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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

Monday Morning Sermon Reflection Group with Rev. Nancye Dunlap

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. | Online

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 226

Tuesday Evening Sermon Reflection Group with Becky Strickland

6:00 - 7:00 p.m. | Online

Wednesday

Banned Books

Banned Books Club

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

Hidden Insights Bible Study

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

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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Sermon, Exactly How did I get here, Mark 6:30-44
Sermons

Exactly How Did I Get Here? Part II

The Scripture for this final sermon is Mark 6:30-44. In this passage, Jesus recommends a time of rest and spiritual renewal for the disciples. The twelve had just returned from a mission during which they preached and healed. Jesus thought his closest followers needed a Sabbath, so he led them to a deserted place to recuperate. But Jesus’s planned retreat was interrupted because the crowds discovered where he was and packed the place. In this setting, Jesus demonstrates his compassion, showing himself to be the Good Shepherd as he cares for his people, sacrificing his own much-needed rest.

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Connecting

Member Name Tag Request

New Name Tag Request If you are a member and need a new name tag, please Order a Name Tag Here. Please complete this registration form and payment of $11. If you would like to fill out a form in person, please visit us at the information desk on Sundays

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Sermons

In God We Trust

Throughout the centuries, “trust in God” has been a frequent theme in our prayers, our hymns and our sacred songs. It is certainly a biblical theme as well. There are 182 references to “trust” in the Bible, and most of these refer to us placing our trust in God. In America, our money even proclaims “In God We Trust.” I invite you to join us for worship this weekend as we take a look at Psalm 105 and at the refrain, “In God We Trust.” Does that mean that we expect God will “fix” everything? What about free will? How should we really trust in God?

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129 Woods Mill Rd.
Manchester, MO 63011
Tel: 636-394-7506

Manchester United Methodist Church

© 2024 Manchester UMC

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Service Times

Saturday 4p
Traditional-Casual in Chapel

Sunday 9a
Modern in Fellowship Hall

Sunday 11a
Traditional in Sanctuary

Above worship services offered in-person & online.

Adult Faith Formation
Long Term Class

christian fellowship

Date:  Sundays, Sept. 15 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

Starting September 15th, the Christian Fellowship group will begin studying Dan Merchant’s book, “Lord, Save Us from Your Followers:  Why is the Gospel of Love Dividing America?”

Description:  An analysis of fundamentalism in America as compared to the belief systems of non-extreme Christians by an Emmy Award-winning television writer is an anecdotal collection of observations and comedic excerpts from interviews with everyday people.

If you are interested in purchasing this book, please see your local library or your favorite local or online bookstore.

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!

Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White 43
April 7 - May 19

Adult Faith Formation
Long Term Class

alpha class

Date: Sundays thru June 9, 2024
No Class on Mar. 31, May 5 or 26
Time:  9:30-10:30 a.m.
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:

  • Mar. 31:  No class, Easter
  • Apr. 7 – May 19:  Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White
  • May 5: No class
  • May 26: No class 

Newcomers are always welcome!

June 2 – Aug. 25

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:

  • Summer 2024 (June 2 – Aug. 25)
  • Fall 2024 (Sept. 1 – Nov. 24)
  • Winter 2024-2025 (Dec. 1 – Feb. 23

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

The next best thing to taking a trip to the Holy Land is to come join us as we begin “In the Footsteps of the Savior” by Max Lucado, with short videos and handout information as we see and learn more about the places where Jesus traveled and the people he encountered during his ministry.

We emphasize FIVE F’s: Fellowship, Food and Fun among Christian Friends, on a Foundation of Bible Study! 

Through September 15, the Adult Singles Bible Study group will be studying the book by Max Lucado, In the Footsteps of the Savior.

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

Date:  Every Monday
This group will not meet on Dec. 25 or Jan. 1.
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!

September 2024

Adult Faith Formation
Long Term Class

Making Disciples

Date:  Tuesdays, Sept. ? – 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!

Starting in September, the Making Disciples group will be studying Philip Yancey’s book, Vanishing Grace: Whatever happened to the Good News?

Description:  ‘Why does the church stir up such negative feelings?’ This is a question that Philip Yancey has been asking all his life – for himself, as a pilgrim; for others, as a journalist. The question is more relevant now than ever: in the UK Christianity continues to decline, even as it is increasingly thought to be linked with intolerant, fundamentalist attitudes.

Yet while identification with traditional forms of Christian religion is dropping, indicators show that interest in spirituality is rising. Why the disconnect? Why are so many asking, ‘What’s so good about the “good news?”‘

Books:  $16
A limited supply of books are 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. 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:  1st Tuesdays of the month
Dates:  Aug. 6, Sept. 3, Oct. 1, Nov. 5, Dec. 3, Jan. 7, Feb. 4, Mar. 4, Apr. 1, May6
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, Sept. 6 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 brand new book, “Somehow: Thoughts on Love” by Anne Lamott.

Book Description:   “Love is our only hope,” Anne Lamott writes in this perceptive new book. “It is not always the easiest choice, but it is always the right one, the noble path, the way home to safety, no matter how bleak the future looks.”

In Somehow: Thoughts on Love, Lamott explores the transformative power that love has in our lives: how it surprises us, forces us to confront uncomfortable truths, reminds us of our humanity, and guides us forward. “Love just won’t be pinned down,” she says. “It is in our very atmosphere” and lies at the heart of who we are. We are, Lamott says, creatures of love.

In each chapter of Somehow, Lamott refracts all the colors of the spectrum. She explores the unexpected love for a partner later in life. The bruised (and bruising) love for a child who disappoints, even frightens. The sustaining love among a group of sinners, for a community in transition, in the wider world. The lessons she underscores are that love enlightens as it educates, comforts as it energizes, sustains as it surprises.

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!