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Dear friends in Christ,

Watching a toddler learn is an amazing thing. Every day is an opportunity for a new discovery. They learn basic things that many of us take for granted, and then build on that learning with other new things. There is a whole world open to them, waiting to discover. Faith is something that is meant to grow as well. There are all kinds of things in God’s Kingdom waiting for us to discover. It is great to see people grow in their faith. The tragedy is that many Christians remain infants in their faith. They don’t do much of anything to grow. And they miss out on the wonders of God that are just waiting to be discovered, and His power that is readily at their disposal. This brochure is a gold mine of opportunity for you to grow in your faith. In it you will discover opportunities to learn more about the Bible, God and His plans for you. The classes and groups are all intended for adults of varying experiences with Bible study and small groups. No experience is required. I invite you to review the offerings presented here, pray about where the Lord might lead you, and select those studies that will fit your schedule. Then, participate. Attend. Enjoy. Grow. God bless you on your journey as you discover all that God has in store for you.

In Jesus’ Name,

Rev. Dr. Dave Denzer

Crossways will be offered again on Thursday evenings from 7 to 8:30 PM beginning in Sept. and running 28 to 30 weeks, breaking for holidays, other times and ending in mid-May. Pr Tim will be leading this study in the Portable.

We will study the Biblical narrative from Genesis through Revelation emphasizing the major themes of Scripture and the application to our Lives of service today. There will be a very user-friendly paperback textbook with accompanying workbooks. For those of you who have taken Bethel or who always wanted to and desire a similar opportunity to grow deeper in your knowledge, understanding and application of God's Word to your life, this would be ideal for you. If you have always wanted to take a longer course or study and /or have never studied the narrative of the Bible from the beginning to the end, this is a great option for you. Regardless of your experience in Bible Study or where you presently are at with the Lord, you will be able to grow and feed upon God's Word at your own pace and level by the power of the Holy Spririt. Some advanced prepartion each week is strongly encouraged but one can come any or some weeks just for the class and the discussion. Advanced registration is required and we are limited to the first 25 people and will have a waiting list if necessary. The cost for materials will be $35.00 which includes two (part one and two) paperback textbooks and accompanying workbooks. Cash or check payable to St. Michael Lutheran Church are acceptable and you can submit payment to the office or to Pr. Tim. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Pr. Tim at 734-459-3333 or timewell@connectingwithgod.org.

In 1517, Martin Luther launched a revolution that changed Christianity and the western world. So, what was it that was so revolutionary? What is it that we believe? How might this be the same or different from other branches of Christianity? What difference might it make for life today? Listen to the two sessions on our Recordings page.

Beginning on Rally Day we will start a 5-week series by Ray VanderLaan titled: "Israel’s Mission: Becoming a Kingdom of Priests in a Prodigal World”. We will explore the Bible in historical context to address God’s challenge to be in this world but not of this world. There will be a video presentation followed by group discussion facilitated by Greg Anderson. Each session features a stand alone faith lesson so everyone is encouraged to drop in any week they are available.

Looking Ahead...

After the Ray Vanderlaan study Rich Steinhelper will lead a 6-week study on how to navigate the tricky ground where faith and culture meet. Then we’ll embark on a 6-week series by Max Lucado titled “You’ll Get Through This: Hope and Help for Your Turbulent Times.” Greg Anderson will facilitate this study as we look at how the story of Joseph offers real help to anyone in the midst of trials and real hope for those who will face trials in the future. 9:30AM - 10:30AM | Chapel | Contact: Greg Anderson

We will read and discuss the scriptures with the expectation of being led by the Holy Spirit to strengthen our faith and prepare us to know and obey what God has planned for us to do. Please come join us as we invest our time in His Word. 10:30AM - 11:30AM | Abraham Room | Contact: Robert Hellie

The Wednesday evening Bible study with Pr. Dave will kick-off on 9/23 at 7:00PM. We will split into two groups, one for men and one for women, for 6-weeks to study:

Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy (Men)

Discover God’s Game Plan for a Winning Life. Join with Pastor Dave as he leads us on this journey to becoming a genuine man of God. Discover how to move past posturing and uncertainty. Connect with others in more authentic ways and find your answers to questions like “What is your game plan?” and “What is your legacy?”

7:00PM - 8:00PM | Chapel | Contact: Pastor Dave |

Sign up on the Pastor’s Board

Fight Back with Joy by Margaret Feinberg (Women)

Learn to practice joy, defiant joy. Sooner or later we find ourselves on the battlefield of life and struggle to know how to respond. Though we can choose from many weapons, God wants to empower us to fight back with joy. Come join leader Bev Read and discover that joy is more than

whimsy; it’s a weapon we can use to fight life’s greatest battles!

7:00PM - 8:00PM | Location TBD | Contact: Pastor Dave | Sign up on the Pastor’s Board

Start your day in the Word! During summer and fall 2015 we will be studying Paul’s prison epistles: Ephesians, Philippians and Philemon. We take turns reading a section of Scripture, followed by relaxed and informal discussion. Fellowship, study, and coffee are the rule – breakfast is optional. 6:30AM - 7:20AM | Meet @ Bob Evans (Ford Rd. and I-275 | Contact: David Schendel (313-770-3486)

With a hassle-free and peace-filled setting led by Pastor Tim, come reflect on the Bible while you connect with friends. Study will open with praise reports and prayer before we begin a topical study or focus on a book of the Bible. Study will run a little over 1 hour. There is always coffee and occasionally cookies or snack. 11:00AM—12:15PM | Abraham Room | Contact: Pastor Tim

Start your day in the Word! End your week strong and prepare for weekend worship. Each Friday we will review and unpack the Scripture readings which will form the basis for the Pastor’s weekend worship message. Fellowship, study, and coffee are the rule – breakfast is optional. 6:30AM - 7:20AM | Meet @ Bob Evans (Ford Rd. and I-275 | Contact: Pat Lukasik (734-981-1848)