Adult Ministries

The Book Group

Do you need a nudge toward reading something more than your daily newspaper and the Upper Room? This group reads one book a month and then meets to discuss it on the second Monday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. The year's selections are chosen at the September meeting where each member comes with a suggestion or two. Watch the Etchings and the Sunday bulletin for meeting places. First timers are welcome at any time of the year.

Care Group

Because we care, we visit the sick, shut-ins, and bereaved in homes, institutions, and hospitals, and we take flowers, food, "Upper Rooms", church bulletins, and other gifts. We meet in the church parlor on Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m., but visitation can be made any day of the week

Fall 2009 Bible/Spiritual Growth Opportunities

Genesis: A 10-week study focusing on the beginnings of the Judeo-Christian faith and the biblical heroes and heroines who served God. Sunday Evenings, 6:00-7:30pm beginning Sept. 20th, Tuesday mornings, 9:00-10:30am beginning Sept. 22nd.

Women's Spiritual Formation Small Group, Finding Balance: A 6-week study on applying biblical principles to assist us in living less hectic lives. Tuesday evenings, 6:00-7:00pm, beginning Sept. 29th.

*Christianity's Family Tree: What Other Christians Believe and Why. An 8-week study focusing on learning more about the diverse community of the Christian faith. Wednesday evening, 6:30-7:30pm beginning Sept. 23rd.

*A Healthier You: Using a variety of topics from recognizing the signs of heart problems to general nutrition, we will take a look at being healthier, happier, and more physically fit. Wednesday evening, 6:30-7:30pm beginning Sept. 23rd.

Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense: A look at why humans in all times and places have yearned for beauty, truth, justice, and spirituality. Thursday morning, 11:00-12:00 noon, beginning Sept. 17th.

*These classes follow the Wednesday evening dinners.

Fun & Fellowship

Fun, fellowship, outreach and much more is what you'll find in all of our athletic activities. Individuals may register for volley- ball, bowling, etc.

Lay Academy

In cooperation with Duke Divinity School, Epworth offers Lay Academy adult continuing education courses. To register for a class please call 660-3448 or pick up a brochure in the church office. (Epworth members are charged a reduced fee.) Watch the Etchings for dates and times.

LC's

LC's (Roman numerals for ages 50 to l00) is a program designed for our retirees and senior citizens. It is a support group that enjoys the fellowship of one another. Sometimes this fellowship occurs around a meal, sometimes around dessert and a program, and sometimes a trip. We meet the third Monday of each month at noon, from September through May, and during the summer on the third Monday at 11:30 a.m. at a local restaurant for lunch.

Sunday School

The following classes are offered:

• Dan Sharpe Class is a discussion class studying various topics, including Scripture, theological works and religious drama. The class, led by Marie Hammond, is a supportive community that engages in social gatherings and participates in outreach projects. All ages are welcome.

• Genesis Class is a discussion class that studies subjects alternating between Biblical themes and current Christian topics. Curriculum is selected by the membership of the class. The class is comprised of singles and couples who are "young" adults in their 40's and 50's. They enjoy participating in social gatherings including potlucks and movie nights, and outreach projects to benefit those in need. Wes Brown teaches the class with other members helping as needed. All ages are welcome.

• Fellowship Class is comprised of a friendly group that enjoys lively discussions on varied topics, e.g. Bible study, faith development, and current events. They hold monthly potluck dinners. Though from many walks of life and from a variety of age groups, they are bound together by their desire for a deeper understanding of walking daily with Christ. All ages are welcome. Room 1

• International Lesson Series Class seeks to explore ways to understand the biblical message and apply it to everyday life. The method of instruction is lecture/discussion led by a designated teacher employing The Adult Bible Study curriculum, published quarterly by Cokesbury. The class helps adults move from a focus on the Word of God to reflection on personal, family, church, and community concerns. The class is intergenerational with the membership ranging in ages from the early 40's through the 80's.

• Nexus Class enjoys discussion focusing on contemporary issues and Bible study applicable to daily life. Both members and guest speakers lead class discussions. They share in social gatherings such as picnics, potluck dinners, etc. and participate in outreach activities. All ages are welcome.

• Parents of Young Children's Class deals with issues and concerns related to parenting preschool age children from a Christian perspective. This class meets next to the nursery.

United Methodist Men (UMM)

UMM meets every fourth Sunday at 7:30 AM in Classrooms 2 & 3 (subject to change on holiday weekends).

United Methodist Women (UMW)

United Methodist Women have been reaching out to the least of these here at home and all around the world, for over 130 years. At Epworth we have four UMW Circles meeting at various times.

They are:

• Sarah Circle, First Monday of each month, 2:00 p.m - Room 2/3.
• Susanna Circle, Fourth Monday of each month, 2:30 p.m - Room 2/3.
• Eve Circle, Third Thursday of each month, 7:00 p.m - member's homes.
• Ruth Circle, Third Monday of each month, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. - Parlor.

Watch the Etchings for information about meetings.

Come be a part of one of these creative supportive fellowships and help us "feed His sheep"!!