Wednesday.comm Chili Cook-off!

Chili Cook-Off!

5:30-7:00 p.m. in the Gym

Join us tonight for our famous chili cook-off

If you are bringing an entry for the cook-off, please bring your chili to the kitchen by 5:00 p.m.
All types of chili are welcome!
There will also be displays on all the class offerings for the spring, and
facilitators will be on hand, to answer your questions about their classes.

Classes begin next week.  Check out the eight exciting options and see which is right for you!

Adult Classes and Groups:

St. Luke 101 – Membership Class
6:00–7:00 p.m.
Facilitated by Pastor Mark Girard
In addition to exploring the ministries of St. Luke, the group will be looking at some of the history and beliefs that are unique to the United Methodist Church.  The class will utilize material such as Bishop Will Willimon’s “Why Am I An United Methodist”, as well as other video resources.  We’ll also take a behind-the-scenes look at some of the ministries of St. Luke.  Though the class will primarily be geared towards those who are new to St. Luke, anyone who wants to join us on the discussion is welcome.

Missions Dilemma
6:00–7:00 p.m.
Facilitated by 
In our time together, we will explore the ever changing world of missions.  We will discuss the inclusion of indigenous believers in the work of the Great Commission, and how the local church, St. Luke UMC, can be a part of the current strategies to fulfill this powerful call from God. F

Beautiful Outlaw: Experiencing the Playful, Disruptive,
Extravagant Personality of Jesus, by John Eldredge
6:00–7:00 p.m.
Facilitated by Keith Reinke
Reading the Gospels without knowing the personality of Jesus is like watching television with the sound turned off.  But when we discover his true character-this man who made the wind, music and flying squirrels-suddenly all of the remarkable qualities of Jesus burst forth with color and brilliance like fireworks.  Those who knew him best loved him passionately. He had a sense of humor. His generosity was scandalous. His anger made enemies tremble. He would say the most outrageous things. And this Jesus has not changed one bit; he is still himself, available to all who would know him.  This book is a great fit between Christmas and Easter. It makes you feel like you are there.  It helps us really understand who Jesus is, and once we know him, we begin to understand God and who He wants to grow us to be.

The Faces of Grief
6:00– 7:00 p.m.
Facilitated by Don Cutter
Don invites the class to join him in his journey of grief in ways that will help them deal with their own grief or the grief of a friend.  In addition to dealing with dying and death, the class will study other types of losses that create a grief experience including loss of a job, loss of a relationship, loss of a home, loss of the ability to care for oneself, loss of a spouse and children through divorce, loss of faith and church, loss of friendships when someone moves away, loss of innocence, and loss of trust.  All of these life experiences can be grief experiences.  The class will focus on healthy ways to deal with such losses in order to move toward to the goal of acceptance and reframing one’s future.

Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis        
6:00– 7:00 p.m.
Facilitated by John Crissman
This class met during the fall Wednesday.comm and will continue their study of C.S. Lewis’ seminal defense of Christianity. They will begin this spring with Book 3 Chapter 4: Morality and Psychoanalysis.  Please come ready to engage in thoughtful dialogue.  This twentieth century masterpiece provides an unequaled opportunity for believers and nonbelievers alike to hear a powerful, rational case for the Christian faith.  Newcomers welcome!

A Lenten Study – Renegade Gospel by Mike Slaughter
6:00– 7:00 p.m.           
Facilitated by Wendell Barnett           
**Class will run March 4 – April 8^th**
Jesus didn’t come to start a religion. The rebel Jesus came with a renegade gospel to start a revolution. In this video supported study, Renegade Gospel, pastor and author Mike Slaughter presents Jesus and his challenging message to inspire us during Lent, Easter, and through the year. Read the red letters and discover Jesus all over again.
Topics include:

• Discovering the Rebel Jesus
• Revolutionary Lifestyle
• The Most Important Question You Will Ever Have to Answer
• Seeing Jesus Today
• The Way of the Cross
• Resurrection

Another Bead, Another Prayer – a new book by Kristen Vincent
6:00– 7:00 p.m.
Facilitated by Karen Girard
Prayer beads provide a way to be still, focus on God, and become more comfortable with praying. Last fall, we discovered the benefits of prayer beads through Kristen Vincent’s best-selling book A Bead and a Prayer.   This semester we will begin with a brief explanation of Protestant prayer beads for anyone who was not in the fall class. After making a set of prayer beads, we will study the four types of prayers, Praise, Confession, Intercession, and Thanksgiving, through the 28 scripture-based devotions. This class is open to anyone interested in deepening their prayer life and exploring new ways to pray. No previous beading or praying experience required!

Knitting and Crocheting
6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Facilitated by Karla Lhade
This group meets weekly to knit and crochet scarves for various missions and causes.  We have now started loom knitting, too!  All are welcome from beginner to expert.   Stop by anytime for fellowship and some crocheting and knitting tips!