Bible Studies & Small Groups

Leader: Rev. Steven Girard or Fred Marcis
Time: Sunday During Family Growth Hour |  9:30-10:15 AM
Location: St. Mark Room 14
Current Topic: Deuteronomy
Description: Come join us with our exploration through the books of the Bible.  Everyone is welcome to check us out!  We have hot beverages and baked snacks available to enjoy.  Hopefully after one session you will return for our interesting conversions as the Lord leads us to the “TRUTH”.  Don't know what to do with your kids during this time?  Drop them off at Sunday School or Youth Bible Study, which runs at the same time.

Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible and the final book of the Torah. In the preceding books, Israel had left Egypt and stayed at Mount Sinai for a year, where they entered into a covenant with their God. Despite this amazing start, the Israelites struggled in their journey through the wilderness, and the entire Exodus generation was disqualified from entering into the promised land. Deuteronomy begins with Moses standing in front of the new generation, and his job is to explain the significance of the laws of the Torah (Deut. 1:1-5). This opening scene helps us understand the design and purpose of the book. It’s a series of speeches from Moses, who calls the next generation of Israel to be faithful to their covenant with God. 

Leader: Cindy Kent
Time: Sunday During Family Growth Hour |  9:30-10:15 AM
Location: St. Mark Room 12
Current Topic: God's Abiding Word - Isaiah
Description:
Description: Isaiah’s prophecy has been called “The Fifth Gospel.” For churches that use Sunday lectionary readings, Isaiah dominates the seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. Nearly one-third of Old Testament readings come from Isaiah! Many of his passages sound familiar to us. But do we understand them in their context or the prophet who recorded them? 

Too often a Christian thinks of the Bible as a collection of one-liners. A person may quote a particular verse or phrase without understanding where it comes from or what it means in context. (Have you ever found yourself saying, “I think that’s in the Bible somewhere”?)

This study will not only help you understand Isaiah’s greatest one-liners, but also his greater message. It will give you a clear portrait of Isaiah’s overall, complex vision that sees the Assyrian and Babylonian eras, the Messiah and His work, and ultimately the new creation. Though this study does not detail every chapter and verse of Isaiah’s prophecy, it provides you with guidance for getting the most out of his message. The study begins with an overview of Isaiah’s prophecies to prepare you for examining, interpreting, and applying specific prophecies in your own life and congregation.

Leaders: Judy Lane and Matt & Jennifer Houdeshell
Time: Sunday During Family Growth Hour |  9:30-10:15 AM (September thru May)
Location: St. Mark Conference Room
Description: Kids, ages preschool through fourth grade, get together to learn more about the Bible. Whether the kids are watching a video on a Bible story or doing an activity, it is a great way for kids to learn more about Jesus. We like to teach the children all about the Bible, from Old to New Testament. Currently, we are working through the CPH curriculum Growing in Christ and Cross Explorations.

Leader: Carmen Gordon
Time: Sunday During Family Growth Hour |  9:30-10:15 AM
Location: St. Mark Offices
Current Topic:  The Bible
Description: All students from grades 5-12 are welcome! We are working through a Not Consumed Bible Study called "Keep Thy Heart".

Leader: Rev. Steven Girard
Time: 8:30am the 2nd & 4th Wed. of the Month
Location: The Cracked Egg - Rt. 42
Current Topic:  Jesus: From the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John
Description: Men today are challenged in ways different than our parents and in a world unknown to past generations.  How do I be a man of God?  This men's study is geared around increasing our knowledge of the Word of the Lord as well as providing and opportunity for accountability and fellowship.  Walking with the Lord gets a lot easier when you have your brothers to walk with you.  Join us for coffee, breakfast, or just stop by for prayer and encouragement!

Leader: Rev. Steven Girard
Time: 11:30am the 2nd & 4th Wed. of the Month
Location: St. Mark Conference Room
Current Topic: The Book of Romans
The book of Romans is considered by many to be one of the most important books ever written on the Christian faith. Writing to Christians, the apostle Paul defines the gospel, explores its depths, and discusses its significance and implications for the Christian life. 

Leader: Joe & Nannette Smelko
Time: 7pm the 2nd Thu. of the Month
Location: Smelko Home
Current Topic:  Watching and discussing The Chosen Season 4
Description: Clashing kingdoms. Rival rulers. The enemies of Jesus close in while His followers struggle to keep up, leaving Him to carry the burdens alone. Threatened by the reality of Jesus' growing influence, religious leaders do the unthinkable - ally within their Roman oppressors. As the seeds of the betrayal are planted and opposition to Jesus' message turns violent, He's left with no alternative but to demand His followers RISE UP.

Starting in Machaerus with the death of John the Baptizer, the fourth season unfolds the last year of His ministry as Jesus bears the weight of the mission alone while His adversaries converge and the disciples struggle to keep pace. As Jesus performs His last miracles, such as healing a man born blind, and transforms His followers, such as changing Simon's name to Peter, the group leaves Capernaum and journeys to Judea and Perea, where they face violent opposition to Jesus's message, including the death of Ramah. When the Jewish religious leaders side with the Roman authorities following the last sign of raising Lazarus from the dead, the season concludes with Jesus making His way to Jerusalem.

Leader: Rev. Steven Girard and Peg & Terry Geffert
Time: Sunday 9:30-10:15am
Location: St. Mark Room 11
Current Topic:  Luther’s Small Catechism & Workbook
Description: The confirmation program prepares young people for the affirmation of their baptism and lifelong commitment to Faith. The program’s objectives are to understand the Christian faith, to develop a mature relationship with God, and to develop a relationship with their church family at St. Mark.

Session Dates
September 14, 21, 28
October 5, 19, 26
November 2, 16, 23
December 7, 14, 21
January 11, 18, 25
February 8, 15, 22
March 1, 8, 15, 22
April 12, 19, 26
May 3, 10
Confirmation Sunday, May 17

Leaders: Lexi Schaefer, Nicole Krivos, Stefanie Scott, & Cassidy Berlingieri
Time: Sunday during the 10:30am Readings & Sermon
Location: St. Mark Conference Room or room 11
Description: During this time the kids are invited to meet for a short Bible illustration. Along with a lesson there maybe coloring, a craft, snack, or singing!