Spring Quarter 2018 • March 4 – May 27, 2018

Sunday School Classes

“Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Your Law.”

– Psalm 119:18

A Word to VisitorsGrace and peace and welcome to Briarwood! At Briarwood we have wonderful Sunday School communities where you can find an avenue for studying the Word of God in a small group atmosphere. Our Sunday School communities offer extraordinary opportunities for fellowship and ministry. Dive in and take hold of this vital part of our church by immersing yourself in a community committed to “…equipping Christians to reach Birmingham to reach the world for Christ.”

Harry Reeder, Pastor/Teacher

The Purpose of Sunday School CommunitiesThe purpose of Briarwood’s Sunday School Community Ministry is to teach consistently the whole counsel of God in the context of our congregational communities; to encourage the fellowship of believers; and to build disciples by equipping Christians to make an impact for Jesus Christ, beginning in the home and church and moving to Birmingham and beyond.

Sunday School Spring QuarterMarch 4–May 27, 2018

9:30–10:30 a.m.

Table of ContentsInquirers Class ........................................................... 3Nursery, Children & Youth ........................................ 3College Students/Singles ............................................ 4The Entire Family ...................................................... 5Young Couples & New Families ................................ 5Young Families ........................................................... 5Student Families ........................................................ 6Adult Families ........................................................... 8Women ...................................................................... 9International .............................................................. 9

Special Events This QuarterMaundy Thursday – March 29

Good Friday – March 30 Easter Sunday – April 1

Annual Church Picnic – April 29

NURSERYDirector: Alison Craig. Ages 2 months through 3 years.Visitors, to ensure your child is placed in the correct room, please come to the Nursery Registration table located in the Nursery hallway.

CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOLChildren’s Pastor: John Evans. K4 – 6th grade.In order to best serve you, register your children at the Children’s Sunday SchoolInformation Station, School wing, second floor (directly over the School lobby).

AGE/GRADE ROOMK-4....................................................................................................................E-207/209K-5.............................................................................................E-206/208/210/2111st grade...................................................................................................N-201/202/2032nd grade.................................................................................................N-205/206/2083rd grade..........................................................................................................N-207/209Catechism class.......................................................................................................N-2114th and 5th grades .....................................................................Children’s Auditorium 6th grade girls ..........................................................................................................S-304 6th grade boys...........................................................................................................S-306Special Connections (Children) ..........................................................................N-110Special Connections (Adults) ..............................................................................N-108

JUNIOR & SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLYouth Pastor: Jay Shaw. Grades 7–12.Raiders — E-304/305/306/313 7th and 8th grade — Taught by parents and Youth staff. BYG (Briarwood Youth Group) — C-200Grades 9–12 — Taught by parents and Youth staff.

Pastor’s Inquirers/Membership Class Church LibraryThis is a class for newcomers and prospective members taught by Pastor Reeder and other pastors. Attending this class does not obligate you to join the church. We will cover connecting with Christ, with the Church, and with Briarwood. A class is scheduled to begin April 8, and will include two Sunday morning sessions, a Wednesday night session, and a Saturday morning session. For more information, please call 776-5208 or you may check dates and register online at briarwood.org/pic.

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ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL COMMUNITIESChristian Education Pastor: Ray Tucker.

Let us help you find the right Sunday School Community for you! Call us at 776-5208 or drop by the Membership Office across

from the Church Receptionist.

COLLEGECollege (A-201) “What in the World Is Going On?” College age. We will be looking at the issues in world missions today, our history of missions in the Church and at Briarwood and what is God’s calling for us today to take the gospel to the nations. Challenges and opportunities today in the world will be studied and engaged with a view to taking action. Teacher: Kent Bailey. Team Leaders: Carlisles, Leibs. CP: Max Bunn. SP: Benny Parks.

SINGLESGraduates & Career (M-202) “Bridge Building”A community for graduates to early 30s. Bridge Building will be our new tool for learning how to have relaxed, spiritual conversations with people. We will focus on listening to understand them as a means to being able to more effectively share the gospel. It is more a mindset to grasp than a method to present to others. Teacher: Bobby Parks. Team Leaders: Wiersmas. CP: Stephen King. SP: Benny Parks.

Leveraging Life (M-210) “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” A community for early 30’s to 45. Come join us as we walk through a series of visions given to one of Jesus’ closest friends. Many have been confused and frustrated, thinking this book to be too difficult for the average Christian to understand. This is not the case, and understanding John’s Apocalypse can give you great comfort as you “war” alongside Jesus Christ.” Teacher: Joe Franks. Team Leaders: Baxter, Cagle, Dale, Hester, McKnight. CP: Stephen King. SP: Benny Parks.

In One Accord (W-202) “Galatians” A community for 40’s and up. True freedom is defined in the Bible: “If the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.” Elsewhere, Jesus said, “If you abide in My word, you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” In a verse-by-verse study of Galatians, we will discover how the book takes those two statements and develops them, showing that truth in Jesus Christ frees us to become what we were created to be. Teacher: Mike Russell. Team Leaders: Hunter Goff, Lance Garrison. CP: Chris Thompson. SP: Benny Parks.

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THE ENTIRE FAMILY

Family Life (GYM) “The Righteousness of God Revealed” A class for the entire family. The revelation of the righteousness of God is the theme of Romans 1–8. In the first half of the epistle, Paul shows how God’s righteousness is revealed in judgment, justification, and sanctification. In this study, we examine these foundational gospel teachings in Paul’s most deeply theological treatise. Teacher: Mark Travers. Team Leaders: Belyeus, Maces, Wessons. CP & SP: Dave Matthews.

Family Matters (S-201) “Who Is Jesus According to John?” A class for the entire family. Come on a journey through the pages of the Gospel of John to discover Jesus. This visual course will give you a new love and appreciated for our Lord. Teacher: Norris Anderson. Team Leaders: Hursts, Warlicks. CP & SP: Dave Matthews.

YOUNG COUPLES & NEW FAMILIES

Legacy (E-004) “The Original Genesis” Engaged and newly married couples. Words mean something. That’s especially the case with the Hebrew language Moses employed to write Genesis. Our English translations often fail to bring out the breadth and depth of many Hebrew words and themes. We will open up a world beneath the text so that hearers may have a greater understanding and appreciation of the Book of Genesis. Teacher: George Shamblin. Team Leaders: Edwards, Ellerbees, Hendrys. CP & SP: Jason Ellerbee.

Encounter (M-111) “Seamless Life” Young married couples starting families. It has been said that if Christ is not Lord of all then He is not Lord at all, yet often mistakenly and even unknowingly we live life in two halves—the spiritual and the mundane. In this course, we will see how the very first chapters of Scripture inform our hearts and minds as we engage our vocations, families, church, community and culture. Teacher: Seth Richardson. Team Leaders: Carlisles, Crawfords, Sasses,Welches. CP: Olan Stubbs. SP: Jason Ellerbee.

YOUNG FAMILIES

Covenant Keepers (E-006) “Marriage”Young couples with infants to elementary age children. What does the Bible say that can help us practically have happy and godly marriages? Join us as we explore what God’s Word tells us. Teacher: Olan Stubbs. Team Leaders: Dixons, Jeffs, Pettys. CP: Ryan Leib. SP: Ray Tucker.

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Growing in Grace (E-005) “Philippians” Young couples with infants to elementary age children. With our thoughts and actions centered on the person, pursuit, and power of Jesus Christ, we receive the grace needed to live lives worthy of our calling and grow in our commitment to serve God and one another with great joy. Come and join us as we study this wonderful book known as “The Epistle of Joy!” Teacher: Jason Ellerbee. Team Leaders: Marshalls, Martins, Thompsons. CP: Eric Reebals. SP: Ray Tucker.

Heritage Builders (FH-B) “Highlights from Jeremiah”Families with infants to elementary age children. Jeremiah is called “the weeping Prophet.” He was called at an early age to be God’s instrument to deal with worldwide sin, specifically with Judah’s sin. Their problem as well as ours, is the heart. Yet our God of grace rescues and restores. The book is set in times of political instability; think that might be applicable to us? Teacher: Phil Reddick. Team Leaders: Bartons, Bragans, Joneses, Lotts, Robertsons. CP & SP: Ray Tucker.

SoJourners (E-007) “Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life”Families with infants to middle school age children. A small group of class members will rotate teaching through the book Spiritual Disciples for the Christian Life by Donald S.Whitney, illustrating why the disciplines are important, showing how each one will help you grow in godliness, and offering practical suggestions for cultivating them. Teachers: Various. Team Leaders: Cains, Crowes, Hamblens, Pruitts, Stewarts, Thompsons. CP & SP: Benny Youngblood.

STUDENT FAMILIES

Firm Foundations (E-003) “Judges” Families with preschool to high school age children. The book of Judges is a curious book about flawed heroes bringing about deliverance for a flawed people. During this quarter we will examine why this book is so important to our Christian lives, as well as discover what this book teaches us about God and the gospel. Teacher: Stephen King. Team Leaders: Clarks, Everetts, Millers, Russ Ponder. CP: Rob Genin. SP: Michael Wichlan.

Growing Together (G-103) “At the Feet of Jesus” Families with preschool to high school age children. Over 2000 years ago, Jesus shared parables, predictions and principles that changed the world. Join us as we study these timeless lessons and see how they apply to our lives today. Teacher: Ray Tucker. Team Leaders: Blacks, Ellers, Saunders. CP: John Evans. SP: Michael Wichlan.

Next Step (E-010) “The Disciplines of Grace”Families with elementary to college age children. This class will explore how the gospel renews us as we apply biblical truths to the realities of life. Teacher: Mark Cushman. Team Leaders: Dodges. CP: Benny Parks. SP: Michael Wichlan.

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Inside Out (FH-C) “Armed and Encouraged” Families with children in high school or older. This is apologetics for everyday conversations and discussions, seeing it as a way to handle objections, but not having to win intellectual arguments. It keeps the believer encouraged to engage in gospel conversations and not feel like we have to step back because of hard questions. Teacher: Jay Mathews. Team Leaders: David Harris, Mike Mungenast, Tripp Reid, Tommy Saunders, Scott Summers. CP & SP: Michael Wichlan.

Teambuilders (E-008) “Dawning Grace: A Survey of the Old Testament” Families with children in high school or older. A 13-week walk through the Old Testament. The class goal is to build understanding of the cohesive message of the O.T. Scriptures and how they foretell the coming of a savior in Jesus Christ. Teacher: Rob Genin. Team Leaders: Chris Blazer, Harris. CP: Stephen Cloud. SP: Benny Youngblood.

Homefront (M-200) “Timeless Truths from God’s Word”Families with children in high school or older. This spring we will learn timeless instructions and applications from Scripture that will help guide us as we grow in our walk with the Lord. Teacher: Bruce Stallings. Team Leaders: Carters, Chappells, Gilberts, Oswells, Steelmans. CP: Seth Richardson. SP: Michael Wichlan.

Hearts and Homes (A-204) “What in the World Is Going On?” Families with children in high school or older. What is God’s heart, design, and plan for the Nations? We will search the Scriptures together to learn more about God’s love for the nations, his strategy to reach the nations, and Briarwood’s specific engagement with the nations through our Global Missions Team and our international supported missionaries around the globe. Teacher: Bryan Wintersteen. Team Leaders: Sittons, Smedleys, Smithermans. CP: Bobby Parks. SP: Michael Wichlan.

R.E.A.L. Life (W-204) “Why Study the Westminster Confession of Faith?” Families with children in college or older. We’ll study this 372-year-old document that serves as the doctrinal foundation for Reformed churches. Teacher: Dave Matthews. Team Leaders: Marvin and Linda Keffer. CP & SP: Dave Matthews.

Kingdom Builders (FH-D) “Lessons from the Life of David” Families with children in college or older. We will look at the life of the “man after God’s own heart” and learn from his obedience as well as his weaknesses. Teacher: Rick Neel. Team Leaders: McRaes, Smiths, Zachows. CP: Joe Franks. SP: Dave Lewis.

Discovery (FH-A) “The Attributes of God”A class for all ages and stages in life. To know God deeply and personally is essential for every Christian. God has revealed His attributes in His Word. We will study these attributes of God in order to grow in our relationship with Him and to better equip us to live a life of worship before Him. Teacher: Benny Youngblood. Team Leaders: Donaldsons, Towneses. SP: Benny Youngblood.

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Mountain View (A-209) “Early Church History”A class for all ages and stages in life. We’ll examine the history of the Church, beginning with the apostolic age and journeying through the Reformation. Our focus will be on the key figures who affected Church history and the important doctrinal disputes which helped shape the Church. Teacher: Glenn Waddell. Team Leaders: Adamses, Blackmons, Goulds, Lindsays. CP & SP: Dave Lewis.

ADULT FAMILIESAbundant Life (G-101) “Colossians” Empty nesters and grandparents. Learning to live out of our position in Christ to reach the world around us. It will follow closely with this year’s church theme, L.E.A.D. Teacher: Boo Mason. Team Leaders: Cartwrights, Mullises, Yanceys. CP: Phil Reddick. SP: Dave Lewis.

Deeper Life (Chapel) “Selections from I & II Samuel” Empty nesters and grandparents. We will explore Israel through the lives of Hannah, Samuel, Saul, Jonathan—and especially David—to be challenged in our obedience to His Word and reminded of God’s faithfulness to His covenant. We will be encouraged by God’s presence and power! Teachers: Benny Parks & Christopher Frost. Team Leaders: Charles Atwater, Al Black, Jim Dewberry, Bill Fox, Rick Lathem, Lee McCarty, Bill Moulton, Bill Rudd, Charlie Woodall. CP: Chuck Morgan. SP: Dave Matthews.

Homestead (FH-E&F) “Hosea”Empty nesters and grandparents. When God looks at me does he find faithfulness, steadfast love and knowledge of Him? We’ll explore what we can learn from the book of Hosea. Teacher: Jim Carlson. Team Leaders: Dickinsons, Huffs, Morgans, Whaleys, Whitts. CP & SP: Dave Lewis.

B.Y.K.O.T.A. (W-203) “The Vision of Isaiah” Empty-nesters through great-grandparents. The prophet sees the uniqueness of the Lord. He alone saves sinners. The prophet calls them to believe what God says He will do and to listen to the promises He makes of redemption and restoration. Will you use His word of judgment to receive His vision of transforming hope? Teacher: Don Furuto. Team Leaders: Heads, Hulls, Nancy Morey. CP & SP: Mark Cushman.

Challenge (A-105) “Galatians, Part 2” Empty-nesters through great-grandparents. The Book of Galatians was written to combat heresies in the early church and to provide a defense of the doctrine of justification by faith alone. This study will continue in chapters 4–6, which explain the practical application of this truth that naturally leads to godly living. Teacher: Walter Leveille. Team Leaders: Mujumdars. CP & SP: Mark Cushman.

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WOMEN

Women Impacting the World (A-205) “Identity Theft” Women of all walks and stages of life. Who am I? This is one of the most important questions we could ask ourselves. Our current cultural narrative has highjacked our understanding of how we define ourselves. This class will dig deeply into scriptural passages on identity and show us ultimately our identity is received, not achieved. Teacher: Jason Williams. Team Leaders: Donna Arrington, Tricia Corbett, Vicki Portis. CP & SP: Dave Lewis.

Faithful Followers (Bride’s Room) The Suffering Soul” Women of all walks and stages of life. This deep study of the book of Job will lay out a biblical understanding of the suffering in this life. Through the life of Job, we can grow in our walk with our Savior even in the midst of the most painful suffering. Learn how to suffer well. Teacher: Chris Thompson. Team Leaders: Kathleen Bishop, Carolyn Campbell, Susan McCollum. CP: Chris Thompson. SP: Dave Matthews.

INTERNATIONAL

International (E-218, School Library) “I Corinthians 6–11” English-speaking internationals. I Corinthians contains important teachings for Christians, especially about living together as a covenant community of God’s people. In this second part of our study, we will discuss several topics including the foundation of Christ-centered life, our identity in Christ, biblical principles of marriage, sacrificial living for the gospel, and community worship. Teacher: Jacob Jasin. Team Leaders: Chans, Kelsos, Ann Lindsey, David Morgan, Miriam Rueger. CP: Jacob Jasin. SP: Bryan Wintersteen.

International Sunday Services

Japanese Worship Service: 1:30 p.m., G-101, CP: Kotaro Hamamatsu.

Korean Worship Service: 11:20 a.m., 2209 Rocky Ridge Road, CP: Seongmin Im.

Hispanic Worship Service and Sunday School: 10:30 a.m., 5521 Double Oak Lane (Highway 119), CP: Joel Acevedo.

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Abbreviations Used

CP: Community PastorServes alongside a Shepherding Team to provide shepherding care, class leadership, and biblical training for a Sunday School Community.

SP: Shepherding PastorServes as a Community Pastor in one or more Sunday School Communities and coordinates the work of other Community Pastors within his groupof Communities. Building:A: Administration C: Children’s Wing E: Educational Building FH: Fellowship Hall G: Gym Wing Mtn. View: Mountain View BuildingM: Ministry WingN: Nursery WingS: School WingW: Worship Center

2200 Briarwood Way, Birmingham, AL 35243205.776.5200 • briarwood.org