Join us for a casual Bible study exploring the scripture text being featured in that day's worship service.  No preparation or knowledge of the Bible is needed; just come with a heart that's open to God's transforming power.

9:00 a.m - Sacred Grounds Cafe (coffee, juice, donuts and other treats)
9:15 - 10:15 a.m. - Sunday School

Nursery care is available, and children grades pre-k through 6 have their own Sunday School classes.

 Beginnings - an introduction to Christian faith

We invite you to join us for this free 9 week class, open to anyone who wants to know more about the Christian Faith.  It is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people, make new friends, and ask questions about the Christian faith in a safe, supportive community. 

Find out more at a no-commitment Beginnings Preview on Wednesday, September 2, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.  The Beginnings class will be held Wednesdays, September 9 through November 4 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.  Special Day Apart retreat on October 17th.  Dinner and child care provided at no cost.

Questions that will be discussed:

• So, Is This All There Is?
• Who Is Jesus, and Why Should I Care?
• Why Am I Not Where I Want to Be?
• What Happens When I Die?
• Can I Trust God?
• How Does God Speak to Me?
• If I Don't Feel Lost, Why Do I Need to Be Found?
• Can I Start Again?
• How Do I Speak to God?
• How Can I Make a Life and Not Just a Living?
• Why Should I Join Any Group That Will Have Me as a Member?

Click here to register online for preview night and/or the 9 week Beginnings series.

 

Make the Bible Your Book through Disciple Bible Study

 Is it possible to read and understand the Bible?  Do I have to take all of it literally?  What do the scriptures mean for me, my life and my faith?  How can I live as a disciple of Jesus?  If these are the kinds of questions you're asking, and if you're ready for a life-changing experience, Disciple Bible Study is for you!

Kay will lead our Disciple class on Sunday evenings.   No knowledge of the Bible is required.  Enrollment is limited to 15.  Here's what is required:

• Desire to grow as a follower of Jesus through engaging with the scriptures;
• Commitment to 20-30 minutes of daily reading and reflection;
• Commitment to weekly group sessions, 2 1/2 hours each, from late August through early May (with breaks for holidays).
• Trust - or willingness to risk - that God will really provide the time for this endeavor, and that like Disciple participants around the world, you'll wonder what you used to do with your time!

UPDATED INFORMATION : Our first Disciple Bible Study group meeting has been moved to Sunday, September 13, with daily reading beginning on Monday, Sepetember 7.  Anyone who missed the August 23 orientation meeting should register for a brief make-up session at 11:45 a.m. on Sunday, August 30 or September 6, or contact Kay to make other arrangements. 

Costs - $34.00 for the Study Manual.  Participants will also need a good study Bible, probably about $30 - $40.  We'll discuss Bible options, including the possibility of ordering together for a bulk discount, at the August 23 Introductory Session. Financial assistance is available!  Please don't let the expense keep you away if you want to participate.  For more information or to express interest, email Kay at  or register online here.

 

The Stephen Series . . . is named for the martyr Stephen, one of the first laypeople commissioned by the apostles to perform acts of caring ministry (Acts 6). The Stephen Series logo depicts the very essence of that lay-caring ministry. Simple in its elements, the logo is composed of a broken person behind a cross and a whole person superimposed on the cross. This cross in the center reminds us that the path from brokenness to greater wholeness is through Jesus Christ and the caring ministry of his people.

What Is the Stephen Series?
The Stephen Series is a system for training laypeople to do caring ministry. Those training for Stephen Ministry will learn skills and develop their talents for bringing Christ's healing love to people who are grieving, depressed, or experiencing other stresses in life.

Why Lay Ministry?
The Stephen Series is designed to train laypeople for caring ministry. Loving others in Jesus' name is a challenge and an opportunity for all who are God's children. Likewise, the joy of helping others is the privilege of all Christians, for the Holy Spirit has given gifts to each Christian to use in service to others and to build up the church (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). Stephen Ministry will rely on the gifts the Holy Spirit has given to our lay members so that, as more people are equipped to care, Christ's love for us will be able to go out from us in ever greater and more effective ways.

Why the Stephen Series?
The Stephen Series trains people in the basic skills necessary for helping others. Through lecture, discussion, and experiential learning, people learn everything from how to be an effective listener to specific techniques for ministering to grieving people. Our congregation will reap many, many blessings through our involvement in this ministry of care.

Who Will Benefit from the Stephen Series?
The Stephen Series will soon begin training, benefits many others besides those who receive the care of their Stephen Ministers. The Stephen Ministers grow greatly as they learn about helping others. They learn about themselves. As the hurting members of our congregation grow stronger through this caring ministry, the whole church is built up and made stronger. And, of course, we all can have the confident knowledge that when the pains of life come our way, someone will always be there, ready to care for us, to bring God's love to us in a special, personal way. For more information about Stephen Ministry, contact the church office at 220-0042 or office@cornerstonetn.org