Faith Formation Hour Adult Study Groups | Sundays, Oct 25 – Nov 15; 10:45-11:45 AM
UMCL’s Faith Formation Hour is part of our Sunday morning rhythm.
This hour following Sunday morning worship is designed to make learning, connection, and spiritual exploration accessible for everyone.
Join us Sundays from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. for one of our four‑week offerings listed below. There is something for every adult who wants to deepen their faith within a supportive community.
Note that children’s Sunday School and Youth classes meet at the same time and follow the same four‑week rhythm, making it easy for families to engage.
Building Beloved Community
Led by Janet Mason
In a time where we see growing division and polarization, how do we foster connection and mirror Christ's love in our communities? Join us as we explore insights from the book, Building Beloved Community, a call to action from the United Methodist Council of Bishops. Together, we'll explore this book's theological insight, practical strategies, and inspiring global stories to resist division and build connection. Drawing on experiences from Ukraine, the Philippines, Guatemala, and beyond, we'll look at common patterns of authoritarianism and faithful alternatives grounded in love over fear.
Rooted in Wesleyan theology, Building Beloved Community, will guide us in navigating tough conversations, creating safe spaces, engaging in compassionate action, and building networks of solidarity. Reflection questions at the end of each chapter encourage deeper study and meaningful engagement. All participants will receive a free copy of the book, Building Beloved Community--The Courage to Love in the Face of Tyranny.
Registration opens at 9:00 a.m. on September 27. Class is limited to 25 participants and may fill fast.
A Study of the Book of Revelation
Led by Reverend Jeffry Bross
The Book of Revelation may be the most fascinating, misunderstood, and intimidating book in the Bible. Dragons, beasts, angels, plagues, mysterious numbers, a heavenly throne, and a final battle have led some Christians to treat Revelation like a secret code for predicting the end of the world. But what if Revelation was written not primarily to frighten Christians about the future, but to give them courage and hope in the present?
In this class, we will explore Revelation in its original first-century setting and discover how its dramatic images would have spoken to Christians living under the shadow of the Roman Empire. We will learn how to read Revelation as apocalyptic literature, examine the meaning behind some of its most famous symbols, and wrestle with questions Christians have asked for centuries: Who or what is the Antichrist? What is the mark of the beast and the number 666? What does Revelation say about the rapture, Armageddon, heaven, hell, and the return of Christ? And should we be trying to connect Revelation’s images with today’s headlines?
Rather than approaching Revelation as a timetable for the end of the world, we will discover its deeply theological message of hope for all.
From the letters to the seven churches to the breathtaking vision of the New Jerusalem, Revelation calls Christians in every generation to faithful discipleship when the powers of the world tempt us to fear, compromise, or despair.
Come with your questions, your curiosity, and maybe even some of your confusion. Revelation begins with beasts and battles, but it ends with a river, a tree, a city with its gates thrown open, and the extraordinary promise:
“See, I am making all things new.” — Revelation 21:5
This is not simply a book about how the world ends. It is a book about where God is taking it.
Registration opens at 9:00 a.m. on September 27.
Contact Annemarie Barry(opens in new tab), if you'd like to have this class offered again at another time in the future.
Journey of Faith
Led by Scott Allen
This adult Bible study class is held after worship every Sunday morning from September through May.
All are welcome! Registration is not required, just pop in and join the group at 11:00 on Sunday morning in room 208. We would love to have new people join.
Contact Scott Allen for class topics, and more information including zoom options.
More Faith Formation Hour Groups are Coming Soon!
Watch for the announcement of our next Faith Formation Hour offerings soon.
More About Faith Formation Study Groups
United Methodist Church of Libertyville
429 Brainerd Ave
Libertyville, IL 60048
Email Annemarie Barry or call 224-818-9054.