Adults
Sunday Morning Sunday School Classes
Explorations Class
This is a five-week class for new families in Grace UMC offered and led by our pastor. There is no commitment just by coming, and we hope everyone who is exploring our church will come and learn about the Grace UMC vision! Invitations are usually sent by our pastor and a class begins every two months. We meet in the pastor’s study (and overflow into the kitchen if our group is large!). Topics are:
- Our Stories and the Grace UMC Story
- The History of Methodism
- The Beliefs of Methodism
- The Mission and Membership of Grace UMC
- The Ministries of Grace UMC
The Breakfast Club Class
This class meets in Fellowship Hall #3, next to the kitchen. The participants share leadership for the class. This group is made up of young adults usually under age 35. Topics vary, but are usually life application-type discussions. This class also rotates bringing breakfast.
Sunday Circle Class
This adult class “circles up” in the Prayer Room near the gym. This is a discussion class on Bible study topics for adults of all ages. It is led and coordinated by Scott Kowerduck. They enjoy periodic social gatherings.
Covenant Class
This class is for adults of all ages and studies a variety of subjects, usually walking through chapters of the Bible. The class is taught by some of the members on a rotating basis. They meet in Fellowship Hall #2, and sometimes enjoy quarterly social gatherings.
Friendship Class
This class for more mature adults meets in Fellowship Hall #1, next to the main office. The members volunteer to teach, and the class decides together what subject will be studied. Sometimes the studies are Bible-based, sometimes current topics, sometimes an inspirational book.
Providence Class
This is a relatively new class for adults of all ages. They meet in the Craft Room near the gym, room 125A & B. They typically do video studies and have discussions throughout the video. Recent studies include: 40 Days of Love, Advent Conspiracy, and Staying in Love. This class is led and coordinated by Buddy & Debbie McMullin.
Growing Through Sharing Class
This is a relatively new class led by Larry Hogan. It focuses on spiritual formation. They meet in the Ministry Center Library, near the gym, in room 124A.
Lydia Class
This is one of our newest SS classes just for women. This class currently meets an office by the gym. Their most recent study is “Walking with the Women of the Bible” by Elizabeth George. This class is led by Ruth McCollum, our UMW president.
College/Singles/Young Adults Class
This new class is specifically for our youngest adults. It is led by Nathan and Katie Rigoni. They meet upstairs in the new building.
Recent Sunday Night Bible Studies
Living the Questions
What many Christians have longed for is a safe environment where they have permission to ask the questions they’ve always wanted to ask but have been afraid to voice. Living the Questions provides a context in which people can pursue their questions and seek to inform their understanding as part of a life-long spiritual journey. This class is offered at 6:00 pm, and led by Gwen Gunn.
Reel to Real
Using elements of popular movies such as “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” as teachable moments to help us understand Scripture. This study is appropriate for all ages. It is offered beginning March 13th at 6 pm. It will be led by Christy Noren-Hentz.
Recent Mid-Week Bible Studies
Our next series of classes will start on February 29th. Most will be on Wednesday Nights, but other times and options may be available. Below are examples of what we’ve done in the past.
Gettin’ in the Way: Experiencing Life with Jesus
This class provides a short-term weekly study opportunity each Wednesday night at 6:00 pm. It is led by our pastor and you can come and give it a try anytime! The class lasts from 4-8 weeks and the topics vary. This is a great chance to study the Bible in a small group setting. Just stop in, we’re glad to have you!
“When Religion Becomes Evil: The Bright and Dark Sides of Religious Traditions”
A book study of comparative religions that is especially relevant in today’s world. This study is being offered following the Wednesday night suppers at the church. Led by Dave Hickman.
“Countering Pharaoh’s Production-Consumption Society”
This study comes with a warning attached! “WARNING: THIS PROGRAM MAY BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR CHURCH, SOCIETY AND THE AMERICAN WAY OF LIFE, AND COULD POTENTIALLY HELP RESTORE THE MEANING OF COVENANT”. Lecture based on DVD by Old Testament scholar, Walter Brueggemann. Led by Todd Noren-Hentz.
Green Church
What the Bible says about taking care of the earth. From extreme weather events to oil spills to climate change, Planet Earth is in the news. What does this mean for Christians and how does it impact the life of faith? Green Church answers these questions in ways both hopeful and engaging. Citing both Scripture and science, author, Rebekah Simon-Peter weaves together personal stories of Sabbath, gardening, recycling, mentoring, and the power of faith. Led by Todd Noren-Hentz and Denise Pelham.
Other Studies offered during the year
Additionally, the following programs have been offered in the past and are likely to be offered in the future.
Financial Peace University
FPU is a 13-week, life-changing program that empowers and teaches you how to make the right money decisions to achieve your financial goals and experience a total money makeover. This class costs approximately $100 for each family to attend. It empowers people struggling with financial hardships by establishing a plan to take control of their finances.
Disciple Bible Study Programs
This is a 9-month intensive Bible Study that meets for two hours per week. The classes usually begin in September. Each participant has a workbook for daily study. There are four Disciple studies:
Disciple I
34 Weeks. Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study is divided between Old and New Testaments and takes participants from Genesis through Revelation prompting them along the way to consider their human condition and become disciples.
Disciple II
32 Weeks. Into the Word Into the World – Move deeper into the word with this study of Genesis, Exodus, Luke, and Acts. Study themes of pride, hospitality, patience, and humility as we consider how we are called into ministry in the world around us.
Disciple III
32 Weeks. Remember Who You Are – Remember your roots, consider your past, and renew your vision for the future. This study confronts persistent questions like “What are my priorities?” and “How can I be a part of the obedient community?” Come and study with Paul and the Prophets.
Disciple IV
32 Weeks. Under the Tree of Life – The word under in the title is meant to convey a welcoming invitation to shelter, security, and rest in God’s love. Come and rest in the words of John, The Writings, and Revelation while we study the mystery and wonder these books have to offer.
Companions in Christ
Companions in Christ is a new class offering that has come from the Upper Room, our spirituality center in Nashville. It is similar in scope to Disciple Bible study, but it is not strictly Bible study. It is a course which helps participants deepen their faith journey through meditative reading, prayer, and discovering the joys of spiritual disciplines. The class begins each September and lasts for 28 weeks.
Confronting the Controversies
Confronting the Controversies is the second video-based small group study by Adam Hamilton, author of Making Love Last a Lifetime. Hamilton will enable congregations to confront tough issues for the church and community through a small group study based on his sermons on these topics. It includes such topics as the death penalty, abortion, and homosexuality.
Christian Believer
From the author of the Back Side Books, J. Ellsworth Kalas. Have you ever sung a hymn or recited a creed and asked, “Why do we say that?” Discover the church’s answer to questions that grow out of human life and Christian experience as you study church history and doctrine in this in-depth look at the classical doctrines. This Class runs for 30 weeks.