The word Bible means “book.” But it’s more like a library of books, written over thousands of years, telling the story of God and God’s relationship with humanity. The books of the Bible contain a wide variety of writing styles: law, history, poetry, prophecy, Gospels and letters. Join us for an adventure through the whole story of God and God’s people.
Reading Guide Special Programs Small Group Opportunities
Worship and preaching will highlight significant texts and themes in each of the major sections of the Bible.
Adult Sunday School will be studying passages that coincide with the Scriptures we are reading in worship and that all classes of all ages will be hearing throughout the morning. There is a student participant book available for those who would like to engage throughout the week in their study on a first come basis. Volume 1 is available at a discounted cost of $8; Volume 2 is available at a discounted cost of $5, while supplies last. Copies may also be purchased online.
Please note, as we begin this special year, some of our classes will be moving to new locations. Class Locations: Disciple Sunday School Class- Room 401; Wesley Fellowship Class- Classroom B outside Carpenter Hall, Route 66- Room 304 (by sanctuary), Wanderers Class- Room 400.
Youth Sunday School will be studying passages that coincide with the Scriptures we are reading in worship and that all classes of all ages will be hearing throughout the morning. Students will meet at 9:45 in the Youth House to engage with others in studying scripture at a deeper level.
Children’s Sunday School is in for some really exciting things in 2020! Our children will “Dig In” to the Bible during Year Through the Bible. This new curriculum includes a variety of approaches to engaging our children in the Scriptures including through music videos, Bible lesson videos, crafts, science activities and much more.
Our elementary-aged children will begin at 9:45 a.m. in Old Fellowship Hall where they will meet for a special time of opening all together. Following, our older elementary children will go to room 502 for their small group time and core Bible lesson. Our younger elementary children will go to room 503 for their small group time and core Bible lesson.
Our preschoolers will continue to use the Sacred Circle model of Sunday school in room 404 but will finish their time together with a special closing each week in Old Fellowship Hall. All children will be picked up in the Old Fellowship Hall area at 10:45. If your preschooler is going to the nursery, please pick him or her up from Sunday school and drop off in the nursery.
A Reading Guide for those who want to read through the Bible on their own, will outline a schedule of important readings. Copies of the guide will be available January 5 in the narthex and can also be accessed by clicking here.
Family Devotional Booklets will offer scripture, activities, and prayers for families. Look for kits on January 5.
The Bible Experience, a special interactive, intergenerational experience to involve and engage with scripture will be offered in Room 400. The experience will be updated as we move through the year, encouraging prayer, reflection and intentional time with scripture.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND LECTURES IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY
With each section of the Bible, we’ll be unveiling small groups, events and opportunities to engage the Scriptures and one another as we read together. January through March will focus on the first five books of the Bible—Torah/ Law. Here’s what’s happening in January and February:
Reading and Teaching the Bible as Wesleyans
Thursday January 2 | 6:30 p.m. | Carpenter Hall
Pastor George will host a special conversation for Sunday School teachers and others who’d like to know more about how we, as United Methodists in the tradition of John Wesley, read the Bible. What’s special about how John Wesley teaches us to read together? How can his guidance help us engage the Bible in 2020?
An Hour Through the Bible
Wednesday, January 8 | 6:30 p.m. | Carpenter Hall
Join us on January 8 will welcome the Rev. Dr. James Howell, Senior Pastor of Myers Park United Methodist Church, for a special program called “An Hour Through the Bible.” Dr. Howell, who holds his Ph.D. in Old Testament Studies from Duke University, will lead us on an exciting, fast-paced walk through scripture, helping us think about how to read faithfully and encounter God’s presence.
Art Exhibit: The Saint John’s Bible
January 12 – February 16
January 12 – February 16 we will host a print exhibition from The Saint John’s Bible. Having the exhibit at FUMC Belmont is an opportunity to be part of history in the making. The Bible is the first handwritten copy of the Bible produced since the invention of the printing press half a century ago. It revives a great tradition by which centuries of Christians before us learned and experienced the scriptures, and kept them alive for the world. Learn more here.
Joseph: The Greatest Hero of the Bible
Wednesday, February 12 | 6:30 p.m. | Carpenter Hall
Pastor George will present a special program on Wednesday, February 12 at 6:30 p.m. exploring the life and story of Joseph, arguably one of the greatest heroes of the Bible.
Church Family Seder Meal
Sunday, February 23 | 6:00 p.m. | Carpenter Hall
Join us as weexplore the story of the Exodus through a guided experience of this sacred Jewish ritual. We’ll be led by Rabbi Judy Schindler from Queens University in Charlotte.
Click here to register. Children will join us for the meal but child care will be provided while Rabbi Schindler shares with us the story of the Exodus and how it has impacted the Jewish memory.
Fast Track Disciple Bible Study
Wednesdays, beginning January 15 | 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. | Youth House
Disciple Bible Study provides participants a chance to gain a real understanding of scripture and a deeper sense of what it means to be faithful followers of Christ. Over the course of 24 weeks together, we will study the Scriptures and engage in meaningful conversations that help us to consider how the Bible continues to shape and mold us today. The schedule for this course allows for participants to have periodic breaks in their study completing the Old Testament study portion in May and resuming with the New Testament portion in September. Pastor George and Jeff Rogers will facilitate this group on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Books are available for purchase and are $32/set. Child care is available by emailing Amanda@fumcbelmont.org. Email George@fumcbelmont.org to register as a participant or if you have questions.
Invitation to the Old Testament
Thursdays, beginning January 9 | 10:00 a.m. | Carpenter Hall Classroom
Wanda Randolph and Sally Bashant will be co-facilitating an 8 week Disciple Bible Study Short Term class beginning with the Invitation to the Old Testament beginning Thursday, January 9that 10:00 a.m. in Classroom B outside Carpenter Hall. This group will study the Scriptures together and gather for one hour weekly to discuss daily readings and study manual. This study does include a DVD component to be used each week in class. Participant books are available for purchase in the church office and cost $15. To register or if you have questions, please email Wanda Randolph at wandaran@aol.com.
JUST FOR YOUTH: CONNECT
Sundays, beginning January 5 l 6-8:00 pm
Students meet weekly to engage in recreation, a community meal and fellowship opportunities with other students. During our small group meeting time students will be looking at the themes we experience when reading scripture which help us understand the narrative story of God.
JUST FOR YOUTH: ENCOUNTER
Wednesdays, beginning January 8 l 6:30-7:30 pm
Students meet weekly and participate in curriculum titled “Can I Ask That?” This is a safe space for students to ask those hard questions. This interactive study invites students to explore different opinions and understanding that can be challenging for us.
JUST FOR CHILDREN: The St. John’s Bible Experience
Wednesdays, beginning January 8 | 6:30-7:30 pm.
Elementary-aged children are invited to participate in a special Wednesday night study using the St. John’s Bible exhibit our church will be hosting in January and February. If you are unfamiliar with the St. John’s Bible, visit www.stjohnsbible.org for more information. In this curriculum, children will have the unique opportunity to explore art and the Bible in a new way while drawing upon their understandings of the Bible and their own gifts and talents that can be used to further God’s work here on earth. Kathy Johnston will be teaching this six week study with our children beginning January 8th.