classes and spiritual formation

Sunday School

The following classes meet at Grace Church on Sunday mornings at 10:15 a.m.
​Due to COVID-19, Sunday School Classes are not currently meeting in person, but virtually

Seekers Class
Room A105

The Seekers Class is discussing the video lecture series History of Christianity from the Reformation to the Megachurch. The video is available online through the Johnson County Public Library. At the moment all members have a JCPL card and can access the videos. The class covers one lecture per week. Each Sunday Rich Gotshall sends out a group email with potential discussion questions. The class then members hit REPLY ALL to offer their thoughts, if they choose. To more about this interesting topic, please contact Rich at gotshalls@gmail.com. ​

Crusaders Class
Room A101

The International Bible Lesson Series is focus of this class.  The class is currently meeting on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. via Zoom. Welcome all and one! To learn more about how to connect please contact Ellis Hal EHall@franklincollege.edu or Sandee Trueblood. sjtrueblood@mymetronet.net 

Faith-Sharing Class
Library

 The Faith-Sharing Class will be working through the book by Bishop William H. Willimon entitled Fear of the Other. In this class, which will take place virtually, persons will learn to consider the Gospel command to love (and not merely tolerate) those whom society and church might consider “Other,” or outside the mainstream. Rooted in the faith of Israel and the church, this class will bring into the conversation a Wesleyan perspective on what may be the hardest thing for people of faith to do: keep and love the "Other" as they are – without any need for them to become like us. The study will emphasize the biblical teaching of receiving Others for who they are and their differences as gifts and mysteries bearing the grace of God. To learn more about how Dr. Herb Cassel will lead this class, and how to connect, please contact Herb at herb.cassel@inumc.org.  Persons are responsible for obtaining Willimon’s book, which costs $11.00.  ​

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Weekly Bible & Book Studies

Branching Out Study
Mondays, 7:30p, via Zoom

The class meets on Monday evenings at 7:30 p.m. on Zoom with Jake Brooks, Director of Youth Ministries. Currently, the group is studying the award-winning book Native by Kaitlin Curtice. Native is about identity, soul-searching, and the never-ending journey of finding ourselves and finding God. As both a citizen of the Potawatomi Nation and a Christian, Kaitlin Curtice offers a unique perspective on these topics. In this book, she shows how reconnecting with her Potawatomi identity both informs and challenges her faith. Jake Brooks is the leader. Contact Jake for the Zoom link at jbrooks@frankingrace.org. You can also scroll down and register for this class at the bottom of the page.

Wednesday Morning Men's Bible Study
Wednesdays, 7a, OARC

Men who would like to learn and read Scripture together will want to sign up and come to the Men’s Bible Study on Wednesday mornings at 7:00 a.m. in the Older Adult Resource Center. The group practices physical distancing while together. The is instructor is Pastor Andy at andykinsey@franklingrace.org. Currently, the men are working through Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians. You can also scroll down and register for this class at the bottom of the page.

Thursday Morning Women's Study
Thursdays, 9:30a, via Zoom

Join Pastor Jenothy and other women to share in a book study on The Repurposed and Upcycled Life by Michelle Rayburn. See and explore how some of your greatest disappointments, mistakes, and hurts can be a beautiful treasure from God. Rayburn helps us unpack emotional baggage, confront perfectionism, adjust our perspective, let go of regret and shame, build positive relationships, dream big, and live with purpose. The class meets on Zoom on Thursday mornings at 9:30 a.m. To learn how to connect via Zoom, contact Pastor Jenothy at pastorjenothy@franklingrace.org.  You can also scroll down and register for this class at the bottom of the page.

Women's Bible Study Fellowship
Thursdays, 7:30a, via Zoom

A Bible class for women will begin to meet via Zoom on Thursdays, beginning on September 16th at 7:30 a.m. – Women’s Bible Study Fellowship. The study will focus on the Book of Genesis for 2020/21 school year. Bible Study Fellowship is an internationally known study which gives women the opportunity for more in-depth study of Scripture. Women who would like to participate may go to the BSF website at https://www.bsfinternational.org/ Persons will find information there; simply click on Grace Church tab-sight. 

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Adult Classes/Small Groups

You Are Never Alone by Max Lucado
Sundays, 5p, OARC

In this six-session video Bible study, bestselling author Max Lucado looks at the miracles of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel of John. As John states, he wrote about many of these signs for an express purpose: "These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name" (John 20:31). John chose the stories and events from Jesus' life that he believed would give his readers strength and speak life into their situations. John seeks to re-assure us that we are never stuck or without hope. A rescue mission is underway by the Triune God: to proclaim that God is with us. Sign up now for this meaningful class at the Welcome Center, or online. Randy Higgins will serve as a facilitator. The cost of the Study Guide is $14.00.  The church office will order the books. The class will begin on Sunday, October 4th, at 5:00 p.m. in the Older Adult Resource Room to allow for physical distancing. For more information about this group, feel free to contact Randy Hi​ggins at rhiggins13@mymetronet.net. You can also scroll down and register for this class at the bottom of the page.

Conversations with an Atheist
Sundays, 6:30p, Sanctuary

This seven-week class will explore what it might look like to have a conversation with an atheist. It will ask questions like: Has science eliminated humanity’s need for God? Would the world be better off without religion? Is God merely a delusion? How do we explain evil and suffering? These are just a few of the questions! Ready for some inter-action with other people? Revered Mike is! The class begins on Sunday, September 20th, at 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary, to ensure the practice of physical distancing. DVD, group discussion, prayer, and fellowship will comprise the sessions. Sign up at the Welcome Center or online; or contact Reve​rend Mike ​Beck at  revmikebeck@comcast.net. There is no cost. You can also scroll down and register for this class at the bottom of the page.

God and the Pandemic by N.T. Wright
Wednesdays, 7p, via Zoom

In this five-week class, led by Pastor Jenothy, persons will discover a different way of seeing and responding to the Coronavirus pandemic, an approach drawing on Scripture, Christian history, and the way of living revealed by Jesus. What are we to think about the Coronavirus crisis? Some people think they know: "It is a sign of the End," they say. "It's all predicted in Revelation." Others disagree but are equally clear: "It is a call to repent. God is judging the world and through this disease he's telling us to change." Some join in a chorus of blame: "It's the fault of the Chinese, the government, the World Health Organization…" N. T. Wright examines these reactions to the virus and finds them wanting. Instead, he shows that a careful reading of the Bible and Christian history offers simple though profound answers to our many questions. Join Pastor Jenothy in October, to participate in this book study. The class will begin on Wednesday, October 21th at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. It will end before Thanksgiving. Cost of the book is $12.00. The church office will order the books. Please sign up at the Welcome Center or via the website. Watch for the postings. For more information, contact Pastor Jenothy Irvine at jenothyirvine@franklingrace.org. She will also have the Zoom link. You can also scroll down and register for this class at the bottom of the page.

The Rise of Adolf Hitler & The German Church Struggle
Saturdays, 10a, Sanctuary

Because of pandemic, the class on Theologians Under Hitler was cancelled and postponed to take place on a later date. However, in the coming months Pastor Andy will share two sessions on the following topics, which will occur in the sanctuary to allow for physical distancing while together. Two documentaries, followed by discussion, on topics pertaining to this particular time in history. 
     Session 1 – How Hitler Gained Absolute Power: This session will take place on Saturday, October 31st, at 10:00 a.m. (to 11:45 a.m.) in the sanctuary. This particular presentation will look at what happened in Germany and seek to understand how it can happen (and is happening) in other places today. It will explore how fear of a real or imagined enemy, extreme nationalism, attacks on institutions like the press and education, and assaults on people who speak out – undermine democracy and human dignity. There is no cost. Sign up online or at the Welcome Center. For more information, contact Pastor Andy at andykinsey@franklingrace.org. 
     Session 2 – German Christianity and The Third Reich: Hearts Divided is a documentary that Pastor Andy will show on Saturday morning November 7th, at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary to allow for physical distancing. This one-hour documentary will provide a broad overview of racism and antisemitism in the church and in Germany, the division of the Church, and those who spoke out against Nazism. It will also seek to ask why the Church become coopted by such political and social ideologies. There is no cost. For more information, contact Pastor Andy at andykinsey@franklingrace.org. You can also scroll down and register for this class at the bottom of the page.

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Personal Devotional Studies

Upper Room – The Upper Room Devotional Guides are available at the Welcome Center in the Lobby. Cost is $2.00. Large Print items are also available.
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E-Devotions – Remember to receive the weekly E-Devotions based on the sermons. The E-Devotions are sent electronically and via Facebook.

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