Spring 2022 Catalog
A Note from Rev. Winter Hamilton
Happy Spring, Beloved Community!
I hope this Spring you find your senses warming up to the excitement of the season. The changing of the colors serves as a reminder that the resurrection is among us! Welcome to our Spring 2022 Adult Faith Formation Catalog. Take some time browsing the many options offered at Manchester UMC for Faith Formation.
As a community, we are dedicated to helping each other grow deeper in our faith. So, whether you feel like you are just scratching the surface of this path, or feel ready for the deep academic studies that could even lead you to seminary, or something in between… there is something for you.
Please reach out with questions if you are trying to figure out where you belong. I promise, you will not be pressured. We really do want to help.
Grace & Peace,
Rev. Winter Hamilton
Associate Pastor of Faith Formation
All of these classes and groups listed are welcome to everyone, newcomers included!
Classes & Retreat
May Classes & New Studies
Encountering Christ
Wednesdays thru May 18
1:30p OR 4:45p
It is the job of the church to offer a sense of belonging and connection. We will discuss how to introduce people to the risen Christ. Learn more.
Current Connections
Mondays, May 2-23, 6:30p
Each week this group will read the top 2 to 4 news stories as reported by the Associated Press and discuss them together. In the conversations, there will be theological, Biblical, and spiritual connections made to the events of the day. Learn more.
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents
Thursdays thru June 23, 7p
Toxic effects of caste systems; caste as the arbitrary construction of human divisions; comparative history of caste in America, India and Nazi German; the principles of caste; the tentacles of caste; consequences of caste systems; backlash against change; awakening and change; imagining a world without caste. Learn more.
Tat and Chat
Sat, May 7, 9:30a
Gather with others for fellowship and to work on tatting projects. Learn how to needle tat. Newcomers and beginners are welcome! Learn more.
Alpha Class
Sundays thru June 5, 9:30a
Join the Alpha Class as they study Rev. Adam Hamilton’s book, Creed: What Christians Believe and Why. Learn more.
Adult Singles Bible Study
Sundays thru June 12, 11a
The Adult Singles Bible Study is studying Rev. Adam Hamilton’s new book, The Lord’s Prayer. This group is open to single adults who are single again after a relationship loss by death or divorce, or any long-term relationship. Learn more.
Evening Book Group
Weds, May 25, 7p
This group will be discussing the book, Becoming Nicole, by Amy Ellis Nutt. Learn more.
June Classes & New Studies
Lydia Circle
Thurs, June 2
Lydia Circle will visit the MO Botanical Gardens and see the lily pads in bloom Newcomers are welcome! Learn more.
Tat and Chat
Sat, June 4, 9:30a
Gather with others for fellowship and to work on tatting projects. Learn how to needle tat. Newcomers and beginners are welcome! Learn more.
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents
Thursdays thru June 23, 7p
Toxic effects of caste systems; caste as the arbitrary construction of human divisions; comparative history of caste in America, India and Nazi German; the principles of caste; the tentacles of caste; consequences of caste systems; backlash against change; awakening and change; imagining a world without caste. Learn more.
Evening Book Group
Wed, June 29, 7p
This group will be discussing the book, The Storied Life of AJ Fikry by Gibeielle Zevinn. Learn more.
Disciple & Beyond
The writings in the Bible are one of the prime ways that we learn about God and what it means to follow Jesus and reading scripture is at the heart of our discipleship. The Bible is filled with stories of great faith, betrayal, hope, despair, and God’s steadfast love.
At Manchester UMC, we offer different Long-Term Bible Studies. These run 32-weeks on average and culminate with a graduation worship service at the end of the learning cycle. We use multiple resources including DISCIPLE, a renowned United Methodist Bible Study.
Enroll now for the Disciple & Beyond 2022-2023 classes! If you are looking for an in-depth Bible study, then choose one of our Disciple & Beyond classes below:
Disciple & Beyond 1B
Weds, Sept. 7, 2022-May 3, 2023, 10a OR 6:30p
An in-depth, 30-week study of New Testament through the Jewish and Christian perspectives. We will look at how the Jewish traditions and Jewish Bible (Tanach) influenced the life of Christ and the formation of the church. What influenced the books chosen to be part of the Bible as we know it? Learn more
Disciple & Beyond 2
Weds, Aug. 31, 2022-May 10, 2023, 6:30p
This 32-week study that offers a deeper examination of Genesis, Exodus, Luke and Acts, emphasizing the rhythm of coming to God and going for God. It explores all experiences of life as opportunities for faithful witness and service. Learn more
Women’s Retreat – September 16-18, 2022
Women’s Retreat
Experiencing God Through Our Senses
Fri, Sept. 16 – Sun, Sept. 18, 2022
This retreat is a faith formation event to gather women together to build community, experience God through all their senses, and give them a respite from their normal activities. Learn more.
Sermon Reflection Study Groups
Learn More About Sermon Reflection Study Groups
Sermon Reflection Study Groups
study new curriculum produced weekly, still based off of weekly sermon. These studies are open to everyone with no homework required. Small groups are meeting in person, hybrid, and online only throughout the week.
Everyone is welcome…anytime!
Learn more
On-going Groups
The following small groups meet on an on-going basis. For convenience, they are listed by the day in which they meet. Newcomers are ALWAYS welcome!
Sundays
Sermon Reflection Group
Sundays at 9:00a
Join Pastor Winter Hamilton and Dave Bartsokas as they study new curriculum produced weekly, based off of weekly sermon. These studies are open to everyone with no homework required. This group meets in person.
Everyone is welcome…anytime!
Learn more
Alpha
Sunday at 9:30a
Join the Alpha Group as they reflect on how the teachings of Jesus and Christian practices relate to contemporary issues of the day. All are welcome as we gather for fellowship and discern future studies. Learn more.
Christian Fellowship Group
Sundays at 9:00a
Join us as we continue to study and discuss the weekly Sermon Reflection Study. No registration or homework required. Learn more.
Joy Class
Sundays at 9:30a
The Joy Class uses lessons to explore and focus on our love for God. Learn more.
Sojourners
Starting Sundays at 9:30a
The Sojourner Group lessons to explore and focus on our love for God. We are studying the All-Church Study and provide a weekly notes which are available. Learn more.
Adult Single Bible Study
Sundays at 11a
Our group likes to emphasize the 4 F’s: Fun, Fellowship among Christian Friends, on a Foundation of meaningful Bible Study! Learn more.
Mondays
Sermon Reflection Group
Mondays at 10:00a
Join this group with Rev. Nancye Dunlap as they study new curriculum produced weekly, based off of weekly sermon. These studies are open to everyone with no homework required. This group meets in online only.
Everyone is welcome…anytime!
Learn more
Centering Prayer
Mondays at 7p
Centering Prayer is a method of prayer in which prepares us to receive the gift of God’s presence. Join this group as they read, reflect, discuss and pray. This group meets virtually. Learn more
Tuesdays
Sermon Reflection Group
Tuesdays at 6p
Join this group with Kurtis and Ethan as they study new curriculum produced weekly, based off of weekly sermon. These studies are open to everyone with no homework required. This group meets in online only.
Everyone is welcome…anytime!
Learn more
Making Disciples
Tuesdays at 9:30a
We always welcome newcomers to our fun Bible study group! This group is meeting virtually by Zoom. Learn more.
Tuesday Bible Study
Tuesdays at 9:30a
The Tuesday Bible Study is meeting in person and virtually on Zoom. Please join us! Learn more.
Evening Book Group
Monthly at 7:00p
Our discussions arise out of questions that are open-ended so everyone can bring their own perspectives. Learn more.
Wednesdays
Sermon Reflection Group
Wednesdays at 1:30p
Join this group with Pastor Winter Hamilton as they study new curriculum produced weekly, based off of weekly sermon. These studies are open to everyone with no homework required. This group meets in online only.
Everyone is welcome…anytime!
Learn more.
Sermon Reflection Group
Wednesdays at 4:45p
Join this group with Pastors Andy Bryan and Winter Hamilton as they study new curriculum produced weekly, based off of weekly sermon. These studies are open to everyone with no homework required. This group meets in person.
Everyone is welcome…anytime!
Learn more.
Thursdays
Lydia Circle
1st Thursdays at 9:30a
Lydia Circle meets on the 1st Thursday of the month (September thru May). Monthly gatherings include a guest speaker(s), fellowship, and join them afterwards for lunch at a local restaurant. Learn more.
Fridays
Reflections
Fridays at 10a
We are a group of mature women who enjoy reading and discussing a variety of religious themed books. We meet weekly in person and on Zoom. Newcomers are always welcome!
Learn more.
Saturdays
Men’s Bible Study
Saturdays at 8a
Join us each week as study the Hebrew minor prophets. Lessons are emailed ahead of time. Learn more.
Various Days
LGBTQ+ Family Support Network
Various Days and Times
Any LGBTQ+ person or family member, including parent, grandparent, or guardian of an LGBTQ+ person(s) are welcome! This faith-based group provides on-going education, guest speakers, and peaceful advocacy. Learn more.
Zoom Tips
How Do I Participate?
Everyone is welcome to participate in any of these online classes or groups. The classes and groups are meeting through a free website/app called ZOOM. You can use your phone, tablet or personal computer. If you are connecting from your computer, you will just go to the website. If you are using your smartphone or tablet, you will need to download the ZOOM app (it’s free).
How Do I Use ZOOM?
It’s easy! Follow these step by step instructions.
1. Go to Zoom.com and download this free app, before your study begins.
2. Click the button in the upper right corner that says “JOIN A MEETING.”
3. Enter the Zoom Required Password that is listed Online Catalog for Groups & Classes.
4. Enter the Zoom Meeting ID number and Passcode.
ZOOM Tips & Tricks
Once you’ve connected, have others help you learn to use your mute function, find how to show and hide your video, and explore the different ways you can view group members.
The important things for you to do during this time of physical distancing are to stay well and connected! Manchester UMC strives to provide these opportunities to help you worship, connect and serve.
If you have any questions about upcoming classes or groups, or if you are feeling called to lead a class or group, please contact Pastor Winter Hamilton or Tiffany Conway.
Check out these websites:
- COVID Protocols
- Disciple Bible Study
- Sermon Reflection Study (All-Church Study)
- Online Sermons
- Online Classes and Groups
- Social Justice
- Young Adults
