“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
Bethany United Methodist Church
Small Groups,
Sunday Morning Class,
And Connecting Groups
Catalog
Fall 2016
Want to join an Adult Group?
The process is easier than ever… Just choose
one of the following options!
Online:
1. Go to www.bethanyumchurch.org and click on Ministries: Adult
2. Read through the descriptions and choose the group or class that seem to best
meet your needs
3. Contact the Director of Adult Ministries, Laura Gregg via email at
[email protected] and request to be connected with the leader of that
group or email the leader directly (see church directory for lists of email and phone
numbers)
4. Get connected and join the group!
In Service:
1. Look through this catalog and choose desired group(s).
2. Attend “GROW with others” Kick Off Event (8/21/16, 9:40am) and sign up for
groups in person
OR
3. Write “Please connect me with ____________group” on your connection card and
turn into offering plate. We will follow up with you.
Small Groups – Fall 2016
Meets at various times and places
Bethany UMC also encourages participation in small groups and fellowship opportunities
that meet at times other than Sunday mornings in homes, coffee shops, or at the church
for fellowship, encouragement, worship, prayer, Bible study, and group ministry and
outreach activities. A small group is an intentional gathering, meeting regularly for the
purpose of joining God’s mission and has its roots in the early Christian church and the
Wesleyan foundation of the Methodist Church. You can email
[email protected] to find out more and when new studies are beginning
In Small Groups, we...
Get Connected - Proverbs 27:17
We believe that small groups are a great place to get connected to community! Through time together in
a small group we believe that people will find a friendly and caring community of people from Bethany.
There’s nothing better than being a part of a community along the journey as we all go through life
together.
Grow Spiritually - Romans 12:1-18
Regardless of the type of group someone participates in, we believe that small groups are a great place
for people to grow spiritually. God develops us each spiritually in many different ways. Sometimes we
grow through spending time with other believers. Sometimes through reading books together.
Sometimes through putting our faith into practice by serving other people. No matter what group you're
in, there’s a next bold step through small group participation that gives you great opportunities to grow!
Small Group Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Small Group?
Small Groups at BUMC are a place to connect, learn about God, and serve others. Most groups consist
of around a dozen people. Many meet in members homes, but some meet back at the church and
others meet in restaurants. They are places for relationships in Christ to develop and allow for
accountability, all in an atmosphere of love. The goal of small groups should be to grow and ultimately
multiply into other groups, creating disciples of Jesus along the way.
Is there a cost?
If there are class materials such as a book, each member of the group is responsible to pay for their
class materials. The price listed in the description is for the current study, if applicable. If meeting
offsite, each participant pays for their own food or fee. Additionally, some groups might offer optional
childcare for a small fee. If you find the cost of any group to be prohibitive, please contact the small
group leader with interest and express your concern.
What about childcare?
Groups that have the green “K” icon offer childcare or are kid friendly groups. Your group leader will
provide additional details prior to your first meeting.
What do the Icons mean?
We offer several groups that are specific to different needs. Look for the icons to locate these specific
group types!
= Men’s Groups
= Co-Ed Groups
= Women’s Groups
= Kid Friendly Groups (or childcare provided)
=Study Group (requires
registration & costs)
BETHANY DEVOTED
Leaders: John & Tracy Untener
[email protected]
Meets every Thursday, at the Untener’s home
Meeting at the home of leaders, John & Tracy Untener, this group of all ages meets
weekly to study the Bible as well as other Christian lessons. Childcare is provided.
This group strives to challenge and hold each other accountable as they grow in
Christ.
We are currently studying Fully Devoted by John Ortberg. What does it mean to do
everything “in Jesus’ name?” Is that an ideal attainable only by a few “super
Christians,” or is it a way of life we can all experience? These are just a few questions
we are addressing in this study.
THIRD STRING**
Leader: Doug & Laura Plummer
[email protected]
Meets on 1st & 3rd Fridays at the Plummer’s Home
We are a blended group of adults with children. We eat for 1 hour prior to a 1 ½ hour
Bible study. Children are welcome and encouraged to attend. We participate in a
mission activity, quarterly with our children.
We are getting ready to start a new study based on The Anatomy of a Disciple.
Offering a common language to what is generally understood as a complex idea, The
Anatomy of a Disciple provides awareness of what God intended for authentic and
sustainable spiritual growth, and what He intended for His disciples.
**This Group is currently closed due to childcare capacity. If you would like to join a group with a similar
structure, please contact [email protected]
Koinonia
Leader: The Masons & Deckards
[email protected]
[email protected]
Meets 2 Sundays a month, 6:30-8:30p at various members homes
This group meets 2 Sunday evenings a month for fellowship and Bible study with
emphasis on spiritual growth, life application, caring for one another and service
projects. We pray for each other daily. We regularly rotate the hosting and leading
duties for our meeting, allowing everyone in the group to fully participate.
We are getting ready to study the Beatitudes, the eight blessings listed by Jesus at the
Sermon on the Mount.
In His Steps
Leader: Jane McGregor
[email protected]
Meets 2 Fridays a month in members’ homes.
A gathering of parents and grandparents, retirees and those still working, this small
group meets twice a month to eat, pray, and study the Lord’s Word. We take turns
leading the study and hosting the group. We are here to support each other through all
that life throws our way!
Geared toward empty nesters. Currently finishing up a study on 1&2 Peter by John
MacArthur. The study incorporates extensive commentary, detailed observations on
overriding themes, and probing questions to help you study the Word of God. In this one,
we are learning that Peter’s letters of encouragement and warning are just as important
for believers today to hear and understand as they were during the first century.
BUMS
Leader: Donna Ferguson & Gwen Bennett
[email protected]
Meets 1st & 3rd Sunday evenings of month, at various members homes
Meeting Sunday evenings at member’s homes, we are mostly “empty nesters” meet for
snack, fellowship, Bible Study and supportive prayer. BUMS provides care for one
another when the need arises and supports various fund raisers and service projects,
such as the UPWARD concession stand. All are welcome any time!
We are currently studying, Becoming a Contagious Christian by Bill Hybels. You will
discover your own natural evangelism style and how to develop a contagious Christian
character.
GROW (God Renewing Our Women)
Leader: Pam Nothnagel
[email protected]
Meets Wednesday Mornings in Annex, 10-11:30am
A morning Bible study for women of all ages, seeking God's renewing power through
Bible study and fellowship with other women. Whether you're 20 or 120, you are invited
to join us. We will begin on Sept. 14!
We will begin with the study, Teach Us To Want by Jen Pollock Michel. As Christians,
we‘re squeamish about desire. Isn’t wanting sinful and selfish? Aren’t we supposed to
find and follow God’s will rather than insisting upon our own? Our wants cannot be
ignored. But when desire is informed by Scripture and re-formed by our spiritual
practices, it can root us more deeply in the fundamental belief that God is good and
generous and invite us into active kingdom participation.
WOW (Women of the Word)
Leader: Beth Sonnenberg
[email protected]
Meet every Tuesday night, Sept-May, 7pm in the Annex
The Women of the Word meet every Tuesday to study current Christian lessons and
the books of the Bible. We go through several studies throughout the year so you can
join for in for one, two, or all of them!
Our upcoming study will be Watch Your Mouth by Tony Evans. This compelling
resources will help you learn to tame your tongue and discover what the Bible teaches
about the power of the spoken word to bolster your faith, and praise God, even in tough
circumstances.
GIFT
Leader: Jennifer Schwartzkopf
[email protected]
Meet every other Monday night, 7:30 pm at various locations
We are a small group of women who enjoy spending time together on various studies such as ‘Too
Busy Not to Pray’ by Bill Hybels and ‘Ask It’ by Andy Stanley. We also have a substantial portion
of time dedicated to sharing prayer requests and praise reports and praying for each other.
Men of Faith
Leader: Dennis Whitten
[email protected]
Meets every Wednesday night in Annex, 7pm
This group of men meets each week to study a variety of Christian lessons
and participate in numerous service projects.
Bethany Brotherhood
Leader: Brian Galliers
[email protected]
Meets every other Monday at members homes, 7:30pm
Meeting twice a month but with regular email communication, our group is made up of
men young to middle aged men seeking to be challenged and to grow as men of God
through fellowship with other men.
We are currently digging deeper into what it means to step up and live a courageous life
with Stepping Up: A Call to Courageous Living Video Series. Based on his book by the
same title, Dennis Rainey, along with Matt Chandler, Bill Bennett, Tony Dungy, Robert
Lewis, Voddie Baucham, Stu Weber, and others unpack what biblical manhood looks
like and what it means to be a godly, courageous man in today’s world.
JESUS in the GOSPELS
Leader: Donna Ferguson & Karen Kamm
[email protected]
Meet every Tuesday night, 7:00 pm, for 30 weeks
If you’ve completed Disciple 1, you know how important the commitment to a
study group is in remaining faithful to bible reading. Jesus in the Gospels is an
outstanding and thoughtful comparison study of the stories and events of the four gospels. Disciple
1 required. Sign up deadline: August 21. Orientation class: Tuesday, August 30, 7:00 p.m.
Workbook cost: $42 [scholarships available] Length: 30 weeks. [a month shorter than Disciple 1
Christian Believer
Leader: Dennis Whitten
[email protected]; 513-779-4854.
Meets every Tuesday night, 7:00 pm, for 10 weeks, 3 sessions
Have questions about, or not really understand, basic Christian beliefs: believing, grace,
salvation, Holy Spirit, the Trinity, sacraments, resurrection, eternal life, human/divine
nature of Jesus, etc? Daily readings from the Old Testament, New Testament, and
Christian writers throughout history plus group discussions will
help you clarify and understand. While the course is 30 weeks it will be taught in three
10 week segments.
Disciple format, but open to anyone. We will begin on September 6th. Sign up
deadline is Tuesday, August 23rd. Workbook fee: $42 [financial assistance available]
Financial Peace University
Leader: Bob Nothnagel
[email protected]
Will Meet Beginning in JANUARY 2017
We all need a plan for our money. Financial Peace University (FPU) is that plan! It
teaches God's ways of handling money. Through video teaching, class discussions and
interactive small group activities, FPU presents biblical, practical steps to get from where
you are to where you've dreamed you could be. This plan will show you how to get rid of
debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely, and much more! Cost is $93 per
household. Will meet from 9:40-10:40 Sunday Mornings for 9 weeks
Connecting Groups – Fall 2016
Our connecting groups give us a chance to meet others where they are and give us the
opportunity to develop relationships and, ultimately, disciples, much as Jesus did when
he met the woman at the well or the fishermen on their boat. Many of our groups are open to
the community and bringing a friend along is highly encouraged! While most meet at Bethany,
some do meet out in the community.
Is there a cost?
If there are class materials such as a book, each member is responsible to pay for their materials. The price
listed in the description is for the current study, if applicable. If meeting offsite, each participant pays for their
own food or fee. Additionally, some groups might offer optional childcare for a small fee. If you find the cost of
any group to be prohibitive, please contact the small group leader with interest and express your concern.
What about childcare?
Groups that have the green “K” icon offer childcare or are kid friendly groups. Your group leader will provide
additional details prior to your first meeting.
What do the Icons mean?
We offer several groups that are specific to different needs. Look for the icons to locate these specific group
types!
= Men’s Groups
= Women’s Groups
= CoEd Group
=Athletic Group
= Kid Friendly Groups (or childcare provided)
Griefshare
Leader: Elsie Biddle & Dennis Whitten
[email protected]
Meets on Sundays, 6-8pm in Annex, beginning in OCTOBER
GriefShare: A journey from mourning to joy is a faith based program with input from noted
Christian leaders such as Anne Graham Lotz, Joni, Erickson Tada, and many others. It is
designed to provide encouragement and comfort through God’s word. It consists of 13
sessions with 3 key elements: video, group discussion, and personal workbook. Each
session is self-contained, allowing individuals to drop into the program at any time.
Topics covered are: Is this normal? Challenges of Grief, Journey of Grief1 &2, Grief and
your relationships, Why? Guilt and Anger 1& 2, Heaven, & What do I live for Now?
A donation of $20 is requested to cover the cost of the individual journals.
A Time for Prayer Team
Contact: Donna Elmore
[email protected]
Meets on Monday nights, 6pm in rm 108
Open to all, our prayer warriors meet each Monday night to pray for specific requests and
our congregation, community, nation, and world as a whole. Would love to pray, but can’t
make the time. Contact the office to be added to the prayer chain and pray from home.
cAncer Sisters
Leader: Elsie Biddle & Patty Grasty
[email protected]
Meets on quarterly, Tuesday, 7pm. Rm. 108
For the past 10 years, the cANCER support group has helped both the ladies of Bethany
as well as those in the community with their struggles in dealing with cancer and the
resulting treatments. We are a caring and sharing group of sisters, united by our faith in
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We believe in the power of God’s healing love and we
know that with certainty and without fear that God with heal us either here or in His
kingdom. We share a time of collective as well as individual prayer, plus a devotion and
time of fellowship at each meeting. We have helped a cANCER support group form in
Alabama and provide for the needs of each other in between meetings, from comforting
gifts to hospital visits.
United Methodist Women (UMW)
Leader: Karen Siegmann
[email protected]
Meets in Fellowship Hall, Noon, 3rd Wednesday of Month
A celebrated ministry of The United Methodist Church, UMW is a supportive, inclusive
Christian membership organization where women grow spiritually, develop as leaders,
and serve and work to create a world in which all women, children and youth thrive.
Bethany UMW organizes and runs the Spring Rummage Sale and Fall Bazaar to
fundraise and give to various community and national missions. Each meeting involves
lunch, fellowship, and lessons.
Let’s Do Lunch
Contact: Linda Infalvi
[email protected]
2nd Thursday each month
This group of all ages meets the second Thursday of each month at Bethany to carpool to
a local eatery for lunch and fellowship.
MOPS & MOMSnext
Coordinator: Laura Gregg
[email protected]
Meets in Fellowship Hall, 1st Monday, 6:30-8pm
MOPS/MOMSnext is an international organization dedicated to mothers supporting
each other and their spiritual and emotional needs. It is open to expectant mothers
through moms of school age children. Centered around food, a lesson, fellowship, and
a craft, each meeting allows moms recharge and share with one another while their
children are engaged in Bible-based activities. Our theme this year is Starry Eyed:
embracing the light AND the dark. http://www.mops.org/groups/http--wwwmopsorggroups-bethanyumchurch
Men’s Basketball
Leader: Mark Clippinger
[email protected]
Meets in FLC, 8:15pm Sundays, Oct-May
This group meets for an hour and a half of semi-competitive pick-up basketball and
devotional time.
S.N.A.I.L.s
Leader: David Stephens
[email protected]
Meets in FLC, 9-11am, Monday & Friday, Oct-May
Senior “Natural” Athletes with Injured Limbs (SNAILs) is open to any man who wants
to have FUN while getting some good EXCERCISE by playing hoops. We are
mutually affirming and encouraging while playing shooting games and enjoying team
competition. Wives often come out and walk together, in fact, anyone who is looking
for a place to walk or exercise is also welcomed to make use of the FLC. We end our
time together by praying for our families and others.