Groups to grow in faith

We have an exciting list of small groups and Sunday school options to help you take your next step in faith and make new connections. You will find groups for men, women, couples and multi-generations. These groups offer different learning styles: lecture, conversation, video and covenant accountability. These biblically focused groups will offer God’s love, forgiveness, hope, and strength.


Advent study (in person and Zoom)

In “Light of the World: A Beginner’s Guide to Advent," Amy-Jill Levine explores the Christmas narrative through the stories of Zechariah and Elizabeth, Mary, the journey to Bethlehem, and the visit from the Magi. These stories open conversations around connections of the Gospel stories to the Old Testament, the role of women in first-century Jewish culture, the importance of Mary’s visitation and the revolutionary implications of Mary’s Magnificat, the census and the stable, and the star of Bethlehem and the flight to Egypt. Two sessions will be offered: Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., beginning Nov. 30, via Zoom with Sherri Helm. Email Sherri to sign up; or Friday mornings at 10 a.m., beginning Dec. 3, in person with Angie Olsen. Email Angie to sign up. Books will be available at church starting Nov. 21 for $15 each.

  • Connected in Christ Class (Room 504)

    This Is an open and affirming class that invites and welcomes all. We meet Sunday mornings from 9:20 to 10:30 a.m. Facilitators: Tanya Heath and Sheryl Koenig. Here are the topics for the fall:

    • Creativity: What is it? What does God say about it? How can I become more creative in serving God, in my job, in my hobbies and in my friendships? (four weeks)
    • Prayer review: How can I speak to God more often and on a deeper level? (two weeks)
    • Gratitude review: How being grateful for what we have creates a powerful feeling of peace and joy. (two weeks)
    • How to share your Christian faith in a world where there's a separation of "church and state." (3-5 weeks)

    5 Cups of Coffee (Room 603)

    This is a mixed life stages group that meets at 8 a.m. every Sunday to explore faith, ask questions and share their point of view. This small group was started about two years ago with the "5 Cups of Coffee" content which focuses on five conversations around God, gifts, passion, spiritual growth and opportunities, which led us to have a very close connection with each other. Facilitator: Jen Chirillo.


    Journey Through the Bible (Room 508)

    The title describes the class. We are studying the books of the Bible in order.  We welcome all who are interested in studying the Bible to join our class. We meet at 9:30 a.m. Sunday mornings. Facilitator: Barb Phillips.


    Pilgrims of the Kingdom (Fellowship Hall)

    This easy-to-follow DVD series introduces each Old Testament prophet's message in its historical biblical context. This 27-week series will challenge participants to respond to the message of the prophet and determine it's meaning in today's world. The class meets each Sunday from 9:20 to 10:30 a.m.. Facilitators: John Darby and Steve Brietzke.

  • Crochet ministry (Welcome Center)

    The crochet ministry is for people of all ages and skill levels. Beginning Oct. 6, they will meet on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Projects include: baby hats, prayer shawls, scarves, etc. If you are interested in joining this ministry, please email Kate Wessler.


    Couples Small Group (Room 511)

    Angie and Mike Hall host a small group for couples from 7-8:30 p.m. each Wednesday Facilitator: Angie Hall.


    Messiah Ministry Women's small group (Room 603)

    We meet to build friendship, grow deeper in our faith and share Christ's love. We read and discuss books written by Christian authors. Meetings are from 9-11 a.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of most months. Age: 70+. Facilitator: Elaine Thompson.


    Olive Branch Women’s Small Group (Journey Room)

    Meeting times: second and fourth Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. New study will begin on Sept. 8 on the book of Romans; only a Bible is required. New members are welcome. Facilitators: Lorene Royer and Carol Schmitz.


    Wesley Class Meeting (Journey Room)

    In the beginning of the Methodist movement, John Wesley formed classes like this to create a place where each member could watch over one another in love. The group is designed to be a safe place to grow in the love of God and neighbor. In this group, we will not focus on a curriculum, but will dig deeply into where God is working and moving in our lives. We seek God’s transforming grace and will encourage each other to grow more like Christ. We invite you to join us on Wednesday nights from 6:30- 7:30 p.m. Facilitators: Mary Dolann and Bob Smith.


    MUTTS (Men United Together Through the Spirit) (Room 504)

    This group meets Saturday mornings at 7 a.m. Facilitators: Rick Ellsworth and Ron Haffey.


    The purpose of MUTTS is to provide the men of our church community an opportunity to grow in their knowledge and love of Jesus Christ through a variety of means including a weekly Bible study opportunity. We acknowledge that the Holy Spirit is alive within each of us constantly calling us into a deeper relationship. It is the hope that all will be challenged to become the men that God calls us to be.


    Foundations of MUTTS:

    • It is an open group with all men welcome.
    • The focus is always the journey of faith instead of agenda driven.
    • One of our principal goals through the study of Scripture is to show how the Bible is relevant to everyday experience.
    • Men don’t have to be a Bible scholar to attend; we explore, learn and grow together.
    • Men although encouraged don’t have to attend every week. We realize that other priorities exist.
    • Men's discipleship is not exclusive to one congregation as such we promote partnership opportunities with men or men's groups from other congregations.
    • We provide a means of bringing inactive and irregular church members back into fellowship.

  • Alpha

    Alpha is a series of sessions exploring the Christian faith and creating room for questions and conversation. Alpha is offered all around the globe and everyone is welcome. Look for the next start for this 12-week series of sessions.

Know your spiritual gifts

With the easy-to-use online assessment, you can discover your own spiritual gifts and better understand how God has uniquely wired you to serve. Follow this link to start your assessment.