Virgil Anderson Sunday School Munsey Memorial UMC

Life On The Vine - 'Dying On The Vine'

Sunday, December 13, 2015 - Culture forms and shapes us.  The cultural lens through which we view our world and our humanity shares influence with the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Life On The Vine - Introduction

Sunday, December 6, 2015  -  In this lesson, author and class teacher Dr. Phil Kenneson begins a lesson series based upon his book: "Life On The Vine - Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit in Christian Community".  In this introductory lesson, Phil provides an overview of the series, pointing out that we are known by our fruits.  We may easily assume we can identify these gifts of the spirit - but sometimes the challenge is discerning true fruits of the spirit from some 'look-alikes'.  The challenge is magnified by unwittingly doing things that may hinder the free movement of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  This discernment of the Spirit is also influenced - and sometimes impeded - by the cultural context in which we live.

     This lesson series will continue at least through the remainder of this quarter and will generally follow the reading of a new chapter each week.  

The Book - Life On The Vine - may be purchased in most bookstores, or Amazon - or may even be downloaded to your Kindle.

Acts 18 - "Fear Not..."

Sunday, November 29, 2015 - Paul continues to travel, speak in synagogues and follow God's calling even under the lingering threat of harm.  God's presence is assured through the animating power of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 17 - Paul in Athens

Sunday, November 22, 2015 - Acts 17 - After escaping from prison, again, Paul is taken to Athens where he can't help but engage the people of Athens to witness about the One, True God.

Acts 16 - Traveling The Roads God Directs

Sunday, November 15, 2015  Paul and Barnabas quarrel over the role of John Mark in their missionary journeys.  Each has a valid point, but our decisions are rightfully subservient to God's direction.  Paul and Timothy's journey leads them to Lydia.  Also - "How long...?" - a communal prayer for guidance in the midst of these troubling times, not only for our brothers and sisters hurting in Paris, but for all persons - all created in God's own image - who innocently suffer at the hands of perpetrators of hatred and violence.

Acts 15 - Council at Jerusalem

Sunday November 8, 2015.  The future expansion of Christianity is addressed at The Council at Jerusalem. 

Acts 12 - Collecting the pieces for God's Divine Purpose

Sunday November 1, 2015.  King Herod pleases many Jews by having James, the brother of John, killed.  Herod goes after Peter, but God's Angel miraculously liberates Peter from prison.  How do we reconcile God's actions?  Plus - extra bonus!  Class member Martha Culp shares wisdom from a century of faithful living.

Acts 11 - Allowing God to Surprise Us

Sunday, October 25, 2015.  When God reveals God's nature to us through the Holy Spirit, it may challenge us to grow and reconsider what we may have previously thought about God

Acts 10 - Acts of the Holy Spirit

Sunday October 18, 2015.  The Holy Spirit moves ahead of Peter to bring about the conversion of Cornelius - and challenges the identity of God's Chosen People

Acts 9 - Encouragement for Brother Saul

God calls Ananias to be God's hands in the calling of Saul to be an vessel of God's ministry to the world.  Small roles can have significant impacts on our calling in the world.