Christian Education

Christian Education at La Plata

Something for Everyone

Whatever your age, there are opportunities at La Plata UMC to be involved in Christian Education. The sections below detail the classes, courses, and other ways you can continue growing your relationship with the Lord.  All Sunday classes meet 9:45 - 10:45 AM

Education for Adults

La Plata offers several courses of study specifically geared to adults at the 9:45 Sunday School time.

Our Dr. Rollie Hower who retired from the Smithsonian Institution offers as Sunday morning discussion on biblical archaeology and historic texts. This class meets in the parlor on the lowest level.

Julie Robbins is the facilitator of our Bible study class which uses short-term adult curriculum for topical discussions. This class meets in the fellowship hall on level 2.

Young adults are encouraged to join the class that meets in Conference Room #1. This class led by Susan Matteson and John Tompkins discusses contemporary topics that affect young adults. This class is also on the lowest level.

Education for Youth

We offer both a middle high class, taught by Kathie Evans and Polly Boggs, and a senior high class led by Wiley Tolbert, Bill Evans & Jessica Tompkins.

The Middle Highs meet in Conference Room #2, and the Senior Highs meet in the Youth Room. Both rooms are on the lowest level.

Sunday School for Children

All pre-school and elementary aged children begin their Sunday Schoool experience in the sanctuary for opening session at 9:45 AM. After singing a few songs, and recognizing birthdays, teachers escort their students to their classrooms for the rest of the hour.

Our classes and teachers are: (see the material provided by Carrie Summers)  

Disciple Bible Study Classes

Disciple I: “Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study” 
This 34 week course covers most of the books of the Bible and is the pre-requisite for all other Disciple courses. It emphasizes the personal faith journey and spiritual gifts of the individual.  No prior Bible study experience is needed. Leader: Tammy Gausman.

Disciple IV: “Under the Tree of Life”
This 32-week class is being offered for those who have already completed Disciple I. Disciple IV concentrates on the “Wisdom Literature” of the Old Testament i.e. Ruth, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, etc. In the New Testament half, it studies the Gospel of John, the three books of John and Revelation. Leader: Bright Thompson.

Both Disciple classes are being held on Thursday evenings from 7:00 – 9:30 PM.  Contact: the church office, 301-934-2288; Tammy at 301-934-8247; or Bright at bthompson30@verizon.net.

Pastor's Monday Night Study Series

Spring is here, and we still have a number of Pastor’s Monday Night Study classes you can join. Currently Rev. Jones is teaching The DiVinity Code. This is a wonderful course that helps folks discover their God-given gifts and talents, which come alive when examined through the lens of our personality types. Once you see how God has wired you, then finding your ministry, or a more fulfilling vocation are easy next steps. Here are the remaining classes for this spring.: 

February 6 - 27 The DiVinity Code

March 6 - 27 Generations: Why You, Your Parents & Your Children are so Different

April 2 - June 11 Andrew’s Circle

Next Class:  "Generations: Why You, Your Parents and Your Children are So Different" “Generations” is a four week class that will help participants discover the fascinating theory of the on-going cycle of generational typologies that repeat themselves in a four-step wheel every 80 to 88 years. The class material is based on the ground-breaking work of Professors Neil Howe and William Strauss. Their book, Generations: The History of America’s Future is the text book. Please write Generations on the fellowship folder in worship or register here.

Wednesday Morning Bible Study

The Wednesday Morning Bible study meets at 9:30am every Wednesday morning in Conf. Room 2 at LaPlata UMC. This a time of delicious food (of course!) with coffee or tea, great fellowship, and meaningful study.

This group started as a spin off from one of the Alpha courses, but others have joined us along the way. We have had several in depth studies of some of the Books of the Bible (currently Revelation) and have piggy-backed on some of the Pastor's Monday Night studies.

Starting January 2012, we are planning to study some of the World Religions, including Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. The Wednesday Morning Bible study usually runs from September until November (we break over the holidays) and then January through May. We also take a break for the summer, but meet once a month for lunch at a local restaurant.

If you are looking for a morning Bible study, we certainly welcome you to join us!! I'm sure you will find it a warm and inviting group (and great food!). For more information or to join this class, please contact Marilynne Landweer at 301-374-9333.

Live Like No One Else!

Financial Peace University (FPU) is Dave Ramsey’s life-changing program that teaches you how to achieve your financial goals by eliminating debt, saving for the future, and giving like never before. More than 1 million families have attended FPU with amazing results. You will be challenged and motivated to make a plan for your money and change your family tree forever!

Financial Peace University consists of a 13-week video curriculum—taught by financial expert Dave Ramsey—that incorporates small-group discussions to encourage accountability and discipleship. Financial Peace University is highly entertaining for everyone, with a unique combination of humor, informative financial advice, and biblical messages.

John and Sherri Hastings have been so inspired and rewarded by implementing the spiritually guided teachings of Dave Ramsey in their personal lives and finances that they have coordinated several FPU classes. They know you will be changed and rewarded by attending the class. Please contact John at fpu.laplataumc@yahoo.com for further up coming class information.