Then next Summer we will close the year with a look
at the Old Testament books of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth in a unit titled God Instructs the People of God.
The classes are led by a team of teachers who emphasize discussion and sharing of ideas. We look at both what the texts would have meant to those hearing them in their original contexts and how they apply to people here in Williamsburg in the 21st century. We welcome everyone to attend.
Fellowship Class – Room 009 – Sundays at 9:30 am
The Mission of the Fellowship Class is to grow in our understanding of the Bible; to grow in relationship to Jesus Christ and to one another; to grow as committed disciples following closely the teachings of Jesus. The class extends an invitation to all who want to join in a journey of spiritual growth.
Beginning on Rally Day 2010, the class will be engaged in a 13-week in-depth study of the Covenants, both Old Testament and New Testament.
The class format and style of teaching is one of part lecture/part discussion. The questions asked are insightful and designed to expand our thinking on the spiritual truths found in the Holy Scriptures. The class format lets us learn from the Bible, the teachers and from each other’s comments.
The class members are composed of all age groups, from college on up, both singles and doubles. Joe Avellar, Keith Griffi oen, Larry Pulley and Ken
Crumbly share in leading the Sunday morning Bible study. We encourage and welcome you to join us. If you have any questions or would like more
information, contact Ken Crumbly.
Faith and Issues – Room 255 – Sundays at 9:30 am
The Faith & Issues Class is a discussion-based group that explores the range of Christian responses to current issues. Sandy Campbell will lead the class which meets at 9:30 in Room 255 (across from Pastor Willson’s office). We hope that you will join us!
The Thoughtful Christian – Room 010 – Sundays at 9:30 am
Contact Brennan Harris for more information.
DISCIPLE Bible Study
If you make my word your home you will indeed be my disciples……….John 8:31
DISCIPLE is a program of disciplined Bible study aimed at developing strong Christian leaders. It focuses on the disciple as learner, believer, follower, proclaimer, and servant while providing the fellowship of a small group for study, prayer, preparation, support, and servanthood. DISCIPLE aims at transformation, not just information. DISCIPLE calls on persons to submit themselves to examination by Scripture, to put themselves under the power of God’s Word, and be challenged by God’s Word.
New Study: DISCIPLE II, INTO THE WORD,INTO THE WORLD is the second study in thefour-phase DISCIPLE program. This 32-week study of Genesis, Exodus, Luke and Acts will be the work of individuals in daily preparation and of the group in weekly sessions. Participants will read familiar passages, seeing them in fresh ways and expecting God to speak through them. Special emphasis on sabbath,spiritual disciplines, and each person’s ministry characterizes this study. Completion of DISCIPLE I is recommended for this study. This class will meet on Wednesdays from 10am to noon. An information/orientation session will be held on September 8,10am in Room 011. Books will be available at that time at a cost of $35. Classes will begin Wednesday,September 15.
Continued Study: DISCIPLE I, BECOMING DISCIPLES THROUGH BIBLE STUDY is an ongoing class started last fall that meets on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m, September through May. The class is a continuation of the 34-session overview of the biblical story from Creation to the New Jerusalem.
Continued Study: JESUS IN THE GOSPELS is an ongoing class started last fall that meets on Monday mornings. Th is study focuses on the portraits of Jesus found in the four Gospels. Participants will encounter the Jesus who is both hard to ignore and hard to control – an attractive, commanding, morally compelling figure. It is that Jesus who is Lord and Savior, friend.
Continued Study: CHRISTIAN BELIEVER is an ongoing class started last fall that meets on Tuesday mornings. This study of the classical doctrines of the Christian faith aims at presenting, explaining, and interpreting Christian doctrine as the basic teaching of the church to the end that informed believing leads to committed discipleship.
Upcoming New Study: Short term DISCIPLE study to begin in early 2011: These eight-week, in-depth, high commitment Bible studies are modeled after the basic design DISCIPLE Bible Study. Weekly group meetings include a two-part video segment with interpretive presentations from biblical scholars; and opportunities for refl ection, contemplation, or inspiration on some aspect of the Scripture studied. Th ese short term studies are an excellent beginning to the DISCIPLE study model. This class will begin in January on Tuesday mornings.
For sample lessons and more information check out the Disciple web site:
http://www.cokesbury.com/disciple_controller.aspx?pageid=50&id=17
For any other questions or information, please contact Debbie Riley .