2014-2015 Sunday School Schedule

Here is my proposed list of Sunday School Classes for the 2014-2015 Church Year:

Just finished working on my 2014-2015 Connections Sunday school class schedule. I teach a class each Sunday before worship...:) Here's the schedule:

Aug 24 – Sept 28, 2014
6 studies: In the Beginning

A look at the first nine chapters of Genesis, which give us foundational elements, stories and initial events about our faith.

Aug 24 Chapters 01-02 – Creation
Aug 31 Chapter 03 – Sin and Separation
Sep 07 Chapter 04 – The Curse of Cain
Sep 14 Chapter 05-06 – Along Came Noah
Sep 21 Chapter 07-08 – The Flood
Sep 28 Chapter 09 – A New Covenant


Oct 05 – Oct 26, 2014
4 week series:     Julian of Norwich: Revelations of Divine Love

A look at the mystical writings of Julian of Norwich whose prayer book was the first to be printed and published by an Englishwoman. CS Lewis called the book ‘one of the most dangerous Christian books in existence,’ because it completely changes the lives of those who read it.

Oct 05 Biography and Revelation 1
Oct 12 Revelation (TBD)
Oct 19 Revelation (TBD)
Oct 26 Revelation (TBD)

Nov 02 – Nov 23, 2014
4 Week series Faith of Our Presidents

Continuing the pastor’s annual Presidential series which looks at the lives and faith of past US Presidents.

Nov 02 Franklin D. Roosevelt
Nov 09 Harry S. Truman
Nov 16 Dwight D. Eisenhower
Nov 23 John F. Kennedy


Nov 30 – Dec 21, 2013
4 week Advent series – The Prophecies

A four week journey in Advent based upon the Old Testament prophetic readings for each Sunday.

Nov 30 Isaiah 64:1-9    We Are The Clay
Dec 07 Isaiah 40:1-11     Looking for Comfort
Dec 14 Isaiah 61:1-11     The Lord’s Favor
Dec 21 2 Samuel 7:1-17    God’s Promise


Jan 04 – Jan 25, 2015
4 week series – All the King’s Men

Who were the disciples and what happened to them after Jesus rose from the dead? A look at four of Christ’s main followers.

Jan 04 Andrew – The First Evangelist
Jan 11 James – Destined for Death
Jan 18 John – The Beloved Disciple
Jan 25 Thomas – The Doubter

Feb 01 – Feb 15, 2015
Titus – What is Church?

A 3 week discussion about Paul’s letter to Titus and his advice about how churches should operate, as well as how Christians should behave.

Feb 01 Chapter 01
Feb 08 Chapter 02
Feb 15 Chapter 03


Feb 22 – Mar 29, 2015
6 week Lent series – Letters for Lent

A special 6 week study of the Sunday Lectionary New Testament Epistles chosen for the Season of Lent.

Feb 22 1 Peter 3:18-22
Mar 01 Romans 4:13-25
Mar 08 1 Corinthians 1:18-25
Mar 15 Ephesians 2:1-10
Mar 22 Hebrews 5:5-10
Mar 29 Philippians 2:5-11

April 05 Easter – no class

April 12 – May 17, 2015
6 week series – Calvin’s Institutes

A short series about Jean Calvin’s greatest work: The Institutes of The Christian Religion. Excerpts will provide topics for discussion.

April 12 What are the Institutes?
April 19 The Knowledge of God the Creator
April 26 The Knowledge of God the Redeemer
May 3 The Grace of Christ
May 10 The True Church
May 17 Institutes for the 21st Century

The Connections Class was established by the pastor years ago as an inter-generational group of church members and visitors. The pastor presents the class with the theme, background, and context, enabling the group to freely share their ideas, questions, experiences, and beliefs. It’s a fun class to be in, but it’s also a great learning vehicle for everyone who wants to grow in faith, biblical knowledge, and be with a group of people who are very supportive and always friendly.

Sunday School Lesson for August 11

This week’s passages are from Psalm 50:1-8 & Luke 12:32-40.

Psalm 50:1-8

Psalm 50 is about the almightiness of God and contains some very harsh words of condemnation upon religious people who choose to ignore God’s commands. In effect, what is expressed is God’s anger against those who would seek perfection in making sanctimonious sacrifices and the keeping of religious rites rather than actually living by God’s Word.

In our present pluralistic culture, Psalm 50 is highly relevant. It should make us all ponder over how we practice our faith. Do we express it in terms of religious obligations, or do we convey it in merciful deeds?

Questions for study and reflection

The first couple of verses present an image of God authoritatively summoning the Earth into His presence each morning. How do we initially approach God on a daily basis?

The psalmist writes about God being Judge of all the Earth. How does this type of imagery relate to our own beliefs?

God is portrayed as being angry because of the religious hypocrisy of His people. Are we prone to the same sin? Give examples.

In the second half of the psalm, God declares the wicked to be those who hate God’s commands and set aside His words. Is this still happening in the Church today? Why/why not?

Psalm 50 is not a comfortable psalm to read. How does it still challenge us today?

Luke 12:32-40

Today’s verses cover two important areas in the life of any Christian. Firstly, we are meant to be generous with our belongings and share them with the poor. We are not to spend our lives increasing our possessions, because they will eventually possess us and we may lose God.

Secondly, we are to live our lives expecting the Lord at any time. Christians are meant to believe that Jesus will return to Earth one day. As each day passes, we get one day nearer to that amazing event, so we are urged to be ready for Christ every day.

Questions for study and reflection

Why did Jesus emphasize our need to let go of our possessions and to build up our treasure in heaven? How do our hearts reveal what we treasure most?

Jesus calls us to be like servants awaiting the return of their master. Do we understand what this image means for us today? Are we willing to actually be servants?

What does Jesus expect of us while we await His return? Are we ready for Him or do we just take each day for granted?

What do you personally think will happen to you when Christ does return? Why do you think that?

The mission of the Church, as the Bride of Christ, is to prepare the world for His Return. In reality, are we doing this effectively and faithfully? Why/why not?

Any other thoughts or questions?

Next Sunday’s readings: Isaiah 5:1-7 and Luke 12:49-56

Sunday School Lesson June 23

This week’s passages are from Psalm 42:1-7 and Luke 8:26-39.

Psalm 42

Psalm 42 is a lament which was written at a time when the psalmist was feeling spiritually empty. It has been used by many people over the centuries to express moments of depression and despair, loneliness and vulnerability. It depicts the plight of humanity feeling separated from God.

Psalms 42, 43, and 73 express similar thoughts and prayers. The writer is spiritually weary and almost burnt out, which is a common complaint among many Christians today. Church membership can be highly demanding of our time, commitment, and resources. Burnout generally occurs when we focus on what we want to do, rather than seeking God’s will. The secret to a joyful faith and a healthy spiritual relationship is not to overextend our obligations, but instead specialize in what we can do effectively and efficiently for what God calls us to accomplish.

Questions for study and reflection

How does the psalmist express his spiritual emptiness? What reduces him to tears each day?

What things does he remember about worshiping God? Why were those joyful occasions?

What do you think is causing him to be downcast and disturbed about his faith? Have you ever had a similar experience?

How should praising God lift our spirits? Is this what worship is all about, or is it just a side effect?

Luke 8:26-39

            

It has been said that the quality of any society or civilization can be seen in how it treats those who are mentally ill. In today’s passage, we read about Christ’s encounter with a very disturbed person. The community has tried to shackle the ‘demon-possessed’ man, in order to keep him under control. He lives in a cemetery where only the dead provide him with company.

            

The story is a remarkable and puzzling episode in Christ’s ministry. The high point is the curing of the disturbed man, but at a high cost to the economy of the local community and livestock. Despite the miracle’s success, Jesus is asked to leave the region, for the people fear Him.

Questions for study and reflection

Why do you think Jesus was immediately confronted by the disturbed man when He went ashore? What was Christ’s response?

Why did Jesus ask the man His name? Who was He actually talking to?

Why did the demons beg to be allowed to possess the herd of pigs? Why were they so afraid of Christ?

The local community were astounded that the ‘demoniac’ had been cured, but what upset them about this miracle?

Why did the cured man ask to go with Jesus? What was Christ’s reply? Why?

How do we treat mentally disturbed people in our own community? Is this Christ-like?

Any other thoughts or questions?

Next Sunday’s readings: Psalm 16:1-8 & Luke 9:51-62

Summer Sunday School: June 16

This week’s passages are from Psalm 5:1-8 and Luke 7:36-50.

Psalm 5

Psalm 5 initially appears to be a personal outpouring of anxieties by David. Throughout his life, he was plagued by enemies and constantly at war with neighboring nations. He also had to contend with fierce family rivalries between his sons that ended up in bloody civil wars.

In this Psalm, David appeals to God to rescue him through His mercy and righteousness. David feels as though he is a victim and therefore seeks vindication from God. However, the Temple is also mentioned, which means that some verses were added on to this original Davidic psalm. How do we know this? - because David was not alive when the Temple was built.

Questions for study and reflection

Why does David come to God for help? What does this tell us about the king’s situation?

David prays to God and makes his petitions in the morning. When and how do we make our personal requests to God on a daily basis?

David describes God as taking no pleasure in evil and hating all wrong. How would you define evil in today’s world? Does God actually oppose it?

The other psalmist comes to the house of God to make his requests. Is being in church important when we pray? What makes each of our sanctuaries a house of God?

Luke 7:36-50

            

Compassion and faith seem to be the main themes of Luke 7. In this passage, Jesus is humbly served by a heartbroken woman. The holy people in Christ’s company are offended by this intrusion. Jesus uses the event as a special teaching moment about sin, repentance, and charity.

            

Simon the Pharisee is probably a good man because he takes the opportunity to invite Christ into his home. He is blind-sided by the woman’s unexpected interruption. Jesus, however, does not rebuke Simon for his lack of understanding. Instead, He graciously takes Him to a higher level of spiritual maturity.

Questions for study and reflection

What made Simon the Pharisee invite Jesus to his home? Why did Jesus accept the invitation?

Why did the woman feel compelled to go and find Jesus? What do you think made her weep publicly at his feet?

Jesus uses the situation to talk about being grateful for the forgiving of debts. What debts have we incurred with God and how do we seek them to be forgiven?

Jesus says to the woman that her faith has saved her. From what has she been saved? How does this apply in our own situations?

Any other thoughts or questions?

Next Sunday’s readings: Psalm 42:1-7 & Luke 8:26-39