Men's Bible Study

Women in the Word Study Group meets Tuesdays at 8:00 a.m. We are reading The Faith Club written by three women–Idilby, Oliver and Warner (Jewish, Christian, Muslim) in New York/New Jersey, who wanted to write materials to teach children about each of their different faiths, but didn't know much about each others' religions. They began meeting regularly to discuss faith, spirituality, religion, (notice, it took three words to cover all of that since they are not the same), and also to explore stereotypes about their religions. In the over two years that they met, they grew personally and spiritually, into a friendship with people very unlike themselves. This is a beautiful read.
Books are available at the study group, $12. We meet Tuesdays at 8:00am in classroom 8/9 downstairs. You are welcome to join us. Contact the church office for further information (526-7332).

Philip Gulley Lecture Series begins new Adult Small Group discussion
Wednesday, September 22 begins a 5-part small group lecture series. Philip Gulley, Quaker pastor of Fairfield Friends Meeting in Danville, Indiana, and author of If Grace is True, and If God is Love, was a guest preacher/lecturer for the Bay View Religion & Life Lecture Series this past July. He was so well received to a standing-room only crowd on Monday that his lectures were moved to the large Hall Auditorium for the rest of the series. 
In his new book, If the Church Were Christian: Rediscovering the Values of Jesus, Gulley explores similarities and differences in the church’s life, and the person of Jesus. Churches may have dismissed those who are disillusioned with Christianity as uncommitted and lacking in faith, while the opposite may  actually be true, they have a deep commitment to authentic spirituality. Gulley argues that if the church were Christian, and following the Fruits of the Spirit as Paul described in Galatians 5:13-14, 22-23, affirming our potential would be more important than condemning our brokenness. Churches would be a place of inviting questions, and meeting needs, rather than maintaining institutions. These simple statements return us to the heart of what Jesus cared about during his ministry.
This study will be held Wednesdays, September 22 and 29, October 6, 20, and 27 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the church in the education area downstairs. All are welcome. We will spend the first part of the time listening to the CD of the lecture for the week, and the second half in group discussion. Gulley covers the following topics: The Fruits of the Spirit; God; Jesus; Who Are We?; and Prayer. The lectures can stand alone, but you may want to get a copy of Gulley’s book, If the Church Were Christian, which is an interesting and quick read.