give
login

ADULT | Long Term Classes

All are welcome!

Manchester UMC offers a variety of adult long term classes where you can connect with other people as you learn and grow in your faith together. Explore these different classes and find one that fits your interests and schedule. Let us know which classes you’d like to give a try by completing the form below. We’ll introduce you to the group leader and help you get plugged in.

sunday

Christian
Fellowship

9:00 - 10:00 a.m. | Hybrid

Sunday Morning Sermon Reflection Group with Dave

9:00 - 10:00 a.m. | Room 221

Alpha Class

9:30 - 10:30 a.m. | Room 223

Joy Class

9:30 - 10:30 a.m. | Room 219

sojourners

9:30 - 10:45 a.m. | Room 309

Adult Singles Bible Study

11:00 a.m. - Noon | Room 311

Monday

Intuitive Eating Support Group

4:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Room 223

Centering
Prayer

7:15 - 8:15 p.m. | Online

Tuesday

Making
Disciples

9:30 - 10:30 a.m. | Online

Tuesday Morning Bible Study

9:30 - 11:00 a.m. | Rm 223

Wednesday

Disciple & Beyond Torah

10:00-11:30 a.m. OR 7:00-8:30 p.m. Both Online Only

Banned Books

Banned Books Club

6:00 - 7:30 p.m. | Joey B's

Disciple 2 43

Diving into the Gospels

6:30 - 8:30 p.m. | Rm 223

Friday

Parent Group

9:30 - 11:00 a.m. | Rm 221

Reflections

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. | Rm 223

Saturday

Men's Bible Study

9:00 - 10:00 a.m. | Online

Long Term Classes

Please complete one form per person:

More
articles
Sermons

Let There Be a Big Bang

Science teaches that the universe began 15 million years ago with a “Big Bang.” Genesis teaches that God created the “heavens and the earth” by speaking it all into existence. Human beings are composed of the same elements as the stars, which connects us to God’s creation in a very

Learn More »
Pastor's Note

The God Particle

September 19, 2023 “All religions, arts and sciences are branches of the same tree. All these aspirations are directed toward ennobling man’s life, lifting it from the sphere of mere physical existence and leading the individual towards freedom.” – Albert Einstein Our worship series, “She Blinded Me With Science,” is

Learn More »
Pastor's Note

Let There Be A Big Bang

September 12, 2023 Albert Einstein said, “Science without religion is lame; religion without science is blind.”  Scientific ideas and theological concepts are often woven together in beautiful ways. Not only are science and theology compatible, often they are complimentary. Some of the most cutting edge science has profound theological implications. And

Learn More »

Adult Faith Formation
Long Term Class

christian fellowship

Date: Sundays, starting Sept. 17
Time:  9:00-10:00 a.m.
Location:  Room 222 | Manchester UMC
Zoom Meeting ID:  225 180 622
Passcode: 757205
Leader:  Mary Beth Harper

The Christian Fellowship group takes the summer off and will resume in August. 

This class is for adults interested in making friends with other families at MUMC while growing spiritually through reflection and study.

This class participates in the church-wide sermon studies but will also use other book or video-based studies based on current class interests.

In addition to Sunday class meetings, we meet socially for casual get-togethers with and without our children. We look forward to meeting you!

Newcomers are always welcome!

Bible Basics

Adult Faith Formation
Long Term Class

alpha class

Date: Sundays Starting Sept. 17 – June 9, 2024
Time:  9:30-10:30 a.m.
This class is taking the Summer off and will return Sept. 17.
Location:  Room 223 | Manchester UMC
Zoom Meeting ID:  843 6667 1102   
Passcode: 245451
Leaders:  Shared Leadership

Join the Alpha Class 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 study our faith and how to put it into practice.

The Alpha Class will be studying the following this Fall:

  • Sept. 17 – Alpha Class Welcome Gathering
  • Sept. 24 thru Oct. 8 – Sermon Reflection Study “She Blinded Me with Science”. On Oct. 8, guest speaker, Dr. Armbrecht, known scientist and man of faith, will be joining the Alpha Class.
  • Oct. 13 thru Nov. 5 – All Church Study “Rhythm of Life”
  • Nov. 12 & 19 – Faithful Living in a Complex World of “Civility” by The Thoughtful Christian

Newcomers are always welcome!

Adult Faith Formation
Long Term Class

Joy class

Day: Sundays
Time:  9:30-10:30 a.m.
Location:  Room 219 | Manchester UMC
Leader:  Jane Carr

The Joy Class studies the Adult Bible Study which is a comprehensive Bible study plan with spiritual practices to deepen your relationship with God.

Each quarter, the new study focuses on a different theme:

  • Summer (June 4 – Aug. 27) on “Inspired by God” and helps us look at the careful design of Scripture and the art and poetry through which it touches our hearts and minds. 
  • Fall (Sept. 3 – Nov. 26) on “God Provides” and remind us of the ways God meets our needs and of God’s call to us to help those who lack life’s essentials of food, water, and shelter.  
  • Winter 2023-2024 (Dec. 3 – Feb 25) and theme will be announced soon.

Newcomers are always welcome!

July 30 - Oct. 8
Oct. 15 - Nov. 19
Nov. 26 - Dec. 17
Begins Jan. 7, 2024

Adult Faith Formation
Long Term Class

Sojourners

Date: Sundays
No class on Sept. 10 (All-Church Homecoming)
Time:  9:30-10:45 a.m.
Location:  Room 309 | Manchester UMC
Leader:  Prudy Bertolino

Join the Sojourners class as they study:

  • Words of Life: Jesus and  then Words of Life:  Jesus and the Promise of the Ten Commandments Today by Rev. Adam Hamilton from July 30 – Oct. 8
    (no class Sept. 10, All-Church Homecoming)
  • Luke by Rev. Adam Hamilton from Oct. 15 – Nov. 19. 
  • Incarnation:  Rediscovering the Significance of Christmas by Rev. Adam Hamilton from Nov. 26 – Dec. 17. (No class on Dec. 24 & 31)
  • Wrestling with Doubt, Finding Faith by Rev. Adam Hamilton starting Jan. 7, 2024.

Newcomers are always welcome!

Adult Faith Formation
Long Term Class

Adult Singles bible Study

Date: Sundays
Time:  11:00 a.m. – Noon
Location:  Room 309 | Manchester UMC
Leader:  Ralph Burns

This singles group likes to emphasize FIVE F’s: Fellowship, Food, Fun, among Christian Friends, on a Foundation of meaningful Bible Study! Newcomers are always welcome, so please join us any Sunday!

The Adult Singles Bible Study group will be studying the brand new book by Rev. Adam Hamilton, Luke: Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts and Outlaws.

Newcomers are always welcome!

Adult Faith Formation
Long Term Class

Intuitive Eating Support Group

Date:  Mondays, Aug. 28-Dec. 18
No class on Sept. 4 or Oct. 9
Time: 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
In Person:  Room 223 | Manchester UMC
Zoom ID#: 931 0610 6185
Passcode: 061838
Leader:   Rev. Ali Fields

Using the book, Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Anti-Diet Approach, 4th edition by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch as the group’s guide and each other as supportive safe space, this group will navigate the principles of intuitive eating.

Newcomers are always welcome!

Adult Faith Formation
Long Term Class

centering Prayer

Date:  Every Monday
Time: 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Zoom: Please register below and Zoom instructions will be emailed.
Leader:   Lou Kimmell

Centering Prayer, traditionally called contemplative prayer, is a method of prayer which prepares us to receive the gift of God’s presence.  It facilitates the movement from more active modes of prayer into a receptive prayer of resting in God.

This group is studying the book, Everything Belongs: The Gift of Contemplative Prayer, by Richard Rohr.

This popular and bestselling book of the renowned Franciscan challenges people to move beyond the comfort of a settled life toward an understanding of themselves that is rooted in their connection to God. Only when they rest in God can they find the certainty and the freedom to become all that they can be. Contemplation has its place at the heart of Christianity, a place that allows people to experience how “everything belongs.”

Newcomers are always welcome!

Adult Faith Formation
Long Term Class

Making Disciples

Date: Tuesdays, Sept. 12 to May 14, 2024
Time:  9:30 – 10:30 a.m. 

Format:  Online Only
Zoom ID#: 314 779 879
Passcode:  697261
Leader:  Rev. Nancy Wilson

We always welcome newcomers to our fun Bible study group!

The Making Disciples group will begin studying Rev. Rob Fuquay’s book, The God We Can Know.

Description:  One by one, Jesus’s statements grab our imagination, reveal more about his identity and purpose, and connect us to the God of Moses, who spoke the first “I am.” These significant, yet ordinary images (bread, light, shepherd, vine, and more) give us insightful ways to experience Jesus and point us to a God who wants to be known. 

A DVD which was filmed on location in the Holy Land allows participants to travel with Rob Fuquay and actually see the places where Jesus stood while disclosing his true identity, and in what context he spoke each “I Am.”

Book:  $8
Available at the Information Center on Sunday mornings or by emailing Tiffany Conway.

Adult Faith Formation
Long Term Class

Tuesday Morning bible Study

Date: Tuesdays, Sept. 5 thru May 17, 2024
Time:  9:30-11:00 a.m.
Location:  Room 223 | Manchester UMC
Zoom Meeting ID:  347 375 197
Passcode: Blessings
Leader:  Rev. Brenda Becker

This Fall, the group will read and discuss the book of Job, which is one of the Old Testament books of wisdom literature.

Job is unique within biblical literature. It has a curious structure, filled with prose and poetry and is likely composed from a variety of perspectives. The participants will focus on the insight Job gives us about God, humans and our relationship with God.

This group is meeting in person, as well as virtually on Zoom. Child care is available with advance reservation. 

Newcomers are always welcome!

Adult Faith Formation
Short Term Class

Banned Books

Day:  Tuesdays
2023 Dates:  Sept. 12, Oct. 24, Nov. 14, Dec. 5
2024 Dates:  Jan. 16, Feb. 6, Mar. 5, Apr. 9,  May 7
Time: 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Location:  Joey B’s Restaurant
14445 Manchester Rd, Manchester
Leaders:  Alison Seitz & Suzanne Shimkus

A couple of our Youth Parents who are also Rockwood Middle School teachers have been hosting a monthly book club. Reading is not required as the group will be given discussion topics and questions. 

Register to learn more about what book we are reading next!

Newcomers are always welcome!

Adult Faith Formation
Long Term Class

Parent Group

Date: :Fridays, Sept. 8 & 22, Oct. 6 & 27, Nov. 10, Dec. 1 & 15
Time:  9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Location:  Room 219 | Manchester UMC
Leader:  Sarah Watson

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.

Study topics this year include: technology and families; and how to model following Jesus, loving others, avoiding judgment, and helping those in need in order to raise our children with justice, mercy, and kindness. During our sessions, we spend time in fellowship and connection with others, group discussion (completing the reading is not mandatory), and prayer. This is a safe place where all opinions and viewpoints are not only welcome, but encouraged; and is a relaxed way to take a break and get to know other Manchester UMC parents.

Join us as we study The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place by Andy Crouch. The book is available on Amazon, Hoopla, and local libraries. Please read the introduction prior to the first session.

Newcomers are always welcome!

Adult Faith Formation
Long Term Class

Reflections

Date: Fridays, Returning Sept. 8
This group is taking the Summer off and will return Sept. 8th.
Time:  10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Location:  Room 223| Manchester UMC
Leader:  Barb Bess

This is a group of mature women who enjoy reading and discussing a variety of religious themed books, by authors Adam Hamilton, Phillip Yancey, Henri Nouwen, and many others. 

When this group returns on Sept. 8th, they will begin studying the Rev. Adam Hamilton’s book, Why? Making Sense of God’s Will.

Newcomers are always welcome!

Adult Faith Formation
Long Term Class

Men's Bible Study

Date: Saturdays
Time:  8:00 – 9:00 a.m. 
Zoom ID#:  807 155 411
Passcode: 241385 
Leaders:  Rev. Steve Harbaugh, Kevin Tobin

Join us on Zoom each Saturday morning as we read and study the Bible. The discussion is lively and the fellowship is great.

Newcomers always welcome!