Small Group Studies for Adults
We offer a variety of small group studies throughout the year. Study groups for women meet on Tuesday evenings and Thursday mornings. There are groups on Wednesday evenings (seasonal; April - August) with a variety of topics. For additional information, please contact Rev. Beth Brown Shugart, Associate Pastor, by e-mail at bshugart@duluthumc.org.
Join Us for Tuesday Talk
The Tuesday morning Simply Psalms classes are on pause until August. However, the participants want to continue with a time of discussion, so we are offering Tuesday Talk, a time to discuss a variety of topics and enjoy wonderful fellowship. The class meets 10 a.m. in room F145, located on the 1st floor of the Sheldon Family Life Center.
Tuesday Talk will meet on the following dates:
Join us for Tuesday Talk whenever you can. For more information, please contact Rev. Beth Brown Shugart by e-mail at bshugart@duluthumc.org, or call 770-476-3776, ext. 128.
Women Studying Together Bible Study Group Studying Women in the Old Testament: Through May 16th
The Thursday morning Women Studying Together Bible study group has begun a short study of women in the Old Testament - Esther, Sara, Hagar, etc. We will be looking at how their lives were impacted by things outside their control, their reactions to those circumstances, and how their stories influence our understanding of the will of God. There is no book to buy, and Bible references will be assigned each week. Jenny Masterson, our discussion leader, will be using some outside resources for illustration and questions.
Women Studying Together meets on Thursdays from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. in room F154, located on the 1st floor of the Sheldon Family Life Center. This series will continue through May 16th. After this series is completed we will be taking a summer break.
As we study, we ask questions, search for answers, share our stories, laugh and pray together. Sometimes, we even sing! Bring your Bible and join us - we welcome all women. If you would like more information, please contact Jenny Masterson by e-mail at jennybobm@comcast.net or call 678-591-0800.
“Sisters By Grace” Women’s Bible Study of C. S. Lewis’ “The Great Divorce”
The Sisters By Grace women’s Bible study group began an 8-week study of The Great Divorce by C. S. Lewis on Tuesday, March 19th, at 7 p.m. at Lois Young’s home. This Biblically-based study offers flexible class nights for your personal schedule: Tuesdays or Thursdays.
The Great Divorce, a thought-provoking allegorical tale by C.S. Lewis, published in 1945, is based on a theological dream vision of his in which he reflects on the Christian conceptions of heaven, hell, and the choices we make in life. Through a fictional journey, the book delves into the nature of good and evil, the consequences of our actions, and the possibility of redemption.
The use of the term “divorce” in the title refers to the separation of heaven and hell, rather than a marital divorce. The main conflict surrounds the surrender of all earthly burdens to be in God’s presence. Some characters choose to remain in the shadows of grey town, clinging to their earthly pain rather than surrendering to God’s eternal love and brightness.
The Great Divorce challenges everyone to question their beliefs and consider the consequences of their choices. If you would like to participate with this study, please contact Lois Young at sisterbygrace@att.net. For questions about Sisters By Grace, this study, or about the class schedule, please direct your questions to Lois.
Book Club to Discuss The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson: Monday, May 20th
Rev. Beth Brown Shugart invites you to read The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson and then join her on Monday, May 20th, for a discussion of the book. This bestselling historical fiction novel follows Cussy Mary, a packhorse librarian and her quest to bring books to the Appalachian community she loves. Inspired by the true blue-skinned people of Kentucky and the brave and dedicated Kentucky Pack Horse library service of the 1930s, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek is a story of raw courage, fierce strength, and one woman’s belief that books can carry us anywhere—even back home.
We will meet from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in room F145, located on the 1st floor of the Sheldon Family Life Center to discuss the book. Please contact Beth by e-mail at bshugart@duluthumc.org, or call 770-476-3776, ext. 128, if you have any questions.
All Creatures Great and Small: Sunday, June 9th
Join us on Sunday, June 9th, for a discussion of how animals, especially our pets, help us see God at work in our lives. Missy Tippens, who has written for Guideposts since 2019, will share about writing for All God’s Creatures, a book of daily devotions for animal lovers.
We will meet from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in room F145, located on the 1st floor of the Sheldon Family Life Center. We hope you’ll come and share how animals have played a role in your life and have helped you experience God’s love! If you have any questions, please contact Rev. Beth Brown Shugart by e-mail at bshugart@duluthumc.org, or call 770-476-3376, ext. 128.
Men Studying Together Studying the Book of Proverbs
The Men Studying Together group meets for the study on Thursdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in room F207, located on the 2nd floor of the Sheldon Family Life Center. This study is led by Rev. Terry Tippens.
All are invited to join us, and no books are required and we will use the Book of Proverbs as our primary source, any translation you prefer. Every class time will allow for individual input and group discussion. Please contact Tracy Brinker by e-mail at tbrinker@duluthumc.org or at 770-476-3776 for more information.
“Simply Psalms” Classes
Come join us for Simply Psalms, a Bible study of the Book of Psalms, led by Rev. Dr. C. Kay Fuino and Rev. Beth Brown Shugart. Each week we will study one Psalm during the one-hour class. The same class will be offered twice a week:
Simply Psalms classes will resume in August 2024.
For additional information, please contact Rev. Beth Brown Shugart by e-mail at bshugart@duluthumc.org, or call 770-476-3776, ext. 128.
Do No Harm
John Wesley created Three General Rules that guide us today as United Methodist. The first rule is “Do No Harm”. It sounds easy, but can be quite challenging. Here is a list from Discipleship Ministries of The United Methodist Church that help us focus on five important ways to “do no harm”:
“Understanding the New Testament” Study
“Understanding the New Testament” is an exciting new study that focuses on understanding the order in which the 27 books of the New Testament were written. “Understanding the New Testament” is designed to provide a perspective on how each writing addressed the questions and concerns of its congregation and, through these writings, how the early church developed.
“Understanding the New Testament” is offered on Tuesday mornings from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in room F151, located on the 1st floor of the Sheldon Family Life Center. Led by Pete Fleming, this 24-week course will conclude on April 16th. No books will be required for the course, although class participants will be encouraged to read the books of the New Testament that are to be discussed each week.
Each class will consist on a 30-minute review of that week’s New Testament writing, followed by a 30-minute video by Professor David Brakke, Chair in the History of Christianity at The Ohio State University. Each class will conclude with a discussion of the impact of that week’s writing on the early church and on the church today.
For more information, please contact Pete Fleming by e-mail at lfleming3832@att.net.
Administrative Council, Part 2:
Helping You to Know More
Last month you learned some basic information about our Administrative Council and the duties of the “At-Large delegates. As a reminder, the Administrative Council includes the leaders or chairs of program committees such as Children’s Ministry, Youth Ministry, Missions Ministry, Ministry of Care, Worship Committee, United Women in Faith, and other areas for nurture, and outreach. It also includes the chairs of Finance, Staff-Parish Relations, Trustees, Lay Representative and Lay delegates to Annual Conference.
The Staff Parish Relations (SPR) Committee is made up of a Chairperson, Debbie Patterson, and other members who work with the Senior Pastor on matters relating to the personnel issues of the church. They meet on a regular basis to address any staffing matters. They work with the District Superintendent on annual evaluations for the appointed clergy and whenever there are changes in appointments to make known the needs of the congregation. This committee is responsible for setting the salary levels for the church staff, including clergy and submitting that budget item to the Finance Committee. Current members of Staff-Parish Relations, in addition to Debbie Patterson, include Susan Baker, Jackie Reeves. Debbie Johnson, Allen Servedio, Sara Burns, Cindy Bennett, Marc Downey, Herb Ricks, Terrie Adkins as Lay Delegate to North Georgia Annual Conference, Clara Truesdell as Lay Leader, and Rev. Terry Tippens, Senior Pastor.
Our Lay Delegates attend the Annual Conference of the North Georgia Conference of The United Methodist Church in June in Athens to represent the laity of the church on issues of the conference. They vote on legislation that impacts our conference and the annual budget of the conference. They also serve on committees in the local church and occasionally on conference or district committees. We have an equal number of laity and appointed clergy. Our church has four Lay Delegates to Annual Conference: Jim and Terry Adkins, Sherry Ferguson, and Elizabeth Marcus. Additionally, Pete Fleming serves as a District Delegate to Annual Conference.
As you see these church members please let them know how much you appreciate the work they do to help our church in so many important areas.
Blessings and joy,
Rev. Dr. C. Kay Fuino, Associate Pastor
