The Big Rock of: Discipleship

Adult Discipleship Opportunities

At English Lutheran Church, our vision is to help you become a fully devoted disciple of Jesus who will know, worship, and obey God. We want our adults to experience healthy relationships through small groups that will release God's transforming power in your life.

Adult Education groups and Small groups are part of God's strategy for personal renewal and Sprit-led outreach to the community and world. A small group is a great place to experience new friendships, prayer support, and help in discovering your spiritual gifts and call.

Select by day:   Sunday    Monday    Tuesday    Wednesday    Thursday    Friday

SUNDAYS

Sunday School
September 12 – Rally Sunday
9:30 – Registration in the Luther Room
9:45 – Parents/Students gather for an informational meeting in the Luther Room
September 19 – Regularly scheduled class
September 26 – Regularly scheduled class

Adult Education
Sunday, 9:45-10:30am, Stoffel Lounge
September 5 - No Education Hour
September 12 - No Education Hour
September 19 - Text Study – Pastor Pupillo
September 26 - Text Study – Paul Peterson

This is a fantastic place for conversation! Enjoy this fellowship time for safe, open discussion through forums or Bible study. Forums are organized by the Discipleship Council.

Generation X & Y
Purpose: To help adults in their 20’s and 30’s create a connection with one other and God in daily life.
When: Sundays
Time: 6:00pm
Where: Homes
Leaders: John & Meredith Hink (783-2075)

MONDAYS

Men’s Monday Morning Bible Study
Monday, 6:30-7:30am, ELC Narthex
Looking for a boost for the coming week? Are you a morning person? Then come to our "open and frank" Monday Morning Men’s Bible Study in the narthex!

Our September topic is: " Facing Up to the Real Issues of Immigration as People of Faith"
We meet "bright and early" from 6:30-7:30 am every Mondy (except holidays) to enjoy a variety of program presentations and discussions. These may include Bible Study, ethical issues, spiritual journey biographies, comparative faith traditions, as well as other unique programs.

A continental breakfast is provided and visitors are always welcome. Be sure to read the weekly newsletter for specific topics & presenters. Contact Bob Bendiksen or Pastor Solyst for additional information. Watch for specific topics and speakers in the weekly newsletter.
Come and enjoy a good time of fellowship and conversation on vital topics!
Leader: Bob Bendiksen

Care Givers Support Group
Meets every fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Stoffel Lounge.
This is a group program lead by Mary Fitzpatrick and co-lead by Pastor Mark Shaw. This group will begin at 6:30 and continue until 7:30. It will be located in the Stoffel Lounge. The purpose of the group is to offer a supportive environment to those who are providing care to family members and friends who are in need of care.

Faith Explorations Book Group
Purpose: To read, discuss, and explore our faith assumptions & challenges in today’s world.
When: Mondays (first session: September 13)
Time: 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
Where: ELC Library
Leaders: Bob Bendiksen (788-0268) & Kathy Hageseth (787-1904)
For more

Naomi-Ruth Circle
TBA (Always the 3rd Monday of the month)
Contact: Ruth Anderson at 783-3422

TUESDAYS

Sacred Sewing
Purpose: To create fabric keepsakes for our church members as they celebrate sacred events.
When: Meet 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month
Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Where: Youth Room
Leader: Marilyn Webster (787-6398)

Marital Consultation on an Individual Basis
This is available for any couple in English Lutheran Church no matter what age or marital status. There is a program for unmarried couples planning to marry, marriages where blended family systems are the end result, second marriages without children, and marriages that have gone for the long run and just want to take the time to review their marriage. There is also a category for married couples who are over 50 years of age. The total cost is $29.95 per couple and that is all. This amount covers the cost of the computer scored assessment tool that is used in the process. The couple will be seen for three separate sessions lasting 1 to 1 ½ hours. Or the couple may opt for one session on a Saturday or Sunday morning that would last for about 3 hours. Actually, this second option works very well and is becoming my preferred option.
This is confidential. All you need do is call the church office and let the secretaries know you are interested. Or, you can call Pastor Mark Shaw at his home number which is 608-788-2078.

ELC Book Club
Future Books & Locations:
Oct. 26th The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe at Barb Bjornstad’s: 320 Losey Blvd. S., 784-7697 bbjorn@centurytel.net
Nov. 30th Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay Location TBA
Jan. 25th Traveling with Pomegranates: A Mother-Daughter Story: A Mother-Daughter Story by Sue Monk Kidd and Ann Kidd Taylor Location TBA

Mary Circle
TBA (Always the 4th Tuesday of the month)
Contact: Sharon Odahl at 781-1923

WEDNESDAYS

See Wednesday Night Programming

Men’s NOOMA Discussion Group
Purpose: To gather for fellowship and great discussions centered on the faith-based NOOMA video series.
When: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month
Time: 6:15pm – 7:30 pm
Where: Room 118
Leaders: Neil Brown (519-1900) & Brad Quarberg (796-1185)

THURSDAYS

Fayze's Bible Study
Thursday's, 7:00-8:00am, Fayze's Restaurant
Get your Thursday off to a great start with a good breakfast and casual Christian fellowship. A discussion of the Bible readings for the coming Sunday.

Seeker's Bible Study
Thursday, 9:30-11am, Stoffel Lounge
Mike Schnitzius will be our first study leader as we begin a 5-week, in-depth study of the Lord's Prayer. For how many centuries and in how many ways has this best known and best loved of all prayers been said and sung? In it's familiarity, do we fail to think about what we are praying for when we pray it? What does it really mean, what are we really asking for? Is it really the 'prayer of all prayers'? We'll pray, read, study, talk, listen and learn. Join us beginning Thursday, Sept. 2 at 9:30 AM in Bertha Stoffel Lounge. The coffee is always on and if someone gets ambitious or moved by the Spirit, sometimes we even have treats!
Leader: Janet Melby

Prayer Vigil for Peace & Justice
3rd Thursday of the month at 5:30pm, Our Redeemer’s
This prayer vigil program was initiated by Bishop Emeritus H. George Anderson of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in Dec. 2000. English Lutheran began the following month and has been involved on a monthly basis since. The prayer vigil consists of praying for all involved in conflict, for education regarding the problem, and for advocacy for peace.
Contact Person: Marla Engbloom

Journey into a Woman’s Spirit
Purpose: An opportunity to refresh our spirits through reflections, readings, playing, and more.
When: 3rd Thursday of the month
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Where: Stoffel Lounge
Leaders: Susan Moss (787-8841) & Joan Allen (788-4624)

Seeds of Faith Gardening Group
Purpose: To learn from one another and to be inspired to make God’s earth a great garden.
When: 2nd Thursday of the month
Time: 6:30pm –7:30pm
Where: Room 118
Leaders: Carol Solyst (788-4245) & Barb Morrison (788-1017)

Understanding Romans: Discovering its Message for Modern Times
Thursdays, 6:30pm
Class begins September 23rd
Class led by Rev. Dennis Johnson, Ph.D.
I am honored to be invited back for a fourth year of teaching adult education at English Lutheran. I am especially excited about this year’s study on the book of Romans. Probably the most important letter written by Paul, this book has influenced nearly every important Christian figure, both Roman Catholic and Protestant, down through the centuries. It has been vital in shaping the Christian understanding of people like Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Wesley, and Bonhoeffer as well as Martin Luther King, Jr. Mother Teresa, and many other contemporary religious leaders. Its message is timeless and essential to Christians today. So, come join us in a study of this great work beginning on Thursday, Sept. 23rd at 6:30 p.m. Sign up at the Welcome Center if you are interested!

FRIDAYS

P.A.C.K. – (Pre-Confirmation Activities at Church for Kids)
4th-5th-6th Grade Students Welcome!
During the school year