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.

    “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:

    • Tuesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. in room F145, located on the 1st floor of the Sheldon Family Life Center;
    • Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. in room F145, located on the 1st floor of the Sheldon Family Life Center.

    Upcoming classes and Psalms are:

    • September 26th and 27th:  Psalm 12.
    • October 3rd and 4th:  Psalm 13.
    • October 10th and 11th: Psalm 14.
    • October 17th and 18th:  Psalm 15.
    • October 24th and 25th:  Psalm 16.
    • October 31st and November 1st: Psalm 17.
    • November 7th and 8th: Psalm 18.
    • November 14th and 15th: Psalm 19.
    • November 28th and 29th: Psalm 20.
    • December 5th and 6th: Psalm 21.

    For additional information, please contact Rev. Beth Brown Shugart by e-mail at bshugart@duluthumc.org, or call 770-476-3776, ext. 128.

    Women Studying Together to Study Original Blessing: Putting Sin in Its Rightful Place: Beginning September 28th

    All women are invited to join Women Studying Together, a Thursday morning study group, as they begin a new study on September 28th. We will be discussing the book Original Blessing: Putting Sin in Its Rightful Place by Danielle Shroyer. The author states “Our relationship with God started with blessing. And it’s time we tell that beautiful story.” As the study progresses, we will read parts of the Book of Genesis and sections of the New Testament.
     
    This new study, led by Jenny Masterson, will meet from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in room F145, located on the 1st floor of the Sheldon Family Life Center, and continue through November 16th. The book may be purchased online at Amazon. Please bring your Bible and a copy of Original Blessing to the first class. There is no need to read in advance. If you would like more information, please contact Jenny Masterson by email at jennybobm@comcast.net or call 678-591-0800.

    “Understanding the New Testament” Study Begins October 3rd

    “Understanding the New Testament” is an exciting new study that will focus on understanding the order in which the 27 books of the New Testament were written. Beginning on Tuesday, October 3rd, “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” will be 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 break for 6 weeks during the Advent season, and then resume on January 9, 2024. 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.

    Please contact Tracy Brinker by e-mail at tbrinker@duluthumc.org, or call 770-476-3776 by Sunday, October 1st, if you would like to participate in this class.

    Book Club to Discuss The Red Tent by Anita Diamant: October 23rd

    Rev. Beth Brown Shugart invites you to read The Red Tent by Anita Diamant and then join Beth for a discussion of the book. Her name is Dinah. In the Bible, her fate is merely hinted at in a brief and violent detour within the verses of the "Book of Genesis" that recount the life of Jacob and his infamous dozen sons. The "Red Tent" is an extraordinary and engrossing tale of ancient womanhood and family honor. Told in Dinah's voice, it opens with the story of her mothers - the four wives of Jacob - each of whom embodies unique feminine traits, and concludes with Dinah's own startling and unforgettable story of betrayal, grief and love.

    We will meet on Monday, October 23rd, 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. That gives you plenty of time to read the book. Upcoming Book Club meeting dates and titles are:

    • December 4th: Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan.

    Please contact Beth by e-mail at bshugart@duluthumc.org, or call 770-476-3776, ext. 128 if you have any questions.

    Sisters By Grace Studying The Walk of Repentance

    Sisters By Grace’s next Bible Study will start on Tuesday, September 5th, and they will study the book The Walk of Repentance by Steve Gallagher. The study, which meets offsite from 7 to 9 p.m. each week, will be led by Lois Young.

    The one thing believers in America don’t need more of is information about Christianity. Our problem isn’t a lack of knowledge; our problem is a lack of living it. This 24-week Bible study, has not been formulated to give a person more “head knowledge.”  The concept of the study is to help the Word of God take root in your heart so that you can experience that true repentance. True repentance brings abiding joy and inner peace to your soul.

    What is repentance? What kind of behavior and attitude must we repent of and what it brings about? Repentance isn’t something you can just acquire information about and then go do it. GOD must bring repentance about in your heart.

    If you would like to participate with this 24-week personal heart-felt walk of repentance with Sisters By Grace, please contact Lois Young at sisterbygrace@att.net. The deadline to register is Monday, August 28th. For questions about Sisters By Grace, this study, or about the class schedule and location, please direct your questions to Lois.

    Men Studying Together Studying the Gospel of Luke

    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 Gospel of Luke 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.

    Let Nothing Disturb You:  30 Days with Teresa of Avila Study

    St. Teresa of Avila was a contemplative nun, religious reformer, and gifted spiritual writer.  She was the first woman to be named Doctor of the Church.  The book, Let Nothing Disturb You:  30 Days with Teresa of Avila, is a fantastic guide for your prayer life.

    Rev. Beth Brown Shugart will lead the study. It meets Wednesday mornings at 9:30 a.m., beginning April 19th, in room F204 located on the 2nd floor of the Sheldon Family Life Center.  You might also choose to participate in Walk Together Wednesdays that follows at 10:00 a.m. in Hinton Hall.


    Class is only 30 minutes each week, and the study will meet every week until the week before Thanksgiving. Copies of the book are easy to find on the web.  Please join Beth for a time of spiritual discipline.