2009

Mid-Week Bible Study Continues!
“The Letter & Spirit Of The Law” Is Our New Theme

Every Wednesday at 7 p.m. you are invited to our Mid-Week Bible Study in the Chapel. We are studying a new theme, “The Letter & Spirit Of The Law” that will run through August. Members of the class will explore the biblical place and purpose of law, and its related topics of covenant, promise, Jesus’ ultimate law, and Paul’s understanding of the Spirit of the Law.

Dates and Topics:
July 8 – The Ten Commandments ~ Patty Groetsch
July 15 – Consequences Of Not Following The Ten Commandments ~ Michelle Brown and Joe Stanley
July 22 – Marriage and Family Laws ~ Steve Rubin
July 29 – Laws Concerning Social Security and Welfare ~ Jane Cheiky
August 5 – NO CLASS – Vacation Bible School
August 12 – Criminal Laws ~ Rick Smith
August 19 – The Greatest Commandment ~ Pastor Allen and Michelle
August 26 – The Letter of the Law and the Spirit of the Law According To Paul ~ Pastor Allen and Maurice
 

Please join us for this wonderful and insightful time exploring our most treasured resource: Holy Scripture. No previous Bible Study experience is needed!

Winter 2009 Adult Sunday School Classes Resume January 4
 

Sunday School Classes for young adults and adults resume on January 4. Adult Bible Study with Ralph Eyring, Sunday’s at 9 a.m., is held in the Friendship Classroom off of the Chapel. The theme for this quarter is “Old Testament People of Commitment.” In this quarter the commitment of several Old Testament personalities is explored.

The first lesson is about the midwives who kept the Hebrew boy babies alive. Next, the participants will meet Rahab, the Jericho harlot who cooperated with the Hebrew spies. Then comes a look at Joshua’s commitment as the successor to Moses; and then following is an examination of the role of Samson’s mother in preparing for his birth. Lesson 5 considers the Shunammite woman who assisted Elisha. In Lesson 6, Nathan confronts King David. Lesson 7 looks at the story of Esther, and Lesson 8 considers the response of Isaiah to God’s call.
 

The Discipleship Class with Pastor Allen, Sunday’s at 9:00 a.m, is held in the Parlor. For the winter quarter this class will use the book “When You’re Going The Wrong Way – Turn Around! How To Head In God’s Direction” by James W. Moore.

In the introduction to the book, Moore writes, “When you are going the wrong way, when you are going a dangerous way, a destructive way, a potentially deadly way, there is only one thing to do: Make a U-turn as fast as you can! This is true not only on the streets and highways of America. It also is true on the spiritual and moral roads of life. And the good news is this: With God, U-turns are allowed! God permits U-turns! God enables and empowers U-turns! There are some situations in life that call for a U-turn; nothing else will work.” A few copies of the book will be available for purchase, but having the book will not be necessary for participating in the class.

Mid-Week Bible Study Going Strong, 7:00 p.m.

Our Mid-Week Bible Study will resume on Wednesday, September 3 at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel Classroom. Our theme for this fall will be Miracles Of The Bible: A Celebration Of The Wonders Of God.  As has been successful in past years, we will divide up the lessons amongst those class members who wish to teach. Subtopics include: Miracles of Creation, Miracles of the Exodus, Miracles in the Wilderness, Miracles of the Prophets, Miracles Over Nature, Miracles of Healing, Miracles of Resurrection, The Resurrection of Jesus, Miracles of the Disciples.

New Bible Study students are always welcome! Join us each week on Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
 

MID-WEEK BIBLE STUDY SCHEDULE
Winter 2009 – Wed. 7 p.m.

January 2009
7 – Michelle – Let There Be Light
(Genesis 1:1-3)

14 – Patty – Daniel And The Lion’s Den ~ Cancelled because of snow!
(Daniel 6:16-17 & 25-27)

21 – Brenda – Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendnego
(Daniel 3:19-20, 22-28)

28 – Jay – David & Goliath ~ Cancelled because of snow
(*1 Samuel 17:41-51)

February 2009
4 – Joey – Jonah & The Big Fish
(*Jonah)

11 – Allen – The Widow’s Oil
(II Kings 4:1-7)

18 – Jean – Peter & John
(Acts 3:2-11)

25 – 7 p.m. Ash Wednesday Service (conclusion of prayer vigil)

* not in the book
 

March

4 – Jay – David & Goliath ~ Makeover because of snow
(*1 Samuel 17:41-51)

11 - Patty – Daniel And The Lion’s Den ~ Makeover because of snow!
(Daniel 6:16-17 & 25-27)

18 - Allen - The "Triumphal" Entry Into Jerusalem

25 - Jane & Tammy - The Garden Of Gesthemane

April

1 - Norma - The Trial of Jesus

8 - John, Steve, Maurice - The Last Supper/Passover
 

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2008

New Members/Inquirers Classes

New Members/Inquirers Classes - New Class February 23 & March 2, 7-9 p.m.

This winter another class will be offered to help our new members, as well as others interested in knowing more about the church and membership, gain the knowledge they need to more fully participate in the life of Franklin Circle Christian Church.   Plan now to attend these classes on two consecutive Monday nights: February 23 and March 2 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Using a variety of media (videos, guest speakers, articles, music, and even a game!) we will explore what it means to be a baptized Christian, a member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), as well as a member of Franklin Circle Christian Church.   We will be using “A Handbook For Today’s Disciples In The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ,” however only those who pre-register by February 15 will get their free copy. We will also preview the new DVD on Disciples Identity and Believes, “A Movement For Wholeness.”

Register by calling the church office at 216-781-8232 or via e-mail at PastorAllen {at} FranklinCircleChurch {dot} org. Those who attend both classes in this series will receive a special certificate of accomplishment and a surprise gift! This class will meet in the Parlor. Plan now to attend!



Pastor's Class Forming
A Pastor's Class for youth 12 and older will also be forming this spring.  If you or someone you know is interested in deeper discipleship, baptism, and becoming a member of the church please have them contact the church pastor as soon as possible.  This class could either be in a weekend retreat format, as offered last winter, or in a series of weekday afternoon/evening classes.  Youth must attend this class to be baptized at Franklin Circle Christian Church.
 

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Religious Education Opportunities for Fall, 2008
From the Cleveland Ecumenical Institute for Religious Studies (CEIRS)
 

CEIRS is proud to bring internationally acclaimed author, peace activist and movie producer, Mr. James Carroll, to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on October 25 for a one-day workshop on his recent film and book, Constantine’s Sword. The movie will be shown at 9 a.m. Mr. Carroll will speak at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. This event promises to be challenging, informative and controversial. Don’t miss it. Cost is $40 ($20 for students). Add $10 for a box lunch.

Dr. Hugh Burtner, from his vast knowledge and experience, will bring together the work of theologians, historians and sociologists in a four-session course entitled “The Future of Religions.” The classes will be offered Tuesdays at Lakewood Presbyterian Church beginning on October 21 and ending November 18. There will be no class on Election Day. Cost: $60.

Popular speaker and Professor Dr. Joseph Kelly will guide us through the Scriptures, legends and accretions associated with Christmas in his 6-session presentation, “The Origins of Christmas.” Always informative and entertaining, Dr. Kelly will consider all of the elements of Christmas, from the star to the donkey, and from spirituality to commercialism. The course will be held at the newly renovated annex at Church of the Saviour on Lee Road on Mondays, from October 27 to December 1, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Cost is $90.

Knowing how to talk about racial issues in a safe and often light-hearted environment is part of what makes diversity expert Elizabeth Robenalt’s course a life-changing experience as participants come to an increased understanding of their own racial identity and that of others. This is a four-part series, on Tuesday evenings, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Heights Christian Church. Part 1 starts September 2; part two starts October 7. Cost: $60 each part.

How to Register: Use the registration form in the CEIRS brochure, or send your name, address, phone, email, check made out to CEIRS, and the name of the course(s) to The Cleveland Ecumenical Institute, 2747 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44106.

For more information, call Bernadette LaGuardia at 216-283-1507. Call immediately if you are interested in the Racial Identity course.

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Past News:

*** Power Up With Jesus ***

Vacation Bible School 2008

August 4-8 at 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

There will be Drama, Music, Crafts, Lesson, Computers, and Supper

All children 3-12 years old are welcomed.

Staff:

VBS Director -- Michelle Brown

Crafts -- Norma Stearns & Andrea King

Computers -- Jean Borrelli

Drama/Lessons -- Patty Groetsch

Kitchen -- Colleen Munley

Music -- Pastor Allen

Pre-School -- Jane Cheiky

Theme Song: "Every Move I Make"

Meal Song: "Give Thanks"

Monday & Friday -- Wear your FCCC T-Shirts!

Menu:

Monday, August 4 -- Hot Dogs, Mac & Cheese

Tuesday, August 5 -- Grilled Cheese & Soup

Wednesday, August 6 -- Sloppy Joes & Fries

Thursday, August 7 -- Pizza & Pop

Friday, August 8 -- Spaghetti & Salad

Next Meeting: July 17 @ 7 p.m.

Mid-Week Bible Study To Explore Groundbreaking Book:

When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Harold S. Kushner
20th Anniversary Edition, with a New Preface by the Author

About this book
As a young theology student, Harold Kushner puzzled over the Book of Job. As a small-town rabbi he counseled other people through pain and grief. But not until he learned that his three-year-old son, Aaron, would die in his early teens of a rare disease did he confront one of life's most difficult questions: Where do we find the resources to cope when tragedy strikes?

"I knew that one day I would write this book," says Rabbi Kushner. "I would write it out of my own need to put into words some of the most important things I have come to believe and know. And I would write it to help other people who might one day find themselves in a similar predicament. I am fundamentally a religious man who has been hurt by life, and I wanted to write a book that could be given to the person who has been hurt by life, and who knows in his heart that if there is justice in the world, he deserved better. . . . If you are such a person, if you want to believe in God's goodness and fairness but find it hard because of the things that have happened to you and to people you care about, and if this book helps you do that, then I will have succeeded in distilling some blessing out of Aaron's pain and tears."

Since its original publication in 1981, When Bad Things Happen to Good People has brought solace and hope to millions. In his new preface to this anniversary edition, Rabbi Kushner relates the heartwarming responses he has received over the last two decades from people who have found inspiration and comfort within these pages.

About the author
Harold S. Kushner is the author of several bestselling books on coping with life's challenges. He has been honored by the Christophers as one of the fifty people who have made the world a better place. He is Rabbi Laureate of Temple Israel in Natick, Massachusetts.

Inquirer's Class Study: January-April 2008
Crossing the Racial Divide:
America's Struggle for Justice and Reconciliation by Sojourners resources.

During the months of January and February we will attempt to go beneath the surface of “diversity” rhetoric and get to the heart of our assumptions about race and privilege.  The resource we will be using, “Crossing The Racial Divide,” draws voices from the streets and from the gospel to provide insights into institutional racism and white supremacy.  We will explore practical models for dismantling racism and for reconciliation with justice.  This class is ideal for individuals and communities looking for biblical models to combat racism.

You are invited to join this Sunday School class, 9:30 a.m. each Sunday, even if you have never attended before, or haven't attended for a while.

If you would like your own copy of the study guide we will be using in this course (not necessary to take the course), they are $7 each, due on the first day of the class.

“Sojourners was founded in 1971 to articulate the biblical call to social justice, inspire hope, and build a movement to transform individuals, communities, the church, and the world.”

Winter 2008: Wednesday Bible Study To Focus On Rick Warren's Bible Study Methods

Our church's Mid-Week Bible Study will begin the new year by doing an intensive series on methods of Bible study.  Using the book Rick Warren's Bible Study Methods, members of the group will each take a method described, learn it, and then teach the rest of us how to use that method.  The author, founding pastor of Saddleback Church in California, says the key to transformation is found in scripture.

This easy-to-understand guide offers 12 different Bible study methods to help students explore biblical truths, apply them to your life, and grow as a disciple. Rick Warren's Bible Study Methods will help you develop a customized, personal approach to exploring and studying the riches of God's Word.

Chapters/methods that students will be able to choose from include:
o Devotional
o Chapter Summary
o Character Quality
o Thematic
o Biographical
o Topical
o Word Study
o Book Background
o Book Survey
o Chapter Analysis
o Book Synthesis
o Verse Analysis

Bible Study Methods such as the ones we will cover in this class will help participants develop a customized approach to studying, understanding, and applying the Bible.  Everyone is welcome, no matter what level of experience with scriptures one has, and new people are always warmly welcome.  We meet at 7 p.m. every Wednesday evening, beginning January 2, in one of the classrooms off of the Chapel. 

For a flyer/poster in .pdf (Adobe Acrobat) format, click HERE!
 

Winter 2008 Bible Study Schedule

January 2 - Introduction: Pastor Allen Harris
January 9 - Chapter 1, Devotional Method led by Jane Cheiky
January 16- Chapter 2, Chapter Summary Method led by Brenda Torrey
January 23 - Chapter 3, Character Quality Method led by Norma Stearns
January 30 - Chapter 4, Thematic Method led by Jane Cheiky

February 6 - Ash Wednesday - NO BIBLE STUDY
February 13 - Chapter 5, Biographical Method led by Joe Stanley
February 20 - Chapter 6, Topical Method led by ______________
February 27 - Chapter 7, Word Study Method led by Andrea King

March 5 - Chapter 8, Book Background Method led by Sharon Thomas
March 12 - Chapter 9, Book Survey Method led by _______________
March 19 - Chapter 19, Chapter Analysis Method led by _______________
March 26 - Chapter 11, Book Synthesis Method led by Jane Cheiky

April 2 - Chapter 12, Verse-By-Verse Analysis Method led by Sharon Thomas