Short-Term Classes

 

Paul: A Study Of His Life And Writings Begins January 9th

Paul is one of the most powerful and fully realized characters of the New Testament. Letters attributed to Paul contain some of the most significant tenets of Christian faith as well as the clearest directives on Christian living. Thirteen of the 27 books of the New Testament are attributed to Paul and the Acts of the Apostles devotes more than half of its chapters to Paul’s life and work. He has been and remains highly controversial among Biblical scholars. To those who study his writings and read of his life and ministry, he becomes a very real and credible human being--with the strengths and failings of all human beings. His personality, as well as his ministry, is a study in contrasts. He exhibits an exciting mixture of strength and weakness, gentility and savagery, guileless minister and political savant.

This class will examine what is known of the life of Saul of Tarsus and Paul the Apostle. We began by studying the biographical accounts in Acts and selected portions of his letters. We will follow Paul and his fellow missionaries in their journeys to spread the Good News throughout the Roman Empire. We are now involved in a systematicic review of his letters. As our 2008 sessions resume, we will continue our study of the beautiful letter to the Romans. We are studying the impact of these wonderful letters on Christians from Paul’s time til the present. The class is intended both for those who have not studied Paul extensively and for those who want to refresh their memories of this remarkable man and his work.

This class, led by Jim Bowen, will meet on Wednesdays from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. People are welcome at any time, so bring your Bible and join them! The fee is $10. To register, please contact Tami Kellberg at tami@fumcaustin.org or 478-5684 (ext. 204).

Long-Term Classes

Stephen Minister Training

What is a Stephen Minister? A Stephen Minister is a child of God who “walks” beside a person who is hurting. A Stephen Minister is a caring, Christian friend who takes the time to really listen. A Stephen Minister is a lay person who has received 50+ hours of training in how to provide distinctively Christian care. A Stephen Minister is assigned to meet on a weekly basis with a person who needs a companion during a troubling time.

Stephen Ministers are called to be Caregivers, always remembering that God is the Curegiver. “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

A new 20+ week Stephen Ministers training class will focus on listening skills and issues related to life crises such as death, divorce, loss of a job, chronic pain, prayer, and other helpful topics.

Sundays, 4:00 - 6:30 p.m..
Beginning January 27th
Fee: $75

(*If needed, scholarship funds are available)

Ongoing-Classes

Contemplative Prayer Support Group

This ongoing group meets twice a month in the Murchison Chapel and enjoys the study of books and scripture that help one center oneself in God. If you would like to learn to still the chatter in your mind, be more open to hearing the call of God in your everyday life, and take responsibility for your actions in a way that you have not imagined before than you are invited to participate in this group.

First and Third Sundays, 6:00 p.m.
No Fee

General Information

PLEASE register and pay for classes before they begin. Classes must have 10 participants registgered in order for the classes to make.

How to Register

• In Person
  Complete the registration form and bring it to the church office at 1201 Lavaca Street.
  Make checks payable to FUMC and indicate on the memo line the class name.
• By Mail
  Send in the completed form and fee to: First United Methodist Church, Attention: Tami Kellberg, 1201 Lavaca Street, Austin, TX, 78701.
• By Phone, Fax, or Email
  Call the office at 478-5684 (ext. 204), send a fax to 478-6169, or send an email to tami@fumcaustin.org. Promptly mail in your registration fee with a note indicating whether you registered by phone, fax, or e-mail.

Fees and Scholarships
Fees are charged to cover the cost of materials. Some scholarships aid may be available by contacting Tami Kellberg at tami@fumcaustin.org or 478-5684 (ext. 204).

Childcare
Childcare will be provided at no charge, but only by advance reservation with Samantha Franklin at childcarefumc@yahoo.com. Reservations are not guaranteed until confirmed by Samantha.

Cancellation Policy
If you cancel your registration before the course begins, you will receive a refund. If you cancel after the course begins, refunds may be considered. If we cancel a class, you will receive a refund.

Where Classes Meet
Room assignments will be printed in the bulletin insert by the week prior to each class. They will also be posted outside the main entrance to the church office at 1201 Lavaca Street. You may also contact Tami Kellberg at tami@fumcaustin.org or 478-5684 (ext. 204).

Parking

• During the work week, meter parking around the church costs 25 cents for 15 minutes. Bring your quarters!
• You may park without charge in the church parking lot as space is available.
• For daytime classes, please do not park in spaces labeled for staff without asking permission.
• After work hours, most parking spaces around the church are free for use.
• Be careful; read the signs. We suffer with those who find that cars have been towed, but we cannot be responsible for towing fees.