September, October, November, January, February, March, April, May
Course Overview
Those looking for an entry level Bible study will find this a perfect fit. It’s not a diluted study but rather a condensed study with presenters pulling key aspects from the book and helping learners weave the story together. It’s a no shame study group aimed at helping the “I avoid Bible study because I don’t know enough” folks to sign up.
September – John – Rev. Breen Sipes – REGISTER HERE!
October – 2 Corinthians – Rev. Paula Lawhead – REGISTER HERE!
November – Luke – Rev. Heidi Wallace – REGISTER HERE!
January (2025) – James – Rev. Andrew Kitzing – REGISTER HERE!
February – Genesis – Rev. Breen Sipes – REGISTER HERE!
March – Exodus – Dn. Rick Strong – REGISTER HERE!
April – Job – Rev. Andrew Kitzing – REGISTER HERE!
May – Isaiah – Dn. Rick Strong – REGISTER HERE!
Each of the patient, skills, well versed presenters have their own style of leading so format will vary a bit. All are open to questions, skilled teachers and enjoy learning from students in their classes.
Instructors:
Deacon Rick Strong is a retired Minister of Word and Service (Deacon) serving in a variety of roles in the Nebraska Synod. He is a Spiritual Director through the Nebraska Synod’s Seeking the Spirit Within Institute, a trained transitional coach, Spiritual Director with congregations in the call process, serves on the Budget and Finance Committee and loves facilitating studies with Emmaus: Lifelong Learning. He served five congregation in the Nebraska Synod before his retirement. Deacon Rick and wife Sharon have 2 adult children.
Pastor Andrew Kitzing serves as the Associate Pastor at First Lutheran in Lincoln. He grew up in Gothenburg, earned a BA in Youth and Family Ministry from Midland University, and an MDiv from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. His first call was to Zion Lutheran, Emerald, where he served for 11 years. After serving as transitional pastor for St. Paul’s, Millard, Andrew accepted the call to First. He is married to Pr. Lori, who serves Bethany Lutheran, Ruskin, and First Presbyterian, Superior.
Pastor Breen Marie Sipes is an ELCA Lutheran pastor, a full-time parent, and a big fan of opening up the Bible into our daily lives with other curious adults, youth, and children. She is a guest preacher in small, rural, vibrant congregations, the board president and a facilitator for Music that Makes Community, a confirmation curriculum/intergenerational liturgy developer, and a volunteer children’s faith formation leader at her home church.
Pastor Carol Mapa recently retired from serving as Parish Ministry Associate (PMA) administrative coordinator after serving congregations in western Nebraska and South Dakota. Carol brings to the conversation her experience as a youth ministry specialist, outdoor ministry staff member, artist and certified Spiritual Director with Seeking the Spirit Within Institute. Pastor Carol lives in her family home in Blue Earth, Minnesota with husband retired Pastor Jon Mapa and is currently serving a nearby congregation on a part time basis.
Pastor Shari Duminy grew up in a small town in South Dakota, as a life-long Lutheran, with leadership experiences with the State 4-H program and South Dakota State University campus ministry. She has a broad ministry background having served as Program Director of Shetek Lutheran Bible Camp, in the Lutheran Volunteer Corps in Washington, DC and with an Internship with the Lutheran Church in Guyana, South America. In Nebraska she has serviced at United Lutheran Church in Hampton, NE, Pastor at Lakeside Village and at Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church Omaha. Pastor Shari is married to Pastor Al who serves at Sinai Lutheran in Fremont.
Course Details:
Dates: Each course meets on Thursdays for 4 weeks in the designated month.
September 5, 12, 19 and 26 (Registration deadline August 29)
October 3, 10, 17 and 24 (Registration deadline September 26)
November 7, 14, 21 and December 5 (Registration deadline October 31)
January 9, 16, 23 and 30 (Registration deadline January 2)
February 6, 13, 20 and 27 (Registration deadline January 30)
March 6, 13, 20 and 27 (Registration deadline February 27)
April 3, 10, 16 and 24 (Registration deadline March 27)
May 1, 8, 15 and 22 (Registration deadline April 24)
Time: 7:30-9:00 Central/ 6:30-8:00 Mountain
Format:
This is an online course on Zoom. Zoom link will be emailed to registered participants prior to the course’s start date. Links will vary from month to month depending on the presenter.
Materials: Come prepared with a Bible and note taking supplies. We would encourage, but not require, having a good study Bible. The Harper Collins Study Bible: NRSV is a favorite It answers a lot of the contextual questions and gives learners a way to learn for themselves. The Master Builders Bible for Men: NIV (Lutheran Men in Mission), is another great one for folks who want to continue the conversation in their own contexts without the need for an “expert” in the room. The Lutheran Study Bible is another good resource but does not have as many study notes as others offer. Presenters may have additional resources to share with you at no additional costs.
Cost:
Each course requires a separate registration. Courses are listed separately on the registration form. Each course is $20.
Sign up one at a time the week prior to the start date or sign up for them all right from the start and make this learning opportunity a priority on your calendar.
Registration Deadline:
Registration deadline is 1 week prior to the start of the course. No refunds after that date.
Continuing Education Credit: 4 Credit hours (per class)