First United Methodist Church of Arroyo Grande

Adult Study Group

Currently held Wednesday evenings at 6pm in Criswell Hall. All are welcome.

Current and Upcoming





Completed


November 10 - Advent, 2021
"How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" by Matt Rawle. We don't know why the Grinch hated Christmas. We just know he did! In this new Advent Study, author Matt Rawle explores faith themes in the Christmas classic, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" including how the Grinch's heart grew three sizes. We will begin at 6 p.m. in Criswell Hall with a light dinner and then share our understanding of this Advent study. Books are still available. In the meantime, try to find a copy of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and read it in preparation for the study! Please let Patti know if you plan to attend so that we will have enough study books.

March 11 - TBA, 2020
"The Passion Play—Living the Story of Christ's Last Days" by Rob Fuquay. This book follows the biblical story of the Passion and shows how the amazing Passion Play has been used, both as a ritual of praise and later as a weapon, through its anti-Semitic past. We will pair the book with the Leader Guide and DVD that was filmed on location in Germany and includes behind-the-scenes footage of the production. Books are currently available from Judy Atwood, who will also be facilitator for the study.

January 22 - March 4, 2020
This is a five-session study of The Walk, by Adam Hamilton. Discover five essential spiritual practices for our Christian walk, rooted in Jesus’ own walk with God. Each week focuses on one discipline for intentionally living the Christian life.

January 8 & 15, 2020
We will complete the Advent study, Light of the World, by Amy Jill Levine. We have explored the biblical texts surrounding the story of Jesus’ birth, tracing the Christmas narrative from the stories of Zechariah and Elizabeth, Mary, the journey to Bethlehem, and the visit of the Magi.

November 13 - December, 2019
This begins the Advent study, Light of the World, by Amy Jill Levine. You will explore the biblical texts surrounding the story of Jesus' birth, tracing the Christmas narrative through the stories of Zechariah and Elizabeth, Mary, the journey to Bethlehem, and the visit from the Magi.

October 16 - November 6, 2019
This series is on Down to Earth by Mike Slaughter. You will learn that nothing about the Christmas story is ordinary. Mike Slaughter says it's enough to confound the mind and make the heart contrite. This study opens up God’s Christmas surprise to us and examines how it changed everything.

September 4 - October 9, 2019
The first series is Stories Jesus Told: How to Read a Parable by Greg Carey. You will explore six of Jesus' parables to learn how to read, interpret and live them in your daily life. A short synopsis of the sessions is found in the September Castanet newsletter. Books are $15 each.

May 22 through Summer, 2019
On break until Fall.

Continues April 24, 2019
"Made for a Miracle," from "Your Ordinary to God's Extraordinary," by Mike Slaughter. There are two components to every miracle: divine action and human responsibility. The book explores what takes place for a real miracle to happen. Books are available. Sessions 3-6.

Starting March 13, 2019
"ENTERING THE PASSION OF JESUS, A Beginner's Guide to Holy Week" by Amy-Jill Levine. Delving into the history and literature surrounding the last days of Jesus' life, Levine sets the narrative in historical context. BOOKS AVAILABLE. Ends April 17th.

Starting Febuary 20, 2019
"Made for a Miracle," from "Your Ordinary to God's Extraordinary," by Mike Slaughter. There are two components to every miracle: divine action and human responsibility. The book explores what takes place for a real miracle to happen. Books are available. Pauses March 13th and returns April 24th.

Starting Febuary 20, 2019
"Made for a Miracle," from "Your Ordinary to God's Extraordinary," by Mike Slaughter. There are two components to every miracle: divine action and human responsibility. The book explores what takes place for a real miracle to happen. Books are available.

Starting January 9, 2019
"SIMON PETER - Flawed but Faithful Disciple" by Adam Hamilton. An ordinary fisherman who heard an extraordinary call. He was not rich or educated, but was familiar with hard work. He was quicktempered and impetuous, but possessed a passion that would change the world. He left everything to follow his teacher, yet struggled with doubt and fear. Books are available. The class also has a six-session DVD featuring Hamilton on location in Israel and Italy. Closed captioned. Ends February 20, 2019.

November 28 - December 19, 2018
"The Redemption of Scrooge" by Matt Rawle. This Advent study will "bless us everyone" and reinvigorate our spiritual journeys as we look at this familiar story through the lens of faith. Facilitated by Judy Atwood.

October 10 - November 14, 2018
MESSY PEOPLE: Life Lessons from Imperfect Biblical Heroes, by Jennifer Cowart.

September 5 - October 3, 2018
UNAFRAID: Living with Courage and Hope in Uncertain Times, by Adam Hamilton.