Winter 2012 Faith Development Series
Sunday Mornings (9:30AM)
Exodus
Join Seminarian Nathan Misch as he helps us learn more about the Israelites’ journey into the wilderness as they headed toward God’s chosen land. This group will meet in the Fellowship Hall.
Topic: They Like Jesus, but not the Church
Ask someone today if he or she likes Jesus and the answer is usually yes. But, ask if that person likes the church, and chances are you will get a far less favorable response. Statistics reveal an unsettling exodus from the church by younger people who are “spiritual, but not religious.” This is no passing trend we can afford to ignore. But, there is great hope. In “They Like Jesus but Not the Church” you will encounter the firsthand thoughts and feelings of those who find Jesus attractive, but don’t care for organized religion. Here are insights that will allow you to respond truthfully, caringly, and engagingly to such concerns as: Isn’t the church just organized religion that is politically motivated? Is the church homophobic? Does it take the entire Bible literally? Does the church repress women? Is it judgmental and negative? Does it arrogantly think all other religions are wrong? Based on the book by Dan Kimball, this study is written to help you respond to those who are open to Jesus, but struggle with difficult questions and negative perceptions of Christianity and the church. We will meet in the 7th grade classroom at the school.
Do you sometimes feel like the kids around you know more about the Bible than you? Want a “leg up” in the Bible category at trivia nights? Want to quiz your kids on the way home from church to see if they were really paying attention in Sunday School? If you answered “Yes!” to any of those, then we have a Bible study for you! Join Steve Siepman as he leads a study that works through selected Bible stories and find out how they apply to your life today! These stories parallel the lessons the students learn in Salem’s Sunday School so you can become a Bible expert too! Bring your questions and your Bible!
February 26th – Jesus Calms a Storm (Mark 4: 35-41)
Join Woody and Mary as they lead a study through the Gospel of John. This small group style discussion will focus on applying the lessons found in scripture to our daily lives. Participants are encouraged to bring their Bibles! This group will meet at the school; look for signs to point you to the correct room.