Sunday School Lessons

Click here for a print-friendly version Love God for the Gift of Jesus Winter Quarter: Our Love For God Unit 1: God Is Worthy of Our Love Sunday school lesson for the week of December 23, 2018 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson Scripture: Luke 1:26-31; Luke 2:22, 25-35 Although our scripture has verses specified for this week, we think you should read the intervening verses as well. Context is critical to understanding the scriptures, and connecting the dots here will add meaning to your ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Love God and Serve Others Winter Quarter: Our Love For God Unit 1: God Is Worthy of Our Love Sunday school lesson for the week of December 30, 2018 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson Scripture: Matthew 25: 31-46 The time is Holy Week 29 CE. The place is Jerusalem. The setting is two days before Passover. His enemies are plotting, and Jesus knows it. Shouldn’t we pay close attention to what he says? When someone is close to death, and they know it, ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Walk in Love Winter Quarter: Our Love For God Unit 2: Loving God by Trusting Christ Sunday school lesson for the week of January 6, 2019 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson Scripture: II Thessalonians 3: 1-5; 2 John 4-11 Greetings on this Epiphany Sunday, the Twelfth Day of Christmas! Also, Happy New Year! We pray you have had a blessed Christmas. Our unit title would make the greatest of all New Year’s resolutions: “Loving God by Trusting Christ.”  ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Love and Serve God Winter Quarter: Our Love For God Unit 1: God Is Worthy of Our Love Sunday school lesson for the week of December 9, 2018 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson Scripture: Joshua 24 As last week’s lesson focused on Moses’ final words to his people before his death and their entrance into Canaan, so this week we listen to what Joshua said to the Israelites before his death, after they had conquered and were living in the Promised Land. ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Love and Worship God Winter Quarter: Our Love For God Unit 1: God Is Worthy of Our Love Sunday school lesson for the week of December 16, 2018 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson Scripture: Psalm 103 The pattern of our study this quarter should be clear to all. The response we are to make to God is obedience, service, and, this week, worship. Our studies have focused on the giants of Hebrew history – Moses, Joshua, and today, David. With David, we ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God Blesses Jacob and Rachel Fall Quarter: God’s World and God’s People Unit 3: God Blesses and Creates Regardless Sunday school lesson for the week of November 25, 2018 By Dr. Nita Crump Lesson Scripture: Genesis 30 Key Verses: Genesis 30:22 Purpose: To marvel that God’s blessings are not contingent on whether we are morally upright. Once again, as we study Genesis, we find ourselves involved with Jacob. Jacob, the son of Isaac and grandson of ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Love and Obey God Winter Quarter: Our Love For God Unit 1: God Is Worthy of Our Love Sunday school lesson for the week of December 2, 2018 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson Scripture: Deuteronomy 6: 1-9 This quarter our focus will be on “Our Love for God,” and we begin with how “God Is Worthy of our Love.”  Our verses for study this week are the source of one of the most famous passages in the Old Testament – the Shema: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord is ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Jacob Receives Isaac’s Blessing Fall Quarter: God’s World and God’s People Unit 3: God Blesses and Creates Regardless Sunday school lesson for the week of November 11, 2018 By Dr. Nita Crump Lesson Scripture: Genesis 27:1-28:5 Key Verses: Genesis 27:23 Purpose: To grasp that our sinfulness will not thwart God’s will. This lesson builds on the complications of family relationships between brothers that we explored in the last lesson. Jacob and Esau ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Jacob Forms a Relationship with God Fall Quarter: God’s World and God’s People Unit 3: God Blesses and Creates Regardless Sunday school lesson for the week of November 18, 2018 By Dr. Nita Crump Lesson Scripture: Genesis 28:10-22 Key Verses: Genesis 28:15 Purpose: To discover that human contracts pale compared with divine covenants. In lesson 11, I wrote of the lessons we might learn from the story of Jacob’s deception of Isaac.  One of the lessons ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Abraham and Sarah Birth God’s People Fall Quarter: God’s World and God’s People Unit 2: God Destroys and Re-Creates Sunday school lesson for the week of October 21, 2018 By Dr. Nita Crump Lesson Scripture: Genesis 18:9-15, 21:1-7 Key Verses: Genesis 21:1 Purpose: To open ourselves to blessing even when our timetable seems at odds with God. Life takes time. Have you ever noticed that? For most of us, life takes 70 to 90 years of living.  Our culture ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Isaac and Rebekah Continue the Legacy Fall Quarter: God’s World and God’s People Unit 2: God Destroys and Re-Creates Sunday school lesson for the week of October 28, 2018 By Dr. Nita Crump Lesson Scripture: Genesis 24:12-21, 61-67 Key Verses: Genesis 24:61 Purpose: To appreciate that we must respond to God’s call with affirmation to fully enjoy God’s blessings.  Often, when folks think of being called by God, they think of being called into pastoral ...

Click here for a print-friendly version A Troubled Birth Fall Quarter: God’s World and God’s People Unit 3: God Blesses and Creates Regardless Sunday school lesson for the week of November 4, 2018 By Dr. Nita Crump Lesson Scripture: Genesis 25:19-34 Key Verses: Genesis 25:23 Purpose: To acknowledge that long-standing conflicts often have deep roots. The Hatfields and the McCoys. Just the mention of those names brings to mind the ruthless family feud from the hills of Kentucky/West Virginia...

Click here for a print-friendly version God is Always Working Fall Quarter: God’s World and God’s People Unit 2: God Destroys and Re-Creates Sunday school lesson for the week of October 14, 2018 By Dr. Nita Crump Lesson Scripture: Various verses from Genesis 9-12 Key Verse: Genesis 12:2-3 Purpose: To discover that even biblical genealogies reveal God at work. A list of names. Just how exciting can reading a list of names be? A filibuster is a tactic to prevent an elected body from moving ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Noah’s Steadfast Faith Fall Quarter: God’s World and God’s People Unit 2: God Destroys and Re-Creates Sunday school lesson for the week of October 7, 2018 By Dr. Nita Crump Lesson Scripture: Genesis 6; 8:19 Key Verse: Genesis 6:22 Purpose: To realize that God’s call is an invitation to faithful obedience. In the first chapter of Genesis, God calls creation good. At the end of his work, God called creation very good, even supremely good. Even after ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God Created Family Fall Quarter: God’s World and God’s People Unit 1: God Created the World Sunday school lesson for the week of September 23, 2018 By Dr. Nita Crump Lesson Scripture: Genesis 2:18-24 Key Verse: Genesis 2:24 Purpose: To celebrate the fact that we have been created to live in relationship with God and human beings. Paul Simon sings: “I am a rock, I am an island….” The song closes with the words that, I believe, give us the reason for ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God Creates; Humans Sin Fall Quarter: God’s World and God’s People Unit 1: God Created the World Sunday school lesson for the week of September 30, 2018 By Dr. Nita Crump Lesson Scripture: Genesis 3:8-17, 20-24 Key Verse: Genesis 3:23 Purpose: To be heartbroken that human sin has violated God’s intentions for creation. The following definitions come from dictionary.com. Sin: 1) transgression of divine law; 2) any act regarded as such a transgression,...

Click here for a print-friendly version God Created People Fall Quarter: God’s World and God’s People Unit 1: God Created the World Sunday school lesson for the week of September 16, 2018 By Dr. Nita Crump Lesson Scripture: Genesis 1:26 – 2:7 Key Verse: Genesis 1:27 Purpose: To consider what it means to be formed in the image of God. David Phelps, a Christian artist known for both his solo work and his work with Bill Gaither, sings a song entitled “Virtuoso.” The song starts with these ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Our laity are valuable, vital members of our congregations, Conference, and connection. They are called to make disciples in a world desperately in need of hope. Laity serve as Sunday school teachers, children’s ministers, as musicians, they offer hospitality, and so much more. Thank you to Denise Rooks, a lay member of Harper’s Chapel UMC, for writing this Sunday school lesson. God Created Plants and Animals Fall Quarter: God’s World and God’s People ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God Created the Heavens and the Earth Fall Quarter: God’s World and God’s People Unit 1: God Created the World Sunday school lesson for the week of September 2, 2018 By Rev. Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: Genesis 1:1-13  Key Verses: Genesis 1:1-2 Purpose 1. To reflect afresh about what it means to say that God created the universe. 2. To consider how the story of creation affects the expression of our faith. Right from the Start Why Study Genesis ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Practicing Justice Summer Quarter: Justice in the New Testament Unit 3: Paul Teaches About New Life in Christ Sunday school lesson for the week of August 26, 2018 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Scripture Lesson: Colossians 3:5-17 (CEB) Background Scripture: Ephesians 4:25-5:2; Colossians 3:1-17 Key Verse: “Therefore, as God’s choice, holy and loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” (Colossians 3:12) Purpose: To ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Global Economic Justice Summer Quarter: Justice in the New Testament Unit 3:  Paul Teaches About New Life in Christ Sunday school lesson for the week of August 12, 2018 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Scripture Lesson: 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 (CEB) Background Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8; 9 Purpose: To identify the reason and ways of living generous lives in Christ. 7Be the best in this work of grace in the same way that you are the best in everything, ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Loving and Just Behavior Summer Quarter: Justice in the New Testament Unit 3: Paul Teaches About New Life in Christ Sunday school lesson for the week of August 19, 2018 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Scripture Lesson: Romans 12:9-21 (CEB) Purpose: To affirm the marvelous marks of true love as followers of Christ.   9 Love should be shown without pretending. Hate evil, and hold on to what is good. 10 Love each other like the members of your family. Be...

Click here for a print-friendly version God’s Justice Summer Quarter: Justice in the New Testament Unit 3:  Paul Teaches About New Life in Christ Sunday school lesson for the week of August 5, 2018 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Purpose: To commit to leading a nonjudgmental and repentant life.   Scripture Lesson: Romans 2:1-12 (CEB) Background Scripture: Romans 2:1-16 “Every single one of you who judge others is without any excuse. You condemn yourself when you judge another person ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Parable of the Great Dinner Summer Quarter: Justice in the New Testament Unit 2: Jesus Calls for Justice and Mercy Sunday school lesson for the week of July 29, 2018 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Purpose: To realize God’s greatest hope and intention for the world. Scripture Lesson: Luke 14:15-24 CEB “When one of the dinner guests heard Jesus’ remarks, he said to Jesus, ‘Happy are those who will feast in God’s kingdom.’ Jesus replied, ‘A certain man ...

Click here for a print-friendly version The Widow and the Unjust Judge   Summer Quarter: Justice in the New Testament Unit 2: Jesus Calls for Justice and Mercy   Sunday school lesson for the week of July 15, 2018 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell   Purpose: To acknowledge our need to be persistent and faithful followers of Jesus Christ.     Scripture Lesson: Luke 18:1-8 CEB Jesus was telling them a parable about their need to pray continuously and not to be discouraged. He said, “In a certain city...

Click here for a print-friendly version Entering God’s Kingdom   Summer Quarter: Justice in the New Testament Unit 2: Jesus Calls for Justice and Mercy   Sunday school lesson for the week of July 22, 2018 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell   Purpose: To commit to serious cultivation of a holy and faithful life.   Scripture Lesson: Luke 13:22-30 CEB   Background Scripture: Matthew 7:15-23 Jesus traveled through cities and villages, teaching and making his way to Jerusalem. Someone said to him, “...

Click here for a print-friendly version Parable of the Unforgiving Servant   Summer Quarter: Justice in the New Testament Unit 2:  Jesus Call for Justice and Mercy   Sunday School lesson for the week of July 1, 2018 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell   Purpose: To recognize the importance of forgiving as we have been forgiven.    Scripture Lesson: Matthew 18:21-35 (CEB) Then Peter said to Jesus,“Lord, how many times should I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Should I forgive as many...

Click here for a print-friendly version Jesus Criticizes Unjust Leaders   Summer Quarter: Justice in the New Testament Unit 2:  Jesus Call for Justice and Mercy   Sunday School lesson for the week of July 8, 2018 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell   Purpose: To respond to Christ’s call us to repent of hypocrisy in our lives.    Scripture Lesson: Matthew 23:1-8, 23-26 (CEB) Background: Matthew 23   Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and his disciples, “The legal experts and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Jesus Teaches About Justice   Summer Quarter: Justice in the New Testament Unit 1: God Is Just and Merciful   Sunday School lesson for the week of June 17, 2018 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell   Purpose: To affirm through actions how we can live in the spirit of the Law.    Scripture Lesson: Matthew 15:1-9 (CEB) Background: Mark 7:1-13 “Then Pharisees and legal experts came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, ‘Why are your disciples breaking the elders’ ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Reaping God's Justice Summer Quarter: Justice in the New Testament Unit 1: God Is Just and Merciful Sunday School lesson for the week of June 24, 2018 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Purpose: To compare and contrast our personal understanding of justice with God's will.   Scripture Lesson: Luke 16:19-31 (CEB) Background Scripture: John 5:24-30 "There was a certain rich man who clothed himself in purple and fine linen, and who feasted luxuriously every...

Click here for a print-friendly version Parables of God’s Just Kingdom   Summer Quarter: Justice in the New Testament Unit 3:  God Is Just and Merciful   Sunday School lesson for the week of June 10, 2018 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell   Scripture Lesson: Matthew 13:24-33 (NIV)   Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Justice and Sabbath Laws   Summer Quarter: Justice in the New Testament Unit 1: God Is Just and Merciful   Sunday School lesson for the week of June 3, 2018 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell   Scripture Lesson: Matthew 12:1-14   Purpose: To discover how the Law enhances our lives as God’s people.   Key Verse: If you had known what this means, I want mercy and not sacrifice, you wouldn’t have condemned the innocent. (Matthew 12:7)   Introduction   The Adult ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Remembering with Joy   Sunday school lesson for the week of May 20, 2018 By Dr. Hal Brady   Spring Quarter: Acknowledging God Unit 3: Give Praise to God   Lesson Scripture: Leviticus 25:1-12   Lesson Aims   Summarize the nature of the rest the land was to receive during the Sabbath year and the year of Jubilee. Explain the spiritual principles that these laws were meant to instill.   The writer introduces this lesson before us by talking about what it ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Rejoicing in Restoration   Sunday school lesson for the week of May 27, 2018 By Dr. Hal Brady   Spring Quarter: Acknowledging God Unit 3: Give Praise to God   Lesson Scripture: Psalm 34:1-10; Hebrews 2:17, 18   Lesson Aims Describe the connection between Psalm 34 and Hebrews 2:17,18. Give examples of God’s desire and ability to provide for his people. Encourage one person in the week ahead who feels as though God doesn’t care about his or her suffering. ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Bringing Firstfruits Sunday school lesson for the week of May 13, 2018 By Dr. Hal Brady Spring Quarter: Acknowledging God Unit 3: Give Praise to God Lesson Scripture: Leviticus 2:14; 23:9-14, 22   Lesson Aims Describe the firstfruits offering and its purpose. Relate the firstfruits concept to the Christian faith.   Cultures have different ways and traditions of marking time. In addition to marking calendar days, such as January 1, the beginning of ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Giving From a Generous Heart   Sunday school lesson for the week of May 6, 2018 By Dr. Hal Brady   Spring Quarter: Acknowledging God Unit 3: Give Praise to God   Lesson Scripture: Exodus 35:20-29; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8   Lesson Aims Recall how the Israelites demonstrated generosity in funding the tabernacle’s construction. Compare and contrast the Old and New Testament texts in today’s study with regard to giving.   The writer of this lesson introduces it...

Click here for a print-friendly version Blessing, Glory, Honor Forever   Sunday school lesson for the week of April 29, 2018 By Dr. Hal Brady   Spring Quarter: Acknowledging God Unit 2: All Glory and Honor   Lesson Scripture: Revelation 5:6-14   Lesson Aims Describe the makeup of the expanding numbers of worshippers in Heaven. Explain why the Lamb is worthy of worship.   Writing in his book, “Breaking The Code,” the late Dr. Bruce Metzger, American biblical scholar, speaks of Revelation 4 and...

Click here for a print-friendly version The Lord God Almighty   Sunday school lesson for the week of April 22, 2018 By Dr. Hal Brady   Spring Quarter: Acknowledging God Unit 2: All Glory and Honor   Lesson Scripture: Revelation 4:1-6, 8-11   Lesson Aims Describe the content of John’s vision in Revelation 4. Explain the worship reality behind the text’s symbols.   There are numerous theories as to how Revelation should be interpreted. Scholars point out that some believe it is prophetic of ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Follow Me   Sunday school lesson for the week of April 15, 2018 By Dr. Hal Brady   Spring Quarter: Acknowledging God Unit 2: All Glory and Honor   Lesson Scripture: John 21:15-25   Lesson Aims Summarize the conversation between the risen Jesus and Peter at the Sea of Galilee. Explain the relationship between loving Jesus and imitating his gracious love and service. It is true that most football fans will recognize the name Joe Montana. Montana was a ...

Click here for a print-friendly version The Risen Lord Appears   Sunday school lesson for the week of April 8, 2018 By Dr. Hal Brady   Spring Quarter: Acknowledging God Unit 2: All Glory and Honor   Lesson Scripture: John 21:1-14   Lesson Aims Recount the story of Jesus’ appearance at the Sea of Galilee following his resurrection. Identify elements of the story that reveal Jesus’ constant provision for his followers.   21:1-14 reminds us that for God no matter is too big or too small. In this...

Click here for a print-friendly version He Has Risen   Sunday school lesson for the week of April 1, 2018 By Dr. Hal Brady   Spring Quarter: Acknowledging God Unit 2: All Glory and Honor   Lesson Scripture: Luke 24:1-12, 30-35   Lesson Aims Restate the mystery of Jesus’ missing body and the resolution of that mystery. Explain why the women’s preparation was unnecessary. Offer a prayer of thanksgiving that God keeps his promises.   On this joyful Easter Sunday, we are full of hope! In many ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Keep My Statutes and Ordinances   Sunday school lesson for the week of March 25, 2018 By Dr. Hal Brady   Spring Quarter: Acknowledging God Unit 1: Follow in My Ways   Lesson Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:12-22   Lesson Aims Summarize the promises of both blessing and discipline that the Lord spoke to Solomon. Think how these promises serve to both encourage and warn Christians today.   The previous two lessons were about the dedication ceremony of the newly...

Click here for a print-friendly version There is No God Like You   Sunday school lesson for the week of March 11, 2018 By Dr. Hal Brady   Spring Quarter: Acknowledging God Unit 1: Follow in My Ways   Lesson Scripture: 2 Chronicles 6:12-21 Background Scripture: 2 Chronicles 6:1-21   Lesson Aims Recount what Solomon said concerning the Lord’s character and faithfulness in keeping promises. Explain how Solomon’s prayer can serve as a model for the Christian’s prayer life. List scriptural promises...

Click here for a print-friendly version The People Gave Thanks to God   Sunday school lesson for the week of March 18, 2018 By Dr. Hal Brady   Spring Quarter: Acknowledging God Unit 1: Follow in My Ways   Lesson Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:1-9 Background Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:1-11   Lesson Aims  Describe God’s response to Solomon’s prayer of dedication at the temple and how Solomon and the people gave thanks to God. Explain why giving thanks to God receives the emphasis it does in today’s ...

Click here for a print-friendly version The Good Fight of Faith Winter Quarter: Faith in Action Unit 3: Self-Controlled, Upright and Godly Faith Sunday school lesson for the week of February 25, 2018 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers   Scripture Lesson: I Timothy 6: 11-21   The final lesson of the quarter is from Paul’s letter to his beloved son-in-the-faith—Timothy.  We are aware many scholars deny the Pauline authorship of the two letters addressed to Timothy, but we are assuming they were ...

Click here for a print-friendly version The Lord Will Provide   Spring Quarter: Acknowledging God Unit 1: Follow in My Ways   Sunday school lesson for the week of March 4, 2018 By Dr. Hal Brady   Lesson Scripture: Genesis 22:1-3, 6-14 Background Scripture: Genesis 22 Lesson Aims Describe the events surrounding Abraham’s near sacrifice of Isaac. Explain the implications for Abraham of obeying God’s command to sacrifice Isaac. The theme of the third quarter is “Acknowledging God.” As we are ...

Click here for a print-friendly version A Disciplined Faith Winter Quarter: Faith in Action Unit 3: Self-Controlled, Upright and Godly Faith Sunday school lesson for the week of February 11, 2018 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Scripture Lesson: James 3: 1-12 In the title of the unit and in this lesson, an issue of long-standing debate is raised. The issue is expressed in many ways: Nature/Nurture; Environment/Heredity; and in these days of the 21st Century, Chemistry/Character. In other ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Faithful Disciples Winter Quarter: Faith in Action Unit 3: Self-Controlled, Upright and Godly Faith Sunday school lesson for the week of February 18, 2018 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Scripture Lesson: Acts 9: 36-43 Over the next two weeks, our lessons will focus on those two early Christian leaders, Peter and Saul/Paul. The ninth chapter of Acts is filled with information about the earliest days, as the Christian faith spread across the Roman world. ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Faith without Works is Dead Winter Quarter: Faith in Action Unit 3: Self-Controlled, Upright, and Godly Faith Sunday school lesson for the week of February 4, 2018 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Scripture Lesson: James 2: 14-26 Communicating is hard work! We have been married for more than 60 years, and making ourselves understood to the other is sometimes still difficult! The early Church had the same problem. Earlier this quarter we had lessons based ...

Click here for a print-friendly version A Strong Faith Winter Quarter: Faith in Action Unit 2: A Living Faith in God Sunday school lesson for the week of January 28, 2018 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Scripture Lesson: Daniel 10: 10-19 Background Scripture: Daniel chapters 10 and 11 In this final lesson from the Book of Daniel we encounter a new kind of biblical literature—apocalyptic. The word means “revelation” or “disclosure.” The timeline is always in the future, but dating is not the ...

Click here for a print-friendly version A Bold Faith Winter Quarter: Faith in Action Unit 2: A Living Faith in God Sunday school lesson for the week of January 14, 2018 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Scripture Lesson: Daniel 3: 19-23; 26-28 Background Scripture:  Daniel 3 The account of the four young men from Judah continues in chapter 3. The training to serve the king has been completed, and they are assigned strategic positions of administration in the kingdom. Remember their names:  ...

Click here for a print-friendly version A Prayer for Obedient Faith Winter Quarter: Faith in Action Unit 2: A Living Faith in God Sunday school lesson for the week of January 21, 2018 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Scripture Lesson: Daniel 9: 4-18; 15-19 Background Scripture:  Daniel 9: 1-19 Our next lesson in Daniel moves several chapters and years ahead. The ruler in the Middle East is now Cyrus of Persia, who came to power in 538 BC when the Persians defeated the Babylonians. Since Daniel ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Faithful Seekers of the King Winter Quarter: Faith in Action Unit 1: The Early Church Proclaims Faith in Christ Sunday school lesson for the week of December 24, 2017 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Scripture Lesson: Matthew 2:1-12 Enrichment scripture: Isaiah 49: 1-7 Today is Christmas Eve. We move from Acts to Matthew to pay attention to a familiar story of the beginnings of the Church built around faith in Christ. Matthew’s version of the birth of ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Faith to Unite Winter Quarter: Faith in Action Unit 1: The Early Church Proclaims Faith in Christ Sunday school lesson for the week of December 31, 2017 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Scripture Lesson: Ephesians 4: 1-16 Background Scripture: Ephesians 4 Paul is writing from prison in Rome to the church in the great city of Ephesus. The last time he had communicated with these believers was when he bid the leaders of the church farewell on his return to ...

Click here for a print-friendly version A Sincere Faith Winter Quarter: Faith in Action Unit 2: A Living Faith in God Sunday school lesson for the week of January 7, 2017 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Scripture Lesson: Daniel 1: 8-21 Background Scripture: Daniel 1 Today we begin a series of lessons from the Old Testament Book of Daniel. The historical background is intriguing, and the relevance for today is how we Christians can face crises in our lives with faithfulness and perseverance.  ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Faith to Discern Winter Quarter: Faith in Action Unit 1: The Early Church Proclaims Faith in Christ Sunday school lesson for the week of December 10, 2017 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Scripture Lesson: Acts 13:1-12 The second lesson skips over several chapters in the Book of Acts describing how the church begins to spread out from Jerusalem, as Jesus had told them in his valedictory in Acts 1:7ff—“you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in Judea, in ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Faith to Persevere Winter Quarter: Faith in Action Unit 1: The Early Church Proclaims Faith in Christ Sunday school lesson for the week of December 17, 2017  By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Scripture Lesson: Acts 14: 8-11; 19-23 Background Scripture:  Acts 14 We continue with Paul, Barnabas and Mark on what is now called the First Missionary Journey.  The sacred travelogue moves us from the island of Cyprus to Perga on the mainland of Asia Minor, modern ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Faith in Jesus Winter Quarter: Faith in Action Unit 1: The Early Church Proclaims Faith in Christ Sunday school lesson for the week of December 3, 2017 Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Scripture Lesson: Acts 3: 11-21 Background Scripture: Acts 3 Once again we have the joy of sharing our study through the Advocate. For eight years we have worked together to grow in our understanding and commitment to our loving Father and His gift of grace in Jesus. The word ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God’s True Covenant People Fall Quarter: Covenants With God Unit 3:  An Everlasting Covenant Sunday school lesson for the week of November 26, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Scripture Lesson: 1 Corinthians 11:23-34 Background Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11; Jude Purpose: To celebrate in worship and our daily lives by remembering the redemptive life and death of Christ. Key Verse: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Every time you drink it, do ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Promise of a New Covenant, II Fall Quarter: Covenants With God Unit 3: An Everlasting Covenant Sunday school lesson for the week of November 12, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Scripture Lesson: Jeremiah 31:27-34 Background Scripture: Jeremiah 31 Purpose: To thrive in the confidence that God can forgive our sins and transform our hearts with a new covenant Key Verse: I will put my instructions within them and engrave them on their hearts. I will ...

Click here for a print-friendly version High Priest of the New Covenant Fall Quarter: Covenants With God Unit 3: An Everlasting Covenant Sunday school lesson for the week of November 19, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Scripture Lesson: Hebrews 12:14-15, 18-29 Background: Hebrews 12:14-15, 18-29; Psalm 66 Purpose: To pursue peace and express gratitude for the gift of God’s unshakeable kingdom through Jesus. Key Verse: Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that can’t be shaken, ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Promise of a New Covenant Fall Quarter: Covenants With God Unit 3: An Everlasting Covenant Sunday school lesson for the week of November 5, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Scripture Lesson: Numbers 25:10-13; 1 Samuel 2:30-36 Background Scripture: Nehemiah 25; 1 Samuel 2:27-36 Purpose: To understand that our service to God is built upon integrity and fidelity to our commitments to God and to others Key Verse: Then I will establish for myself a ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God’s Covenant With David Fall Quarter: Covenants With God Unit 2: Called Into Covenant With God Sunday school lesson for the week of October 22, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Scripture Lesson: 2 Samuel 7:1-6, 8-10, 12-16 Background Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:1-16; Psalm 89; 1 Chronicles 22:6-8 Purpose: To discern how God has guided our lives with purpose and faithful love Key Verse: Your dynasty and your kingdom will be secured forever before me. ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God’s Covenant With the Returned Exiles Fall Quarter: Covenants With God Unit 2: Called Into Covenant With God Sunday school lesson for the week of October 29, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Scripture Lesson: Nehemiah 9:32-38; Nehemiah 10:28-29 Background Scripture: Nehemiah 9–10 Purpose: To be able to admit our faults and pledge ourselves to a life that honors our relationship with God Key Verse: You have been just in all that has happened to ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God’s Written Covenant Fall Quarter: Covenants with God Unit 2: Called Into Covenant with God Sunday school lesson for the week of October 15, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Scripture Lesson: Exodus 20:18-26 Background: Exodus 20 Purpose: To embrace the presence of God in awe, wonder, and commitment to doing God’s will Hearing the Word The Adult Bible Studies’ writer begins this lesson with a reminder of the Israelites agreed covenant at Mount ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God’s Covenant with Israel Fall Quarter: Covenants with God Unit 2: Called Into Covenant with God Sunday school lesson for the week of October 8, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Scripture Lesson: Exodus 19:16-25 Background: Exodus 19; Isaiah 60:3 Purpose: To eagerly anticipate meeting God in many ways and many places Key Verse: “Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they took their place at the foot of the mountain.” (Exodus ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God’s Covenant With Abram Fall Quarter: Covenants With God Unit 2: Called Into Covenant With God Sunday school lesson for the week of October 1, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Lesson Scripture: Genesis 15:1-6, 17-21 Background Scripture: Genesis 15 Purpose: To have the courage to question and trust in the Word of God. Key Verse: “That day the Lord cut a covenant with Abraham: ‘To your descendants, I give this land, from Egypt’s river to the ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Spirit-Filled Heart Fall Quarter: Covenants With God Unit 1: Signs of God’s Covenant Sunday school lesson for the week of September 24, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Lesson Scripture: Ezekiel 36:22-32 Background Scripture: Ezekiel 36—37; Titus 3:1-11; Ezekiel 36:22-32 Purpose: To cultivate a new heart and a new spirit, transformed by the grace of God. Key Verses: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you. I will remove your ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Circumcision Fall Quarter: Covenant with God Unit 1: Signs of God’s Covenant Sunday school lesson for the week of September 10, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Lesson Scripture: Genesis 17:1-14 Background Scripture: Genesis 17 Key Verse: This is my covenant that you and your descendants must keep: Circumcise every male. (Genesis 17:10) Purpose: To live with hope and faith in God’s assurances Hearing the Word The Adult Bible Studies’ writer ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Sabbath Observance Fall Quarter: Covenant with God Unit 1: Signs of God’s Covenant Sunday school lesson for the week of September 17, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Lesson Scripture: Exodus 31:12-18 Background Scripture: Genesis 2:1-3; Exodus 31:12-18; Isaiah 56:1-8 Purpose: To value God’s call to rest and renew our relationships with God and one another Key Verses: “Be sure to keep my Sabbaths, because the Sabbath is a sign between me and you ...

Click here for a print-friendly view Called to be Inclusive Summer Quarter: God’s Urgent Call Unit 3: Calls in the New Testament Sunday school lesson for the week of August 27, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Lesson Scripture: Acts 10:19-33 Background Scripture: Acts 10 Key Verse: God has shown me that I should never call a person impure or unclean. Acts 10:28: “He said to them, “You all realize that it is forbidden for a Jew to associate or visit with outsiders. However, God has shown ...

Click here for a print-friendly version The Rainbow Fall Quarter: Covenant with God Unit 1: Signs of God’s Covenant Sunday school lesson for the week of September 3, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Lesson Scripture: Genesis 8:20–9:17 Background: Genesis 8:20-22 Key Verse: “I will set up my covenant with you so that never again will all life be cut off by floodwaters. There will never again be a flood to destroy the earth.” (Genesis 9:11) Purpose: To recognize that despite the often ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Break Down Barriers Summer Quarter: God’s Urgent Call Unit 3: Calls in the New Testament Sunday School Lesson for the week of August 13, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Lesson Scripture: Acts 8:26-39 Background Scripture: Acts 8 Key Verse: Starting with that passage, Philip proclaimed the good news about Jesus to him. (Acts 8:35) Purpose: To grasp the importance of and commit to ministering to the marginalized Hearing the Word The “...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Preach Summer Quarter: God’s Urgent Call Unit 3: Calls in the New Testament Sunday School lesson for the week of August 20, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Lesson Scripture: Acts 9:10-20 Background Scripture: Acts 9:1-31 Key Verse: Ananias went to the house. He placed his hands on Saul (Acts 9:17) Purpose: To recommit to God’s call to share the gospel Hearing the Word The “Adult Bible Studies” writer begins this week’s lesson by ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Witness Summer Quarter: God’s Urgent Call Unit 3: Calls in the New Testament Sunday School Lesson for the week of August 6, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Lesson Scripture: Acts 6:1-8 Background Scripture: Acts 1; 6; 7 Key Verse: Brothers and sisters, carefully choose seven well-respected men from among you. They must be well-respected and endowed by the Spirit with exceptional wisdom. We will put them in charge of this concern. (Acts ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Amos’ Call Summer Quarter: God’s Urgent Call Unit 2: Calling of the Prophets Sunday school lesson for the week of July 30, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Lesson Scripture: Amos 7:10-17 Background Scripture: Amos 7 Key Verses: Amos answered Amaziah, “I am not a prophet, nor am I a prophet’s son; but I am a shepherd, and a trimmer of sycamore trees. But the Lord took me from shepherding the flock, and the Lord said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people...

Click here for a print-friendly version Jeremiah's Call and Commission Summer Quarter: God’s Urgent Call Unit 2: Calling of the Prophets Sunday School Lesson for the week of July 16, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Lesson Scripture: Jeremiah 1:4-10 Background Scripture: Jeremiah 1 Key Verse: “‘Don’t be afraid of them, because I’m with you to rescue you,’ declares the Lord.” (Jer.1:8) Purpose: To recognize that we can be reluctant and afraid when confronted with a divine challenge. ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Ezekiel’s Call Summer Quarter: God’s Urgent Call Unit 2: Calling of the Prophets Sunday School Lesson for the week of July 23, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Lesson Scripture: Ezekiel 3:1-11 Background Scripture: Jeremiah 1–3 Key Verses: He said to me: Human one, listen closely, and take to heart every word I say to you. Then go to the exiles, to your people’s children. Whether they listen or not, speak to them and say: The Lord God proclaims! ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Moses and the Burning Bush Summer Quarter: God’s Urgent Call Unit 2: Calling of the Prophets Sunday school lesson for the week of July 2, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Lesson Scripture: Exodus 3:1-12 Background Scripture: Exodus 3 Key Verse: “Now the Israelites’ cries of injustice have reached me. I’ve seen just how much the Egyptians have oppressed them. So get going. I’m sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.”...

Click here for a print-friendly version Isaiah in the Temple Summer Quarter: God’s Urgent Call Unit 2: Calling of the Prophets Sunday school lesson for the week of July 9, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Lesson Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-8 Background Scripture: Isaiah 6 Key Verse: Then I heard the Lord’s voice saying, “Whom should I send, and who will go for us?” I said, “I’m here; send me.” (Isaiah 6:8) Purpose: To realize that unexpected circumstances can lead us into new opportunities to...

Click here for a print-friendly version Samson’s Call Summer Quarter: God’s Urgent Call Unit 1: Called to be Strong Sunday school lesson for the week of June 25, 2017 By Rev. Denise Walton Lesson Scripture: Judges 13:1-7, 24-25 Background Scripture: Judges 13-16 Key Verse: You are pregnant and will give birth to a son. Don’t allow a razor to shave his head, because the boy is going to be a Nazarite for God from birth. He’ll be the one who begins Israel’s rescue from the power of the ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Jephthah Answers the Call Summer Quarter: God’s Urgent Call Unit 1: Called to be Strong Sunday school lesson for the week of June 18, 2017 By Rev. Denise Walton Lesson Scripture: Judges 11:4-11, 29-31 Background Scripture: Judges 11 Key Verse: “And Jephthah said to Gilead’s elders, “If you bring me back to fight the Ammonites and the Lord gives them over to me, I alone will be your leader.” Judges 11:9 Purpose: To affirm that people who disagree on ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Gideon’s Call Summer Quarter: God’s Urgent Call Unit 1: Called to be Strong Sunday school lesson for the week of June 11, 2017 By Rev. Denise Walton Lesson Scripture: Judges 6:11-18 Purpose: To recognize that God is with us even we doubt or feel abandoned. In today’s Adult Bible Lesson, I invite you to consider engaging in a kinesthetic learning activity (learning by doing). Kinesthetic Activity: Invite one person to be Gideon, one the angel, and ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Deborah and Barak Summer Quarter: God’s Urgent Call Unit 1: Called to be Strong Sunday school lesson for the week of June 4, 2017 By Rev. Denise Walton Lesson Scripture: Judges 4:1-10 Purpose: To consider how we can accomplish great things when we work together to carry out any mission God gives us. Judges 4:8-10 Barak said to her, “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.” “Certainly I will go with you,” said Deborah....

Click here for a print-friendly version God’s Love for Ninevah Spring Quarter: God Loves Us Unit 3: God’s Pervasive and Sustaining Love Sunday school lesson for the week of May 21, 2017 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Jonah 3 Background Scripture: Nahum 1-3 As we are aware, communities today are wrecked with separation and violence. What can bring people together to live in wholeness and peace? The scripture lesson points out that when the people of Nineveh repented, God brought peace ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God’s Pervasive Love Spring Quarter: God Loves Us Unit 3: God’s Pervasive and Sustaining Love Sunday school lesson for the week of May 28, 2017 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Jonah 4 In reading Jonah, Chapter 4, we get the impression that Jonah was a jerk. He was ornery and unwilling to serve God in the lives of the Ninevites. While everybody else on board the ship was struggling to survive, Jonah complacently slept. And now he is unhappy and ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God’s Love Preserved Jonah Spring Quarter: God Loves Us Unit 3: God’s Pervasive and Sustaining Love Sunday school lesson for the week of May 14, 2017 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Jonah 2 Last week, we saw Jonah resist a call from God to go and preach in Nineveh. In fact, he boarded a ship and fled in the opposite direction. But God sent a frightening storm to trouble the ship, which was the vehicle of Jonah’s attempted escape. However, Jonah ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God’s Sustaining Love Spring Quarter: God Loves Us Unit 3: God’s Pervasive and Sustaining Love Sunday school lesson for the week of May 7, 2017 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Jonah 1:7-17 Background Scripture: Jonah 1 The book of Jonah has always been somewhat controversial. Many readers have been inclined to write off the story of Jonah as fictitious. The value and beauty of the book have often been obscured by the fish story, which so many have ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God’s Reconciling Love Spring Quarter: God Loves Us Unit 2: God’s Caring, Saving, and Upholding Love Sunday school lesson for the week of April 23, 2017 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Romans 5:6-11; 8:31-39 Background Scripture: Romans 5:1-11 8:31-39 Paul says, “Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…” (Romans 5:1). Our salvation features justification, peace, and hope. All these are ours ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God’s Preserving Love Spring Quarter: God Loves Us Unit 2: God’s Caring, Saving, and Upholding Love Sunday school lesson for the week of April 30, 2017 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: John 10:1-15 The prevailing image of this week’s scripture lesson is of shepherds and sheep. Throughout the Old Testament, this metaphor was used to describe God’s relationship to God’s people. In this lesson, Jesus uses the same rich imagery to explain who he is and ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God’s Love as Victory Over Death Spring Quarter: God Loves Us Unit 2: God’s Caring, Saving, and Upholding Love Sunday school lesson for the week of April 16, 2017 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: John 20:1-10; 1 Peter 1:3-5, 8-9 Background Scripture: 19:38-42; John 20:1-10; 1 Peter 1:3-9 Someone told about a friend who was caught in an elevator in New York City during a power failure. He was caught along with several other people, all strangers to ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God’s Saving Love in Christ Spring Quarter: God Loves Us Unit 2: God’s Caring, Saving, and Upholding Love Sunday school lesson for the week of April 9, 2017 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: John 3:1-16 Life has many important questions. What am I going to do with my life? Who will I marry? Where will I live? Where will I go to school? But perhaps it was Nicodemus who asked life’s most important question: “how can anyone be born after having grown ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God as Our Shepherd Spring Quarter: God Loves Us Unit 2: God’s Caring, Saving, and Upholding Love Sunday school lesson for the week of April 2, 2017 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: Psalm 23 The Old Testament is almost a distant memory in the hearts and minds of modern humankind. Those sacred stories that meant so much to our fore parents are becoming more and more lost to us. How many of the commandments actually command us? Yet in the midst of ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God’s Love Restores Spring Quarter: God Loves Us Unit 1: God’s Eternal, Preserving, Renewing Love Sunday school lesson for the week of March 26, 2017 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: Joel 2:12-13, 18-19, 28-32 In seeking to understand the context of today’s lesson, a brief visit to Joel 1:1-11 seems in order. Every generation tends to think that its troubles are the worst the world has ever seen. Therefore, the prophet Joel paints the calamity of ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God’s Overflowing Love Spring Quarter: God Loves Us Unit 1: God’s Eternal, Preserving, Renewing Love Sunday school lesson for the week of March 12, 2017 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10 The speaker described his former life. He said he did a lot of things of which he was ashamed. He rebelled and drank obsessively. On a number of occasions he was rude to his mama. He was self-centered and deeply depressed. He was really, really ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God’s Love Manifested Spring Quarter: God Loves Us Unit 1: God’s Eternal, Preserving, Renewing Love Sunday school lesson for the week of March 19, 2017 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: John 15: 1-17 One of the unique features of John’s Gospel is its unusually long Last Supper scene. While the other gospel writers devote less than a chapter to the setting of Jesus’ Passover meal with his disciples, John devotes five of his chapters to that occasion. ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Christ Creates Holy Living Winter Quarter: Creation – A Divine Cycle Unit 3: The Birthing of a New Community Sunday school lesson for the week of February 26, 2017 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson scripture: Galatians 5:18-6:10 We conclude this unique study of God’s cycle of creation with the creating work of Christ through the Holy Spirit birthing the people who will live holy lives in the Church and in the world. After all, Jesus was sent by the ...

Click here for a print-friendly version The Source of all Love Spring Quarter: God Loves Us Unit 1: God’s Eternal, Preserving, Renewing Love Sunday school lesson for the week of March 5, 2017 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: 1 John 4:7-19 The theme of the Third Quarter is “God Loves Us.” I cannot think of a greater theme to get to the heart of God. During this spring quarter we will explore the multiple facets of God’s constant love for humanity from selected passages in both the Old and ...

Click here for a print-friendly version New Birth Brings Freedom Winter Quarter: Creation – A Divine Cycle Unit 3: The Birthing of a New Community Sunday school lesson for the week of February 12, 2017 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson scripture: Galatians 4:8-20 Background Scripture: Galatians 4 Once again Paul is in pain like unto childbirth with the churches of Galatia. His language can be heard as harsh criticism, however, in verse 19 the tone is one of a loving parent to a wayward ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Freedom in Christ Winter Quarter: Creation – A Divine Cycle Unit 3: The Birthing of a New Community Sunday school lesson for the week of February 19, 2017 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson scripture: Galatians 5: 1-17 The first verse of today’s scripture is truly the theme of the Book of Galatians. A good question to ask is: What constitutes the “bottom line” in Christ? Don’t answer quickly – ponder deeply and long! Is it formulas of creed or ...