ADULT | Short Term Classes

All Are welcome!

Manchester UMC offers short term classes that cover a variety of timely and intriguing topics. These classes are from one to six weeks long and appeal to a wide variety of audiences.

Fall 2023

Faith & Facts

Sept. 10 -24 & Nov. 5 - 29

The Sin of Certainty

Weds, Sept. 13 - Oct. 4

The Road Back to You

An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery

Thurs, Sept. 14 – Oct. 19

Overview of the Bible

Weds, Nov. 8, 15 & 29

Winter 2024

Unclobber

Fri. Feb. 2 - Mar. 8, 2024

Check back on this website for more upcoming classes

Short Term Classes

Please complete one form per Person:

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Pastor's Note

What Makes Humans Human

“If we do it right, we might be able to evolve a form of work that taps into our uniquely human capabilities and restores our humanity. The ultimate paradox is that this technology may become a powerful catalyst that we need to reclaim our humanity.”– John Hagel The emergence of

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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

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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

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Adult Faith Formation
Short Term Class

The Sin of Certainty

Why God Desires Our Trust More Than Our Correct Beliefs

Date: Wednesdays, Sept. 13 – Oct. 4
Time: 4:45-5:45 p.m.
Location:  Fireside Room | Manchester UMC
Leader:  Linda Horodenski

Book Description:  This class will discuss the book, The Sin of Certainty: Why God Desires Our Trust More Than Our Correct Beliefs by Peter Enns.

“Enns asserts that Christians can focus so much on the angst of uncertainty that they place God inside a stifling mental box. A fine work for believers of all stripes,”—Library Journal.

Calls the bluff of all who think they have mastered the mind of God, since it’s incumbent upon each generation to reformulate and act out its own faith.

Book:  $13
Starting Aug. 1, available on Sunday mornings at the Information Center or by emailing Tiffany Conway.

Adult Faith Formation
Short Term Class

Finding Sanctuary in the Midst of Alzheimer's

Description:  A five-week class designed to offer encouragement to those caring for a loved one with dementia and equip our congregation with ideas and tools to better support caregivers.

Select which group that best describes your needs:

  • Group 1:  Friend of a Caregiver
    Description:  Support a friend who is caring for someone with dementia. For pastors and individuals who want to better understand the experience of a caregiver and how to support them.
    Dates:  Wed, Sept. 13, 6 to 7:30p;  Mons, Sept. 18 & 25, 6 to 7:30p; and Saturday, Oct. 7, 10a (Chapel)
    Location:  Room 221
    Leader:  Rev. Dr. Mary Beth Hartenstein, Director of Congregational Care
  • Group 2:  Parental Caregiver
    Description:  Support for people caring for a parent with dementia. This study is for adult children or other family members facing challenges such as role reversal, loneliness & isolation, self-care and asking for help.
    Dates/Times:  Mons, Sept. 11 – Oct. 2, 6:00 to 7:30p; and Saturday, Oct. 7, 10a (Chapel)
    Location:  Room 222
    Leader:  Jill Krogen
  • Group 3: Spousal Caregiver
    Description:  Support for spouses of people with dementia. This study is designed to encourage spouses encountering the unique challenge of caring for a partner with dementia.
    Dates/Times:  Mons, Sept. 11 – Oct. 2, 6:00 to 7:30p; and Saturday, Oct. 7, 10a (Chapel)
    Location:  Room 223
    Leader:  Jill Krogen

Book:  Finding Sanctuary in the Midst of Alzheimer’s, A Spiritual Guide for Families Facing Dementia, by Elizabeth Shulman, 2021 edition.

Adult Faith Formation
Short Term Class

The Road Back to You

An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery

Dates:  Thursdays, Sept. 14 – Oct. 19, 2023
Time:  7:00-9:00p
Leader:  Elisabeth Wurm

Format:  Online Only
Zoom ID:  853 1227 6505
Passcode:  718191

An interactive six-week series that introduces the Enneagram, explores each type, introduces mindfulness practices, and encourages self-reflection. Includes breakout discussion. Goal is to understand ourselves better and to have compassion for others who see the world differently than we do.

Books:  

  1. The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile, Cost: $19
  2. The Enneagram for Black Liberation by Chichi Agorom  Cost:  $19

The Road Back to You book is available at the Information Center on Sunday mornings or by emailing Tiffany Conway.  It can also be found at local libraries and bookstores, as well as online.

Adult Faith Formation
Short Term Class

Overview of the Bible

Date: Wednesdays, Nov. 8, 15 & 29
Time: 6:30-7:45 p.m.
Location:  Room 222 | Manchester UMC
Leader:  Marsha Clark

Description:  This 3-session class will introduce the structure, contents and fascinating history of the Bible and more!

This background can lead to greater understanding of the history of the Christian faith and may equip a person to better appreciate, navigate and utilize these ancient texts as inspirational sources for one’s life.

A welcoming place for those who have little-to-no knowledge of the Bible; all backgrounds welcome.

Adult Faith Formation
Short Term Class

Unclobber

Dates:  Fridays, Feb. 2 – Mar. 8, 2024
Time:  10:00-11:00p
Room:  221 | Manchester UMC
Leader:  Deborah Reinhardt

Due to popular demand, this Unclobber class is being offered again in the Winter of 2024!

Using the book, Unclobber: Rethinking Our Misuse of the Bible on Homosexuality by Colby Martin, we will reexamine what the Bible says (and does not say) about homosexuality in such a way that breathes fresh light into outdated and inaccurate assumptions and interpretations.

Book:  $17  (This book is also available at local libraries and bookstores, as well as online.)