Adult Studies

The Church of the Good Shepard's Adult Studies program seeks to provide opportunities for the all adults in our community, not just those in our congregation, to grow in their faith as individuals and as members of a larger family of Christians. To that end, the Church offers a wide range of study opportunities.

Programs meet either on Sunday Mornings from 9:45am to 10:45 am at the Church or at other times and locations depending on the availability of instructors and participants. Sessions are usually limited in the number of participants so early registration is suggested.

Current and future offering include both short (up to 8 weeks), and longer (8 weeks and up) term programs. While it is recommended that participants attend each session that is not always possible and, depending on the offering, does not normally create a problem.

To register for a session or for more information on programs, including times and locations, contact Penny Rasnake at 703-281-3987 or prasnake@GoodShepherdVA.com

Sunday School (9:45 - 10:45 Sunday mornings)

  Faith Meets Life - Adult Rm #1
  Seasons of the Spirit - Adult Rm #2

Short Term Courses

These studies are generally several weeks (4-8 weeks) in duration. Occasionally we offer a short class that meets only once, in a workshop or other format. Short term studies are offered daytime and evenings at times other than Sunday morning.

Long Term Courses

Longer term studies require a commitment of more than 20 weeks. Usually these studies include preparation outside of class between sessions. Long term studies are offered daytime and evenings at times other than Sunday morning.

  Companions In Christ- Rm #10 (Senior High Room)
  DISCIPLE Bible Study Program

Other Opportunities

  Alive in Words
  Inquirer's Class

Forms/Documents:

Adult Studies Strategic Planning [DOC]

Adult Studies Survey Summary [PDF]

Sunday School (9:45 - 10:45 Sunday mornings)

Faith Meets Life

Faith Meets Life, is facilitated by Greg Bingham and meets in Adult Room #1 (across from Kitchen). This class examines what it means to live out a life of faith in light of daily life in our country. This class is willing to ask the tough questions and explore answers in a supportive environment.

Seasons of the Spirit

Seasons of the Spirit, is coordinated by Hugh McIntosh and meets in Adult Room #2 (Lakota Room). This bible study class is based on the Common Lectionary. Weekly lessons mirror the texts used in the Worship services. This class offers a more traditional approach to weekly bible study.

Short Term Courses

Methodism: Who We Are and What We Believe

Methodism: Who We Are and What We Believe, led by Pastor Mark Burgess. This course will address the basics of Methodist structure, practice, Wesleyan history and our basic theology as a United Methodist congregation. This is a great introduction and overview for persons who have come to the United Methodist Church from other faith backgrounds. It is a great refresher course for those who have been Methodist for life and may have forgotten the whys and wherefores to our faith and practice.

This six week study will next occur; September 25-October 30, 2007 7:00PM-8:30PM, Room # TBD

Streams of Living Water

Streams of Living Water- Marey Oakes will facilitate this class that will explore and enhance our understanding of Christian traditions and expressions of faith. Streams of Living examines the history of various Christian traditions and helps enhance our understanding of the practices and liturgy of each tradition. Contact Marey Oakes for further information 703-391-1284.

This study will begin in early 2008, Start Date & Room # TBD

Hebrew Bible: A Fresh Look

"Hebrew Bible: A Fresh Look" is a short-term study for adults desiring to grow in Christian faith and Biblical understanding. It will be offered at COGS on eight consecutive Tuesday evenings, 7-9 p.m., starting Tuesday, February 5, 2008.

"Hebrew Bible: A Fresh Look" will feature:

• The Bible as the primary text,
• Weekly small group study sessions,
• An informal, easy going style that incorporates group discussion,
• Video & audio components and learning exercises to enhance the group sessions, and
• Daily Bible and other readings to prepare and equip participants for the group sessions

"Hebrew Bible: A Fresh Look" will use the Hebrew Bible to examine the life that God calls us to live by:

• Discerning insights about Christian faith that can be discerned from the Old Testament and by
• Guiding participants along a path of growth in Christian discipleship by reading, reflecting on, and discussing selected study materials.

"Hebrew Bible: A Fresh Look" offers a fresh examination of the Old Testament.

It will:

• Interpret the Torah as a strategic plan for tough times, not as an antiquated book of outmoded laws.
• Examine the Prophets primarily as messengers, conveying God's word to his people in the "here and now"of their time rather than casting them as soothsayers who predict events in a distant and unknowable future.
• Present the Hebrew Bible as the dictionary and sourcebook that largely defines and provides the underlying meaning of the New Testament.
• Present Deuteronomy 6:4 as the keystone for understanding and interpreting the entire Hebrew Bible.
• Interpret the story line of the Hebrew Bible as God's self revelation, disclosing how God - in grace - relates to and sustains his people.

Because "Hebrew Bible: A Fresh Look" addresses Christian living as well as Old Testament issues, the study will have a transformational as well as an informational character.

This study will begin February 5, 2008 7:00 - 9PM, Room # TBD

To register for "Hebrew Bible: A Fresh Look," please contact: Penny Rasnake, Director of Christian Education and Discipleship at 703 281 3987 or prasnake@GoodShepherdVA.com.

3:16 Stories of Hope by Max Lucado (A Lenten Study Group)

3:16 Stories of Hope- Max Lucado is a prolific Christian author whose books have touched millions of readers. He has a way with words that will tug at your heart strings and yet still make you think. This study will change your life. Come and join us as we grow together during this Lenten season.

3:16 is a book about one of the most quoted scriptures of the bible. "A twenty-six-word parade of hope: beginning with God, ending with life, and urging us to do the same. Brief enough to write on a napkin and memorize in a moment, yet solid enough to weather two thousand years of storms and questions. If you know nothing of the Bible, start here. If you know everything in the Bible, return here. We all need the reminder. The heart of the human problem is the heart of the human. And God's treatment is prescribed in John 3:16." (cited from book cover).

Join us on Thursday afternoons or Sunday evenings for 10 weeks; beginning February 7, 2008. For more information contact Penny G. Rasnake, Director of Christian Education and Discipleship, @ 703-281-3987 x 13.

Long Term Courses

Companions in Christ

Companions in Christ, Part I, facilitated by Hugh McIntosh. CIC is a small-group experience in spiritual formation. In Part I, we will explore spiritual formation as a journey toward holiness and wholeness (the way of Christ). We will learn ways to meditate on and pray with scripture (the mind of Christ). And we will investigate various forms and styles of prayer (the heart of Christ). The aim of this 17-week course is to help each participant develop and maintain a daily routine of spiritual exercise. CIC Part II, which prepares individuals for participation in a weekend spiritual retreat, will be offered at a later time.

CIC Part I meets 7-9 p.m. on Tuesdays in Room #10 (Senior High Room), RESUMES January 2008.

Disciple Bible Study Program

DISCIPLE Bible Study program is designed to develop local Churches through the in-depth study of Scripture. Through DISCIPLE, persons are strengthened in their faith and guided into service and ministry.

BECOMING DISCIPLES THROUGH BIBLE STUDY gives equal time to both the Old and New Testament, emphasizing the wholeness of the Bible as the revelation of God. DISCIPLE aims at transformation, not just information, and calls on persons to submit themselves to examination by Scripture, to put themselves under the power of God's Word, and to be changed by God's Word. DISCIPLE invites persons to bring their experiences and struggles to the Scripture.

The Church of the Good Shepherd is offering a Disciple bible study this fall. If you are interested in participating in this exciting Journey in God's word call the office of Penny Rasnake, Director of Christian Education and Discipleship, and order your study guide today.

Class begins on Tuesday November 6, 2007, at 7:00 pm. Class runs 32-34 weeks.

Facilitators: Marilyn Bursch and Sue Rothenberger.

Other Opportunities

Alive in Words

This Christian Writers Workshop offers a unique learning experience and showcases the publications of the Upper Room Ministries. Editors from the publications will be on hand to deliver keynote addresses and to offer guidance for anyone interested in writing for publication in the various Christian styles: Devotionals, books, magazines, etc.

Inquirer's Class

Persons new to our church community, or thinking of becoming new, are invited to attend our Inquirer's Class. Sessions offer a wonderful opportunity to meet people and to experience first-hand what makes the Church of the Good Shepherd a unique community of faith. Each session is a mixture of information, group dialogue and fellowship.

Sessions are generally offered quarterly and are held on four consecutive Sunday evenings, normally beginning at 6:30 and ending at 8. Child care is provided upon request.

For more information and dates see > Inquirer's Class.