Austin church offers two short-term studies

A new Disciple Bible Study, “Invitation to the New Testament,” begins Sept. 13 and continues for eight weeks at Grace UMC, Austin.
The Tuesday evening study uses the story of Jesus as the starting point for understanding the church’s identity and mission. It weaves a dialogue between that story, as told by Matthew, and the other New Testament writings. Video segments guide each session with interpretive and contextual presentations from biblical scholars and include opportunities for discussion on some aspect of the scripture studied.
The Rev. Linda Kessie is to lead the 90-minute classes that begin at 6:30 p.m. Participants’ books with weekly reading assignments cost $10.
The church is also starting a six-week class Sept. 25 on the United Methodist Social Principles. This class meets Sundays from 9 to 10:45 a.m.
The United Methodist Church has a long history of concern for social justice. Its members have often taken forthright positions on controversial issues involving Christian principles. Early Methodists expressed their opposition to the slave trade, smuggling, child labor and the cruel treatment of prisoners. A result of these concerns is the development of the Social Principles, an effort to speak to the human issues in our contemporary world from a sound biblical and theological foundation. While they are a call to faithfulness and are intended to be instructive and persuasive in the best of the prophetic spirit, they are not church law.
The Social Principles take stands on many issues, in a variety of areas of our world and our life together. Energy resources use, food safety, marriage, human sexuality, abortion, people living with HIV and AIDS, the right to health care, organ transplant and donation, and genetic technology are just some of the issues addressed.
The Rev. Richard Bates and the Rev. Linda Kessie are to lead the discussion class. Anyone interested in or new to Methodism is encouraged to attend. Contact the church office at (512) 442-5944 or graceumcaustin@ wt.net to register for either class.
Grace UMC is at 205 E. Monroe, one block east of South Congress Avenue and about one mile south of Town Lake.