Winter 2022 Catalog
A Note from Rev. Winter Hamilton
Greetings Beloved Community!
My name is Pastor Winter Hamilton and I welcome you to our Winter 2022-2203 Adult Faith Formation Catalog!
At Manchester UMC, “We are called to make a difference for Christ by transforming church and community.” One of the ways we do that is through our Faith Formation Programs. Together, we grow in authentic relationships with our faith community, and together we study and learn about our faith. Both of these components are ways that we transform church and community.
In this online catalog, you will find that we offer classes throughout the week, online and in-person, including: Long Term Bible Studies, Short Term Classes, Fellowship Groups, Book Studies, Embodied Wellness Groups, and Sermon Reflection Studies. We also have classes just for women, men, young adults, and singles.
Our weekly Sermon Reflection Study is produced in-house based on the sermon for the week. The Sermon Reflection Study allows for groups to grow deeper in faith and community. There are many different groups that meet throughout the week, and are open to everyone with no homework required.
Twice a year Manchester UMC offers an All Church Study. Offered at different times throughout the week, the All Church Study is a great way to get plugged into a group, without long-term commitment. This coming Lent, we will be using a book called This Here Flesh by Cole Arthur Riley for our Lenten All Church Study. So, be on the lookout for that.
There is always an opportunity for you to connect with others, and to grow deeper in your faith and commitment to God here at Manchester UMC! Please know that I am here to help you get plugged into a class. Community matters. Our faith is not meant to be practiced alone. Let’s do this church thing together!
Blessings,
Rev. Winter Hamilton
Associate Pastor of Faith Formation
All of these classes and groups listed are welcome to everyone, newcomers included!
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
Classes
November Classes & New Studies
Lydia Circle
Thurs, Nov. 3, 9:30a
Join Lydia Circle for a presentation by Geri Bohn who will talk about the work and clients of Manchester Center. Newcomers and beginners are welcome! Learn more.
Tat and Chat
Sat, Nov. 5, 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.
Youth Parents Got Questions? Group
Wednesdays thru Nov. 16, 6:15p
Everyone has difficult faith questions at some time in their life. This Sermon Series and All Church Study, Got Questions, is based difficult faith questions that we have. This one is JUST for Youth Parents! We don’t have to tackle our faith questions alone. Learn more.
Senior Social Drop-In
Thursday, Nov. 10, 9a-Noon
Join this fun new group which meets to socialize and have fun playing games. Participants are encouraged to bring their friends who are not members of Manchester UMC to also enjoy fellowship with this group. Newcomers and beginners are welcome! Learn more.
Parent Group
Mons, Nov. 11, 9:30a
This learning and fellowship group consists of parents of all stages who meet and grow in faith-based learning and discussion. Study topics this year include: connecting women’s bible stories with contemporary issues, social justice parenting, and prayer. Learn more.
Not a Silent Night
Sojourners
Begins Sunday, Nov. 13, 9:30a
Imagine Jesus from Mary’s point of view—proud of her son, in awe of his gifts and mission, guided by love for him as a person and so much more. Newcomers are welcome! Learn more.
You are Never Alone
Adult Singles Bible Study
Begins Sunday, Nov. 13, 11:00a
Do you ever feel all alone, and wonder if God really cares? Take courage. You are stronger than you think. You are never alone because God is nearer than you think. Newcomers are welcome! Learn more.
Reign of Christ Sunday
Week of Nov. 20, Various Times
The weekly Sermon Reflection Studies continue to meet and newcomers are always welcome! Learn more.
Doing Theology Together
Mon, Nov. 21-Dec. 12, 6:30p
When we read the Bible, we think about God. When we think about God, we are doing theology. This class will explore essays from theologians and biblical scholars using postmodern methods. Learn more.
Advent Lectio Divina Groups
Mons, Nov. 28-Dec. 19, 9:15-9:45a OR 6-6:30p
Lectio Divina is a contemplative practice of scripture reading from the 6th century. Participants will be lead through a quiet mediation, in a candlelit space. These groups will meet throughout Advent either at 9:15a or 6p. Learn more.
December Classes & New Studies
Lydia Circle
Thurs, Dec. 1, 9:30a
Join Lydia Circle for a presentation by Key Center for Diversity and Re-entry. Newcomers and beginners are welcome! Learn more.
Parent Group
Fri, Dec. 2, 9:30a
This learning and fellowship group consists of parents of all stages who meet and grow in faith-based learning and discussion. Study topics this year include: connecting women’s bible stories with contemporary issues, social justice parenting, and prayer. Learn more.
Prepare the Way for the Lord
Dec. 4 – 18, Jan. 8, 9:30a
Prepare to receive Christ this Advent by studying Adam Hamilton’s new book, Prepare the Way for the Lord: Advent and the message of John the Baptist, with the Alpha Class! Newcomers and beginners are welcome! Learn more.
The Peaceable Kingdom
Weeks of Dec. 4 – Jan. 1, Various Times
The Advent series will center on the idea of God’s peace as we prepare for the birth of Christ. Newcomers and beginners are welcome! Learn more.
Advent Lectio Divina Groups
Mons, Nov. 28-Dec. 19, 9:15-9:45a OR 6-6:30p
Lectio Divina is a contemplative practice of scripture reading from the 6th century. Participants will be lead through a quiet mediation, in a candlelit space. These groups will meet throughout Advent either at 9:15a or 6p. Learn more.
Banned Books Club
Weds, Dec. 7, 6:15p
Two Youth Parents who are Rockwood Middle School teachers host a monthly book club. Reading is not required. Group is given discussion topics and questions. Drop kids off and come join for fellowship and fun! Register to learn more about what book is next! Learn more.
Doing Theology Together
Mondays through Dec. 12, 6:30p
When we read the Bible, we think about God. When we think about God, we are doing theology. This class will explore essays from theologians and biblical scholars using postmodern methods. Learn more.
Parent Group
Fri, Dec. 16, 9:30a
This learning and fellowship group consists of parents of all stages who meet and grow in faith-based learning and discussion. Study topics this year include: connecting women’s bible stories with contemporary issues, social justice parenting, and prayer. Learn more.
January Classes & New Studies
Lydia Circle
Thurs, Jan. 5, 9:30a
Join Lydia Circle for a presentation from Ali Fields, Social Justice Director, and Liz Shuburte, Missions Director, at MUMC. They will share information about their background and what they are doing in their jobs at MUMC. Newcomers and beginners are welcome! Learn more.
Parent Group
Mons, Jan. 6, 9:30a
This learning and fellowship group consists of parents of all stages who meet and grow in faith-based learning and discussion. Study topics this year include: connecting women’s bible stories with contemporary issues, social justice parenting, and prayer. Learn more.
Bible Basics: Timeline
Mons, Jan. 16 & 23, 6:15p
Okay, so you’re kind of interested in getting to know the Bible but you don’t know where to start. You are not ready to commit to a multi-month Bible Study, but you do want to get-to-know the scriptures and how to better read them. Join Pastor Winter for a low-key, no homework required, getting-to-know the Bible class. For these two sessions, we will look at a basic Bible timeline, learning key events throughout Biblical history. Learn more.
Current Connections
Mons, Jan. 23-Feb. 20, 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 our conversations, we will make theological, Biblical, and spiritual connections to the events of the day. Learn more.
Evening Book Group
Wed, Jan. 25, 7:00p
Do you enjoy reading and discussing books? Join the Evening Book group as they read the book, The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz. Learn more.
How the Holy Ghost Haunts
Mons, Jan. 30-Feb. 20, 6:15p
Using an essay by Amy Barbour, this class will take a look at the genealogy of Jesus found in Matthew 1 and the way it corresponds to four women who were sexually compromised in the Old Testament. This class is for anyone seeking the good news of God in a feminist, decolonizing, liberative, and redemptive way. Learn more.
February Classes & New Studies
Banned Books Club
Weds, Feb. 1, 6:15p
Two Youth Parents who are Rockwood Middle School teachers host a monthly book club. Reading is not required. Group is given discussion topics and questions. Drop kids off and come join for fellowship and fun! Register to learn more about what book is next! Learn more.
Lydia Circle
Thurs, Feb. 2, 9:30a
Join Lydia Circle for a presentation from Ali Fields, Social Justice Director, and Liz Shuburte, Missions Director, at MUMC. They will share information about their background and what they are doing in their jobs at MUMC. Newcomers and beginners are welcome! Learn more.
Evening Book Group
Wed, Feb. 22, 7:00p
Do you enjoy reading and discussing books? Join the Evening Book group as they read the book, The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell. 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
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
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 5 F’s: Fun, Food, Fellowship among Christian Friends, on a Foundation of meaningful Bible Study! Learn more.
Mondays
Sermon Reflection Group
Mondays at 10a
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
Intuitive Eating Support Group
Mondays at 4p
This supportive group will be a safe space to navigate the principles of intuitive eating. Learn more.
Centering Prayer
Mondays at 7:15p
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
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.
Sermon Reflection Group
Tuesdays at 6p
Join this group with Becky Strickland as the group studies new curriculum produced weekly, based off of the weekly sermon. These studies are open to everyone with no homework required. This group meets in online only.
Everyone is welcome…anytime!
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.
Evening Book Group
Last Wednesday of the Month, 7p
Our discussions arise out of questions that are open-ended so everyone can bring their own perspectives. 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 (Sept – May)
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:
