Adult Curriculum

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Last Updated on Friday, 26 October 2012 11:26

ADVENT SMALL GROUP BOOKS

Advent begins on December 2nd.  Here are some recommended small group materials for this season.  There will be sample books on the resource table in Fellowship Hall at the beginning of November.  Feel free to browse and select something for your group.  
If you see something that interests you, gather a few friends
and we can begin another small group.

When God Came Down, an adult study by James Harnish
This five session study encourages participants to think in terms of the biblical, theological, and spiritual meaning of the nativity, while applying it to their lives. (Abingdon Press)

Preparing the Way, a lectionary-based study by Sue Mink (Abingdon Press)
Through use of the Revised Common Lectionary Scriptures, students are reminded that preparing for the coming of Christ opens hearts and minds to hope and to a deeper level of commitment to God and neighbor.

Silence and Other Surprising Invitations of Advent, Advent meditations by Enuma Okoro
These daily Advent mediations invite us to pause and recall the story of Elizabeth and Zechariah.  Readers will identify with their doubt and be reminded of God's promise to make all things new. (Upper Room Books)

Singing Mary's Song, an Advent message of hope and deliverance by John A. Stroman
This study focuses on Mary's response to the news that she had been chosen to bear the Messiah.  For each week of Advent, a different line from the Magnificat serves as the basis for daily meditations and small group studies.  (Upper Room Books)

The Gospel of Christmas, reflections for Advent by Patty Kirk
This book helps us examine our heart's yearnings as Christmas approaches and reminds the reader that our muted hopes and fears find their resolution in the coming of Christ.  (InterVarsity Press)

Cheer Our Spirits, Make Safe the Way, meditations for Advent and Christmas by Francisco Garcia Longing and joy are both part of the journey through Advent and Christmas.  This book explores that journey through hymns, including songs and stories used during Latino festivals of the season.  (Morehouse Publishing)

The Journey, Walking the Road to Bethlehem, by Adam Hamilton
Travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem (via DVD) in this fascinating look at the birth of Jesus.  This is a church-wide study for adults, youth, and children. If your group is interested in doing this, please contact Deb Mengler (630-879-7060 x 103). We have several copies left from last year.  (Abingdon Press)

A Different Kind of Christmas, Living and Giving like Jesus, by Mike Slaughter
This new study is based on Slaughter's book Christmas is Not Your Birthday.  This five week study will empower families and churches to avoid the traps and discontentment  and consumerism and cast a vision for how Christians can experience the true joy of living and giving like Jesus.  This is a church-wide study for adults, youth, and children.  (Abingdon Press)

Christmas Gifts that Won't Break, a church-wide study for adults, youth, and children by James W. Moore
This four week study will focus on gifts graciously given to us by God which also coincide with the four outer candles of the traditional Advent wreath:  Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace.  (Abingdon Press)

Advent:  A Calendar of Devotions, a booklet of daily devotions for the season of Advent by Robert V. Dodd
Each daily devotion includes a recommended Scripture reading, a Bible verse, an inspiring message, and an uplifting prayer.  It's great for congregations, small group and individual use.  (Abingdon Press)