May 23, 2013

Bible and Book Studies

Quick links:  Bible Studies  |  Book Studies

Bible And Book Studies (back to top)

Christ Church is a large parish that offers many ways to make this your spiritual home. Building community in smaller groups is one way to become more connected to parishioners you see on Sundays and to grow spiritually. 

Below is a listing of smaller Bible study and fellowship groups at Christ Church. Browse the groups and feel free to contact the leaders with questions or to learn more about the groups. You may register by printing and completing the registration form and returning it to the church office, or by registering online

If you have questions or want to discuss the small group opportunities at Christ Church, please feel free to contact Jenny Beaumont at beaumontj@christchurchcharlotte.org or 704-714-6945.

 

Building Up The Body Of Christ (Bodybuilders)
Dates: Most Mondays
Time: 11:00 AM - Noon
Location: St. Francis C
Leader/Contact: The Reverend Lisa Saunders (saundersl@christchurchcharlotte.org, 704-714-6952) 
Through articles, world events, poetry, essays, book excerpts and scripture, we connect our faith to everyday living and build up the body of Christ among us. Casual, no homework, come when you can. We learn, laugh and pray together too. For more information, email Lisa.

Christ Church Women's Bible Study
Dates: Thursday mornings, September 13th through March 21st 
Time: 10:00 - 11:00 AM - Lecture, 11:00 - 11:45 AM - Small Groups
Location: The Blue Room, Various Classrooms
Leader/Contact: Ann Cramer (acramer@carolina.rr.com, 704-334-8318)
Staff Contacts: Jenny Beaumont (beaumontj@christchurchcharlotte.org, 704-714-6945)
Emily Kalmbach (kalmbache@christchurchcharlotte.org, 704-714-6956)
On Thursday Mornings, women of all ages gather to study, learn and grow together with clergy and guest speakers leading the lectures. We gather for a lecture and then move into our small groups to discuss the lecture and grow closer to one another in Christ. The small groups help us make the connection between scripture and our lives. It is in the smaller groups that we have the opportunity to learn from one another.

September opens with a comprehensive study of Jesus with Ann Cramer teaching. In November, the coffee house returns with conversations with three practicing Jews. The spring finds us back in the Testament to study Moses with the Reverend Lisa Saunders as our guide.

We hope that you will join us on Thursday mornings starting September 13th through March 21st. The lecture class will be from 10:00 - 11:00 AM with small groups from 11:00 - 11:45 AM. There is a donation of $50 for both the fall and spring semester and $50 for childcare per child for the full year. Download the registration form from the Christ Church Website.

The Deborah Book Guild
Dates: First Wednesday of each month, October - May
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Various Homes 
Contact: Martine Warot (indyfanplus@aol.com, 704-708-5358)
The Deborah Book Guild meets in homes the first Wednesday of the month. The group begins with a devotion followed by discussion about the books we are reading. From the Book of Common Prayer, “Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart, and especially the hearts of the people of this land, that barriers which divide us may crumble....” We read secular books and bring our own faith and beliefs to bear on whatever we read. This year, each book represents a different section of the United States; we will explore and celebrate geographic and human diversity and unity. The list of books will be mailed to members the last week of August. We volunteer to be hostess, lead devotions and prayer, or do the book presentation. We have great discussions - listening, learning, and enjoying each other. New members and guests are always welcome.

Mom To Mom
Dates: Wednesdays, September 19th through November 7th
Time: 9:15 - 10:30 AM
Location: M218
Leaders: The Reverend Lisa Saunders and Betsy Zarzour
Contact: Betsy Zarzour (zarzourb@christchurchcharlotte.org
You are invited to be a part of Mom to Mom – a Bible Study and time of fellowship for mothers with young children led by the Reverend Lisa Saunders and Betsy Zarzour. As we set aside time for reflection and prayer, it is our hope that we can share our experiences as mothers intertwined in other relationships as daughters, friends, wives, and coworkers. We will study the book of Luke; examining Jesus’ life in the midst of friends, family, and community. We will strive to be strengthened by one another while resting in God’s love.

Come when you can or come every time! It’s a great way to make friends at Christ Church and to nourish your soul. If you are a first time mom looking to create a faith community, or a mom of many little ones seeking to spend some time in prayer and study, we encourage you to come!

Nursery Care is available. Email Betsy Zarzour if you will use the nursery or for any questions.

Relationship Bible Study Guild 
Dates: Thursday mornings, September through April
Time: 9:30 - 11:30 AM
Location: St. Francis A
Leader/Contact: DeeDee Dalrymple (deedal@me.com, 704-376-8149)
The Relationship Bible Study seeks to deepen our relationship with the Lord and with one another through in-depth study of the Bible. This study welcomes all Christ Church women as well as friends who are not members of Christ Church.

The Relationship Bible Study begins Thursday, September 20, 2012. We will continue our study of The Book of Acts. All are welcome, even if you did not participate in the beginning of the study on Acts – it will be easy to jump in! The Relationship Study seeks to deepen our relationship with God and with one another through the shared experience of studying His word and considering its application for our lives.

Palmer Trice will be teaching. Palmer is an ordained Presbyterian minister and is also the founding partner of the Barnabas Center, a faith based counseling center.

Women's Evening Bible Study
Dates: Monday evenings, twice a month
Time: 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Location: St. Francis C
Leader/Contact: Jenny Beaumont (beaumontj@christchurchcharlotte.org, 704-714-6945)
The Woman’s Evening Bible Study (WEBS) gathers twice a month to study scripture and literature, to enjoy fellowship and to worship together. This fall we will dive into an overview of the Old Testament with the discussion of a book as well. We have fun while studying and growing closer to God and to one another and welcome women of all ages. No previous Bible Study experience is needed—the group is perfect for anyone who wants to learn and grow. Contact Jenny Beaumont to register.

Serendipity Guild
Date: 2nd Wednesday of each Month, September - May
Time: Noon
Location: Various Homes
Leader: Laura Smith (lksmith@carolina.rr.com, 704-376-0092)
Serendipity is a book discussion group composed of women interested in fellowship, prayer, support and sharing ideas for living a balanced life.  Meetings are held the 2nd Wednesday of each month at Noon in member’s homes, where a light lunch is served.  A Brene’ Brown book will be chosen to read and discuss in the fall.

Education for Ministry: A Small Group Study Of The Bible and Theology 

Dates: Friday Mornings, September through May
Time: 9:00 - 11:30 AM
Location: St. Francis D
Contact: Jenny Beaumont (beaumontj@christchurchcharlotte.org, 704-714-6945)
Christ Church has three current EFM groups and will be starting a new Education for Ministry group this fall - we will have openings in the Friday Morning group. Our mentors are Lois Ann Partridge, Linda Bomar and Jenny Beaumont. EFM is open to both men and women.

EFM is a four-year course of study in theological bible study and reflection. The seminar group is the nucleus of the EFM program and the group meets weekly September-May.

Theological education through EFM develops are faith and also trains us to express that faith in day-to-day events. Through study, prayer, and reflection, participants move toward a new understanding of the fullness of God's kingdom. Hear what EFMers at Christ Church say about their experience:

“Excellent scholarship, engaging readings, models for theological reflection and a small group commitment: the combination is just right. EFM is the gold standard for education in a congregational community. EFM is a fresh and powerful way to look at your ministry (and yes, you have one). Finally, EFM will train you to think in new ways and approach life with a new perspective." - A former EFM mentor.

“It is the most meaningful and in-depth study I have ever done!”

“I have learned to ask the hard questions and delve into scripture with the background that I have always wanted to know.”

“I wish I had started EFM 10 years ago!”

 

 

Other Opportunities

Centering Prayer
Date: Mondays
Time: 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Leader/Contact: Charles and Nancy Conner, chconnerjr@gmail.com
Centering Prayer is an ancient prayer discipline that is enjoying resurgence in today’s fractured, troubled world. It is a means of quieting the mind in order to cultivate interior silence. The intention of this form of prayer is to open oneself to the presence and healing activity of God at the center of one’s being. The method will be taught through video clips of Father Thomas Keating and the session will include scripture readings and centering prayer. We will also learn use the teaching and writings of Thomas Merton and Frederick Buechner. We will gather weekly (Mondays 5:30-6:30 PM) beginning November 9 in the Prayer Room. For more information contact Nancy and Charles Conner at nconner101@yahoo.com and chconnerjr@gmail.com. “Open Mind, Open Heart” by Thomas Keating is a suggested resource. Books are available in Jenny Beaumont’s office for $10.

Friday Men's Bible Study
Date: Friday mornings, beginning September 12th
Time: 7:00 - 8:00 AM
Leader/Contact: Henry Ijams at 704-905-2117 or henry@paystreamadvisors.com
"Dad's with Kids" Friday Men's Bible Study group meets weekly at church. The only requirement is an interest in exploring the Bible and your faith through conversation with other men. All fathers are welcome.

First Fridays For Men
Date: First Fridays, monthly
Time: 7:00 - 8:00 AM
Leader/Contact: The Rev. Verdery Kerr at kerrv@christchurchcharlotte.org
Breakfast and talk on various topics of particular interest and importance for men. Lead by clergy and guest teachers.

Thursday AM Bible Study
Date: Thursdays, weekly
Time: 7:30 - 8:30 AM
Clergy led study of Sunday lessons following the 7:00 AM service. Breakfast served for minimal charge.

Prayer Group
Date: Mondays, weekly 
Time: 9:30 - 10:15 AM 
Leader/Contact: Lynn Purdum at lpurdham@carolina.rr.com or 704-343-0308
The Prayer group is designed to help prayer become more meaningful by studying different forms of prayer. Intercessory prayer each session.

Prayer Shawl Ministry
Contact: Caroline Wilson at ccwilson@carolina.rr.com or 704-554-0020
Knit One, Pray Too: Prayer Shawl Ministry. Are you a knitter or want to learn? Knit One, Pray Too: Prayer Shawl Ministry is for you. Join us as we link our passion for knitting with our faith. We knit (or learn to knit) prayer shawls which are blessed and sent to those in our parish who need to feel surrounded with prayer and God's love. We meet at the church twice a month.

 

 

1412 Providence Road · Charlotte, NC 28207 · 704.333.0378