Sunday School & Small Group Bible Studies
The Christian faith is grounded in the love and grace of God, experienced through Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. The Christian life is our response to God’s love and grace. The church calls our response to God; Christian discipleship. Discipleship focuses on actively following in the footsteps of Jesus. As Christian disciples, we are not passive spectators but energetic participants in God’s activity in the world.
Adult Sunday School Class Descriptions
AGAPE:
A multi-generational class with an emphasis on diversity of membership and warm fellowship with a variety of discussion and study topics. Join our class as we explore what it means to live a faith-centered life in the 21st Century. We are dedicated to providing an experience grounded in Christian love. Please join us as we grow in discipleship as we study, serve, and share life together.
ALPHA:
A warm-hearted class of couples and singles. Class format is to have presentations by class members and guest speakers on a variety of topics that include Bible study, Social/Community issues, and Christian practices. Regular class socials, supportive fellowship, and community outreach are emphasized. Visit us online at alphaclass.org or in person. We would love to meet you! Ages: 65+
APOSTLES:
A class of couples and singles dedicated to lifting each other up through prayer, Biblical teaching and discussion, class socials, and caring for each other in times of need. We are a fun, active class who serves and supports various missions and ministries within the church and throughout the community. Ages: 50-75
ASBURY: A diverse group of married and single friends with ages ranging from the 50’s to the 70’s (but all are welcome), who seek to support each other on our Christian journeys through fellowship, service, and education. Our diverse theological opinions lead to interesting discussions in which everyone’s opinion is valued and accepted. We are outgoing, fun loving, and actively involved in several church service projects. We meet in The Cottage which provides us with very close parking, ground floor access, kitchen, and a quiet meeting room area. We hope to see you soon! Ages: All ages are welcome!
CELEBRATION: A class of couples and singles, some retired, some still working. Our programs are diverse, Biblically based, and often involve stimulating discussion. We are a supportive and caring community to each other in good times and bad. The class is involved in many ministry and mission projects, both financially, including a wide range of GUMC activities. We love to have fun together and welcome anyone for a small group at GUMC. Age: late 50s to mid-70s
EMMAUS: A warm and friendly class that enjoys studying, praying and socializing together. We are all about friends, encouragement, prayer and the study of God’s Word, led by a rotating team of teachers who keep the Bible central to the discussions on a variety of topics relating to the challenges of Christian life. We often use our mission efforts (First Works, Kenya Mission Trip, Mountain T.O.P., Room in the Inn) as social functions that build friendships, cooperation and commitment in an enthusiastic and active manner for all class members. Ages: 60+
FELLOWSHIP FORUM: As the name implies, we are a lively discussion group. Our class members discuss a variety of contemporary issues in the context of Christian fellowship. Class members and invited speakers lead these discussions, and a wide variety of opinions are openly shared. Ages: 75+.
FISER COVENANT: Our class is a warm and compassionate group of couples and singles. We choose a book of the Bible and journey through the book as led by the teacher. Enjoy this time of study and supportive fellowship. Ages: mid 70’s to 80+
FOUNDATIONS: A class of couples and singles who strive to deepen our relationship with God through study, encouragement and support of one another through prayer and fellowship, and service our community together. We choose studies that spark conversation and have real life application. For more information, please visit our web page. Ages: 35-50
GENESIS: Our class consists mostly of parents with kids that are in elementary and middle school. The lessons are for those that are seeking Biblical guidance for the challenges we face as parents, Christ followers, and active members of our local community. Our lessons will focus on the books of the Bible and working to better understand God’s desired path for us.
HORIZON: A friendly and inviting group of couples and singles who are continually seeking spiritual growth. We are involved in numerous church mission-focused activities. We enjoy fellowship, social activities and group events. Programs are focused on Bible studies, current church issues, and societal concerns led by class members or visiting speakers. Ages: 70s – 85
LAMPLIGHTERS: Our class is a supportive fellowship of couples and singles. We are a busy, active class involved in serving the church and the community. Studies include both biblical topics and contemporary family and social issues. Service to others is a class priority. We have an active social calendar with fun outings and fellowships scheduled almost every month. Ages: 68-90+
SEEKERS: An accepting and welcoming Christian community of couples and singles, where people are valued and quickly made to feel like they belong. We study a variety of biblical topics as well as contemporary, social and family issues. Service to others and the giving of our time, talent and gifts is an important and continuous aspect of our class activities. A variety of monthly social events bring us together for fellowship and relaxation. Ages: 70-90+
TRINITY: A group of adults with school aged children (from elementary to college) who enjoy current event and issue based discussions with a spiritual foundation. Our curriculum is varied and includes Christian parenting, relationships, studies of Biblical figures and much more. Singles and couples welcome! Ages: mid-40s to 60s
WESLEY 2.0: Wesley 2.0 was established to create an atmosphere of love and acceptance, to faithfully teach the word of God, to stimulate personal growth and life change in a community of support and accountability, to promote outreach through witness and service, and to increase the number of people who have the opportunity to experience this kind of community. We are a discussion based class with thought-provoking weekly lessons taught by talented teachers from our church. Come join both couples and singles, with children ranging in age from infants to teenagers, as we actively support and encourage one another through prayer, fellowship, fun socials, and exciting service opportunities. For more information, please contact us at wesley2.0gumc@gmail.com. Ages: 30s-50s.
Please check out the list of lessons and teachers below for September 22 and join us!
On Purpose – Finding God’s Voice in Your Passion (Class Member Led). Agape meets in Room 132, Chapel Building.
When You Pray (Maureen MacKay-Drummond). Alpha meets in Room 136, behind the Fellowship Hall.
Bible Stories for Grown-Ups by Josh Scott (Mary Groh). Apostles meets in Room 131, Chapel Building.
Wrestling with Doubt – Finding Faith by Adam Hamilton (Don Rhoads). Asbury meets in The Cottage.
Justice or Just Us, The Biblical Call to Confront Racism (Class Member Led). Celebration meets in Room 232, Chapel Building.
Jolly’ism on the Bible (Job Jolly). Emmaus meets in the Fellowship Hall.
The Wesley Brothers in Georgia (Bryan Barger). Fellowship Forum meets in Room 338.
The Gospel of Matthew (Class Member Led). Fiser Covenant meets in Room 233, Chapel Building.
Heard Around the Classroom (Judy Pearson). Foundations meets in Room 133, Chapel Building.
The New Testament by N.T. Wright (Class Member Led). Genesis meets in Room 5, Adult Education Building.
Covenant of Creation Care (Tim Wise). Horizon meets in Room 2, Adult Education Building.
God and Seniors (Henry Evans). Lamplighters meets in Room 342, Hamilton Ministry Center.
The Sabbath Was Made for Man, Not . . . (Jim Pruett). Seekers meets in Room 1, Adult Education Building.
The Truth in True Crime – What Investigating Death Teaches Us About The Meaning of Life by J. Warner Wallace (Class Member Led). Trinity meets in Room 145, Chapel Building.
Means of Grace (Rev. Todd Wilson). Wesley 2.0 meets in Room 339, Hamilton Ministry Building.
News and Events – Small Group Bible Studies
While worship is central to Germantown United Methodist Church (GUMC), it is only part of the “disciple making” experience of following Christ. Small group studies enhance the worship experience by providing opportunities to learn more about the Bible, discuss current issues, develop close personal friendships, grow in faith and learn how to apply the Christian faith in real life situations. Below is a list of our upcoming small group studies. For more information contact Mary Groh at mgroh@germantownumc.org
To register for classes, please click here.
How We Got the Bible
Thursdays, October 3 – November 14 (Skipping Oct. 17); 6:30-7:30 pm.
Cost: $20.00. Facilitated by Terry Aust / terry.aust@yahoo.com
Have you ever wondered where the Bible came from? Who wrote the books of the Bible and how did they end up together? Join us as we journey from the earliest clay tablets and papyrus copies to the first bound Bible and the various Bible translations that we use today. We will dive into the fascinating stories of the people who risked their lives to print and distribute the Word of God. We will distribute books and collect $20/person during the first session. Please register at germantownumc.org under “Open Registrations.
MONDAY MONTHLY BOOK GROUP
4th Monday of Every Month
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Room 338
There is no need to register, just purchase the book (or check-out from the library) and join us for a spirited discussion!
Sept 23 The Latecomer Jean Hanford Korelitz
Oct. 28 Justice Tomorrow Jackie Ross Flaum
Nov. 25 The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store James McBride