Upcoming SMC Schedule
Winter/Spring 2025 Flyer – Note all classes begin at 9:30 a.m.
Session One | January 5, 12, 19, 26
- Selected Psalms
Matt Mahla & Kris Cooper | S212
In the Psalms we discover the full range of responses to life – from exuberant praise to deep mourning and sorrow. Our RUF pastors Matt and Kris will select one Psalm per week to examine and discuss together. - The Process of Forgiveness
Bob Burns | S203-204
This is a broken world. And it was inevitable that we will hurt one another. Most of us have been treated unfairly and have experienced deep emotional hurt. Yet Jesus taught we should forgive without limit (70×7). How can this happen? We will search the Scriptures and discover some surprising answers. - Being a Christian in the Public Square: Religious Freedom in America
Norman Acker & Andrew Henson | S202
Christianity has always been counter-culture. But how should Christians respond when their religious freedom is threatened? Should coaches be allowed to pray with players before a game? What about sharing one’s faith with co-workers? And if we take a stand, what should our attitude be toward those with whom we disagree? Come explore these questions with two seasoned Christian attorneys. - Listening for the Lord’s Voice in Scripture
Robin Kiefer and Tricia Toher | L104 (under the sanctuary)
Robin and Tricia are offering a reprise of this workshop using four frameworks for Scriptural reflection: Lectio Davina; Faith based Memorization; Biblical Meditation; and Removing Barriers to Belief. Any women are welcome, but registration is required and the class will be limited to 15 people. There will be a waiting list for anyone who registers after the class is full. To register, email Tricia at tricia_toher953@hotmail.com.
Session 2 | February 2, 9, 16, 23
- Combined class “The Church”
The CGS Pastors | Room 212There is a great deal of confusion about the church today in our culture. For this month the CGS pastors will explore the purpose and practices of the church, as well as the role the church plays in our walk with Christ and life together.
February 2 – What is the Church? – Chris Garrett
February 9 – Why Church Membership? – Mark Whipple
February 16 – The Liturgy We Practice – Simon Stokes & Matt McClure
February 23 – The Sacraments (Baptism and the Lord’s Supper) – Bob Burns
March 2 | Combined SMC: Quarterly Town Hall
- Each quarter we gather as a church family to be encouraged by receiving updates from the many ministries in our congregation, hear a current financial report, and discuss plans for the coming months. There will also be an opportunity for you to ask questions.
Session Three | March 9, 16, 23, 30 | April 6, 13
- The Story of Moses
Steve Hobson | S212
Studying Moses’ life can help us become sensitized to how God calls us to Himself and to His mission. We’ll discover a framework of how He grows our faith and our souls; guiding our paths to complete His purposes for our lives. - How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen
Mark Whipple & Andrew Parrish | Room S202
God exists in relationship. Created in God’s image, human beings long to have other persons who know them deeply. But how does one build competency in this area? We will be exploring David Brook’s book How to Know a Person, asking how his study helps us grow in knowing and being known. - Tensions in the Text
Josh Briscoe | S203-204
In this class we learn how to tackle tough Biblical passages and explore helpful tools used to understand them. The primary goal will be to equip us to do our own in-depth Bible study when we come across any challenging passages in Scripture.
EASTER – April 20 | No SMCs
Session Four | April 27, May 4, 11, 18
- The Story of David & Absalom
Andrew Carlson | S212
The Bible calls David a “man after God’s heart” (1 Sam 13:14 & Acts 13:22). Still, David faced significant difficulties in life and in parenting. Together we will study the loving, painful relationship David had with his adult son Absalom. Our goal will be to learn and grow in our relationship with our heavenly Father and with our earthly family. - The Mission of God’s People
Chris Garrett | Room S202
Who are we as God’s people and what are we here for? What is our mission? We will be exploring this overarching theme as it is answered throughout the Bible. Starting with Genesis and going all the way to Revelation, we will see how God has called a people to himself for the world. - Love Walked Among Us
Phillip Yelverton | S212
In this class Phillip will lead a discussion Paul Miller’s book Love Walked Among Us. We will explore Jesus’ life in response to difficult questions such as “How do you love someone when they don’t love in return?” and “How do you love when you have your own baggage?” This class is limited to 15 people. You can sign up by emailing communications@cgsonline.org or yelvertonphillip@gmail.com. There will be a waiting list for those who register after the class is full
Memorial Day Weekend – May 25: NO SMCs
June 1 | Combined SMC: Quarterly Town Hall
- Each quarter we gather as a church family to be encouraged by receiving updates from the many ministries in our congregation, hear a current financial report, and discuss plans for the coming months. There will also be an opportunity for you to ask questions.
YOUTH Spring SMC | The Lord’s Prayer
Spencer Johnson and Team | Youth Room (downstairs, entrance by Sanctuary doors)
Why is praying so hard? God tells us to pray, but if we’re honest, most of us don’t know how. So, where do I even begin? Let’s start by listening to Jesus as he teaches us how to pray. Join other students downstairs in the youth room as we study the Lord’s Prayer together this semester.