MidWeek September 4 – November 13, 2024
MIDWEEK INFO
MidWeek Dinner
Join us for our dinner in the Fellowship Hall each Wednesday evening from 5:15–6:30 p.m. Don’t miss out on the fun and fellowship! All are welcome, even if you are not in a small group or another ministry opportunity. $9 per adult • $6 per child (under 12) • $30 per family maximum Please assist us in being good stewards of our resources by registering for the MidWeek meal each week you plan to attend. Registering ahead of time allows us to prepare the proper amount of food, and can be done easily online and all at once if you wish. Go to briarwood.org/dinner and fill out the online form. Register no later than Tuesday at noon prior to the Wednesday you plan to attend. Thank you!
Adult Classes & Studies
Wednesday night offers many new and exciting small group studies, so find the best fit for you and jump in! All ministry opportunities start at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Contact Eric Reebals for more information at 776-5338 or ereebals@briarwood.org.
Children and Youth Activities
Our Children and Youth will find activities designed just for them during MidWeek. Contact the Children’s Ministry at 776-5305 or jstallings@briarwood.org. Contact the Youth Ministry at 776-5269 or k.smith@briarwood.org.
Nursery
Be sure your nursery-age children have the best possible care by making reservations as soon as possible. Reservations can be made easily online on the Briarwood App, at briarwood.org/nursery, or by calling 776-5214. Please be sure the Nursery knows what study or class you are in each week.
COMMUNITY STUDIES
CO-ED STUDIES
The Art of Discipleship
Olan Stubbs, G101 • Andrew Murray once said, “God is ready to assume control of a life wholly yielded to Him.” If you are feeling led to reach someone for Christ and see them become strong in their faith then please join us as we examine the scriptures and learn practical ways to fullfill the Great Commission. During the Art of Discipleship, Olan Stubbs will challenge us with the power of personal and intentional relationships that lead to spiritual impact and Kingdom growth. Our hope is to become leaders, men and women who have a heart for making and training disciples.
Warrior
Mike Wheeler, A105 • “Shattered Glass” – Pastor Reeder said it many times from the pulpit – Spiritual Warfare is not an exotic subset of the Christian life. It is the Christian life. Warrior studies continue with anecdotal stories from World War II. This fall we will look at the world’s definition of paradise as well as spiritual warfare from the book of Revelation.
BRIARWOOD WOMEN
A Study of Jonah
Kristie Harrick, G103 • Most of us know the story of Jonah and yet so often we reduce it to a story about a big fish. While the big fish is one piece of the story, it is not the takeaway for us. Join us as we dive into the life of Jonah the prophet: his theology, his struggles, his fear, his rebellion, his faithfulness and his hardened heart. Through our study of the person of Jonah we will gain an even greater understanding of God. We will see His sovereignty, His disciplining hand, His heart for people, His mercy and grace, His omnipotence, and His sustaining hand. Please join us as we revisit a familiar story to see the depth of treasures beyond the big fish.
CHILDREN & YOUTH ACTIVITIES
Infants Nursery (Up to 3 years old)
Nursery Hallway, 6:15–8:00 p.m. • Nursery reservations are required! Go to briarwood.org/nursery or call 776-5214.
CONNECT (K4–3rd grade)
Children’s Auditorium, 6:30–8:00 p.m. • It is our desire for our children to connect to God through biblical teaching, to what God is doing in the world through missionary updates and stories, and to one another through fellowship and recreation. A parent must sign in their child.
IGNITE (4th–6th grade)
GYM, 6:30–8:00 p.m. • Ignite will have a time of Bible study, play games, have free play in the gym and hand out prizes! Drop off children in the Gym Lobby.
RAIDERS (7th & 8th grades)
The Barn, 6:30–8:00 p.m. • Raiders will continue their incredible MidWeek gatherings. Come and invite a friend. Parents, please pick up your Raider from The Barn parking lot at 8:00 p.m.
BYG (9th – 12th grades)
The Barn • 7:00–8:30 p.m. • BYG is a time for high school students to be challenged by God’s Word and to be equipped to impact others for Christ.
MINISTRY CLASSES
Personal Evangelism: The Bridge to Life
Eric Reebals, FH F • Come investigate how to share your faith using “The Bridge to Life.” This training includes a brief class time then on-the-job training, visiting members of our community and answering their questions as they answer ours. For more information contact Eric Reebals 776-5338, ereebals@briarwood.org.
Counseling in the Local Church I/Lay Counseling & Practical Ministry Training I
Dr. Greg Norfleet, A201 • 6:30–8:00 p.m. • Cure and care of souls is what the church is about. By His Word and Spirit, Jesus counsels and comforts us in our troubles, so that we may counsel and comfort others in their troubles. Indeed, the most wonderful community imaginable is a church in which each of us is learning to listen and speak to one another in the image of our Wonderful Counselor. This course will introduce the theological concepts and relational skills necessary for understanding and facilitating God’s work of change. Whether you wish to grow as a friend, ministry leader, or potential lay counselor, this course will help you take the next step. Seminary students, for details contact Emily Hayes 205-776-5354. Briarwood members, please contact Julie at the counseling office, 205-776-5281 and register (Registering helps us have the appropriate materials available for each participant).
Hermeneutics
Dr. Dan Doriani, Chapel • 6:30–8:30 p.m. • Are you a Sunday School teacher or Bible study leader interested in learning foundational principles of Bible interpretation, exploring methods for understanding Scripture, and developing effective study techniques for teaching and leading discussions? If so, this course is for you. The purpose of this course is to provide students with an introduction to the theory and practice of Bible Interpretation or Hermeneutics. To assist students in gaining the skills and knowledge necessary to determine the meaning of any passage of Scripture and to apply it authentically to the contemporary context.
Adoption/Foster Connection (9/11, 10/9, 11/13)
Carter Ralph, Bride’s Room • This group ministers to families who have brought children into their homes via adoption or foster care, assists Briarwood families as they go through the adoption/foster process, and promotes adoption and foster parenting within the church. Wednesday night meetings are a time to gather for encouragement and connection with other families in similar situations. For more information, please contact Carter Ralph at w.carter.ralph@gmail.com.
Chancel Choir & Briarwood Orchestra
Choir Room / Worship Center • Singers and instrumentalists, college age and up, join us as we prepare to lead God’s people in worship on Sundays, as well as prepare our Christmas program to be presented with a full orchestra. For more information, contact Penny Philley at pphilley@briarwood.org or 776-5229.
ESL Classes
Courtney McGregor, School Third Floor Lobby – E313 • Impact the nations right here in Birmingham! Come serve internationals during our weekly English classes. From putting up signs and serving snacks to teaching or assisting in the classroom, we would love to have you join us! We train volunteers to teach and in how to welcome internationals well. Also, if you have a friend, neighbor, or co-worker looking for free English help, please let them know about our classes! Contact Courtney McGregor at cmcgregor@briarwood.org.
GriefShare
Jim Alexander, W203 • A 13-week seminar and encouragement group designed to help those who are grieving the death of a loved one. Each session includes a video presentation hosted by David and Nancy Guthrie, followed by interactive discussions on various aspects of grief. Participants are welcome to start attending any time during the quarter. Contact Tami Wells, 776-5227 or altadenaministries@briarwood.org to let us know you plan to attend, or to get more information about the class. W203 is above the foyer to the Worship Center, near the prayer room. Cost: $20 for workbook. This Class meets until December 4.
New Focus
Chris Thompson, E003/005 • New Focus is an outreach of the Mercy Ministry that offers financial literacy for those who call for assistance and we also teach participants how to get and keep a job. Volunteers are needed to coach participants in applying the principles learned in class. Kevin Lott will lead a coaches’ informational meeting at the same time as the participants’ informational meeting on September 4, then regular classes will begin on September 11.
Jobs for Life
Adrian VanderWoude, E007/009 • As part of the Mercy Ministry, Jobs for Life offers career direction and equipping for those seeking to find the work that matches the abilities and gifts the Lord has given them. Find more than a paycheck. Find a vocation. Volunteers are needed to coach participants in applying the principles learned in class. Adrian will lead a coaches’ informational meeting at the same time as the participants’ informational meeting on September 4, then regular classes will begin on September 11.
Briarwood Inquiry Class (BIC) (9/25 & 11/6 Only)
Wendy Long, A209 • Like to find out more about Briarwood Presbyterian Church? Are you interested in church membership? This class explores: Connecting to Christ, What is a Christian; Connecting to the Church, What is the Church; and Connecting to Briarwood, What is Briarwood? If you are interested or want more information, please contact Wendy Long at wlong@briarwood.org or 776-5208.
Prayer for our Church
Joyce Ann Jackson, Prayer Room • Join us as we spend time in prayer for Briarwood Church and its ministries. God has been so faithful to our congregation, and we want to spend this time acknowledging His goodness and lifting up the many ministry opportunities all over the world. Focusing on the spiritual vitality of prayer in the life of the believers, revival throughout our land and learning how to pray as Jesus taught His disciples will be our goal.
Sign Language Beginner Class
S205 • Our goal is to learn 400 signs (with daily practice), to be introduced to deaf culture, and be able to communicate using basic signs.
Sign Language Intermediate Class
S207 • This class builds on the Beginner class. Our goal is to learn 400 additional signs (with daily practice) and increase exposure to and communication with the deaf community.
Sign Language Intermediate Class
S209 • This class builds on the Intermediate I class. Our goal is to learn 400 additional signs (with daily practice) and increase exposure to and communication with the deaf community.
Sign Language Religious Interpreting
S203 • This class builds on the Beginner, Intermediate I, and Intermediate II classes. Our goal is to learn 1) religious signs (with daily practice), 2) practical interpreting techniques using expressive and receptive skills in a class room and “real time” setting, and 3) increase exposure to and have communications with the deaf community.