On January 21st, Pastor Hopper will begin a new 12- part Sunday evening series and Sunday School class, The Christ-Changed Heart, based on a new curriculum by the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation, “How People Change: How Christ Changes Us by His Grace.”

A changed heart is the bright promise of the gospel. When the Bible talks about the gift of a new heart, it doesn't mean a heart that is immediately perfected, but a heart that is capable of being changed. Jesus' work on the cross targets our hearts-our core desires and motivations-and when our hearts change, our behavior changes. It's amazing to watch people who once seemed stuck in a pattern of words, choices, and behaviors start living in a new way as Christ changes their hearts. (From “How People Change” by Tim Lane and Paul Tripp.)

The Sunday evening sermon will be based on the main scriptural passages and Biblical concepts used in the CCEF curriculum, while the Sunday morning class will be a discussion group for those who would like to dig deeper. Sunday School participants will be expected to complete a portion of a workbook prior to the class on Sunday (reading and answering “personal growth” questions). According to the workbook, “this is not a theology course, but a God ordained opportunity for you to know, confess, repent, obey and grow.” Therefore, the Sunday School class will be for people with a strong level of commitment to personal growth, self-examination and a desire to see Christ at work, producing changes in their lives and relationships by His Grace.

The other adult Sunday School classes will be continuing as usual. Several of the elders have agreed to take over teaching Pastor Hopper’s current class, “Concise Theology” (Fellowship Hall). In addition, we still have the Ladies Class, “Bible Women of Faith” taught by Cordelia Bealor (Room 1, Library) and a Bible book study on “Galatians” taught by Jesse Bealor (Room 18.) The new class, “The Christ Changed Heart” will meet in a room “to be announced.”

Thanks to all those who participated in the Adult Choir program this fall, but there's always room for more! We will start working in February on an Easter Cantata so now is a good time to join us Also, if you are interested in singing in a small group, please let Nevin Zimmerman know. We have a need for more ensembles to prepare special music.