Led by Shannon Hall and Jimmie Hughes

A class top help learn conversational English.

Coed Group

Led by Greg Rogers

Book:  Hearing God by Dallas Willard

Note:  This Class begins September 12

Being close to God means communicating with Him--telling him what is on our hearts in prayer and hearing and understanding what He is saying to us. 

It is this second half of our conversation with God that is so important but that can also be so difficult.

• How do we hear His voice? 
• How can we be sure that what we think we hear is not our own subconscious? 
• What role does the Bible play? 
• What if what God says to us is not clear? The key is to focus not so much on individual actions and decisions as on building our personal relationship with our Creator.
  

Women's Bible Study

Led by April Anderson, Heather Morse, and Leslie Rogers

The group will study the book of James along with current events and other readings.

Coed Study Group

Led by Joshua Breazeale

During our recent Deacon Community conversations one of the recurring themes centered around the idea of community and a desire to strengthen a sense of community at Oakmont. There seems to be a hope and a desire from individuals to have a place or a group to which they felt like they belong.

Erin Lane’s book, Lessons in Belonging starts from the idea that for many people a sense of belonging can be something very hard to find. Community with some is rich but can also seem elusive to others. 

In the forward of the book, Parker Palmer says that "Belonging is a lost art up and down the generational continuum and all of us, no matter what our age, need the lessons in belonging that this book’s title promises. What does it mean to belong in 2018? How are we all to be the church? How are we all to belong to one another? The church is not a meeting or a building, not something you go to – the church is something we are, a living body, a community where imperfect people can fall in love with a perfect God and hopefully help each other become a little better. This book offers the lessons in belonging we all need to strengthen our communities and their contributions to the world."

This class will discuss what it means to belong and explore how we can deepen our sense of belonging for our selves and with others.

Coed Study Group

Led by Carol Brown and Gayle Daniel

In these pages Dallas Willard explores what it means to live well now in light of God's kingdom. He reflects on the power of the Trinity in our lives, the meaning of knowledge, the importance of spiritual disciplines and much more. Dallas Willard offers poignant thoughts about what it will be like to transition into the very presence of Christ in heaven. Each chapter is followed with an illuminating dialogue between Dallas Willard and John Ortberg. The book closes with the theme of offering a blessing to one another. These reflections are like a gift of grace.

Men's Group

Led by Jack Metts

Book:  the Bible

For men who want to read and discuss one book of the Bible at a time. Bring a Bible and join these men for an hour of study and discussion. 

This class meets at the home of Jack Metts.  Call the office for directions.

Men's Study Group

Led by Jim Naves

In this book, Henri Nouwen views our spiritual "ascent" as evolving in three movements. 

• The first, from loneliness to solitude, focuses on the spiritual life as it relates to the experience of our own selves. 
  
• The second, from hostility to hospitality, deals with our spiritual life as a life for others. 
  
• The final movement, from illusion to prayer, offers penetrating thoughts on the most mysterious relationship of all: our relationship to God. 

Throughout, Nouwen emphasizes that the more we understand (and not simply deny) our inner struggles, the more fully we will be able to embrace a prayerful and genuine life that is also open to others' needs. (6 weeks)

Coed Group

Led by Carol Brown

Book:  Sacred Rhythms by Ruth Haley Barton

Note:  This Class begins October 17

Do you long for a deep, fundamental change in your life with God? Do you desire a greater intimacy with God? Do you wonder how you might truly live your life as God created you to live it? Spiritual disciplines are activities that open us to God's transforming love and the changes that only God can bring about in our lives. Picking up on the monastic tradition of creating a "rule of life" that allows for regular space for the practice of the spiritual disciplines, this book takes you more deeply into understanding seven key disciplines along with practical ideas for weaving them into everyday life.

Coed Study Group

Led by Laura Morgan

A group of young adults will study the book of Genesis. Bring your Bible to the Gathering Place (in the modular units) and we'll read, study, and discuss the context, references, and impact of the first book of the Old Testament. No weekly homework required.