Enough–Small Group and/or Independent Study

28 October 2010 by Barb Julian.

Starting Sunday, November 7, three Sunday small group opportunities are open for group study to grapple with the spiritual and financial issues presented in Adam Hamilton’s Enough:  Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity.   Pastor MaryKa is the facilitator at 8, 9:30, and 11 a.m.  Come and participate!   Other open groups are:  Monday evening at 7 p.m. at the home of Kevin and Lauren Bauer (call for directions, 410-465-6071), Tuesday Men’s Group at 7 a.m. offsite at Eggspectations Restaurant, 6010 University Blvd., Ellicott City, 410-750-3115, (and from what I hear, the first time you come, breakfast is your welcome gift), and Thursday Women’s Group at 7 p.m. in Room 123 at the church.

Well, then, what are the issues???  Or better said, what are some of the larger questions to be explored together, like…

-How do I keep my faith in the midst of financial upheaval all around?

-When dreams become nightmares, what hope is there?

-What biblical wisdom may speak to daily habits, choices, and lifestyle?

-Is it possible to cultivate a simpler way of relating to things and money that produces satisfaction and contentment?

-Does greater financial freedom permit deepening relationships with others and in service for others?

Together, in group study, or here, GlenMartians will have the opportunity for discussion around each of these topics, as well as Pastor Matt’s three week sermon series on “The Simple Life”.    Matt speaks of his hope for all of us to experience some God-inspired change that positively impacts our lives and others’.  My prayer is that we will gain a greater trust and understanding of core concepts plus establish a “support system” and accountability group for talking about financial topics without tuning out.  Then in the weeks and months ahead, as spiritual and financial principles and strategies gleaned from the study and sermons are incorporated into new awareness, finding ideas to try in the face of challenges, implementing the personally “do-able”,  and renewing good financial practices and habits,  I believe that we will experience greater internal alignment (peacethatpassesunderstanding) and contentment individually and as a faith community.  Seems to me Adam Hamilton and Matt Poole are courageous and visionary when they care enough to offer financial study and sermon topics with the potential to produce long-range, life-changing transformation.  I am willing to invest my time, presence, and open-mindedness for the possibilities, and I hope you will consider joining in the experience, too.

If you haven’t picked up a book, there are more available in the Welcome Center and in the church office for a suggested donation of $10.  Don’t be a hanger-back; do be a joiner-in the conversation!

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