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Adult Formation

Adult Education

 

Bible Study and Spiritual Growth Opportunities

 

Disciple Bible Study

The DISCIPLE Bible study program is designed to develop strong Christian leaders in local churches through the in-depth study of Scripture.  Through DISCIPLE, persons will be strengthened in their faith and guided into service and ministry.

DBS I - Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study

A thirty-four week study for adult and youth groups

The study moves through the biblical story from Creation to New Jerusalem

Features small-group discussion of Scripture based on careful study and
preparation

Aimed at transformation, not just information

Completion of this segment is prerequisite to all other studies in the DISCIPLE program

 

 DBS II - Into the Word, Into the World

A thirty-two week study of Genesis-Exodus and Luke-Acts

Continues the familiar DISCIPLE format

Teaches basic study skills for going deeper into Scripture

Links Bible study to witness and service in the world

Emphasizes practice of the spiritual disciplines

Encourages sabbath-keeping as trusting God

Calls for evaluating and reordering life’s priorities in response to God’s call

 

DBS III - Remember Who You Are

A thirty-two week study of the Prophets and Paul’s letters

Identifies God’s people as a community of memory

Sets the Prophets and Paul’s writings in historical and geographical context

Introduces the context portfolio of maps and charts

Understands Bible Study as a call to repentance - to turn life toward God

Echoes the demand of the prophets and Paul to put God first - to be a     community of obedience

 

DBS IV - Under The Tree Of Life

A thirty-two week study of the Writings (Old Testament books not in the    Torah or the Prophets), the Gospel of John, and Revelation

Final study in the four-phase DISCIPLE Bible study

Addresses community and individual life

Appeals to the senses and emotions through words, images, dance, music

Taps into the power of Psalms with a psalm of the week

Shows the distinctive character of the Gospel of John

Provides a video-led worship experience of the book of Revelation

 

Christian Believer

CHRISTIAN BELIEVER emphasizes the relationship of worship, belief, and daily life.  In this study of classical doctrines, participants learn or relearn the language of faith - that is, the concept and images in Scripture as well as the words and ideas in doctrines and creeds and hymns - shared by the Christian community.

 

The emphasis is not on what I believe but on: 

understanding more fully what we the church believe;

talking more confidently about what we the church believe;

confessing more intentionally what we the church believe;

communicating to others what we the church believe with renewed passion.

 

 In this thirty week study, groups will sing and speak the words of such hymns as “Amazing Grace” and “Breathe On Me, Breath of God” while studying the doctrines on which they are based.  In this study, groups will see the symbols of the cross, the fish, the lamp, the ark, the staff, the vine while studying the Scriptures to which they allude.

 

CHRISTIAN BELIEVER results in voice, ear, eye, and heart attuned to the language of the Christian faith.

 

Jesus in the Gospels

A 30-week, in-depth study within the Disciple Bible Study program, offering a comparative study of Jesus Christ in the four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.  This study looks at the unique way each Gospel writer presents Jesus, his life, teachings and ministry, as they 'create a picture' that emerges from their writings. The lessons concentrate on the synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and the Gospel of John with supporting passages from other parts of the New Testament and Old Testament scriptures. 

 

Students will have (1) a study manual and (2) a Gospel Comparison as companions to a good study Bible.  The study manual content confronts the student with some aspect of Jesus in the Gospels and connects scripture to daily life along with Jesus' call to daily discipleship.  The Gospel Comparison will allow the student to view a multicolumn format of each scripture passage from the Gospels.  A video component is a part of each session and is divided into two segments - the first portion offering a 7-10 minute presentation on the 'topic of the day' as presented by a Biblical scholar or theologian.  The second component brings forward art, music, words and the movement of the Jesus event and the week's scripture.  Each session runs for 2 1/2 hours.

 

Short-Term Disciple Bible Studies

Invitation to John is an 11-week study of the book of John. In the first chapter of John’s Gospel, Jesus invites his disciples to “Come and see,” and “Follow me.” Those invitations are echoed in this study that helps us hear the words of Jesus and witness his actions from John’s unique viewpoint.

Invitation to the Old Testament is an 8-week study which invites participants to listen afresh to the various narrators of stories for the Torah, the Law, the Prophets, and the Wisdom writings.  Participants gain a broad perspective of how the Old Testament clarifies God’s call in the Bible and encourages our response. 

 

Invitation to the New Testament is an 8-week study of the story of Jesus which is the starting point for understanding the church’s identity and mission.  This study weaves a dialogue between that story, as told by Matthew, and the other New Testament writings.  Participants learn how the New Testament writers wrestled with the issues and implications of the story of Jesus for the formation of communities of faith. 

 

Invitation to Genesis is an invitation to see Genesis not simply as a story about The Beginning (Creation), but to see it as a book about Beginnings.  From Adam and Eve to Noah to Abraham, Genesis recounts God’s persistence to “starting over” with God’s people.  It is a message both timeless and timely—for God’s people still see the assurance that God is always working to make right what went wrong “in the beginning.”

 

Companions In Christ

 

Deepening Congregational Spirituality through Small-Group Ministry 

Companions in Christ encourages us to spend meaningful time with God every day; to broaden our  awareness of spiritual practices that help us experience God more fully; to become part of a new kind of small-group faith community where we share our faith with others, listen to and value their stories and mature together as discerning people.  It invites us into that ever-deepening journey with God that we seek. 

 

There are three opportunities in the Companions Series, with each one following the same basic format. Each week begins with an inviting and often challenging reflection by a recognized spiritual author. Over the next five days, scripture passages and questions guide you through your own reflections, as you note important insights in a journal. Participants commit about 30 minutes each day to this. The week closes with a two-hour group session where you can share your thoughts, reflect together, and take part in a variety of group exercises. Some of these exercises are solitary and inwardly focuses, while others call for hands-on creativity.

 

You’ll explore the Bible, but it’s more than a Bible study.
You’ll learn new ways of prayer, but it’s more than a prayer group.
You’ll develop spiritual practices, but it’s more than spiritual training. 

How does Companions in Christ help you grow spiritually? It enables you to immerse yourself in streams of living waters with the spiritual disciplines of prayer, scripture, study, worship, and Christian conversation. These means of grace are the common ways through which Christ meets people, renews their faith, and deepens their life together in love. Companions in Christ can open believers to the fullness of God’s love in new and profoundly transforming ways. 

 

The Companions in Christ 28-week journey is the starting place for all Companions groups. This first resource in the series introduces five themes:  Christian journey, scripture, prayer, call, and spiritual guidance. Participants must first take this course because it teaches basic spiritual disciplines and introduces a particular practice for the group sessions. 

 

The Way of Blessedness is an invitation for small group members to discover and live in the kingdom of God.  Each week is an exploration of one of the Beatitudes from Matthew 5, Jesus’ teaching from the Sermon on the Mount. This 9-week journey guides through spiritual practices that help us empty ourselves of pride so that we can be filled with God’s abundant love. 

 

The Way of Forgiveness is an 8-week exploration of one of the most difficult of the Christian commands: forgiveness. The focus is on living a forgiven and forgiving life. The Way of Forgiveness keeps God’s grace and our blessedness before us, as we examine shame, guilt, and anger, and then turn to forgiveness and reconciliation. 

 

The Way of Grace is a 9-week study that provides a fresh approach to the Gospel of John.  This study invites participants to travel with 8 biblical characters who discover God’s grace through their encounter with Jesus.  The Way of Grace invites us to open our hears to a deeper knowing of God’s grace. 

 

Exploring the Way: An Introduction to the Spiritual Journey is a 6-week introduction to Christian spirituality for small groups.  This book defines and explains the most basic concepts and language of the Christian spiritual life: prayer, the Bible's message for our lives today, spiritual gifts, listening, journaling, and much more. It's the ultimate orientation to spirituality and the essential elements of faith. 

 

The Way of Transforming Discipleship is a 6-week study that challenges Christians to live the whole gospel by connecting spirituality and discipleship.  This study brings a message of vital, transforming discipleship that will lead you to knowing who you are, changing from the inside out, listening to the groans of others, and discovering the spirituality of belonging.  This study is for Christians yearning to make a difference in the world.

 

The Way of Prayer is a 10-week study that is designed to help people expand their understanding of the nature and practice of prayer.  It teaches us how to respond to God’s invitation into the divine Presence, and it brings a deeper sense of spiritual vitality and encouragement to seeking out new ways to pray.

 

Covenant Discipleship Group 

Covenant Discipleship Groups are small groups of 6 to 8 persons who meet weekly for one hour.  Members agree on a covenant of responsibility in four areas:  acts of devotion, of worship, of compassion, and of justice.  Modeled on John Wesley’s class meetings, these groups encourage members to live consistent Christian lives by holding one another accountable.  They are means for interacting with a small group and for forming friendships.

 

Wednesday Night at Belmont

Wednesday Night at Belmont (WNAB) seeks to model the early church by providing opportunities for fellowship, teaching, prayer, worship, and service. The vision for this format comes from Acts 2:42-47.

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need (service). Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple (worship), they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.


March 10

Program: Lenten prayer groups (lists of groups and meeting rooms will be posted in the Community Center and foyer).


Schedule: 5:15-6:00 p.m., meal served in Community Center; 5:45-5:50 p.m., birthdays, children leave for program; 5:50-6:00 p.m., announcements, joys & concerns, and prayer; 5:45-6:00 p.m., infant/toddler childcare (Room 111); 6:00-7:00 p.m., programs.


Reservation Reminder - All meal reservations, cancellations, or additions must be made by 9:00 a.m. on Monday. Make your reservations by calling the church at 383-0832 (ext. 49 after 4:30 p.m. and on weekends) or signing the attendance registration pad during the Sunday morning worship services. Reservations may be made weekly, or you may request a permanent reservation.


Menu: Baked chicken, rice, steamed veggies, Caesar salad, French bread,  cobbler and ice cream (youth, adults and children). Vegetarian option is available upon request. Deadline for request is same as meal reservation deadline.


Pricing:  children age 3 and under: FREE; children ages 4-6th grade:  $3.00; youth & adults: $7.00; senior citizens (age 65 and older): $5.00; family maximum: $25.00.


There will be no WNAB on March 17.  WNAB will resume on March 24.


March 24

Program: Lenten prayer groups (lists of groups and meeting rooms will be posted in the Community Center and foyer).


Schedule: 5:15-6:00 p.m., meal served in Community Center; 5:45-5:50 p.m., birthdays, children leave for program; 5:50-6:00 p.m., announcements, joys & concerns, and prayer; 5:45-6:00 p.m., infant/toddler childcare (Room 111); 6:00-7:00 p.m., programs.


Reservation Reminder - All meal reservations, cancellations, or additions must be made by 9:00 a.m. on Monday. Make your reservations by calling the church at 383-0832 (ext. 49 after 4:30 p.m. and on weekends) or signing the attendance registration pad during the Sunday morning worship services. Reservations may be made weekly, or you may request a permanent reservation.


Menu: Marinated pork loin, steamed broccoli, baked sweet potatoes, mixed green salad, wheat rolls, and cherry pie with vanilla ice cream(youth, adults and children). Vegetarian option is available upon request. Deadline for request is same as meal reservation deadline.


Pricing:  children age 3 and under: FREE; children ages 4-6th grade:  $3.00; youth & adults: $7.00; senior citizens (age 65 and older): $5.00; family maximum: $25.00.

 

Belmont Arts Council

About the Belmont Arts Council…

The Belmont Arts Council was established in early 2009 for the purpose of  increasing the awareness, celebration, and involvement of art in the life of the church.

Since the beginning of The Church, believers have expressed their love for God and His creation through every art form, in both worship and secular settings.  From cathedrals of old to modern worship centers, the works of devoted artisans have enhanced the beauty of buildings and the connection of followers to God.

It is the desire of the Council to facilitate the same at Belmont.  One of our first efforts is the establishment of a permanent gallery space in the hall along the outside of the Chapel.  There you will find works from Belmont members of  various media, whether painting, photography, childrens’ works, tapestry, collages, and others.  Guidelines for submission of works for consideration are covered elsewhere on this website.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Arts Council of Belmont United Methodist Church announces a
CALL FOR ENTRIES

Photography

The Arts Council at Belmont UMC invites you to participate in an upcoming exhibit showcasing the work of photographers in our church.

Eligibility
• Open to all photographers 18 and older.
• Color or Black & White photographs are elligible
• Three pieces per photographer may be submitted

Juror
This show will be juried, if there are a greater number of submissions than can be artfully displayed in our gallery.   The juror will be a professional photographer from the local area, but not a member of our church.

Deciding criteria will include quality of work and cohesiveness of the show.  All work must be appropriate to hang in a church gallery.

Calendar
Entries Due: entries may be submitted between December 15, 2009 and no later than January 5, 2010.

The preferred method of submission is via an email with files of the photos attached.  Please size your files at 72 dpi with the longest dimension (height or width) at 800 pixels.  These may be emailed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , with the Subject line as “BUMC Photo Entries”.

You may also submit your entries as prints with a maximum size of 8” x 10”.  Prints may be dropped off at the church office, attention: Anne Hoback.

Notification of accepted work:  January 11

Drop Off Dates:  January 28

In order to provide a pleasing, consistent appearance within the gallery, all winning photographs must be prepared for display using the following guidelines:
• Photos may be no smaller than 8 x 10 and no larger than 12 x 18, before framing
• Frames must be black
• Mats must be white
The frames and mats do not need to be expensive.  Several stores in the Nashville area include very acceptable and inexpensive ones, including Hobby Lobby, Michael’s, and Plaza Art Supply.  All three of these run frequent sales offering as much as 40%-50% off retail.

Show Dates: January 31 – April 30

Pick up date:  May 1

 

   

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