Centenary UMC
Sunday, May 20, 2012

Adult Sunday School Academy

This new model of Sunday School launched at Centenary in January, 2012. The Academy concept is different from traditional Sunday School because participants don't join an ongoing class, but have a choice of options every couple of months. Some of these options will be for a specific demographic (i.e. women, men, parents of young children, married couples, empty nesters, etc.), but we will always have a "Drop-In" elective where the curriculum is not cumulative (marked by an asterisk) so you won't fall behind if your schedule takes you away on a Sunday or two. This webpage will contain the latest updates on what is offered in The Sunday School Academy and what material was covered from week-to-week. If you have any questions or suggestions for future electives, contact Rev. Jonathan Brake at jbrake@centenary-ws.org or 336.397.1334.
click here for small groups
 
Current Electives (click name or scroll down for details)
  
 
 
 
Christianity's Family Tree:
What Other Christians Believe and Why *
Room 301 (April 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20, 27, June 3)
Facilitator: Phil Mohr
 
This Drop-In course is a video-based curriculum by Rev. Adam Hamilton who presents a welcoming, inspiring vision of eight Christian denominations and faith traditions. Comparing the Christian family to our own extended families, he contends that each denomination has a unique, valuable perspective to offer on the Christian faith. Each Sunday will focus on a different denomination and the material is not cumulative. Come to all or as many sessions as you can to discover what we can learn from other churches that can enhance our own Spiritual lives. No book is required for this course, however, if you would like a copy of the material, you can pick one up at Glad Tidings Books and Gifts.
 
          April 15     Orthodoxy: Mystery, Liturgy, and Tradition
          April 22     Catholicism: Sacrament and Mass
          April 29     Lutheranism: Word and Faith
          May 6        Presbyterianism: The Sovereignty of God
          May 13      Anglicanism: Common Prayer
          May 20      Baptists: Baptism, conversion, and Scripture
          May 27      Pentecostalism: The Power of the Spirit
          June 3       Methodism: People of the Extreme Center
  
 

 
 
The Reason for God:
Conversations on Faith and Life
Room 306 (April 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20)
Facilitators: Michael Rogers, John Clarkin
 
In this Cumulative Course, Rev. Timothy Keller (who also wrote The Prodigal God) uses literature, philosophy, real-life experiences, and the Bible, to explore the truth of Christianity. Participant Guides are available for purchase in Glad Tidings Books and Gifts.
 
          April 15   Isn’t the Bible a Myth? 
          April 22   How Can You Say There Is Only One Way to God? 
          April 29   What Gives You the Right to Tell Me How to Live My Life? 
          May 6      Why Does God Allow Suffering? 
          May 13    Why Is the Church Responsible for So Much Injustice? 
          May 20    How Can God Be Full of Love and Wrath at the Same Time?
  
 

 
 
Blessed Earth:
Caring for Creation Is A Spiritual Practice*
Room 310 (April 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20)
Facilitator: Rev. Jonathan Brake
 
Following Jesus is good for the planet – or at least it should be. This is the radical, yet solidly biblical premise of Blessed Earth, a creative and compelling call for Christians to embrace sustainable living out of love for God, neighbor, and all of creation. Dr. Matthew Sleeth examines how God's original command to "tend and protect the planet" extends into the actions and activities of our everyday lives. Each week we will cover a different topic – so this is a Drop-In elective, but come to all sessions if you can for greatest personal impact. By advocating a spiritually and environmentally sustainable lifestyle, this study fits well with our annual Earth Day Dinner, Silas Creek Cleanup Day, and planting the Food Bank Garden. No book is required for this course. (This Academy offering is an abbreviated version of our 2-hour Sunday evening small group offering of the same name which runs from April 15 - May 6, 5:00-7:00pm).
 
April 15     Light
April 22     Water
                                              April 29     Soil
                                              May 6       Heavens
                                              May 13     Give
                                              May 20     Hope
 
 
 
All About Methodists:
History, Beliefs, and More*
Room 301 (June 3, 10, 17, 24)
Facilitator: Rev. Jonathan Brake
 
If you are new to the United Methodist Church or have been a member all of your life, you are invited to come learn where our denomination came from, what is distinctive about Methodist beliefs and traditions, what new adjustments are being made here in Western North Carolina and what decisions were made this year at our General Conference (April 24-May 4, 2012). 
 
 
 
June 3 Methodism: People of the Extreme Center
June 10: Historical Roots to Worldwide Church
June 17: Why we Do Faith the Way we Do Faith
June 24: Where is our Denomination Headed? Recent decisions in Western NC & General Conference 2012
 
 
 
 
Living the Golden Rule:
Discover the Ways Centenary is in Mission*
Room 306 (June 3, 10, 17, 24; July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; August 5, 12)
Facilitator: Various Church & Community Ministry Leaders
 
Do you know all the ways that Centenary is involved in Service and Missions? From mininstries directly led by our congregation to community agencies and missions beyond our "borders," come learn directly from those who are involved and hear their stories of care, compassion, reconciliation and redemption. Would you like to find out how to give of your time, talents, and more to be the hands and feet of Jesus in Winston-Salem and beyond? Then come to any or all of the presentations this summer from Centenary's church leaders and Community ministries.
 
(schedule currently being finalized)
June   3:      Children of Vietnam - Ben Wilson
June 10:      The Children's Home - Rev. Laura Elliott
June 17:      The Food Bank Garden - Ellen Kirby
June 24:      Samaritan Ministries - Anne Rudert
July    1:      Crisis Control Ministry - Margaret Elliott
July    8:      Prodigals Community - Sally Dunlap & Chaplain Chip Bristol
July  15:      Haiti Mission Team - Rev. Maria Edmonds
July  22:      Loaves & Fishes - Marianne Bach
July  29:      Second Harvest Food Bank of NWNC - Clyde Fitzgerald
August   5:  Forsyth Jail & Prison Ministries - Chaplain Rodney Stillwell
August 12:  Anthony's Plot - Rev. Russ May & Mary Guarino
 
 
 
 
Modern Parables:
Living in the Kingdom of God*
Room 301 (July 8, 15, 22, 29; August 5, 12)
Facilitator: Rev. Jonathan Brake
 

What if Jesus were walking on the earth now, in the 21st Century? How would he tell the parables that we find in the Gospels? What would be different? What would be the same? We will explore several parables retold through the eyes of today’s culture to shed new light on the old lessons of Jesus. Come share in a lively discussion and take away some new insights that just might make a little more sense in our day and time.

 

July   8: Hidden Treasure - Part 1
July 15: Hidden Treasure - Part 2
July 22: Samaritan - Part 1
July 29: Samaritan - Part 2
August 5: The Sower - Part 1
August 12: The Sower - Part 2
 
 
[ * Indicates a "Drop-In" elective, rather than a cumulative course ]

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