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Being a church member is wonderful, and it
is especially wonderful at First Congregational United Church of Christ
in Elgin. There is a warmth and compassion and sense of support
among the membership
that continues to delight all who make this their spiritual home. Church
membership alone, however, is rarely sufficient for satisfying
one’s deepest spiritual
hungers and the need for a purpose in life. The New Testament does not
describe a church consisting of members, but of disciples walking
together in the way
of Jesus Christ. This discipleship is a skill. Just like one learns how
to play an instrument, or build a piece of furniture, or drive
a car, so one
learns how to follow Jesus along with fellow believers through a combination
of instruction and experience.
FaithWalk is a comprehensive program designed to give you the foundations
and tools you need for the journey of discipleship. Each of the three classes
focuses on a different aspect of the Christian life, but they need not be
taken sequentially. Come be a part of this ongoing process. Come and discover
there is more to church than membership.
FirstSteps: What’s It All About?
Perhaps you often avoid taking about the Bible or words such as “trinity” or “salvation” because
you feel that you don’t know what they mean. Or perhaps you have not
wrestled with such terms and concepts since confirmation and would like
to explore them again from an adult perspective. Then FirstSteps is designed
for you. If you are looking to have your beliefs confirmed and your faith
etched in stone, then this class is not for you. But if you desire an
examination
of Christian basics from an open-minded, adult-oriented, challenging
perspective then FirstSteps is the place for you. Bring your ideas, beliefs,
and even
your doubts as we wrestle with these topics:
• Session 1: Basic Assumptions about faith
• Session 2: The Bible
• Session 3: God of creation and covenant
• Session 4: Jesus of the incarnation and resurrection
• Session 5: The continuing presence of the Holy Spirit
• Session 6: The Church at worship
• Session 7: The Church in the world
• Session 8: Eternal life and last things
• Session 9: The Christian life
DiscipleWay: A Christian’s Toolkit
Q: How do you get to Carnegie Hall?
A: Practice, practice, practice.
It may be an old joke, but it speaks the truth. The way to become proficient
in anything is to practice, practice, practice with the tools needed to do
the job. This class will introduce you to the practices of the Six Marks of
Discipleship.
They are the “stuff” of a deeper relationship with God and a more
fulfilling life of faith. Join your fellow-travelers as you explore:
• Session 1: Why Discipleship?
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Sessions 2, 3, & 4: Praying Daily
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Sessions 5 & 6: Worshiping Weekly
•
Sessions 7 & 8: Reading the Bible
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Sessions 9 & 10: Serving in the church and beyond
• Session 11: Relating to others to encourage spiritual growth
• Session 12: Giving
LifeKeys: Discover Who You Are
Have you ever said…?
I don’t have any gifts.
My gifts are unimportant.
I’m missing the right gifts.
It’s too late to develop whatever gifts I have.
If so, LifeKeys can show you how gifted you are, how significant
are your gifts, how you have just the right gifts for what God
wants you to do, and how you can
discover and hone your gifts. Come and discover:
• Session 1: Life Gifts
• Session 2: Personality Type
• Session 3: Spiritual Gifts
• Session 4: Values
• Session 5: Passions
• Session 6: Life Choices
For more information contact:
Dr. Paris Donehoo
Rev. Lois Bucher
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The United Church of Christ.