Sunday School Lessons

Click here for a print-friendly version Single-Minded Obedience Winter Quarter: Honoring God Sunday school lesson for the week of February 2, 2020 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11 Key Verse: Matthew 4:10 “Jesus said to him, ‘Away from me Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’” Lesson Aim: What purpose was served in the ministry of Jesus through the temptation in the wilderness? What responses to such temptations do we learn from ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Solomon Anticipates Praise Winter Quarter: Honoring God Sunday school lesson for the week of January 26, 2020 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: I Kings 8:54-66 and II Chronicles 7:4-9 Key Verse: I Kings 8:57,58 “May the Lord our God be with us as he was with our ancestors; may he never leave us nor forsake us. May he turn our hearts to him, to walk in obedience to him and keep the commands, decrees and laws he gave our ancestors.” Historical,...

Click here for a print-friendly version Solomon Speaks to the People Winter Quarter: Honoring God Sunday school lesson for the week of January 12, 2020 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: I Kings 8: 14-21 Supplementary text: 2 Chronicles 6 Key Verse: I Kings 8:15 “Praise to the Lord, the God of Israel, who with his own hand has fulfilled what he promised with his own mouth to my father David.” Aim and Goal of the Lesson To hear Solomon’s blessing upon his people, a historical ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Solomon Seeks God’s Blessing Winter Quarter: Honoring God Sunday school lesson for the week of January 19, 2020 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: I Kings 8:22-53 Supplementary text: 2 Chronicles 6:12-42 Key Verse: I Kings 8:30 “Hear the supplication of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven, your dwelling place, and when you hear forgive.” Aim and Goal of the Lesson Understanding the Lord we...

Click here for a print-friendly version Mary’s Praise Winter Quarter: Honoring God Sunday school lesson for the week of December 22, 2019 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: Luke 1: 39-56 Key Verse: Luke 1:46-47 “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my savior.” Aim and Goal of the Lesson To study the events leading to the beautiful, inspired Magnificat. To recognize the contrasts and comparisons in this narrative that help us grasp the full wonder and meaning of ...

Click here for a print-friendly version David’s Prayer Winter Quarter: Honoring God Sunday school lesson for the week of December 29, 2019 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: I Chronicles 17: 16-27 Supplementary text: II Samuel 7: 17-25 Key Verse: I Chronicles 17:20 “There is no one like you, Lord, and there is no God but you, and we have heard with our own ears.” Aim and Goal of the Lesson To comprehend the beauty and humanity of David’s prayer. To recognize the power of acceptance ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Solomon Summons the Ark Winter Quarter: Honoring God Sunday school lesson for the week of January 5, 2020 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: I Kings 8: 1-13 Supplementary text: 2 Chronicles 5: 1-14 Key Verse: I Kings 8:13 “I have indeed built a magnificent temple for you, a place for you to dwell forever.” Aim and Goal of the Lesson To gain an understanding of the significance and context of moving the Ark of the Covenant into the newly ...

Click here for a print-friendly version David’s Gratitude Winter Quarter: Honoring God Sunday school lesson for the week of December 8, 2019 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: I Chronicles 16:7-36 Key Verse: I Chronicles 16:8 “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done.” Aim and Goal of the Lesson To learn to appreciate and understand the depth, height, and depth of what it means to praise the Lord. Historical, Geographical, ...

Click here for a print-friendly version David’s House Winter Quarter: Honoring God Sunday school lesson for the week of December 15, 2019 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: II Samuel 7:1-17, 24:18-25; I Chronicles 17: 1-15, 21:18-31 Key Verse: I Chronicles 17:11, 12 “When your days are over and you go to be with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for me, and I will ...

Click here for a print-friendly version David’s Worship Winter Quarter: Honoring God Sunday school lesson for the week of December 1, 2019 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: I Chronicles 15:1-3, 14-16, 25-29a Key Verse: I Chronicles 15:28 “And all Israel brought up the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord, with shouts and the sounding of rams’ horns, and trumpets and of cymbals and the playing of lyres and harps.” Aim and Goal of the Lesson To learn the importance of the sacred in life, ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Faith That Escapes Corruption Fall Quarter: Responding to God’s Grace Sunday school lesson for the week of November 24, 2019 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: 2 Peter 1 Key Verse: 2 Peter 1:4 Key Verse: “He has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” Aim and goal of the lesson To be reminded of how precious is ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Faith That Sets an Example Fall Quarter: Responding to God’s Grace Sunday school lesson for the week of November 10, 2019 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: I Thessalonians 1: 2-10 Key Verse: I Thessalonians 1: 7-8a You became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia – your faith in God has become known everywhere. Geographical and other background information ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Faith That Is Focused Fall Quarter: Responding to God’s Grace Sunday school lesson for the week of November 17, 2019 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: I Peter I: 13-25 Key Verse: I Peter 14-15 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do. Geographical and other background information for text The first letter of Peter is addressed ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Humble Faith Fall Quarter: Responding to God’s Grace Sunday school lesson for the week of October 20, 2019 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: Luke 7:1-10 Key Verse: Luke 7:7 I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. Lesson Aim: To understand and learn the important role of humility in faith and life. Geographical Context Jesus has finished giving the Sermon on the Plain just outside ...

Click here for a print-friendly version  Grateful Faith Fall Quarter: Responding to God’s Grace Sunday school lesson for the week of October 27, 2019 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: Luke 7:37-48 Key Verse: Luke 7:38 As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. Lesson Aim: To understand and learn the important role of generosity and gratitude in faith and life. To ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Faith That Is Tested Fall Quarter: Responding to God’s Grace Sunday school lesson for the week of November 3, 2019 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: II Corinthians 13: 1-11 Key Verse: II Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you – unless of course you fail the test? Lesson Aim: To learn that each Christian must test themselves before judging ...

For years, the South Georgia Advocate has provided weekly Sunday school lessons as a resource to churches and Sunday school teachers. We are profoundly grateful for the gifted and Spirit-led writers – all South Georgia Conference laity and clergy – who have given of their time and talents to provide this much loved and well-used resource. This fall, Cokesbury departed from the Scope and Sequence of the Uniform Series for their Adult Bible Studies (the quarterly curriculum published by United ...

For the fall quarter, we are using the Adult Bible Study for Fall 2019. It follows the Standard Lesson Quarterly, based on the International Sunday School Lessons (ISSL)/Uniform Series. To help us make a decision about the curriculum we (the South Georgia Advocate) will use for Winter 2019 and beyond, please complete this survey: click here. Click here for a print-friendly version Obedient Faith Fall Quarter: Responding to God’s Grace Sunday school lesson for the week of October 6, 2019 By ...

For the fall quarter, we are using the Adult Bible Study for Fall 2019. It follows the Standard Lesson Quarterly, based on the International Sunday School Lessons (ISSL)/Uniform Series. To help us make a decision about the curriculum we (the South Georgia Advocate) will use for Winter 2019 and beyond, please complete this survey: click here. Click here for a print-friendly version Active Faith Fall Quarter: Responding to God’s Grace Sunday school lesson for the week of October 13, 2019 By ...

For the fall quarter, we are using the Adult Bible Study for Fall 2019. It follows the Standard Lesson Quarterly, based on the International Sunday School Lessons (ISSL)/Uniform Series. To help us make a decision about the curriculum for Winter 2019 and beyond, please complete this survey: click here. Click here for a print-friendly version Faithful Despite Unfaithfulness Fall Quarter: Responding to God’s Grace Sunday school lesson for the week of September 22, 2019 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard ...

For the fall quarter, we are using the Adult Bible Study for Fall 2019. It follows the Standard Lesson Quarterly, based on the International Sunday School Lessons (ISSL)/Uniform Series. To help us make a decision about the curriculum for Winter 2019 and beyond, please complete this survey: click here. Click here for a print-friendly version Faithful During Consequence Fall Quarter: Responding to God’s Grace Sunday school lesson for the week of September 29, 2019 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard ...

For the fall quarter, we are using the Cokesbury Adult Bible Study for Fall 2019. It follows the Standard Lesson Quarterly, based on the International Sunday School Lessons (ISSL)/Uniform Series.  Click here for a print-friendly version Faithful During Uncertainty Fall Quarter: Responding to God’s Grace Sunday school lesson for the week of September 15, 2019 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: Exodus 16 Key Verse: Exodus 16: 15 “When the Israelites saw it they said to each other, ‘...

For the fall quarter, we are using the Cokesbury Adult Bible Study for Fall 2019. It follows the Standard Lesson Quarterly, based on the International Sunday School Lessons (ISSL)/Uniform Series.  Click here for a print-friendly version Faithful During Grief Fall Quarter: Responding to God’s Grace Sunday school lesson for the week of September 8, 2019 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: I Samuel 1:1-2:10 Key Verse: I Samuel 1:17 Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel ...

Click here for a print-friendly version A Covenant of Mutual Love Summer Quarter: Living in Covenant  Unit 3: Covenant: A Personal Perspective Sunday school lesson for the week of August 25, 2019  By Rev. Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: Ephesians 5:21-33 Key Verse: Ephesians 5:21 Purpose: To embody God’s self-giving and self-emptying love in the covenant of marriage Once upon a time “There’s a universal desire to discover love and it can be hard to find, but that’s where we step in — we ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Faithful During Distress Fall Quarter: Responding to God’s Grace Sunday school lesson for the week of September 1, 2019 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: Genesis 19: 1, 4, 5, 15-26, 29 Key Verse: Genesis 19:29 When God destroyed the cities on the plain, he remembered Abraham, and he brought Lot out of the catastrophe that overthrew the cities where Lot had lived. Lesson Aim: to understand, experience, and respond to God’s grace in the midst ...

Click here for a print-friendly version A Mother-Daughter Covenant Summer Quarter: Living in Covenant  Unit 3: Covenant: A Personal Perspective Sunday school lesson for the week of August 11, 2019  By Rev. Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: Ruth 1:6-11, 14-18 Key Verse: Ruth 1:16 Purpose: To reflect on how vows inspire us to love and commit to others “My ancestor was a wandering Aramean” Of all the people featured in scripture, there are very few who live their lives without finding ...

Click here for a print-friendly version A Covenant to Marry Summer Quarter: Living in Covenant  Unit 3: Covenant: A Personal Perspective Sunday school lesson for the week of August 18, 2019  By Rev. Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: Ruth 3:1-6, 8-12, 16-18  Key Verse: Ruth 3:10 Purpose: To recognize the risk and the reward that comes with covenantal love A Chance to Build a Decent Life Following the Second World War, millions of Europeans had fled or lost their homes. Some of them had ...

Click here for a print-friendly version A Covenant between Friends Summer Quarter: Living in Covenant  Unit 3: Covenant: A Personal Perspective Sunday school lesson for the week of August 4, 2019  By Rev. Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: 1 Samuel 18:1-5; 19:1-7 Key Verse: 1 Samuel 18:1 Purpose: To understand how God’s covenant love shapes and transforms our friendship with others A mirror to reflect your soul It is rare for a week to go by and not get a “friend request” on Facebook. Most ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Encourage One Another Jesus Teaches about Spiritual Discernment Summer Quarter: Living in Covenant  Unit 2: A Heartfelt Covenant Sunday school lesson for the week of July 28, 2019  By Rev. Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: Matthew 7:1-6, 15-23 Key Verses: Matthew 7:15-16 Purpose: To examine ourselves honestly in light of God’s truth and love A Long and Honorable Tradition You have heard the news: “Today a federal grand jury returned a six-count ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Jesus Teaches Us to Love One Another Summer Quarter: Living in Covenant  Unit 2: A Heartfelt Covenant Sunday school lesson for the week of July 14, 2019  By Rev. Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: Matthew 5:21-32  Key Verses: Matthew 5:23-24 Purpose: To meet each broken relationship with the hope of reconciliation. To Love and To Cherish The sanctuary was even more beautiful than usual. More flowers. More candles. And there were more people in the pews, as ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Jesus Teaches about Transforming Love  Summer Quarter: Living in Covenant  Unit 2: A Heartfelt Covenant Sunday school lesson for the week of July 21, 2019  By Rev. Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: Matthew 5:38-48 Key Verses: Matthew 5:43-44 Purpose: To discover the love that overcomes evil with goodness Yours, Mine, and Ours This happened many years ago, so I may not remember all of the details exactly.  Laine and I were visiting some friends of hers in ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Jesus Teaches about Right Attitudes Summer Quarter: Living in Covenant  Unit 2: A Heartfelt Covenant Sunday school lesson for the week of June 30, 2019  By Rev. Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12 Key Verse: Matthew 5:12 Purpose: To embrace Jesus’ teachings amidst today’s struggles and difficulties. Mountains to Climb There is something about mountains. While some people may prefer a visit to the beach, most people will tell you the mountains ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Jesus Teaches about Fulfilling the Law Summer Quarter: Living in Covenant  Unit 2: A Heartfelt Covenant Sunday school lesson for the week of July 7, 2019  By Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: Matthew 5:13-20 Key Verse: Matthew 5:16 Purpose: To heed Jesus’ call to be a model of faith to those around us. Let Your Light Shine I worked at a summer camp in North Carolina while I was in college. It was a residential camp for children ages six to 16. The camp had...

Click here for a print-friendly version The New Covenant’s Sacrifice Summer Quarter: Living in Covenant  Unit 1: A Fulfilled Covenant Sunday school lesson for the week of June 16, 2019  By Rev. Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: Hebrews 9:11-28 Key Verse: Hebrews 9:22 Purpose: To consider how the blood of Jesus symbolizes life, healing, cleansing, and forgiveness. Blood Saves Lives There’s reason why there are so many lawyers on television urging you to call them when you have a wreck. ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Hearts United in Love Summer Quarter: Living in Covenant  Unit 1: A Fulfilled Covenant Sunday school lesson for the week of June 23, 2019  By Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: Colossians 2:1-15 Key Verse: Colossians 2:6-7 Purpose: To deepen commitment to faith that is rooted and built on Christ. Agriculture and Architecture Agriculture has to do with cultivating the land, raising crops, and getting those crops to market so they can feed people. ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Jesus Institutes the New Covenant Summer Quarter: Living in Covenant  Unit 1: A Fulfilled Covenant Sunday school lesson for the week of June 2, 2019  By Rev. Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: Mark 14:17-24; Hebrews 8:6-7, 10-1 Key Verse: Hebrews 8:6 Purpose: To explore the amazing promise and invitation of the new covenant embodied through Jesus. This Is Life Agreements are an essential part of life. They are so numerous and commonplace that you may ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Jesus Seals the New Covenant Summer Quarter: Living in Covenant  Unit 1: A Fulfilled Covenant Sunday school lesson for the week of June 9, 2019  By Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: Mark 15:6-15, 25-26, 33-39 Key Verse: Mark 15:39 Purpose: To recognize how God through Christ restores our relationship with God and others. “First, do no harm…” If you have a chronic medical condition, regular visits to the doctor are a part of your routine. Some folks ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Be Transformed Spring Quarter: Discipleship and Mission Unit 3: Call to Life in Christ Sunday school lesson for the week of May 26, 2019 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Romans 12:1-8 Key Verse: Romans 12:1 Lesson Aims To commit to a life of sacrificial service to others as an obedient disciple of Jesus Christ. To understand the importance of spiritual gifts. In a number of Paul’s letters, he spent the first part of the epistle ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Mutual Acceptance Spring Quarter: Discipleship and Mission Unit 3: Call to Life in Christ Sunday school lesson for the week of May 19, 2019 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Romans 11:11-24 Key Verse: Romans 11:18 Lesson Aims To realize how easily pride can destroy effective Christian discipleship. To understand the components of Paul’s analogy of the olive tree and why they are important today. As Paul’s letter to the church in Rome ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Life in the Spirit Spring Quarter: Discipleship and Mission Unit 3: Call to Life in Christ Sunday school lesson for the week of May 12, 2019 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Romans 8:1-14 Key Verse: Romans 8:1 Lesson Aim To grasp what it means to live in the Spirit. In recent years, researchers have detected an increase in spiritual interest among people. At the same time, they have detected no increases in church affiliation or ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Believe the Resurrection Spring Quarter: Discipleship and Mission Unit 2: Call to Ministry Sunday school lesson for the week of April 21, 2019 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Matthew 4:12-22 Key Verse: Matthew 4:19 Lesson Aims To celebrate the joy and hope of Easter as we proclaim the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Compare and contrast the reactions of those who became aware that Jesus’ body was missing. It has been noted that an online ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Make Disciples Spring Quarter: Discipleship and Mission Unit 2: Call to Ministry Sunday school lesson for the week of April 28, 2019 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Mathew 28:16-20; Acts 1:6-8 Key Verse: Matthew 28:19-20 Lesson Aims Give the content of Jesus’ commissions. To accept Jesus’ call and commission to make disciples. To be effective, churches need to know where they are going. They need to know what business they are in and ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Righteousness Spring Quarter: Discipleship and Mission Unit 3: Call to Life in Christ Sunday school lesson for the week of May 5, 2019 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Romans 3:21-31 Key Verse: Romans 3:24, 25 Lesson Aims Explain how God maintains his just nature while providing a way for sinful humans to be justified. To acknowledge our sinful nature and accept God’s forgiving grace. Since we are going to be dealing with the Book of ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Mission Spring Quarter: Discipleship and Mission Unit 2: Call to Ministry Sunday school lesson for the week of April 7, 2019 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Matthew 10:1-15 Key Verse: Matthew 10:1 Lesson Aims Explain Jesus’ mission instructions to the 12. To learn to accept the authority Jesus gives us to further his mission. The purpose of today’s lesson is to learn to accept the authority Jesus gives us to further his mission. It is ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Remember Spring Quarter: Discipleship and Mission Unit 2: Call to Ministry Sunday school lesson for the week of April 14, 2019 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Matthew 26:1-13 Key Verse: Matthew 26:13 Lesson Aims Locate events within Jesus’ final week. Contrast the religious leaders’ hostility toward Jesus with Mary’s expression of love for him. It is reported that back in 1912 President William Howard Taft was attending a Washington ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Repent Spring Quarter: Discipleship and Mission Unit 1: Call to Discipleship Sunday school lesson for the week of March 24, 2019 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Luke 19:1-10 Key Verses: Luke 19:10 Lesson Aims Recall details of the story of Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus. Illustrate the transforming effect of God’s grace through the example of Zacchaeus. What is the measure of your life? A number of people help you in this ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Follow Spring Quarter: Discipleship and Mission Unit 2: Call to Ministry Sunday school lesson for the week of March 31, 2019 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Matthew 4:12-22 Key Verse: Matthew 4:19 Lesson Aims Recall the reason for the need to repent. Explain the relationship between repentance and the kingdom of heaven. It is commonly understood that Matthew is the gospel which was written for the Jews. It was written by a Jew in order ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Sacrifice Spring Quarter: Discipleship and Mission Unit 1: Call to Discipleship Sunday school lesson for the week of March 10, 2019 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scriptures: Mark 1:16-20; Luke 14:25-33 Key Verse: Luke 14:27 Lesson Aims Restate Jesus’ concept of discipleship. Explain how a Christian is to evaluate commitments in light of the call of discipleship. How many times have we heard or read stories about the percentage of people who ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Return Spring Quarter: Discipleship and Mission Unit 1: Call to Discipleship Sunday school lesson for the week of March 17, 2019 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scriptures:  Luke 15:11-24 Key Verses: Luke 15:22, 24 Lesson Aims Recall the details of the parable of the prodigal son. Interpret the parable as illustrating God’s response to the repentant sinner. Not long ago, I was talking with a friend about the difficulty of preaching and teaching on...

Click here for a print-friendly version Living with God’s Loving Assurance Winter Quarter: Our Love For God Unit 3: Songs that Glorify the God of Love Sunday school lesson for the week of February 24, 2019 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson Scripture: Psalm 91: 1-8, 11-16 Background Scripture: Psalm 91 Before we begin this lesson, allow us a personal word. We complete eight years of writing the Winter Quarter lessons for the Advocate. When we began writing in September, there were no ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Serve Spring Quarter: Discipleship and Mission Unit 1: Call to Discipleship Sunday school lesson for the week of March 3, 2019 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Luke 14:7-14 Key Verse: Luke 14:11 Lesson Aims Describe Jesus’ view of humility. Distinguish between behaviors that indicate humility and those that don’t. The theme of the Spring Quarter is “Discipleship and Mission.” When the question is asked, “What do you do?” typically the ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Our Loving God Winter Quarter: Our Love For God Unit 3: Songs that Glorify the God of Love Sunday school lesson for the week of February 10, 2019 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson Scripture: Psalm 48 In this final unit of the Winter Quarter we will focus on three psalms. Hopefully, you remember we studied Psalm 103 on December 16. A careful review of lesson 3 (December 16) would add to your appreciation of the literary form and power of the Psalms ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Praising God’s Mighty Works Winter Quarter: Our Love For God Unit 3: Songs that Glorify the God of Love Sunday school lesson for the week of February 17, 2019 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson Scripture: Psalm 66 Hopefully, during this lesson series we have acquired an increased appreciation of the Book of Psalms as the hymnbook of the Hebrew people. In this, the third psalm we will study this quarter, we continue to see the gamut of emotions, ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Imitate Christ Winter Quarter: Our Love For God Unit 2: Loving God by Trusting Christ Sunday school lesson for the week of January 27, 2019 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11 We have two more lessons from Paul’s beautiful, loving letter to the Philippians. Why not take the time to read the entire letter and not chop it up into sections for Sunday school? Get a feel for his heart as he communicates in prison from Rome, ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Press On In Christ Winter Quarter: Our Love For God Unit 2: Loving God by Trusting Christ Sunday school lesson for the week of February 3, 2019 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson Scripture: Philippians 3:7-14 As we complete this unit with our last lesson based on Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi, let us rejoice in the courageous voice of him who writes from prison to express gratitude for a gift of love. The gift was hand-delivered by ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Submit to God Winter Quarter: Our Love For God Unit 2: Loving God by Trusting Christ Sunday school lesson for the week of January 13, 2019 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson Scripture: James 4: 1-10 Four or five men were named James in the New Testament. The writer of the book bearing this name was likely the brother of Jesus. He never claims the authority of the family relationship, simply calling himself “a servant of God.” Josephus, the Jewish ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Rejoice in All Circumstances Winter Quarter: Our Love For God Unit 2: Loving God by Trusting Christ Sunday school lesson for the week of January 20, 2019 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson Scripture: Philippians 1:12-21 Hallelujah! What a lesson lies before us, as we join the voices across the centuries in giving thanks for Paul’s letter to the “saints in Philippi!” What a contrast in tone and content from last week’s tough message from James! Paul’...

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...