Adult Studies
We offer a number of adult studies throughout the year. Some are drop-in studies that you can attend whenever you like. Others are short term (4-8 weeks) groups or long term (30-40 week) groups. Topics include Bible study, spiritual exploration, and building community. All classes and groups meet at the church unless otherwise noted.
Book club: Heaven is for Real: A little boy's astounding story of his trip to heaven and back. This is a short volume and will probably take only two or three weeks. The group may then suggest new titles and keep going.
- Facilitator: Bobbie Bevins
- Cost: $8 (available for your Kindle on Amazon for $4.98)
- Meets: Sunday mornings at Capanna Coffee, time TBD, beginning January 15
Companions in Christ - The Way of Prayer: The Way of Prayer expands on our knowledge of prayer through a ten-week exploration of different forms of prayer practices. Through this exploration, small-group members embark on a journey of genuine discovery-the discovery of different dimensions of God's grace and love. Prayer is explored through music, dance, gazing, silence, or acts of service. The Way of Prayer teaches us how to respond to God's invitation into the divine Presence, and it brings a deeper sense of spiritual vitality and encouragement to seek out new ways to pray.
- Facilitator: Brenda Conry & Beth Saxton
- Cost: $12
- Meets: 10 weeks, Tuesday evenings, 7:00 pm, beginning soon
Financial Peace University: Financial Peace University (FPU) consists of a 13-week video curriculum-taught by financial expert Dave Ramsey-that incorporates small-group discussions to encourage accountability and discipleship. Financial Peace University is highly entertaining for everyone, with a unique combination of humor, informative financial advice and biblical messages. More than one million families have already had their lives changed by attending FPU.
- Facilitator: Rob Wagner
- Cost: $100
- Meets: Monday evenings, 6:30 pm, beginning January 16
Fireproof your Marriage: The Fireproof Your Marriage Participant's Guide is founded on Biblical principles for strong, God-centered, marriages. With the Participant's Guides, couples engage in a 6-session study with an easy format that integrates key Scriptures, group discussion and individual and couple's devotions.
- Facilitator: Lyle and Vicki Muller
- Cost: $7.50
- Meets: 7 weeks, Monday evenings, 7:00 pm, beginning soon
Get Acquainted with Your Bible: Here's a way for adults to get acquainted with the Bible in a short period of time! This Bible survey is ideal for newly organized groups, new members, and adults with little or no Bible background.
- Facilitator: Paul McRoberts
- Cost: $7.50
- Meets: 8 weeks, Thursday evenings, 7:00 pm, beginning soon
Healthy Living small group: Healthy Eating on an Unhealthy Budget: Are you struggling to balance your weight with your budget? This one is for you. Frequently the cheapest foods on your list are highest in fat. Learn a new way to think about meals. Kick-off event at Hy-Vee with a demonstration by a Hy-Vee nutritionist. (Event limited to ten attendees; drop-ins welcome to all later group meetings)
- Facilitator: Deb Picone
- Cost: $7 (Hy-Vee event only)
- Meets: Further discussion evenings to be determined by group
Living with Purpose in a Worn Out Body: This study will be resuming after a break for Advent.
- Facilitator: Peggy Jedlicka
- Cost: None
- Meets: 10 (more) weeks, Sunday mornings, 9:00 am
Made to Crave: Satisfying Your Deepest Desire with God, Not Food: Has food become more about frustration than fulfillment? Made to Crave is the missing link between a woman's desire to be healthy and the spiritual empowerment necessary to make that happen. This group will help you: *Break the cycle of "I'll start again on Monday," and feel good about yourself today. *Stop agonizing over numbers on the scale and make peace with your body. *Replace rationalizations that lead to failure with wisdom that leads to victory. *Reach your healthy goals and grow closer to God through the process.
- Facilitator: Dani Gryp
- Cost: $21
- Meets: 6 weeks, Thursday evenings, 7-8:30 pm, beginning January 12
Spiritual Gifts: This 8-week group will help you identify the gifts that God has given you and how to put them to use in your life.
- Facilitator: Sue Meade
- Cost: None
- Meets: Sunday mornings, 10:15 am, beginning January 15
You can contact our Christian Exploration Chair, Brenda Conry, by phone at 626-7960 or by email at brenda-conry@uiowa.edu.