Ministries Adults Adult Sunday Morning Classes

• The Well - Young Adults 20’s - 30’s • Fourth Floor Theater

  We are defining and constructing our Young Adults ministry! This is an exciting time of birth and re-birth as college age and up, single, newly-married and young at heart come together for introductions and discussion as we formulate the beginnings of these new classes. Please join us on the fourth floor, in the theater, as you get to know us and we get to know you, together on this spiritual journey so we may travel far in community.

• Making Room Class 20’s - 40’s • Room 312

  An exciting class comprised of young married couples in their 20s and 30s with or without children. We are a self-taught class and usually pick six-month topics from a study guide that each couple has an opportunity to present. Occasionally we have guest speakers visit us, but we never miss our monthly potlucks or our opportunity to volunteer at Room at the Inn. We are looking to grow this year so please come in for a visit. We’d love to meet you!

• The Crossroads Class 30’s - 40’s • Room 316

  A class of mainly couples in their late 20s to late 40s, many with young children, seeking fellowship, friendship, and spiritual growth. Discussion based, varied topics, social gatherings, service activities are a part of their approach to develop a strong community. The classes are often self-taught with a strong emphasis on open discussions.

• The Cornerstone Class 35s - 50s • Room 314

  Cornerstone relies on scripture and/or topical themes to spur spirited discussions with the intention of deepening our spiritual growth. Though primarily a self-taught class, guest speakers from inside and outside the church are brought in occasionally. All are welcome in this class and accepted "as-is" in a spirit of hospitality and inclusivity. Class members are also active participants in the church's outreach programs, including Bethlehem Center, Habitat for Humanity, and Room in the Inn. The class consists primarily of married couples from late 30s to early 50s with children, though not everyone fits this mold nor is it a prerequisite. Class members sustain each other in joys and concerns through prayer and support. Fellowship activities include our annual camping trip to Pickett State Park, lively Christmas party, and pot luck Sunday brunch.

• Christians Under Construction 50’s - 60’s • Room 309

  A group of energetic Baby Boomers, both singles and couples, who enjoy a diverse series of topical conversations, Bible studies, and guest speakers. A loose structure allows members and visitors to attend when the spirit—or the simple fact of actually being in town—moves them.

• The Saints and Sinners Class 50’s - 70’s • Room 315

  Saints and Sinners invites speakers, from within the Church and without, to address a diverse range of topics. From Bible studies to moral or ethical issues, ancient cultures to current events, Saints and Sinners explores a multitude of subjects throughout the year. Membership consists of adult couples and singles, spanning mixed ages. We celebrate each other’s joys and share each other’s concerns.

• The Benton Class Senior Adults • Room 319

  (aka the Backsliders!) An intergenerational group who studies a wide array of topics biblical and theological, and enjoys animated discussion in a thoughtful, intellectual and spiritually sound way.

• The Cokesbury Class Mature and Senior Adults • Room 318

  We might best be classified as “intellectually curious in a mostly traditional Methodist way,” and are fond of lively discussions which at times become quite heated but are always respectful. Our favorite topics usually relate to “How to maintain a Christian perspective and live a Christian life in the context of current local, national and world problems.” Class members share in the responsibility of bringing in teachers and we are fortunate in being able to draw on West End’s large teacher pool as well as on outside talent. If you like 1) discussion more than lectures; 2) a wide open curriculum; 3) to explore faith issues, in good humor; 4) to love those who disagree with you; 5) doctors, lawyers, merchants, chiefs, male, female; or 6) seekers who sometimes teach each other, then you are invited to come explore your faith journey with other pilgrims. You will be greeted by open arms, open hearts and open minds.

• The Upper Room Class Senior Adults • Room 320

  We are adults, old enough to enjoy retirement but young enough in mind and spirit to keep learning and growing in our Christian faith. The class is blessed with teachers who have expertise in various fields. They lecture and allow time for discussion. Usually topics are short term, two to six weeks, and include Bible Study, Social Concerns, United Methodist Beliefs, World Religions, Church History and many other subjects that help us continue to grow and learn and strengthen our Christian concern and outreach. The Upper Room Class is currently made up of married couples, single, and widowed people. We welcome anyone to our fellowship.

Mixed Age/ Stages

• The Discourse and Discovery Class 40’s - 60’s • Room 308

  An inclusive community that engages in spirited group discussions that, at their core, strive to link faith and spirituality to events in each of our lives. We value sharing and comparing views on a variety of topics that allow us to learn from one another. We know that we struggle daily with faith issues that confront us, and so seek to nurture each other and build a community of strength, acceptance and support. We welcome all who wish to join us for an hour, a month, a year or a lifetime!

• The Hearts & Minds Bible Study Class 40’s - 60’s • LL6

  If you’d like a week to week Bible Study Sunday Morning Class with an indepth look at scripture andits relevance to day to day living, all within a caring and prayerful class setting, Hearts & Minds Class is the one you want. Bring your Bible and we’ll supply the student study book from our United Methodist Publishing House.

• The Reconciling Journey Class 20’s - 50’s • Room 208

  A supportive, safe community in which participants explore issues related to sexual orientation and Christian faith. Reconciling Journey class is open to gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, and transgendered people and family and friends of GLBT persons who want to explore spiritual issues, including oppression and reconciliation in the church. All are welcome to attend, and all are expected to be honorable and sensitive to one another’s personal, spiritual, and public history. We journey together in hope and celebration of whom God has called us to be.

• The Open Study Group 40’s - 80’s • Room LL2

  A lively discussion group, progressive as it explores faith and contemporary issues in a search for ways to deepen spiritual faith and values for living in a modern, changing world. This open group welcomes a wide range of challenging views, values exchanging opinions, and seeks to help the Bible come alive for daily living. We are multi generational, young and old, new members and old timers, singles and couples engaged in living our faith and constructing our path of faith. Come one Sunday, come every Sunday. All are welcome.

• The Quest Class 40’s - 80’s • Room 307

  A book study group, with weekly reading assignments of the book under study. The format is class participation and discussion. Adults of all age groups attend. The class is composed of both married people and singles; both men and women. This class studies books intended to stimulate and challenge inquisitive minds, and to help members develop a more meaningful relationship to God. The class is open to anyone who seeks insights and answers to important and often difficult aspects of the Christian faith.

• The Bible and Spirit Class 40’s - 90’s • Room 317

  The Bible & Spirit Class focuses on Biblical themes or subjects with the intention of learning, personal application, and spiritual growth. Stimulating discussions often result, and inspiring teachers may be from active or retired clergy, ministry staff, or leaders of innovative community ministries. The class encourages active involvement and support of such mission projects as Magdalene House or Habitat for Humanity. Class members are composed of adult singles and couples, spanning mixed ages. Varying opinions and attitudes are accepted in a friendly and hospitable atmosphere. Members are sensitive to concerns of the class and the church for prayer, nurture, and support. Fun and fellowship suppers are held in homes at Christmas or other times of the year.

• Sacred Journeys 20’s - 60’s • Room 306

  Sacred Journeys is made up of people of diverse ages, interests, backgrounds, and lifestyles who want to deepen their spiritual life. While we occasionally will do a study, usually we gather in a circle to engage in spiritual practices that enrich our inner life. We sing meditative and praise songs, including those from Taize and The Faith We Sing. We sit quietly while led in a guided meditation focusing on breathing and often also on a passage of scripture. We listen in silence for the voice of God. And we share what is on our hearts. We close with a prayer circle in which we lift up the concerns of ourselves and others to God in prayer. We welcome all to this circle!

• Wild Wonderful Women of West End Women of all ages • Room 411

  This class is just in its creative formation, but is geared toward a non-conventional, soul restorative group that is up for a variety of adventures to nourish the ravishing lives God created for women who aren’t now participating in a Sunday Morning class.