2 Bible study courses being offered

GILFORD — The First United Methodist Church of Gilford is offering two chances to participate in several Bible studies.

Starting this Sunday, Jan. 22, at 9 a.m. the church will begin a six-week study "Christianity and World Religions: Wrestling with Questions People Ask." This study is authored by well known United Methodist Pastor Adam Hamilton. The class will be using printed and DVD resources to guide participants in learning more about Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Islam.

The study will respectfully compare their beliefs with Christianity's while striving to build bridges, seek peace, and find authentic and appropriate ways for Christians to share their faith in the increasingly diverse world.

Following on the study of the Gospel of Mark, Pastor Tom Getchell-Lacey will lead a 10-week study of the Gospel of Matthew, starting on Wednesday, Jan. 25. The study books are The Gospel of Matthew Daily Bible Study (volumes 1 and 2) by William Barclay. The class will meet on Wednesday afternoons from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Those who want to register for either or both of these classes and receive a copy of the guidebooks, should call the church office at 603-524-3289. There is a $15 donation to cover the materials for each of the studies. The Methodist church is located at 18 Wesley Way (off Rt. 11A near the 3/11 bypass).