ROFUM Friends In Faith - recap

Class Recap 2/25/07

Mon, 26 Feb 2007 11:43:08 -0500

Interested in what a FIF class is like? Here's a recap from this week and announcements about our upcoming session:

We had planned to watch a DVD this week but since it hasn't arrived yet, we
did something else. As a follow-up to our study of psalms in over the past
weeks, we took at look at some randomly assigned poetical passages from
elsewhere in the Bible. We looked at passages from Exodos, Amos, Isaiah,
Job, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Luke, and even some passages from the
apocryphal books Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach, and the Song of the Three from
the additions to Daniel in the apocrypha. Next week Paul is bringing snacks

Judson Center Bag Drives Re-cap

Tue, 22 Aug 2006 10:50:19 -0400

I just wanted to thank everyone who participated in the Judson Center bag drives for kids. First, we gathered 10 overnight duffle bags for abused children who have been removed from their homes. Most recently, we provided backpacks full of school supplies for foster children who are going back to school from a new home this Fall. Together, we have the ability to make a positive impact on these childrens' lives. Thanks to all of you for being servants of Christ!

Class Finale

Mon, 15 May 2006 12:13:16 -0400

Thanks to everyone for making this a great class year! Thanks be to God, Friends in Faith doubled in size this year and that led to many fascinating discussions and new friendships. Also, a special thanks to our ever-fearless leader Josh. His dedication to each week is admirable and inspiring!

Plan to come back to school in the fall with us, when we will get back to the Bible and discuss the book of Exodus in depth. Have a great summer, and we hope to see you at many of our upcoming events.

April 23rd and 30th Classes

Mon, 01 May 2006 21:01:01 -0400

Try teaching the story of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son to a bunch of kids. As part of a class excercise we did, and it proved to be a test of its own kind. More recently, we discussed Jacob's theophany. Then we all shared moments when we were certain God was with us. Hearing one another's testimony made for one of our most powerful classes yet. What can we expect next week? Join us and find out. You'll be sorry if you miss it. Especially because Caroline's bringing breakfast.

April 2nd and 9th Classes

Mon, 10 Apr 2006 14:28:09 -0400

Two weeks in a row we discussed the life and times of Abraham whilst eating pastries from the Donut Cutter. I don't even know what could be better. We had a Bible-reading skit and team discussions and presentations about Biblical passages. We introduced two new people to the class and even had the pleasure of meeting Josh's parents. Such a whirl-wind of activity in fact, I am just now calmed down enough to write about it. We have settled upon our new study books, due to begin in about a month. Pick up your copy of Exodus from the Interpretation Bible Studies by James Newsome, soon. Also, don't forget, no class next Sunday.

March 26th Class

Mon, 27 Mar 2006 11:02:47 -0500

Once again we got to savor Caroline's blueberry and lemon muffins (with OJ this time). We discussed the story of Noah and God's grief. Then we broke into groups and "played God" by writing a covenant for the people of 2006. We quickly discovered that it's hard to make rules that pertain to everyone and every situation. But we had some interesting ideas, like being notified of the End of Days by a message from the emergency broadcast system. We tried anyway. Join us next week for chapter 5 in our book and breakfast by the Bakers.

March 19th Class

Mon, 20 Mar 2006 15:16:10 -0500

Good discussion today about the story of Cain and Abel over coffee and blueberry French toast (more like pudding). We explored our differing viewpoints about the mark of God, and even what kind of sin environmental disregard is (and what it holds for the future). Join in next week for chapter 4 - Noah's Ark - and breakfast by Caroline.

March 12th Class

Mon, 13 Mar 2006 10:55:21 -0500

(written by Josh)
We started off with a cornucopia of McDonald�s breakfast sandwiches from the Heather and Michael, along with a two-layer butter cake with chocolate icing. After our opening prayer, we thanked Jessica for planning the uber-fun wallyball outing and Jim for the cool, new-look website.

We then moved on to discussions on the contrasts and compatibilites between the creation �hymn� in Genesis chapter 1 and the creation story in chapters 2 and 3. Intertwined with that discussion were thoughts on how difficult it can be to read what is on the page instead of what we �know� the Bible says, especially with a familiar story like that of Eve, Adam, God and the serpent.

March 5th Class

Mon, 06 Mar 2006 10:52:42 -0500

Bryce brought in a bounty of breakfast treats, including two kinds of OJ - and the brain food seemed to do the trick. We had a great discussion about creation, including our thoughts on the "myths" of Genesis. Other topics included: what it means to be made in God's image, and the first commandment: Be frutiful and multiply. Chapter 2 is up next and I'm sure it will be every bit as lively. Join us, any time.

February 26th Class

Wed, 01 Mar 2006 15:59:03 -0500

Savoring Caroline's lemon raspberry muffins, we spent the morning discussing our thoughts on the class thus far. Then we took a look at the introduction in our new study books on Genesis. We also had the pleasure of meeting a new friend, Erik. And, we managed to contribute enough money to sponsor a child from the Christian Children's Fund. All that before 11:00 AM!

Join us next week as we dive into chapter one. Bryce is bringing breakfast. Be there - or risk us having to eat your share of breakfast, on top of our own. Not pretty.

February 19th Class

Mon, 20 Feb 2006 11:21:03 -0500

Finishing up our book, we had a lot to discuss in class this week. Mostly, the conversation revolved around keeping a holy Sabbath. What do you do to "be still, and know that [He is] God"? What can we do as a church to keep our Sundays holier? Is it possible to work and still observe the sabbath? These were just a few of the questions that we seemed to have numerous opinions on.
Next week we will begin a discussion on the book of Genesis. We will also be starting a new study book, Genesis from the Interpretation Series (about $10 on Amazon). This is a great time to check out the Friends In Faith, if you haven't already.

February 12th Class

Tue, 14 Feb 2006 11:07:40 -0500

Here's this week's recap, straight from Michael:
It was a good discussion on a tough topic by a good group.
See you in class next week, as we move on to the final chapter in our book!

February 5th Class

Mon, 06 Feb 2006 10:30:27 -0500

Can you be a Christian and maximize your tax return? Can you be a Christian and join the military? What does it mean to serve two masters today? Could your job be considered one of them? And can't we determine if we're behaving in a Christian manner based on what the Bible and the church has to say? These are just a few of the questions we discussed this week as we tackled the chapter: "God is not an American" in our book. Good thing Josh and Liz brought festive Super Bowl donuts and muffins to keep our blood-sugar levels intact.

Join in next week as Michael hosts class. The topic for discussion has not yet been decided, but read chapter 5, just in case.

January 29th Class

Mon, 30 Jan 2006 15:38:08 -0500

While Josh and Liz were off singing just about the most beautiful music ever, Paul led us in discussion about the essay: "God is Not a Capitalist". After giggling over the article from "The Onion" and a refresher course on the term "meek," we got down to business debating whether or not the Pope should be endorsing potato chips. To Jim's point, the Pope is human and it's not like they slapped a picture of Jesus on the bag. But to Caroline's point, there is a fine line the church should be conscious of when getting involved in commerce. I'm not sure if we met in the middle on this one, but it was a good discussion none-the-less.

January 22nd Class

Mon, 23 Jan 2006 13:56:31 -0500

nice
adj. nic�er, nic�est

1. Pleasing and agreeable in nature: had a nice time.
2. Having a pleasant or attractive appearance: a nice dress; a nice face.
3. Exhibiting courtesy and politeness: a nice gesture.
4. Of good character and reputation; respectable.
5. Overdelicate or fastidious; fussy.
6. Showing or requiring great precision or sensitive discernment; subtle: a nice distinction; a nice sense of style.
7. Done with delicacy and skill: a nice bit of craft.
8. Used as an intensive with and: nice and warm.

Conversation continued to rise to new levels this week as we discussed chapter 2, "God is not nice".