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Small groups provide the opportunity to study the Bible and fellowship with
others in a smaller setting. If you want more information or need a ride,
don't hesitate to contact the group leaders.
Monday, 7:15pm
Corinthians
Leader: Janine Giordano Drake
Location: 303 W Green #D203, Champaign
One thing that probably distinguishes Monday night Small Group from the other
groups is that no one person usually leads the group for the whole semester.
We pick a book and get access to a couple of good commentaries for reference, and
then we make a sign-up sheet and each person takes a different week to lead.
In the past we have done a lot of scholarly examination of the text in historical
and contextual reference (especially as two of us were TAs in a "Bible as
Literature" class), but this year we are going to also make a concerted effort to
make sure we use the text to ask ourselves hard questions about how we live our
lives and in particular how we practice our faith in community. 1 and 2
Corinthians raise a lot of issues of how Christian community ought to look, and
this will be one of our focuses in reading the text. Of course, other goals
of our Small Group are prayer, mentorship and serving one another. We usually
have at least one or two parties around special holidays, sometimes with themes.
It is fun.
Tuesday, 7:30pm
Christianity Through the Eyes of Paul
Leader: David Suryk
Location: 1907 Rugby Rd, Champaign
This group is designed for grad students who don't describe themselves as
Christian but are interested in the Christian faith, as well as those who may have
significant doubts about their own Christian faith. We'll explore the
Christian faith and life through the eyes of the Apostle Paul in his letter to
the Ephesians. Please let David know
if you're interested.
Web Page
Tuesday, 7:30pm
Nehemiah
Leader: Phil Ansell
Location: 1706 S. Race, Urbana
The book of Nehemiah is the last of the Old Testament historical books, and
tells the story of a Jewish man who leaves a comfortable and wealthy position in
Persia in order to lead the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall. Despite verbal
threats, physical opposition, starving workers, and sometimes disagreeable tasks
(dung gate… need I say more?), God’s plan for rebuilding Jerusalem could
not be stopped. Nehemiah’s story is one of brilliant leadership and service
to God’s plans for the city of Jerusalem. By studying Nehemiah, perhaps we
too can learn how to better love and serve the University of Illinois campus and
surrounding Champaign-Urbana region.
Wednesday, 7:30pm
The Gospel of John
Leader: David Suryk
Location: 1002 W. Clark St. Apt 107, Urbana
John's Gospel is about Jesus, New Creation, New Community, finding new life
in Jesus Christ in New Community, and then living today in New Creation.
John's Gospel is uniquely told and we'll investigate why that might be the
case. The answers might surprise you. This study is open to graduate
students at the U of I, whether new to the Christian faith, grew up in it, or
still investigating what it means to be a Christian. Jesus simply says,
"Come and see."
Web Page
Thursday, 7:00pm
Spiritual Growth
Leader: Michael Culbertson
Location: 1400 N Division Ave #2, Urbana
As Christians, we are holy people, set apart by and for God. But many
times, I don't feel very holy (maybe you have better luck), and Jesus' admonition
to "Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Mt 5:48) can feel like an
unrealistic, unattainable ideal or a heavy legalistic burden. Nevertheless,
the Holy Spirit, implanted in us, is transforming our desires little by little to
be more like Jesus. Are there things we can do to work with the Spirit to
effect this transformation? Pastor and writer John Ortberg says that
"Following Jesus simply means learning from him how to arrange my life around
activities that enable me to live in the fruit of the Spirit." On Thursdays,
we'll take a look at a few of these activities that help us "turn aside" from our
busy lives to meet with God in meaningful ways as we orient our lives around the
character of Christ, loving God and neighbor. We'll share our experiences,
successes and disappointments, as well as encourage, pray, and support one another
as we seek to follow Jesus together.
(Note: If you would like to participate on Thursdays but have a strong
allergy to cat dander, please contact Michael, and we may be able to change
locations.)
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