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. | Room 222

Alpha Class

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

Joy Class

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

Adult Singles Bible Study

11:00 a.m. - Noon | Room 309

sojourners

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

Monday

Centering
Prayer

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

Tuesday

Total Body Workout

8:30 - 9:15 a.m. | Rm 223

Making
Disciples

Nov. 2, Dec. 10 & 17

9:30 – 10:30 a.m. | Online

Tuesday Morning Bible Study

9:30 - 11:00 a.m. | Rm 226

MomCo

1st & 3rd Tuesdasys

9:00 – 11:00 a.m. | Room 141

Banned Books

Young Adult Book Club for Adults

Sept. 3, Oct. 1, Nov. 5, Dec. 3, Jan. 7, Feb. 4, Mar. 4, Apr. 1, May 6

6:00 – 7:30 p.m. | Joey B’s

Wednesday

Group of cheerful young friends having fun playing ludo board game while spending time together at home

Parent Group

6:30 - 7:30 p.m. | Lobby

Hidden Insights Bible Study

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

Dec. 4, Jan. 8, Feb. 12

6:00 – 7:30p | Rm 309

Grief Support Group

6:30 - 8:00 p.m. | Rm 221

Friday

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:

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Adult Faith Formation
Long Term Class

christian fellowship

Date:  Sundays thru May 18
Time: 
 9:00-10:00 a.m.
Zoom Meeting ID:
225 180 622
Required Password: 757205
Location:   Room 222 | Manchester UMC
Leader:  John Higdon

Description:  During Advent, the Christian Fellowship Group will study The Messiah written by The Thoughtful Christian.  The focus for these four Sundays in Advent will be to consider the four extravagant royal titles assigned to the new king.

Each week, the weekly study guide will be emailed to participants and then the group will discuss the weekly reading on Sundays at 9a.  Newcomers are always welcome and are encouraged to register below so the weekly study guides can be emailed to them.

In January, this group will return to using the Sermon Reflection Study Groups studies which are open to everyone and no homework is required.  This group meets weekly and you can join any time. They are also offered on Monday mornings at 10a or Tuesdays at 6p, so you can attend one that works best for you!  Our Sermon Reflection Studies are produced in-house at Manchester UMC. This curriculum is produced weekly and is based off of the sermon for the week.   All you do is watch the sermon, download the weekly guide and join one of the groups!  It’s that easy!  No time for class? Use the curriculum as a guide for personal devotion. Click Here for the weekly Sermon Reflection Study

Newcomers are always welcome!

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

Urban Forum
Oct. 20 - Nov. 24
Dec. 1 - 22

Adult Faith Formation
Long Term Class

alpha class

Date:  Sundays thru May 2025
Time:  9:30-10:30 a.m.

Location:  Room 223 | Manchester UMC
Zoom Meeting ID:  843 6667 1102    Passcode: 245451
Leaders:  Shared Leadership

From Oct. 20 – Nov. 24, the Alpha Class will be meeting in a closed session to experience LifeWise StL’s Urban Forum. This class is an interactive program designed to help participants gain a greater understanding of issues facing those who live in poverty and on the margins.  It is geared towards experiences that facilitate dialogue and understanding about poverty, food insecurity, racism and educational disparities to name a few. 

From Dec. 1 – 22, ALL are invited to participate in a book study, An Unlikely Advent: Extraordinary People of the Christmas Story.

This four-week Advent study focuses on the experiences of four sets of often overlooked characters in the Nativity story. Rachel Billups guides readers through the themes of hope, love, joy, and peace by sharing the stories of Elizabeth and Zechariah, Herod, the Magi, and the shepherds. Each set of unexpected characters has something to teach about living faithfully on the journey to Christmas.

Book:  $11
Available for purchase at the Information Center or by emailing Tiffany Conway.

Newcomers are always welcome!

Sept. 1 – Nov. 24

Dec. 1 – Feb. 23

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:

  • Fall 2024 (Sept. 1 – Nov. 24)
  • Winter 2024-2025 (Dec. 1 – Feb. 23)

Newcomers are always welcome!

Now thru Nov. 17
Nov. 24 - Dec. 29

Adult Faith Formation
Long Term Class

Adult Singles bible Study

Date:  Sundays
Time:  11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location:  Room 309 | Manchester UMC
Leader:  Ralph Burns

Description:  Having completed several studies that pertain to the ministry and message of Jesus Christ, come and join us as we now focus on a survey of the books of the Old Testament, which was the Bible that Jesus read. 

There will be short videos and take-home handout information, and we’ll look at what each Old Testament author most wanted to emphasize, including prophecies that are fulfilled in the New Testament with the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.  Each Sunday we intend to review a different Old Testament book.

Starting November 24, join the Adult Singles Bible Study group as they will focus on Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus Christ, using the Rev. Adam Hamilton book, Faithful: Christmas through the eyes of Joseph. There is limited information about Joseph in the Gospels, but we know he faced a situation much like our own as he encountered life circumstances he didn’t choose or understand, and there are valuable lessons for all of us. His courageous actions are woven into the story of the birth of Jesus and God’s salvation plan for humanity.

This is a group of senior adults (ages 65+) who like to emphasize FIVE F’s: Fellowship, Food and Fun among Christian Friends, on a Foundation of Bible Study!

Newcomers are always welcome!

Sept. 15 - Oct. 20, 2024
Oct. 27 - Nov. 17, 2024
Dec. 1 - 22, 2024

Adult Faith Formation
Long Term Class

Sojourners

Date: Sundays, Sept. 15 – Dec. 22, 2024
No class Nov. 24
Time:  9:30-10:45 a.m.
Location:  Room 309 | Manchester UMC
Leader:  Prudy Bertolino

Join the Sojourners class as they study:

  • Moses by Rev. Adam Hamilton
    Study runs Sept. 15 – Oct. 20, 2024
  • Jesus’ Parables of Life by Rev. James W. Moore
    Study runs Oct. 27 – Nov. 17, 2024
  • No Class Nov. 24
  • Prepare the Way for the Lord: and the Message of John the Baptist
    Study runs Dec. 1 – 22, 2024

Newcomers are always welcome!

Adult Faith Formation
Long Term Class

centering Prayer

Day:  Mondays
Time:   7:30-8:30 p.m.

Format:  Zoom Only (provided after registering)
Leaders:  Lou Kimmell

Description:  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.

Newcomers are always welcome!

Nov. 26, Dec. 10 & 17

Adult Faith Formation
Long Term Class

Making Disciples

Date:  Tuesdays (See Below)
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!

Please join the Making Disciples group for the following: 

  • Nov. 19 – No Class
  • Nov. 26 – Begin a study on Christmas hymns*
  • Dec. 3 – No Class (Holiday Brass Concerts)
  • Dec. 10 – Meet at the Wilson’s home.  Bring a small dish to share.  We will also study a Christmas hymn*.
  • Dec. 17 – Study a Christmas hymn*
  • No Class – Dec. 24 or Dec. 31
  • Jan. 7 – Class resumes

*Description:  Christmas hymns aren’t just festive songs.  There are some deep theological references in them!  Everyone is invited to join the Making Disciples group to learn more.

Adult Faith Formation
Long Term Class

Tuesday Morning bible Study

Date: Tuesdays, Sept. 10 – Dec. 17
Time:  9:30-11:00 a.m.
NEW Location:  Room 226 | Manchester UMC
Zoom Meeting ID:  347 375 197
Passcode: Blessings
Leader:  Rev. Brenda Becker

Join the Tuesday Morning Bible Study this Fall as they study The History and Archeology of the Bible.  The first 30 minutes the class will watch a video from National Geographic which delves into the iconic stories of the Old Testament through the eyes of historians and archeologists.  Their findings bring fascinating and revealing perspectives to the texts of scripture.  The group will then discuss the video as we consider the particular Hebrew scriptures that were illuminated by this ancient evidence.

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

Young Adults Book Club for Adults

Day:  2nd Tuesdays of the month
Dates:  Sept. 10, Oct. 8, Nov. 12, Dec. 10, Jan. 14, Feb. 14, Mar. 11, Apr. 8, May 13
Time: 6:00 to 8:00 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. Participants select and read a young adult book each month to prepare for discussion about what our teens are currently reading.

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

Newcomers are always welcome!

Adult Faith Formation
Long Term Class

Reflections

Date:  Fridays thru Nov. 22, 2024
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.

Book Description:  Join this group as they begin studying the Rev. Adam Hamilton’s new book, “Wresting with Doubt Finding Faith”.

Book Description:  Everyone has doubts. Where is God when bad things happen? Does God hear our prayers? Is there a heaven? How can we know? Often we treat such questions as the enemy of faith. But uncertainty doesn’t mean our belief is lacking. Doubt can be a path to a deeper, richer encounter with God.
In Wrestling with Doubt, Finding Faith, join best-selling author and pastor Adam Hamilton as he discusses some of our most significant sources of doubt and shows how a steady trust in God can emerge from them. You will delve into questions like:

  • “Does God exist? How can I know?”
  • “Is the Bible true?”
  • “Why do prayers go unanswered?”

Rev. Hamilton approaches these sources of doubt with honesty and insight, drawing on the rich wisdom of the Bible, Christian tradition, and his experience walking with thousands of people on their spiritual journey. Whether you’re a longtime Christian or someone brand new to faith, this book will lead you to a trust in God that is unafraid of hard questions. Wrestle with doubt and find faith―belief and trust, not certainty; mystery rather than simple answers.

Book:  $13  Available at Information Center on Sunday mornings or by emailing Tiffany Conway.

Newcomers are always welcome!

Adult Faith Formation
Long Term Class

Men's Bible Study

Date: Saturdays
Time:  9:00 – 10:00 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!

Worship at Manchester UMC this Christmas

Candlelight Christmas Eve Serivce.

Come Home for Christmas

Dec. 21: Longest Night – 7p, Chapel

Dec. 24: 

  • Children and Families – 3p, Sanctuary
  • Modern – 5p, Sanctuary
  • Traditional Service – 8p, Sanctuary
  • Lessons & Carols – 11p, Sanctuary