Adult Education
We encourage our adult members at St. John's to actively participate in a weekly small group. Why? To provide another opportunity for community. |
2023/2024 ADULT SMALL GROUP INFORMATION SUNDAY MORNINGS 9:15a-10:15a PASTOR’S CLASS—DISCIPLE-MAKING 101 - Leader: Pastor Dan (Fellowship Hall). “The devil and his Tactics”. Pastor Dan will explore strategies the Enemy uses to deceive and weaken us such as wearing us down, maximizing our suffering etc. Dates for this 4 session study are April 14 & 28, May 5 & 12. NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION: FIND MARGIN IN MY LIFE! Leader: Tiffany (Church Finance Room) After the busyness of the holidays, we all want to slow down. And with the start of the new year, our thoughts often turn to self-reflection and establishing goals for the coming year. When you think about your daily life, if you feel pressured, overloaded, and overwhelmed, we want to help you find breathing room. Tiffany will be leading the group which will help you learn how to reevaluate your priorities, determine the value of rest and simplicity in your life, and see where your identity really comes from. The benefits of this study can be improved mental, emotional, physical and even financial health, more fulfilling relationships, and most of all - availability for God's purpose. The only thing you need to bring is the book "Margin" by Richard Swenson and something to take notes with. (March 3…) NAVIGATING THE HALLWAYS!! High School Small Group. Leaders: MaKenzie & Ali (9:45a - 10:15a West School 8th Grade Room). Join other High School age members to discuss Christian topics of interest to Teenagers. We will discuss topics like peer pressure, time pressure, SERVICE & Recharging! Please come and bring a friend. (March 3 thru May 19) THE DUST OF THE RABBI – LEARNING TO LIVE AS JESUS LIVED (video series by Ray Vander Laan) - Leader: Vern (Stephen Ministry Room – Downstairs). Do you ever feel like you are a follower of Jesus, but from a distance? Just as God miraculously blessed the early disciple’s desire and commitment to become like him, God desires the same of us. So let’s walk in the footsteps of ancient disciples for a while. Let’s explore the communities and culture in which they lived. Let’s examine the practices of the first century rabbis and their disciples. As we discover the world in which discipleship was born and practiced, we will better understand Jesus call to be his disciples. Come, discover how you can get dusty and be closer to your Rabbi, Jesus, by doing what he does. (March 3 …) MATURING IN FAITH - Young Adults (age 18 -25). Leaders: Sean , Ali & Nicholas (West School Library). Looking for a place to meet on Sunday morning and talk with other Christian young adults about common concerns & experiences?? Join our "Gen Z" Small Group. This Group will be part fellowship and part discussion of a Christian topic or two. This group is currently discussing King Solomon’s problem with having too much of Everything in the book of Ecclesiastes!! Please come and bring a friend! (March 3 + every Sunday…) THE REVELATION OF JOHN – Join this Small Group as we discuss how to make this difficult book more Understandable. We will study and try to understand why the book was written, to whom it was written and most importantly, what does it mean for us today, living in the End Times. This Group will be led by Harvey and Sherwood . This group meets at 9:15a to 10:15a in the Church Library. Bring your own Bible if you have one. (March 3….) SMALL GROUPS DURING THE WEEK THURSDAYS- MEN'S FRATERNITY - Leader: Pastor Pete Imlah (6:00a Fellowship Hall). The Book of James - by Francis Chan. True faith produces fruit. A faith without action and without life change is ultimately a dead faith. The book of James speaks to the realities of a living faith in Jesus—the kind of roll-up-your-sleeves and get-your-hands-dirty discipleship that is borne out of an authentic relationship with the risen Lord. James writes to believers who know suffering, who've faced trials, and who ultimately desire a deep relationship with God. Francis Chan unpacks the dense truth contained in the book of James in front of the iconic backdrop of San Francisco, the city where he lives and ministers. Through 12 sessions, Francis works through James verse-by-verse, challenging followers of Christ to move beyond a private, intellectual knowledge of God and His Word, to a vibrant faith that impacts every square inch of life. Questions contact Pastor Pete at pete.imlah@stjohnslombard.org. (All year!) THURSDAYS - WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY - Leader: Karrie (8:10a in the Church Stephen Ministry Room). The Thursday morning ladies fellowship Group is set to start a new study on the book of James. Summary highlights from the back of the study guide: “We don’t work to be saved, we work because we are saved. Faith keeps us humble rather than proud, directs our tongues to bless rather than curse, and causes us to show mercy rather than judgment. This is the essential message of James…..Faith works!!! We anticipate taking the rest of the of the school year to work this this study. (March 3 - TBD) THURSDAYS - SENIORS BIBLE STUDY - Leader: John Behrendt (9:30a fellowship; 10:00a study begins -East School Ministry- handicapped accessible). The Book of Acts with RightNow Media's "The Acts of The Apostles" by Louie Giglio. We see Jesus post resurrection, the miracle power of God and how His story still moves on Earth as we discover His promise, His purpose and His all-sufficient power for every believer! RightNow offers: “In a world that is unsure of where to find truth or purpose, the book of Acts stands apart. It reveals God’s plan for global redemption, his purpose for our lives, and the power he has given us to accomplish his mission. Pastor Louie Giglio walks through the story of the early church. Acts may have been written two thousand years ago, but God is calling us to be a part of that story today.” (April 11 – May 23) SATURDAYS – MEN’S FELLOWSHIP - Our Topic for most of this winter will be based on a book titled “The Gifts of the Jews” by Thomas Cahill. The author makes the opening premise that it is the Jewish people and their beliefs that have had an enormous and timeless Impact on civilizations since the time of Abraham. He uses various moments in Jewish History to support his opening argument about the importance of the Jews. After all, without the Jewish nation, there is no Christian nation and no Lutheran church!! This group meets every other Saturday morning in the Church Library. Members switch off leading the Discussion (Feb 17, March 2, 16…) Updated 4/10/24 |