Beginning on January 11, 2012, Fifth will be offering Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University class on Wednesday nights that will teach you God's way of handling money. Together we will climb out - one family, one church, one community at a time. 

From eNews: 

More Month at the End of the Money? 

Part of growing disciples who make disciples is growing in our understanding and practice of good financial stewardship, generosity and our capacity to give. We want to be able to provide for the security of our family and avoid the stress that comes with financial worry. Beyond our own needs we would love to give more to support ministry and to help others, but we barely seem to be able to keep up with our own bills each month. God can help us go from surviving, to thriving and giving, like no one else. 

Start the new year off right with an opportunity to learn about God’s plan for personal finance. This January, Fifth will be offering the Financial Peace University class, which teaches the life-transforming message of faithfully living by God's financial principles in every area of our lives. Did you know there are over 800 verses in the bible talk about money? God’s ways of handling money still work. The timeless lessons taught in scripture are every bit as relevant to us today as they were when they were written. 

The Financial Peace course, presented by national Christian author Dave Ramsey, has been taught in tens of thousands of churches and is impacting hundreds of thousands of families. The class is highly entertaining for everyone, with a unique combination of humor, informative financial advice and biblical messages. Couples who take the class together learn how to communicate about budgeting, spending, and saving and get on the same page about their money. However, the class will benefit singles, couples, newlyweds, families, empty-nesters, retirees, everyone. 

The class will be co-lead by Fifth members Paul Henderson and John Leegwater, who have both been through the class with their spouses and have seen the benefits. John says “I think it fits into our vision at Fifth because everything we have, money, things etc. all belong to God and we are just managing it for him. I feel that if people have the right tools and mind set about money, we can really change our personal futures as well as the church and even beyond.” 

The class starts Wednesday, January 11, and will meet every Wednesday for 13 weeks, from 6:30pm until 8:30pm. There is an optional dinner served at Fifth on Wednesdays at 5:45pm (cost $5 per person), as well as childcare and children’s programming. Contact John Leegwater at john-at-mtcrestoration.com or Paul Henderson at paul-at-roosein-assoc.com for more information or to register. You can also register for the class directly from the Financial Peace web site. One registration covers a family unit: an individual, a couple or a couple plus their teen-aged children. Scholarships are available to assist with the nominal course fee, if needed. 

The Christmas story - the story of Jesus being born in a manger, shepherds coming to visit and kings following a star to find this infant child -is a story filled with stewardship messages. As you remember the Christmas story this year, talk about the stewardship lessons we find with your family. 

Part 1 of 3: Lesson from the Infant Jesus "Time, Talent and Treasures"

There is no shame in being poor. 

It is interesting to note that while throughout his adult life Jesus always taught us to give and to serve, He first came into this world as one who needed assistance. It was no accident that He was born without a place to lay His head. In coming to our world in this way, Jesus shows us there is no shame in being poor. A risk we take when we practice stewardship is that we may begin to think of ourselves as better or more deserving than someone in need and consciously or unconsciously look down upon those who need our generosity. When we look down upon those in need we look down upon the infant Jesus himself. 

Part 2 of 3: Lesson from the Shepherds "Christmas Lessons and Stewardship"

We all have gifts to give. 

The shepherds came from the fields bringing only themselves and their sheep. Yet their interest in Jesus was enough to win them a place in the Christmas story for all times. What is their stewardship message to us? Even if all we have to give is our interest, our caring, and our time to come and visit; those are important gifts to give. 

Part 3 of 3: Lesson from the Wise Men 

Just worshipping Jesus isn't enough. 

The Wise Men present an entirely different message than the shepherds. Like most of us, these were men with many blessings. They are praised in the Christmas story not just for coming to worship Jesus but also for bringing Him gifts. The lesson is that just going to church is not enough. We also are expected to bring our gifts with us.