TGIW Returns January 21
A New Slate of Classes
Wednesday Evenings - January 21 through March 25
Six classes for adults will be offered in the Spring 2026 session of TGIW. One additional class will begin during that span but not end until April 8.
Click HERE to sign up for a class. See the links in the class descriptions below to order a book, if one is required for that class. The classes are listed in alphabetical order, by class leader.
Detailed information is to come about TGIW classes for children and youth, however the sign-ups are available now for the children and youth sessions led by Kristine Nelson and Mark Sprague, respectively. To register, click HERE, then scroll down to the children and youth choices.
Pastor Dan Baer — Bible Study on the Book of Revelation
The Book of Revelation is the final book of the New Testament. Written by John while he was exiled on the island of Patmos, it is an apocalyptic book, meaning it uses vivid symbols and visions to reveal spiritual truths and future hope.
Revelation is not meant to scare readers, but to give hope. It reminds believers that no matter how difficult life becomes, God is there, and those who remain faithful will share in His restored creation.
Skip Bangley — Tame Your Thoughts by Max Lucado
“You are what you eat” is a scary slogan for most of us. We like the idea of chowing down on a cheeseburger with all the fixings, but we are less thrilled about those fixings forming the foundation of our physical health. However, as unsettling as this image might be, “you are what you think” is an even scarier slogan for those of us on typical diet of worldly thoughts.
Thankfully, we don’t have to stay stuck in the rut of toxic thoughts. God designed our brains, and he equipped us with everything we need to stop being conformed by the world and start being transformed by God's way of thinking. The book is suggested for this class.
Click HERE to review and order the book.
Lynn Benson — All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten (25th Anniversary Edition) by Robert Fulghum
This warm, witty, and thought-provoking collection of short essays explores life’s biggest truths through its simplest lessons. With humor and gentle wisdom, Fulghum reflects on themes like kindness, fairness, responsibility, forgiveness, and wonder—reminding us that the values we learned as children still shape how we live, love, and relate to one another.
Accessible, reflective, and often deeply moving, this book invites readers to slow down, reflect, and rediscover the timeless truths that connect us all—making it a perfect choice for meaningful conversation and shared reflection in a book study.
THIS CLASS WILL BE AVAILABLE ONLINE.
Click HERE to review and order the book.
Pastor Tom Greener — The Spirituals and the Blues by James Cone
James Cone describes spirituals and the blues as the primary means of cultural survival for the African American community in the years of slavery and Jim Crow. He explores what spirituals bring to the understanding of God and how the blues give voice to the pain of the community.
In this nine-week study, participants will look at the image of God as liberator and how that gave hope to oppressed people; the person of Jesus and how the understanding of Jesus lifted downtrodden people; and the resistance expressed in both the spirituals and the blues as well as what that can mean for us in this day.
We will have guest musicians helping us to not only understand the music but experience the music.
Click HERE to review and order the book.
Marianne Leventry — Slowing Down to the Speed of Joy by Matthew Kelly
Join this class in stepping off the busy train and moving into joy. This TGIW class will start with reading the book, Slowing Down to the Speed of Joy: The Simple Art of Taking Back Your Life. The faster you go the more likely you are to crash, but we just keep going faster. We think if we get all the urgent stuff done, we will have time for what’s important. But we never do. Busy is not your friend. Only a toxic friend leaves you anxious, overwhelmed, discouraged, exhausted, stressed, inadequate, and resentful.
It’s time to take our lives back from this tyrant. The speed and busyness of our lives stand in direct opposition to what we say matters most. It’s time for a new strategy. It’s time to embrace the speed of joy. After completing the book, the remainder of the TGIW time will be spent with reading scripture slowly and just being in God’s presence.
If you are interested in this TGIW class, contact Marianne Leventry at marianne@stjconnect.org or stop by her office for a copy of the book.
Pastor Becky Stephenson — The Chosen Season 5
The Chosen Season 5 covers Jesus's final week in Jerusalem, starting with the emotional Triumphal Entry and leading to His arrest.
It focuses on rising tensions as religious leaders plot against Him, the deepening disillusionment of some disciples (especially Judas), and concludes with the Last Supper, betrayal in Gethsemane, and Jesus's arrest.
The season explores themes of faith, fear, prophecy, and sacrifice.
Bonus Class Scheduled for February 4-April 8
Pastor Joyce — 7 Lessons for Living from the Dying: How to Nurture what Really Matters
The dying have much to teach us about how to live well if only we will listen. Dr. Karen Wyatt, a hospice physician, listened to her patients and wrote a book sharing the important life lessons she learned.
In this class, participants will use her book, 7 Lessons for Living from the Dying, to dive into those lessons with her. The author uses the seven sayings of Jesus on the cross as well as teachings from other faith traditions to draw out the spiritual aspects of each lesson.
Click HERE to review and order the book.
Fellowship Meals
One of the most attractive aspects of TGIW is the opportunity for fellowship over a meal before the classes begin. We serve at 5:15 p.m. and ALL are welcome, whether you are taking a class or not.
Confirmed cooks include GK Catering, the United Methodist Women in Faith, the United Methodist Men, the Youth, Prayer Shawl Ministry, and the Seekers Sunday School Class.
Prices:
· Ages 16 and up: $10 per person
· Ages 5-15: $5 per person
· Maximum cost per family: $30
Reservations: Meal reservations are required and must be submitted online (click HERE) or to the front desk (by calling or coming by in person) no later than 12 Noon on the Monday before the meal. (Please note, registration must be completed for all of the meals you wish to attend. Registering for one meal does not complete your registration for the entire semester.)
First Week's Meal
GK Catering will provide this week's meal of chicken and pastry, salad, sweet potatoes, and desserts.
The deadline to register for this meal is this Monday, January 19, at noon.
Click HERE to register.
You can still come to TGIW if you forget to register for the meals, but we cannot serve unregistered folks until all of those who have signed up have been served.
Fellowship Service
We view both the preparation and clean-up of the meal as meaningful ministries within our church community. If you'd like to join the fellowship but aren’t planning to attend a class, we’d love for you to consider serving on the clean-up crew — it’s a great way to connect and lend a helping hand.
Questions? Want to volunteer? Feel free to reach out:
Ann Davis – 252-916-7516
Judy Murad – 252-341-9786
