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!
The Four Gospel Journey
for Radical Transformation
LEADERS: | Chris Estus, Ryan Jacobson, Darrell Smith |
DAY: | Sundays - resuming January 8 |
TIME: | 11 a.m. |
LOCATION: | W100 / 101 |
Did you know that one of the ways early Christians understood the four Gospels was as the four paths of an epic journey?
Past participants have described this journey as communal, experiential, and deeply spiritual.
Common Space:
A Lunchtime Dialogue
LEADERS: | Chris Estus, Ryan Jacobson, Darrell Smith |
DAY: | Wednesdays - resuming January 18 |
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 Chef Colin Bryant and Mission Bell.
Luke: Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts, and Outlaws
LEADER: | Donna Strieb |
DAY: | Tuesdays - beginning January 24 |
TIME: | 10 a.m. |
LOCATION: | W100 / 101 |
Jesus came to lift up the lowly. In the Gospel of Luke, a first-century portrait of Jesus, we find stories of Jesus' ministry with ordinary, unexpected people. They weren't perfect. Many of them were struggling and didn't have their acts together. Some of them were outsiders or even outlaws. Whoever they were, Jesus brought the good news of God's kingdom to those who most needed to hear it.
Join Donna Strieb for this journey through Adam Hamilton's newest book Luke: Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts, and Outlaws in this exploration of the life of Jesus and the care and compassion he lived for those who were considered unimportant.
Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World
LEADER: | Janet Weatherston |
DAY: | Wednesdays - beginning March 22 |
TIME: | 6 p.m. |
LOCATION: | AHUMC Parlor |
Can a simple concept shift your entire world? What if loving our neighbors looked less like having the "right answers" and more like showing up? Is it even possible to shamelessly show love and grace to those around you?
When love does, life gets interesting.
Using Bob Goff’s best-selling book Love Does, pastor Janet Weatherston will explore these questions and facilitate a dialogue of practical steps anyone can take to:
Childcare is available by reservation and dinner is available for purchase from Chefs Colin Bryant and Kaitlin Workman of Mission Bell.
Women's Ministry:
Good Boundaries and Goodbyes
LEADERS: | Priscilla MacDougall, Joanie Thames |
DAY: | Wednesdays - beginning April 12 |
TIME: | 6 p.m. |
LOCATION: | S107 |
Join retired UMC pastor Rev. Priscilla MacDougall and Stephen Minister Joanie Thames in a dialogue that will wrestle with these hard questions we all face in the midst of relational struggles. Using Lysa TerKeurst's book Good Boundaries and Goodbyes, we will learn:
Childcare is available by reservation and dinner is available for purchase from Chefs Colin Bryant and Kaitlin Workman of Mission Bell.
Community Dinner
WEEKLY SPECIAL: | View Menu |
DAY: | Wednesdays - beginning January 18 |
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!
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. As always, all are welcome.
Alzheimer's Care
LEADER: | Jim Beach |
DAY: | Thursdays |
TIME: | 10:30 a.m. |
LOCATION: | S107 & W103 |
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 |
Beginning Saturday, April 15, 2023, this new 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.
Our first gathering will be Saturday, April 15 in the Children's Annex 1 of NHUMC's 1604 campus. We will get to know each other and play some board games.
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: | Jack Maguire |
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 "How We Change"
Octavia Butler wrote, “Kindness eases change.” If we look at our transformations from a kinder perspective, it becomes quite clear: there’s no straight and easy path.
Here's what change really looks like: having flashes of insight, forgetting what you just learned, struggling to practice, being tested in challenging circumstances, feeling like you’re taking a massive step back, and wondering what you’re missing.
You might beat yourself up for this, believing that there is something wrong with you and the way you're approaching your goals. But there’s nothing wrong with you. This is just how it works. It’s how we change, through attempts and setbacks and re-learning. The process in and of itself can be a great and powerful teacher, if we acknowledge it and embrace it for the natural, beautiful unfolding of our growth that it is.
Embracing it is the kindest option, because the journey of change never ends: life continually gives us new chances to extend and deepen our character, to grow as people in the direction that is deeply meaningful to us.
As Rilke said, "The purpose of life is to be defeated by greater and greater things." Once this change is embodied, you dust yourself off and move on to the next one, seeking to express your goodness in greater and greater ways.
LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN HELP
We cannot do life alone.
God is relationship and we come from God. We live within community—we need it and it needs us.