All-Church Lenten Study
Practicing The Way: Be with Jesus. Become like him. Do as he did.
By John Mark Comer
During the season of Lent, our worship resource will be Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus. Become like him. Do as he did, by John Mark Comer. Outlining the timeless process of being with Jesus, becoming like him, and living as he did, bestselling author and teacher John Mark Comer unpacks God's vision for the journey of our soul. In this powerful and practical work, he explains his core philosophy of spiritual formation to help us form a "rule of life." Along the way, he offers rich cultural insight, deep biblical teaching, and his honest and hopeful view of the potential of each human soul. By simply following Jesus and embracing countercultural practices around hospitality, Sabbath, simplicity, scripture, and community, Comer invites us to lay aside our assumptions about discipleship and embrace apprenticeship under Jesus as a way of life.
To join a small group, talk to Terry Bolender (tbolender@kentmethodist.com).
Beginning February 15, we will have a few copies of the book available at the church for purchase for $20, or you may order directly from amazon.com using this link: Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus. Become like him. Do as he did.: Comer, John Mark: 9780593193822: Amazon.com: Books. The book is also available on Kindle or in audiobook format.
During Lent, we encourage you to join a small Discipleship Group.
Our D-Groups are an important part of helping individuals grow together in Christlikeness through friendship, study, and accountability. Life is better when it’s lived together.
LOVE * GROW * SERVE * SHARE
Encourage * Learn * Explore * Community
Find Community in a Small Discipleship Group
Throughout the Bible, you can see that God often did amazing things through groups of people. God provided Adam, Abraham, Moses, and the great King David with companions, family, and other leaders. Jesus, especially, worked in a group. He selected twelve men (and many other men and women) to be his followers – and then he chose three (Peter, James, and John) to join his inner circle. These people became the leadership team of the early church. And the Apostle Paul traveled in groups for his missionary journeys and appointed elders to oversee churches he planted. It’s clear that God does big things through small groups.
Our small Discipleship Groups at KUMC are an important part of helping individuals grow together in Christlikeness through friendship, study, and accountability. Life is better when it’s lived together:
We work better together. A group can accomplish far more than an individual can accomplish on their own. As your group meets, you’ll go and grow further, faster.
We learn better together. When we seek to understand scripture or what God intends for our lives, there are others there to help us discern. And when we stumble or question, we can rely upon each other’s accountability, support, and prayers.
We help each other. In a small Discipleship Group, you will experience the warmth of community that comes from knowing others and being known by them. You will form a bond of friendship that will last for years to come.
We strengthen each other. It is easy to get caught up in busy-ness, discouragement, and the distraction of worldly things. As you meet and you all seek to become more like Jesus, you will find it easier to stay and grow stronger together.
Our small Discipleship Groups are launching again in September, and we want you to be included! Check out the active groups below – and if you are interested but are looking for a group that meets on a different day or time, contact Terry Bolender at tbolender@kentmethodist.com:
Check out the active groups below:
New Discipleship Small Groups
During the season of Lent, we encourage everyone to join a small Discipleship Group. We are in the process of forming new groups, and as of the writing of this newsletter, the following groups have been added. Please feel free to reach out to the leaders to become part of their group, or get in touch with Terry Bolender (tbolender@kentmethodist.com)
Thursday Evening D-Group: A new group led by retired pastor Marv Vose will soon be starting on Thursday evenings.
LGBTQ Community D-Group: At KUMC, our purpose is to build an inclusive Christian community where all people can feel at home. KUMC is a LGBTQ friendly church. For siblings in the LGBTQ community, we are starting a small group to help you dive deeper into your faith. Maybe you’re looking for resources to help you better understand, connect with, and care for friends and family. Maybe you just want a safe place to learn, share, and grow. No matter where you are, we want to meet you there.
-
This group meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the Youth Room. They will begin studying The Message of Jesus by Adam Hamilton. New people are welcome to join!
-
This group meets weekly on Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon in Room 21. They are studying Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer. New people are welcome at any time!
-
This group meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. in Room 21. They are studying The Journey by Adam Hamilton. We would love to have you join us!
-
This D-Group helps to connect and support parents. We hope this group can be a place where everyone experiences growth in their faith through Bible study and prayer and that it will be a comfortable space where we can share the highs and lows of parenting alongside one another. Please join us!
Young Adult Small Group
Pastor Jim and Sandra host a Young Adult Small Group on Sunday evenings at their home. This is a post-high-school discipleship small group for anyone who would like to meet other Christians, learn about following Jesus, and share good food at the table. This group is open to everyone.
Bible Study and Dinner at Pastor Jim’s, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. most Sundays. Contact us for details.
United Women in Faith Circle Groups
New women are welcome at any time!
Susanna Wesley Circle: This group meets on the third Sunday of the month, September through June, at 3 p.m. on Zoom. They are studying Immigration and the Bible: A Guide for Radical Welcome, by Joan M. Maruskin. New people are welcome at any time!
Lydia Circle: This group meets on the Third Thursday of the month, September through June, at 10 a.m. in room 20. They are studying Praying with Power Bible Study by Patsy Clairmont.
Let Us Help You Find the Right Small Discipleship Group
Beginning the small group journey with a group can be a powerful experience, and we recommend you give that a shot. However, we know your time, schedule, and preferences don’t always align with our current groups—we’re here to help! Click on this link and fill out the form to let us know a little bit more about you, and we will do our best to pair you with a group.
More Information
Call the church office at (253) 852-3900 or email us below to find the group that's right for you!