'O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing:The Hymns of Charles Wesley' 2010 Lenten Study

From the very beginning, people of faith have expressed their faith in song. The hallmark of the early Methodists was hymn singing. One of the pioneers of hymn writing was Charles Wesley who penned over 6,000 hymns of which are some of the most loved songs in the Christianity: ‘Love Divine, All Loves Excelling,’ ‘Christ the Lord is Risen Today’ and ‘Hark, the Herald Angels Sing.’

Behind the songs was a life of passion and devotion to Christ. The story of Charles’ life and ministry continues to be a source of inspiration for us today.In this unique study, you will explore the meaning behind the songs. Through the hymns you will find insights and inspiration that will deepen your faith. Each week will feature a daily hymn and a scripture reading, background notes and reflection questions for personal and small group use.The study guide is a companion to the Lenten sermon series that Pastor Darren will be preaching on the themes found in Wesley’s hymns. Study guides will be available on Ash Wednesday.

Topics Include Hymns On:

Wesley’s Vision of Real Christianity

Finding Grace

Growing in Your Faith

The Lord’s Supper

The Crucifixion

The Resurrection

Study guides will be available at the church on Ash Wednesday and the following Sundays. You can also download an e-copy from Pastor Darren's blog, 'The Honest Shepherd.'

Financial Peace University Now Going & Future Plans!

The course started January 27 and has 10 participants . This is our second time to offer the nationally acclaimed Financial Peace University. Created by financial expert Dave Ramsey, FPU is a 13 week workshop (for more information see below). We are exploring offering a session this summer. Let us know if you are interested or would like more information about the possibility of a summer session contact Lisa Rybolt.

Children and Youth Sunday School Classes

Sunday School meets between the two worship services at 9:35 a.m. For more information on Children & Youth Sunday School classes, click here

Adult Sunday School Classes

Disciples of Jesus Christ are life-long learners. Speedway UMC offers a range of adult classes from Bible studies to topical discussion groups that bring together everyone from young adults to senior citizens. For more information on Adult Sunday School, click here

Short-Term Adult Studies

Serving from the Heart

Ever wonder what God wants you to do with your life? How can being a part of the church help me discover my divine purpose? How can I serve Christ? This 8-week study will explore God's will for your life and how you can serve God through the church. Everyone is invited, persons considered membership are encourage to attend. This class is offered one to two times a year.

The Alpha Course is a series of talks that explore key issues of the Christian faith. They meets for ten evenings. At the beginning of each evening, participants share dinner together, giving people a chance to get to know each other. After dinner, the group watches a brief recorded talk about one aspect of Christian faith. After each talk we divide into small groups to discuss the topic of the evening, ask questions and express opinions. Listen, learn, discuss and discover. And ask anything. Alpha is a place where no question is too simple or too hostile. We are currently offering our 16th Alpha group. For more information on the Alpha courses, dates and time please contact the church office,.

Long-Term Adult Studies

The Disciple Bible Study Series has been a stable of the educational ministries of Speedway UMC for over ten years. Over 125 persons have completed one of the Disciple series.

Disciple One BibleStudy: Becoming Disciples through Bible Study is a 34 week study that moves through the biblical story from Genesis to Revelation giving you an overview of the entire Bible. It is highly recommended that you take Disciple One before taking any of the other advanced Disciple classes. A minimum of 8 participants will be required to offer this course.

Disciple Two Bible Study: Into the Word and Into the World is a 32 week study that focues on Genesis, Exodus, Luke and Acts. Disciple Two is designed for those who have completed Disciple One. A minimum of 8 participants will be required to offer this course.

Companions in Christ is a 24 week spiritual formation study which focuses on the practices of the Christian faith and small group sharing.