Join us as we study this fascinating, thought-provoking, perhaps even revolutionary book titled "Simple Church." In a complex world we find ourselves yearning for Simple. How can the church recover a simple, effective way to do church?

This class, which was to resume on Monday, February 22nd, has be rescheduled for 7:00p.m. on Monday, March 8th. If you did not participate in the fall, it's not to late to jump in this spring! In preparation, please review chapters 5 & 6. If you need a book, please call Patsy in the church office.

                                                 Facilitators: Pastor Neal Lassinger & Susan Young

The next Men's Cursillo weekend begins the evening of Thursday, January 21st and finishes the afternoon of Sunday, January 24th. The next Women's Cursillo weekend begins the evening of Thursday, January 28th and finishes the afternoon of Sunday, January 31st. Time files on these weekends, and when it ends, you will not be ready to leave.

You may pick up an application in the church office. Cost is $60. Not bad for eight meals and plenty of snacks! Scholarship are available. When you sign up, a sponsor will be given to you to pick you up and take you to the weekend -- your first experience to "let go and let God" be in charge.

At A Glance: Cursillo is a three-day weekend that helps you experience your faith and encourages a spiritual life that is filled with joy and enthusiasm. You are invited to seek an enriched relationship with God through Jesus Christ within the framework of a Christian Community.

What Should You Know About Cursillo? Cursillo is a Spanish word meaning “short course” or a “little journey”. Thus a Cursillo in Christianity is a “short course in the Christian faith”, or a “little journey in Christian living”. The Cursillo movement originated in Majorca, Spain in the 1940s as a means for reviving Christian commitment. Though originally a Roman Catholic movement, it has spread throughout the world as a major movement in Christianity. Midland United Methodist Cursillo (MUMC), began in June of 1988 and has grown to be a major force in developing and strengthening local churches. It is a way of renewal in the church through a look at its teaching, sacraments and devotions. It holds a base in the faith, from which action in the church and in the world is encouraged. It is a focus for responsibility and mission beyond the normal Sunday Service experience focusing on living a life of grade.

Some of the weekend’s topics include…

• Relationships with God and neighbor
• Growth in Christian Life
• Obstacles to our Christian growth
• The Environment of the Christian
• The Sacraments and God's Grace

Who Will Be At Cursillo? People like yourself, from all walks of life, who are curious and growing, dressed informally as you will be, making friends, being brothers and sisters, sleeping on cots, air mattresses or sleeping bags in a church, sharing together. People like yourself who have previously made a Cursillo who donate their time and labor so that you can be free to life in the Cursillo Community. Spiritual Directors: ordained ministers who offer themselves both in talks and discussions.

Practicalities: Cursillo is not intended as a therapy for mental problems, nor as a cure for personal problems including marital difficulties … though personal relationships are often improved when one mends his own right relationship with God … persons undergoing emotional stress should probably not make a Cursillo until the difficulties have been faced and identified.

Cost: The Midland United Methodist Cursillo (MUMC) has a charge of $60.00 per person for the weekend.

Sponsor: Someone who has previously made a Cursillo must sponsor you – not only to vouch for you, but to provide encouragement and support. Your sponsor will see that you get to the place where Cursillo weekend is being held and let you know what you should bring for the weekend.

For More Information… Talk with Patsy Schmutz, Vickie Linch, Barb Bennett, Cris Funk or anyone else you know who has been through a weekend. Call the church office.