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Rev. Cynthia Johnson-Oliver
Associate Pastor/Adult Discipleship
E-mail | Bio

FALL 2010

The Academy of Discipleship provides opportunities for adult Christian education and spiritual formation through adult Sunday school, mid-week small groups, classes, bible studies. guest lecturers, our annual church-wide Lenten study, our annual Convocation, and more!

 
Class Bulletin 2010-2011
 
Fall 2010 Class Schedule
 
Teachers and Facilitators
 
CLASS REGISTRATION
 
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Upcoming Events

ACADEMY OF DISCIPLESHIP CONVOCATION

/files/Academy of Discipleship/Mark Ogren.jpgConvocation Preacher: Rev. Mark Ogren                                                                     Sunday, Sept 12 at 8:30, 11:00am                                                                         Convocation Workshop at 9:45am                                                                                       Rev. Mark Ogren is the Ashland District Superintendent and a member of the Virginia Conference “All Things New” Church Development Team. He is a graduate of Iowa State University and Duke Divinity School. Come and be a part of the fourth annual Academy of Discipleship Convocation and be inspired to move from membership to discipleship!   

FALL 2010 REGISTRATION
Fall Semester registration begins Sunday, August 22, 2010.                                                                 Register online or at church in Wright Hall. 
 

LUNCH AND LEARN!                                                                                                                      Sundays, Sept 5 and 12 at 12:30pm in Room 210.                                                      /files/Academy of Discipleship/DSC00615.JPG                                 Learn more about classes and small groups in the Academy of Discipleship. Register for Alpha, Disciple, and more. Refreshments served!


ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
New Sunday School classes and topics begin this fall on Sunday, September 19. Visit one of our eleven adult classes on Sundays at 9:45 a.m. See below for new class descriptions.


WEDNESDAY NIGHT TOGETHER
Fall WNT resumes Sept 8. Burnett Thompson will present, "Reconciliation in the Balkans."
WNT is our weekly congregational dinner followed by musical, ministry, or community presentations. Dinner begins at 6:00pm, and presentations begin at 6:30pm in Wright Hall. Please RSVP to Joyce Kitzmiller or to the church office no later than noon on the preceding Monday. To schedule a presentation for Fall, 2010, contact Rev. Johnson-Oliver.
 


FOR TEACHERS AND FACILITATORS
Plan to participate in Academy Outreach and Evangelism! Attend Lunch and Learn and sign up to volunteer at the Academy table during coffee hour on Sundays, Aug 29 - Sept 19.

A Note of Thanks: We thank all of the teachers and facilitators who make the Academy of Discipleship such a blessed ministry. This past year, we offered 28 classes and small groups, including our church-wide Lenten study, taught by over 30 teachers and facilitators that touched the lives of over 300 participants and visitors.  Without your labor of love, this ministry would not be possible. Thank God and thank you for another great year!


 

Class Descriptions


ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL - 9:45AM

Bible Fellowship                                                                      
Room 111/  Media Center
Burnett Thompson  
The primary objective of this ongoing class is to study the scriptures in depth with the goal of incorporating Biblical truths into contemporary life.  This fall, the class will study the Gospel of Matthew with special attention to its Jewish, Old Testament roots.
 
/files/Academy of Discipleship/Alpha photo.jpgChristianity 101/Alpha Course                                                                                                      Room 308                                                                                                                                             Rev. Cynthia Johnson-Oliver                                                                                                           Alpha is a world-renowned course, taken by over 13 million people worldwide, that covers the basics of the Christian faith. It answers questions like: Who is Jesus? Why did he die? How can I be sure of my faith? Alpha provides an open door for those new to the church as well as long-term members where thoughts and questions of faith can be explored. This class is also offered on weekday evenings. ~ 10 weeks


C3K – Clarence, Coffee, Cabbages, and the King
Room 212C   
Rev. Clarence Brown  
Especially for new members and those considering joining the church, this class is a time of exploration and discernment of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ at Annandale UMC. Topics will range from Wesleyan Theology to United Methodism 101; from Stewardship to Spiritual Gifts. This class is repeated throughout the year. We welcome you to Annandale! ~ 4 weeks
 

Exploring Faith in Life
Room 303
Jim Cromwell /Harry Day                                                     
This is a dynamic group of individuals who learn from each other and grow spiritually by exploring and discussing faith issues of everyday life, and using reason to live more meaningfully as Christians in the Methodist tradition. This is an open class, committed to the Methodist vision and motto: Open-hearts, open-minds, and open-doors. Participants at different places in their faith journey are welcome.
 
Get Real – Young Adult Class                                             
Room 210
Rev. Eduardo Carrillo
This class provides a space for young adults to ask real questions about how to live a fruitful Christian life. We will study John Ortberg's If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat. This book explores the rewards of stepping out of our "comfort zones" in order to follow a deeper meaning and calling in our lives. More information about young adults at AUMC is available on the Young Adult Ministries webpage.
 
In His Steps
Room 302
Bill Iwig                                                                                     
This fall, the In His Steps class will start a new study of "Reclaiming the Wesleyan Tradition". John Wesley was the founder of Methodism. However, many of us lack an understanding of Wesleyan theology. This study of eleven John Wesley sermons and one Charles Wesley sermon will help us understand and apply the Wesleys' teachings to our lives, as we attempt to live as committed disciples of Jesus Christ in today's culture. Expect this study to transform you spiritually. 
 
Issues in Modern Christianity
Room 307    
Kevin Sabo                                                                              
Did you know that in the first centuries after Christ, there was no official New Testament? Instead, early Christians read and fervently followed a wide variety of scriptures -- many more than we have today. Beginning this fall, we will turn our attention to the development of the Christian canons. Why were the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John selected? What Gospels were excluded and why? Classroom sessions will include weekly videos and handouts of "Lost Gospels." 
 
Kaleidoscope Seminar, 
Room 300
Jack Underhill                                                                      
The class studies a wide range of issues and topics related to Christianity and other world religions. The focus is often on contemporary issues facing Americans (such as poverty, divorce, crime, terrorism and inequality), and how these problems have been addressed by dedicated people using the love and compassion taught by Christianity and other world religions. Typically, a book will be reviewed and discussed for each session. This class meets monthly and welcomes new members. 


Korean Bible Class
Hughes Hall
Paul Shin            
This class explores the intersection of scripture and Wesleyan doctrine. Topics in United Methodist history are also explored. Korean language.
 
Williams Bible Class
Room 118
Ramona Thompson                                                           
The Williams Bible Class is the oldest class at Annandale. Recently, it has evolved into a women’s group with scripture study and informal discussion. This fall, the class will study the Gospel of Luke. 
 
Women in Search of Truth, Resumes Sept 19A
Room 306
Tracy Carney/Margaret Vaughn                                   
All women are invited to join us (and Beth Moore) in a faith-building study of prophecy to learn how to live with integrity in today's self-absorbed society. The prophet Daniel faced unbelievable pressures to compromise his faith, to live in a hostile culture, and to confront temptations and threats. Today, believers in Jesus Christ face similar trials. For twelve weeks, we will study chapters 7-12 from the book of Daniel which covers prophecies through the second coming of Jesus Christ. 
 
Women of the Day 
Parlor
Michelle Mock/Judy Hampton/Julie Montgomery        
The class is made up of women of all ages who are at various stages of their spiritual journeys. What we share in common is our desire to deepen our knowledge about God and His desires for us in today’s world. This fall, we will study The Power of a Praying Woman by Stormie Omartian. Learn to trust God moment by moment with the concerns of your heart and discover the power of prayer.  
 


Mid-Week Bible Studies

Bible Study                                                              
Tuesdays; 10:00AM,  Room 300
Ramona Thompson                                                                
This women’s bible study has attracted participants from within Annandale as well as other area churches. This fall, they will conduct a study of the Gospel of Luke.


Prayer & Praise Bible Study                                 
Wednesdays, 7:30AM, Room 307
Rudy Meekins                                                                                
This group meets weekly to pray together, study the bible, and hear from various guest speakers. Previous speakers have included clergy, missionaries, and Christian world leaders. Participants study the bible and share in Christian fellowship with one another.
 
Korean Bible Study                                                      
Saturdays, 8:00PM, Hughes Hall
Paul Shin                                                                                      
This class explores the intersection of scripture and Wesleyan doctrine. Topics in United Methodist history are also explored. Korean language.
 
1 Kings Men’s Bible Study                            
1st/4th Saturdays, 7:30AM, Jukebox Diner backroom
Bill Iwig/Jim Cromwell                                      
This men’s group meets for breakfast, fellowship, encouragement, and Bible Study twice a month at the Jukebox Diner.  The group is currently using study materials contained in the Master Builders Bible for Men for their Bible study.  The group regularly provides financial support for the youth program and other programs at Annandale UMC.  All men of the church are warmly invited to join.
 


Disciple Bible Study


The Disciple Bible Study program is designed to develop strong local churches through in-depth study of Scripture. Through Disciple, persons are strengthened in their faith and guided into service and ministry. Disciple bible studies include Disciple 1-4, Christian Believer, Jesus in the Gospels, and several short-term studies. Classes include in-depth study, video lectures, and group discussion. Schedule is determined by registered participants. The following Disciple studies are being offered this year: 


/files/Academy of Discipleship/Disciple.jpgDisciple 1                                                                 
Schedule TBD                                                                
Disciple 1: Becoming Disciples through Bible Study assumes no prior knowledge of the bible. The class is divided equally between Old and New Testaments and takes participants from Genesis through Revelation. Participants will read 70 percent of the bible during the class. ~ 34 weeks
 

 

 

/files/Academy of Discipleship/Invitation to John.gifInvitation to John                                                                                               
Schedule TBD                                                                                                                                   Richard Robinson                           
The Gospel of John stands apart from the other three gospels. In John, we find Jesus speaking not in parables but in lengthy discourses. We overhear Jesus talking with Nicodemus, a Samaritan woman, and Mary Magdalene. We marvel at Jesus turning water into wine, calling Lazarus from the tomb, and washing his disciples’ feet. Join with us in this short-term class. ~ 11 weeks  

 

 

/files/Academy of Discipleship/Jesus in the Gospels.jpgJesus in the Gospels                                                                 
Schedule TBD                                                                                                                                     Rev. Cynthia Johnson-Oliver
Jesus in the Gospels invites believers to look at the portrait of Jesus in each of the four Gospels and ask the question, "Who is the Jesus that you see?" This study will deepen discipleship through better understanding of the biblical texts and their message. Participants will also study passages from other parts of the bible and see how they relate to the Gospels. ~ 30 weeks 


 Mid-Week Classes and Small Groups
 
/files/Academy of Discipleship/Alpha photo.jpgChristianity 101/Alpha Course                                                                                                         Hannah Knowland                                                                                                                                   Schedule TBD                                                                                                                                          In addition to Sunday school, Alpha is available as a mid-week class. Alpha is a world-renowned course, taken by over 13 million people, that covers the basics of Christianity. It answers questions like: Who is Jesus? Why did he die? How can I be sure of my faith? Alpha provides an open door for those new to the church as well as long-term members where questions of faith can be explored. Schedule will be determined by registered participants. ~ 10 weeks 

 

Monday Night Small Group                                         
Mondays, 7:00PM , Mitchell/Mock home
Gary FitzGibbon/Todd Mitchell/Michelle Mock     
This group meets weekly for fellowship, bible study, and group discussion. Over the past year, the group has studied Becoming a Contagious Christian, Devotional Classics, and other books. This fall, members will share their spiritual journeys. Each week one of us will share our personal story about how God is working in our lives. God will be there. Come join us for fun, food, fellowship and spiritual nourishment. Contact: Michelle Mock .  


 

Prayer: It’s More Than What You Think                                                                                                                Thursdays, 10:00AM, Parlor                                                                                                                                         Rev. Martha Spigener                                                                                                                                                   Prayer is a conversation with God that leads to a deeper relationship with God. Prayer comes in many forms, shapes and styles. Many of us have been taught only one or two of these forms and most of us have no clue to the various means of prayer that are available. This class will look at various prayer forms including: intercessory, body, arrow, artistic, centering, scriptural, and others. We will take time to look at prayer through the ages from the earliest Hebrew prayers, prayer forms of the Catholic and Orthodox Church and prayer forms practiced in the world today. Much of the material will be based on the book, A Praying Congregation, by Jane E. Vennard, and materials from the Academy for Spiritual Formation. The class will deepen your understanding of prayer. 

 

Thursday Book Study                                                                                                                                                 Thursdays, 4:30PM, Parlor                                                                                                                                          Molly Wilmarth                                                                                                                                                                  This group offers participants the opportunity to grow in their understanding of Christ in a safe and supportive setting through shared study and discussion. Previously, this group has studied The Heart of Christianity and the church-wide Lenten study, Devotional Classics. The next book will focus on missions and/or social justice. Join us as we grow together in Christian fellowship. ~ 10 weeks 

 
Young Adult Small Group                                      
Thursdays, 7:30PM, Room 209
Liz McConville                                                                          
Young adults who like fun activities and lively discussion will especially enjoy this group. Come grow with us in fun and fellowship as we learn from each other and discuss what it means to be a follower of Christ in today’s society. Young adult participants will help set the agenda for this group. More information about young adults at AUMC is available on the Young Adult Ministries webpage.
 
Leading Life-Changing Small Groups                                  
Rev. Cynthia Johnson-Oliver                                                     
We continue to seek small group leaders to help grow this ministry at AUMC. This 4 to 6 week class is designed to prepare individuals to serve as small group leaders. We will study the principles of effective small groups, how to start and grow your group, how to choose curriculum, and how to model the life-changing elements of life in Christian community. This class is offered annually.