Discovery Place: Lenten Bible Study Resources

Filmed on location in The Middle East, Faith Lessons is a unique video series that brings God’s Word to life with astounding relevance. By weaving together the Bible’s fascinating historical, cultural, religious, and geographical contexts, teacher and historian Ray Vander Laan reveals keen insights into the Scriptures’ significance for modern believers. These illuminating “faith lessons” afford a new understanding of the Bible that will ground your convictions and transform your life.

Faith Lessons: The Path To The Cross by Ray Vander Laan. Five sessions include:

1. The Way of the Essenes 

2. The Way of John the Baptist

3. Into the Desert to be Tested

4. The Last Passover

5. The Fifth Cup–Our Way of Hope

Faith Lessons: The Death & Resurrection Of The Messiah by Ray Vander Laan. Nine sessions include:

1. When Storms come

2. Piercing the Darkness

3. Gates of Hell

4. City of the Great King (Parts 1 and 2)

5. The Lamb of God

6. The Weight of the World

7. Roll Away the Stone

8. Power to the People

9. Total Commitment

Who Needs Christmas/Why Easter Matters by Andy Stanley. In Why Easter Matters Andy looks at the lives of several key people in the story of Jesus’ crucifixion. The circumstances they faced are different than ours, but their actions and mistakes are, unfortunately, not different at all.Four sessions:

1. The High Cost of Following Christ
2. The Risk of Surrendering to God
3. The God Who Can Be Trusted
4. The Foundation of Our Faith

Because of Bethlehem/He Chose the Nails by Max Lucado. In He Chose the Nails, a five-session DVD Bible study, Max examines the gifts that Christ gave at his crucifixion. These include not only the gift of the cross, but also the gift of the thorns, the nails, and the empty tomb. The cross is rich with God’s gifts of grace, and as we unwrap them, we will hear him whisper, “I did it just for you.” The session titles are:

1. He Chose to Be One of Us
2. He Chose to Forgive Us
3. He Chose to Invite Us into His Presence
4. He Chose to Love Us Forever 
5. He Chose to Give Us Victory

You can find many more Lenten study resources by searching the Discovery Place catalog using the keyword “Lent.” 

Discovery Place Resource Center

303 Mulberry Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
717-766-7441
email:  discovery@susumc.org
web:  www.discovery-place.org

Discovery Place: Lenten Studies

Ash Wednesday is February 22, so it’s not too early to start planning for a Lenten study! Choose from the following resources. Quantities are limited, so reserve your first choice early.   

Revolutionary Kingdom: Following the Rebel Jesus – This study by Mike Slaughter will challenge all Jesus-followers to step out of our places of comfort as we step up, proactively and courageously, to address the economic inequalities and unjust policies afflicting the least, lost, and underserved. (6 sessions. Includes DVD, leader guide, and book.)

The Walk: Five Essential Practices of the Christian Life – How do we walk with Christ: daily follow Him, grow in Him, and faithfully serve Him? Join Adam Hamilton to discover five essential spiritual practices rooted in Jesus’ own walk with God. (6 sessions. Includes DVD, leader guide, and book. Children and youth books also available.)

Why Easter Matters – Andy Stanley looks at the lives of several key people in the familiar story of Jesus’ crucifixion. The circumstances they faced are different than ours, but their actions and mistakes are not different at all. (4 sessions. Includes DVD and study guide.) 

Simon Peter: Flawed but Faithful Disciple – Adam Hamilton studies the life of Simon Peter, an ordinary fisherman who heard an extraordinary call. Filmed on location in Israel and Italy, the DVD shows key sites in Simon Peter’s life. (6 sessions. Includes DVD, leader guide, and book. Children and youth books also available.)

What Makes a Hero? The Death-Defying Ministry of Jesus – Looking at pop culture heroes through the lens of faith, author Matt Rawle shows how Jesus turned the concept of hero on its head. (6 sessions. Includes DVD, leader guide, and book. Children and youth books also available.)

Restored: Finding Redemption in Our Mess – Author Tom Berlin encourages us to reflect and meditate on our own brokenness, showing us that it is only when we focus on the cross as a place to surrender control that we can leave our mess and find true redemption. (6 sessions. Includes DVD, leader guide, and book. Youth book also available.)

Final Words from the Cross – Adam Hamilton examines Christ’s dying hours and His final words as seen and heard by those who stood near the cross. (6 sessions. Includes DVD, leader guide, and book.)

24 Hours that Changed the World – Travel to the Holy Land with Adam Hamilton, visiting the sites where the earth-shaking events of the last 24 hours of Jesus’ life took place. (7 sessions. Includes DVD, leader guide, book, and 40 Days of Reflection booklet.)

The God We Can Know: Exploring the “I Am” Sayings of Jesus – Author Rob Fuquay explores the “I am” statements of Jesus found in the gospel of John. (7 sessions. Includes DVD and book.)

Creed: What Christians Believe and Why – Adam Hamilton believes that for Christians and others seeking faith, powerful answers are contained in the Apostle’s Creed. (6 sessions. Includes DVD, leader guide, and book.)

The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus – Author Adam Hamilton follows in the footsteps of Jesus from His baptism to the temptations to the heart of His ministry. (6 sessions. Includes DVD, leader guide, and book.)

Complete descriptions of these and all our other resources can be found in the online catalog on our website: www.discovery-place.org. You may place an order directly through our online catalog, e-mail discovery@susumc.org, or call 717-766-7968. We look forward to hearing from you!

Serving Christ with you,

Joni Robison

Susquehanna Conference

303 Mulberry Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050

717-766-7968

email  discovery@susumc.org

web  www.discovery-place.org

Discovery Place - New Resources Available!

Discovery Place is excited to share a wealth of resources new to us in recent weeks. Check these out for use in your Sunday School class or small group!

  

The Lord’s Prayer by Adam Hamilton (2021). Subtitled “The Meaning and Power of the Prayer Jesus Taught,” this study guides us to really know – and really pray – the Lord’s Prayer. (6 sessions. Includes DVD, leader guide, and hardcover book.)

Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table by Louie Giglio (2021). Based on Psalm 23, this study helps us to cancel the lies that wreck our lives and take authority over our thoughts. (6 sessions. Includes DVD, study guide, and hardcover book.)

Just Say Yes! Unleashing People for Ministry by Robert Schnase (2016). Examining the systems and attitudes that restrain and control ministry, Schnase demonstrates practical ways church leaders can encourage, embolden, and equip people for ministry. (10 sessions. Includes DVD, book, leader guide, and participant guide.)

  

Life-Changing Prayer: Approaching the Throne of Grace by Jim Cymbala (2018). Using interviews with people who received extraordinary answers to their prayers, Cymbala shows how prayer can transform our lives. (6 sessions. Includes DVD and study guide.)

Making Your Case for Christ Training Course by Lee Strobel and Mark Mittelberg (2018). In his journey from atheism to faith, Strobel uses historical evidence to back up Jesus’ claims and equips your church with practical tools to communicate this message. (6 sessions. Includes DVD, study guide, book, and church campaign starter guide.)

You Were Made For This Moment by Max Lucado (2021). Are you weary from your challenges, wounded by your battles, or worried your world is spinning out of control? If so, this study based on the book of Esther brings welcome news that God hasn’t forgotten you. (5 sessions. Includes DVD, study guide, and hardcover book.)

  

Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets by Andy Stanley (2020). “I should’ve asked more questions!” We hear this quite often after making a bad decision. In this study, Stanley equips us with five catalytic questions to ask each time we are faced with a decision. (6 sessions. Includes DVD, study guide, and hardcover book.)

Who Is Jesus? by Louie Giglio (2018). All our lives center on this one question: who is Jesus? In this study, Giglio invites us to meet God in both our intellect and our hearts by uncovering what history and Scripture have to say about Jesus. (5 sessions. Includes DVD and study guide.)

For churches interested in exploring ways to Build the Beloved Community, here is a great DVD option:

Vital Conversations: Racism and the U.S. Church – Subtitled “Vital Conversations on Race, Culture, and Justice,” this study was published by The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR). It offers us a way to begin a dialog, face our misconceptions and fears, and move deliberately to spiritual, community, and social transformation. The final session is presented by Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi. (7 sessions. Includes DVD and study guide.)

In addition to this DVD study, there are numerous books that will be helpful in dismantling racism. Use our online catalog (see below) and do an advanced search using the subject “Racism.” 

Complete descriptions of these and all our other resources can be found in the online catalog on our website: www.discovery-place.org. You may place an order directly through our online catalog, email discovery@susumc.org, or call 717-766-7968. We look forward to hearing from you!

Serving Christ with you,

Joni Robison

Discovery Place: Lenten Studies - Plan Now!

It’s time to start planning for a Lenten study! Choose from the following resources. Quantities are limited, so reserve your first choice early. 

   

The Case for Easter: Evidence for the Resurrection of Jesus: In this video Bible study by Lee Strobel, the author reveals what he discovered as he went piece-by-piece through the evidence of the empty tomb. (4 sessions. Includes DVD and study guide.)

The Walk: Five Essential Practices of the Christian Life: How
do we walk with Christ—daily follow Him, grow in Him, and faithfully serve Him? Join Adam Hamilton to discover five essential spiritual practices rooted in Jesus’ own walk with God. (6 sessions. Includes DVD, leader guide, and book. Children and youth books also available.)

Revolutionary Kingdom: Following the Rebel Jesus: This study by Mike Slaughter will challenge all Jesus-followers to step out of our places of comfort as we step up, proactively and courageously, to address the economic inequalities and unjust policies afflicting the least, lost, and under-served. (6 sessions. Includes DVD, leader guide, and book.)

  

Why Easter Matters: Andy Stanley looks at the lives of several key people in the familiar story of Jesus’ crucifixion. The circumstances they faced are different than ours, but their actions and mistakes are not different at all. (4 sessions. Includes DVD and study guide.) 

Simon Peter: Flawed but Faithful Disciple: Adam Hamilton studies the life of Simon Peter, an ordinary fisherman who heard an extraordinary call. Filmed on location in Israel and Italy, the DVD shows key sites in Simon Peter’s life. (6 sessions. Includes DVD, leader guide, and book. Children and youth books also available.)

What Makes a Hero? The Death-Defying Ministry of Jesus – Looking at pop culture heroes through the lens of faith, author Matt Rawle shows how Jesus turned the concept of hero on its head. (6 sessions. Includes DVD, leader guide, and book. Children and youth books also available.)

Restored: Finding Redemption in Our Mess: – Author Tom Berlin encourages us to reflect and meditate on our own brokenness, showing us that it is only when we focus on the cross as a place to surrender control that we can leave our mess and find true redemption. (6 sessions. Includes DVD, leader guide, and book. Youth book also available.)

  

Final Words from the Cross: Adam Hamilton examines Christ’s dying hours and His final words as seen and heard through the eyes and ears of those who stood near the cross. (6 sessions. Includes DVD, leader guide, and book.)

24 Hours that Changed the World: Travel to the Holy Land with Adam Hamilton, to visit the sites where the earth-shaking events of the last 24 hours of Jesus’ life took place. (7 sessions. Includes DVD, leader guide, book, and 40 Days of Reflection booklet.)

The God We Can Know: Exploring the “I Am” Sayings of Jesus: Author Rob Fuquay explores the “I am” statements for Jesus found in the gospel of John, to help us answer the most essential question in the Christian faith: “Who do you say I am?” (7 sessions. Includes DVD and book.)

Creed: What Christians Believe and Why: Adam Hamilton believes that for Christians and others seeking faith, powerful answers are contained in the Apostle’s Creed. We learn not only what Christians believe, but why it matters. (6 sessions. Includes DVD, leader guide, and book.)

The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus: Author Adam Hamilton follows in the footsteps of Jesus from His baptism to the temptations to the heart of His ministry. (6 sessions. Includes DVD, leader guide, and book.)

Complete descriptions of these and all our other resources can be found in the on-line catalog on our website: www.discovery-place.org. You may place an order directly through our on-line catalog, e-mail discovery@susumc.org, or call 717-766-7968. We look forward to hearing from you!

Serving Christ with you, 

Joni Robison

From Bishop Park

The following announcements from Bishop Park were features in Susquehanna LINK, March, 2021:

2020 Apportionments Paid in Full: 
https://mcusercontent.com/46f000aa27de6426a3e2286a3/files/7ce091d4-536e-4ec2-8a34-10722cdf029b/1.29.21_Apportionments_Thank_You.01.pdf

Cabinet Position Extended: 
https://susumc.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=46f000aa27de6426a3e2286a3&id=72dac88134&e=ac3ca27d43

Reopening Guidelines:
https://mcusercontent.com/46f000aa27de6426a3e2286a3/files/4099932d-c762-470d-b339-5f4d8cffdcc8/2.2.21_On_Reopening_and_Guidelines.pdf

Lent & Easter - God With Us:
https://susumc.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=46f000aa27de6426a3e2286a3&id=63cd1e7dcb&e=ac3ca27d43

General and Jurisdictional Conferences:
https://susumc.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=46f000aa27de6426a3e2286a3&id=9e71b7b50a&e=ac3ca27d43

Discovery Place: Lenten Studies

As we approach Lent, one of the most meaningful seasons of the church year, consider one of these studies for small group or personal use. 

  

  

 

The Case for Easter: Evidence for the Resurrection of Jesus: In this video Bible study, author Lee Strobel reveals what he discovered as he went piece-by-piece through the evidence of the empty tomb. (4 sessions. It is packaged with The Case for Christmas, which may be previewed for use in Advent 2021. Includes 2 DVDs and 2 study guides.)

The Walk: Five Essential Practices of the Christian Life: How do we walk with Christ—daily follow Him, grow in Him, and faithfully serve Him? Join Adam Hamilton to discover five essential spiritual practices rooted in Jesus’ own walk with God. (6 sessions. Includes DVD, leader guide, and book. Children and youth books also available.)

Why Easter Matters: Packaged with Who Needs Christmas, Andy Stanley looks at the lives of several key people in the familiar story of Jesus’ crucifixion. The circumstances they faced are different than ours, but their actions and mistakes are, unfortunately, not different at all. (4 sessions. Includes 2 DVDs and 2 study guides. The Christmas study may be previewed for use in Advent 2021.)

24 Hours that Changed the World: Travel to the Holy Land with Adam Hamilton, to visit the sites where the earth-shaking events of the last 24 hours of Jesus’ life took place. (7 sessions. Includes DVD, leader guide, book, and 40 Days of Reflection booklet. Children and youth books also available.)

He Chose the Nails: Max Lucado examines the gifts that Christ gave at His crucifixion. These include the gift of the cross, the thorns, the nails, and the empty tomb. (5 sessions. Packaged with Because of Bethlehem, which may be previewed for use in Advent 2021. Includes 2 DVDs and 2 study guides.)

What Makes a Hero? The Death-Defying Ministry of Jesus: Looking at pop culture heroes through the lens of faith, author Matt Rawle shows how Jesus turned the concept of hero on its head. (6 sessions. Includes DVD, leader guide, and book. Children and youth books also available.)

Restored: Finding Redemption in Our Mess: Author Tom Berlin encourages us to reflect and meditate on our own brokenness, showing us that it is only when we focus on the cross as a place to surrender control that we can leave our mess and find true redemption. (6 sessions. Includes DVD, leader guide, and book. Youth book also available.)

Final Words from the Cross: Adam Hamilton examines Christ’s dying hours and His final words as seen and heard through the eyes and ears of those who stood near the cross. (6 sessions. Includes DVD, leader guide, and book.)

The God We Can Know: Exploring the “I Am” Sayings of Jesus: Author Rob Fuquay explores the “I am” statements of Jesus found in the gospel of John, to help us answer the most essential question in the Christian faith: “Who do you say I am?” (7 sessions. Includes DVD and book.)

Renegade Gospel: The Rebel Jesus: Jesus did not come to start a religion. The rebel Jesus came with a renegade gospel to start a revolution. Author Mike Slaughter presents Jesus and His challenging message. (6 sessions. Includes DVD, leader guide, and book.)

John: Gospel of Light and Life: This study by Adam Hamilton follows the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus through the Gospel of John, and helps us understand the context of some of the best-known verses in the New Testament. (6 sessions. Includes DVD, leader guide and book. Children and youth books also available.)

Complete descriptions of these and all our other resources can be found in the online catalog on our website: www.discovery-place.org. You may place an order directly through our online catalog, e-mail discovery@susumc.org , or call 717-766-7968. (Leaving a voicemail will send me an email.) 

We are currently open on a limited basis with no regular office hours, but Discovery Place email is checked daily. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are closed to walk-in visitors until further notice. 

Serving Christ with you,

Joni Robison

Discovery Place Resource Center
Susquehanna Conference
303 Mulberry Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
717-766-7968
e-mail  discovery@susumc.org
web  www.discovery-place.org