ADULT LEARNING
ADULT LEARNING
A Place for You
Courses Support Groups Recovery Groups Study Groups Sunday School
AHUMC is committed to offering a wide array of opportunities for education and encouragement. The number of studies and groups that are available can even be a little overwhelming—so please let us help!
Beginning with Sunday mornings, AHUMC offers a number of different staff-led courses throughout the week. All of our courses are available for free to anyone who is interested. The only exception being that some courses do require the purchase of a book—and even that shouldn’t be an obstacle to participation as scholarship assistance is available. We hope you will consider joining at least one of the courses listed below.
If you have any questions or need any further information, please submit the form below
Common Space:
A Sunday Morning Dialogue
LEADERS: | Chris Estus, Ryan Jacobson, Darrell Smith |
DAY: | Sundays - beginning Sept. 10 |
TIME: | 11 a.m. |
LOCATION: | W100 / 101 |
Join pastors Chris Estus, Ryan Jacobson, and Darrell Smith for a weekly dialogue and exploration of the biblical stories—both the ones you know and love, and the ones that seem to confound and confuse. This is not a lecture or a book study. There is no homework or assigned reading. This is an active and participatory conversation. We will get to know each other and learn together as we wrestle with the questions that exist on the tips of our tongues and in the depths of our hearts.
Signs and Wonders: A Beginner's Guide to the Miracles of Jesus
LEADER: | Donna Strieb |
DAY: | Tuesdays - beginning Sept. 12 |
TIME: | 10 a.m. |
LOCATION: | W100 / 101 |
Pastor Donna Strieb will lead this exploration of the miracles of Jesus in their historical and theological context. For each miracle, we will discus not only how past witnesses would have understood the events, but also how today’s readers can draw meaning from Jesus’s words and actions. Using Amy-Jill Levine's book we will examine:
The Very Good Gospel: How Everything Wrong Can Be Made Right
LEADER: | Ryan Jacobson |
DAY: | Tuesdays - beginning Sept. 12 |
TIME: | 12 p.m. |
LOCATION: | AHUMC Parlor |
Despite our anxious minds, divisions, and despite threats of violence, God’s vision of shalom remains: wholeness for a fragmented world. It is the vision set forth in the Garden and the restoration desired for every broken relationship. Shalom is the “very good” in the gospel.
Through careful exploration of the biblical text, particularly the first three chapters of Genesis, Rev. Ryan Jacobson will lead this study of Lisa Sharon Harper's work The Very Good Gospel. Together, we will discover what shalom can look like today.
Childcare is available by reservation.
Lunch is available for purchase from Chefs Colin Bryant and Kaitlin Workman of Mission Bell.
Common Space:
A Lunchtime Dialogue
LEADERS: | Chris Estus, Ryan Jacobson, Darrell Smith |
DAY: | Wednesdays - resuming Sept. 13 |
TIME: | 12 p.m. |
LOCATION: | AHUMC Parlor |
Join pastors Chris Estus, Ryan Jacobson, and Darrell Smith for a weekly dialogue and exploration of the biblical stories—both the ones you know and love, and the ones that seem to confound and confuse. This is not a lecture or a book study. There is no homework or assigned reading. This is an active and participatory conversation. We will get to know each other and learn together as we wrestle with the questions that exist on the tips of our tongues and in the depths of our hearts.
Lunch is available for purchase from Chefs Colin Bryant and Kaitlin Workman of Mission Bell.
Community Yoga:
Flow & Restore
LEADER: | Dave Williams |
DAY: | Wednesdays - beginning Sept. 13 |
TIME: | 5:30 p.m. |
LOCATION: | CLC |
Whether you have practiced Yoga for years or are looking to try something new, join us for this free weekly hour with Black Swan-licensed instructor, Dave Williams. Beginning September 13, we will meet for 7 weeks of warm-up, restorative flow, and cool down in the CLC at AHUMC. The space is carpeted so please feel free to bring your own mat or towel and a water bottle.
Childcare is available by reservation and dinner is available for purchase from Chefs Colin Bryant and Kaitlin Workman of Mission Bell.
The Good and Beautiful God:
Falling in Love With the God Jesus Knows
LEADERS: | Jason Adams and Janet Weatherston |
DAY: | Wednesdays - beginning Sept. 13 |
TIME: | 6:00 p.m. |
LOCATION: | AHUMC Parlor |
We all have ideas that we tell ourselves about God. Some are true―but many are false. Those ideas can shape not only who we are, but how we live. In his book, The Good and Beautiful God, Theologian and author James Bryan Smith declares the most important thing about a person is what they think about God.
Senior Pastor Jason Adams and Outreach Pastor Janet Weatherston invite you to put your ideas to the test to see if they match up with what Jesus revealed about God. Together, we will journey through a process of spiritual formation that includes specific activities aimed at making the good and beautiful God real in our body and soul as well as our mind.
Childcare is available by reservation and dinner is available for purchase from Chefs Colin Bryant and Kaitlin Workman of Mission Bell.
Done With the Crying: Help and Healing for Parents of Estranged Adult Children
LEADER: | Linda Baumheckel |
DAY: | Wednesdays - beginning Sept. 13 |
TIME: | 6:30 p.m. |
LOCATION: | E223 The Map Room |
Rev. Linda Baumheckel will lead this dialogue that seeks to help parents break free from emotional pain—and move forward in their own lives.
Utilizing Sheri McGregor's book, Done With The Crying, the latest research, and insight from more than 9,000 parents of estranged adult children, we will learn how to plan ahead, prepare for emotional triggers, and prevail over setbacks and pain.
In this encouraging and comprehensive 8-week dialogue, we will cover the phenomenon of estranged adult children from families who never expected a son or daughter to cut ties and walk away. Gain understanding and practical help while learning that hope can remain. We don't have to stay stalled, forever waiting. We can move past the disbelief and distress. Take charge. Reclaim ourselves and our lives.
Childcare is available by reservation during the meal and Wednesday evening courses and activities.
Each week, Chefs Colin Bryant and Kaitlin Workman will offer “specials” as well as the entire Mission Bell menu featuring both vegan and gluten-free options just in case you need to change things up😬.
Community Dinner
WEEKLY SPECIAL: | View Menu |
DAY: | Wednesdays - beginning Sept. 13 |
TIME: | 5 - 7 p.m. |
LOCATION: | AHUMC Atrium |
Join us for this time of connection and, hopefully, convenience—as we share the table together on Wednesday evenings. Whether you are going to one of our Wednesday evening courses, Taizé Worship, choir practice, or you just want someone else to do the cooking and cleaning, we hope to see you!
Childcare is available by reservation during the meal and Wednesday evening courses and activities.
Each week, Chefs Colin Bryant and Kaitlin Workman will offer “specials” as well as the entire Mission Bell menu featuring both vegan and gluten-free options just in case you need to change things up😬.
Alzheimer's Care
LEADER: | Jim Beach |
DAY: | Thursdays |
TIME: | 10:30 a.m. |
LOCATION: | S107 & W100/101 |
The Alzheimer's Association is sponsoring in-person sessions for caregivers who are caring for someone in the early stages of the Alzheimer's disease as well as individuals with the disease. There are separate meetings with trained facilitators for caregivers and individuals with the disease. For more information, please call the Alzheimer's Association at 210-822-6449.
National Alliance for Mental Illness
LEADER: | Ed Dickey |
DAY: | 3rd Thursdays |
TIME: | 9 a.m. & 7 p.m. |
LOCATION: | W105 |
This group is for those who are dealing with loved ones with mental illness. Members learn how to advocate for those with mental illness as well as to care for themselves. No cost. For 9 a.m. ZOOM information and questions, call 210-602-2483.
YOPD Support Group
LEADER: | Diane Renz |
DAY: | 3rd Saturdays |
TIME: | 10 a.m. |
LOCATION: | W100 / 101 |
Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease occurs in people age 50 or younger and affects less than ten percent of the one million people with Parkinson’s in the U.S. Our group meets the third Saturday of each month in room the Seminar Room W100/101. Guest speakers are invited to share information about how to live healthier and more active lives on our journey with Parkinson’s. If you are interested in learning more, please join us.
Grief Support Group for Men
LEADER: | Celeste Miller |
DAY: | Mondays |
TIME: | 1 - 2:30 p.m. |
LOCATION: | W100 / 101 |
Facilitated by Celeste Miller, Bereavement Coordinator at Porter Loring Mortuary, this group of men 65 and older, invite you to join them for support and fellowship as you grieve the loss of your wife. This ongoing group will focus on the different characteristics grieving men share, including, coping with loneliness. It is a place to honor your wife while moving towards a renewed and meaningful life. For more information, call 210-227-8221.
Grief Support Group for Women
LEADER: | Darwin Huartson |
DAY: | Mondays |
TIME: | 10 - 11:30 a.m. |
LOCATION: | W100 / 101 |
Facilitated by Darwin Huartson M.Div., BCC., this group is open to women 60 and older who have lost a husband and would like to join with other women in a journey of sharing, comfort and healing. “Women in Grief” will provide you a safe place to explore the roots of your grief, learn ways to express and cope with it, and move on to a more refreshed and renewed life when you are ready. For more information, call 210-227-8221.
Forever Loved Grief Support
LEADER: | Celeste Miller |
DAY: | Tuesdays |
TIME: | 7 - 8:30 p.m. |
LOCATION: | AHUMC Parlor |
A very special group for parents who have lost a child of any age (child or adult). It is an open group welcoming any parent seeking support through this tender and powerful time. Members of the group work hard to honor their sorrow, and at the same time discover hope and meaning in their lives. For more information, call 210-227-8221.
Community Dinner
DAY: | Wednesdays |
TIME: | 5 - 7 p.m. |
LOCATION: | AHUMC Atrium & Parlor |
Join us for this time of connection and, hopefully, convenience—as we share the table together on Wednesday evenings.
Whether you are going to one of our Wednesday evening courses, Taizé Worship, choir practice, or you just want someone else to do the cooking and cleaning, we hope to see you!
Each week, Chefs Colin Bryant and Kaitlin Workman will offer a “special” dinner plate at $10 for adults and $5 for children. They will also offer the entire Mission Bell menu featuring both vegan and gluten-free options just in case you need to change things up😬.
Childcare is available by reservation during both the meal and Wednesday evening courses and activities.
The Foundry
DAY: | Tuesdays |
TIME: | 6:30-8:15 p.m. |
LOCATION: | Spring 2023 - University UMC |
The Foundry is a ministry of young adults creating belonging for one another to share their stories and lives with each other, grow in knowledge and love of God and neighbor, and follow their call to Kingdom work in our community and churches.
Join us for one of our bi-weekly Community Nights on Tuesdays. Dinner is at 6:30 p.m. and is followed by worship and conversation.
Makairos Community
DAY: | Saturdays |
TIME: | 7:00-8:30 p.m. |
LOCATION: | Northern Hills UMC |
This young adult gathering is for people ages 19-39.
The Makairos Community is based on accepting our role as blessed children of God and learning how to live out our faith together. Any relational status is welcome to join as well as anyone with children.
We meet each Saturday at 7 p.m. in the Children's Annex 1 of NHUMC's 1604 campus.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Adult Children of Alcoholics / Dysfunctional Families
This weekly meeting is for the adult children of an alcoholic parent or a dysfunctional family.
GROUP | DAY | TIME | LOCATION |
---|---|---|---|
ACADF | Thursdays | 6:30 p.m. | W104 |
Debtors Anonymous
Debtors Anonymous offers hope for people whose use of unsecured debt causes problems and suffering in their lives and the lives of others.
GROUP | DAY | TIME | LOCATION |
---|---|---|---|
Clarity Group | Sundays | 5 p.m. | ZOOM |
The Pioneer Group
Recovery International
Helping people learn to identify and manage negative thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and behaviors that can lead to emotional distress and related physical symptoms.
GROUP | DAY | TIME | LOCATION |
---|---|---|---|
Mental Health Self-Help | Tuesdays | 10 a.m. | ZOOM |
Sexaholics Anonymous
Sexaholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope to solve their common problem and help others to recover from addiction to lust, pornography and sexual acting out.
GROUP | DAY | TIME | LOCATION |
---|---|---|---|
SA Group 1 | Mondays | 12 p.m. | W105 |
SA Group 2 | Wednesdays | 6:30 p.m. | W105 |
SA Group 3 | Thursdays | 12 p.m. | W105 |
SA Group 4 | Fridays | 12 p.m. | W105 |
Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
This group is open to anyone seeking sobriety and recovery from sex and love addiction.
GROUP | DAY | TIME | LOCATION |
---|---|---|---|
SLAA | Tuesdays | 6:30 p.m. | W105 |
Thirsty Girls
LEADER: | Martha Krenz, Barbara Steed |
DAY: | Wednesdays |
TIME: | 9:30-11:30 a.m. |
LOCATION: | W105 |
A vibrant group of women who actively integrate faith into their daily lives.
Men's Bible Study
LEADER: | varies |
DAY: | Thursdays |
TIME: | 10 a.m. |
LOCATION: | W104 |
This group was formed in 1982 to offer men an opportunity for Bible study and fellowship in an informal setting. Each session begins with a brief time of sharing and prayer followed by in-depth study and discussion. This spring begins a new study on Reading Biblical Literature.
This study is available both in-person and via ZOOM.
Sisters in Spirit
LEADER: | Suzy Brysacz |
DAY: | Thursdays |
TIME: | 9:30-11:30 a.m. |
LOCATION: | E223 |
A scripture-based Bible study for women aged 30-50.
Heart & Mind
LEADER: | Rev. Bob Price |
TIME: | 9:45 a.m. |
LOCATION: | E223 |
This class will explore the contextual depths of the scripture in pursuit of deeper meaning and clearer understanding. If you have ever wanted to ask those tough questions about the Bible, this class is a great opportunity to do just that. Rev. Price is a talented teacher and a gift to our community. We are thrilled to offer his teaching to our community.
Koinonia
LEADER: | Valerie Slade |
TIME: | 9:45 a.m. |
LOCATION: | W105 |
We generally study the scriptures and inspirational books centered around biblical principles. We support each other through life issues such as dealing with young adult children and aging parents. Our class engages in group discussions and no preparation is needed prior to coming to class. Just be who you are!
New Covenant
LEADER: | Heather Miller |
TIME: | 9:45 a.m. |
LOCATION: | E126 |
This class does short term studies that center around the Bible as it relates to contemporary issues, developing relationships and developing families. We are made up of couples with children ranging from junior high to young adults. Participant age range is 45+.
Adult Seminar
LEADER: | Darryl Richards |
TIME: | 9:45 a.m. |
LOCATION: | E224 |
Looking for something different? This small group of mainly senior adults enjoys free discussion on subjects of a contemporary nature with the purpose of facilitating their Christian faith and its daily expression.
Seekers
LEADER: | Carolyn Lay |
TIME: | 9:45 a.m. |
LOCATION: | W100 / 101 |
This Class seeks spiritual truth and life-application biblical wisdom utilizing Bible Study material for both the Old and New Testaments as well as Studies written by various contemporary Christian authors. We also emphasize Christian Fellowship as well as Service Projects and Outreach. Participant age range is typically 60+.
Believers
LEADER: | Hugh Boyd |
TIME: | 9:45 a.m. |
LOCATION: | W104 |
Comprised of married and single adults, the class focuses on selected books of the Bible and related issues. Subjects are facilitated by a leader and actively discussed by members. The sharing of related personal experiences is encouraged. Classes also include socializing, prayer, sharing of joys and concerns and occasional gatherings for fellowship.
THE NEW HAPPY on "Curiosity"
We think that the best thing we can do is have all of the answers.
But what would it look like if we were more interested in the questions?
Try using one of these phrases to tap into the curiousity and humility of the beginner's mind:
We cannot do life alone.
God is relationship and we come from God. We live within community—we need it and it needs us.