Adult Education

At Missouri United Methodist Church, we seek to form and uplift the well-rounded disciple of Jesus Christ. A well-rounded disciple balances a life of faith through five practices: Worship, Prayer, Learning, Service, and Giving. Through these five practices, individuals and groups are able to grow in Christian discipleship that will guide daily living. For more information about the many opportunities in adult discipleship, please download our Adult Ministry Opportunities Fall 2012 booklet.

Adult Small Groups: Sunday Mornings

Adult Bible Study
Sundays @ 10-10:50 a.m. in CLC 107-109
The Adult Bible Study class ranging from young professionals through seasoned retirees share a passion for the Scriptures. Class opens with shared prayer concerns then moves into reading and discussion of the Scriptures looking both at the Biblical context and the application of Scripture to our own lives as Christians. Besides the Bible we use the Uniform Series for study. We also do local mission on several Saturdays such as Wardrobe and feeding the homeless. Sometimes we gather for lunch during the week at a downtown restaurant. We support each other with prayer, a card ministry, e-mail check in and carry in meals during times of major illness.
Leader: Julia Goodell, 875-1028, cf7cf7@gmail.com

Covenant Class
Sundays @ 10-10:50 a.m. in CLC 108
A class for those looking to dive a bit deeper into some of the central themes of our Christian faith, the Covenant Class takes on topics such as forgiveness, the life of Jesus, the parables, etc. While each topic is studied for several weeks, this class is designed such that people can enter in at any time and feel welcome and up-to-speed.
Leader: Bruce Miles, Bmiles1947@aol.com

Emerging…
Sundays @ 10-10:50 a.m. in CLC 106
The Emerging… class is all about experiencing the teachings of Jesus is a fresh way – inviting you to search, question, and dialogue about faith and what matters most in life. Using a thought-provoking DVD, discussion and Bible study in this class, those teachings will become more relevant to daily life. Each class stands alone week to week – visitors are more than welcome.
Leader: Susan Matthews, sevansmatthews@gmail.com

Faithful Friends
Sundays @ 10-10:50 a.m. in CLC 110
This gathering of young adults comes together to dialogue over faith and current issues related to faith. Informal discussions about applying faith to everyday life occurs frequently. Fellowship is encouraged in and outside of the church including service projects and informal get-togethers. The class format varies from book studies, video series or standalone articles regarding the life of Jesus, developing faith and current issues within the United Methodist Church.
Leaders: Craig Stevenson at casrh6@gmail.com, or Brittney Stevenson at brittneysteve@gmail.com

Power of Connection Adult Class
Sundays @ 10-10:50 a.m. in the Library
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalms 46:10. For thousands of years many religious traditions, including Christianity, have used prayer and meditation as their fundamental techniques to connect with God. Come join us as we as Methodists study and explore different techniques which might be integrated into our own prayer life, thus making our connection with God more personal and more meaningful.
Leader: Sally Burnley at togetherwithdrumming@yahoo.com or 445-5882

Seekers
Sundays @ 10-10:50 a.m. in Room 302
Seekers Class is an adult Sunday School class designed to examine and discuss the Bible as well as current social issues. The normal class begins with singing a hymn, sharing joys and concerns and followed by a prepared lesson. Subjects for the coming fall classes will include a series on forgiveness, discussion of the book The Evolution of Faith, a DVD series by Walter Brueggemann on Embracing the Profits in Contemporary Culture, as well as several lessons on DVD by Adam Hamilton. Class participation is encouraged.
Leader: Mark Headley, 441-9065, headley5208@gmail.com

Spark Bible Study
Sundays @ 10-10:50 a.m. in MPR Atrium
This Bible study is designed for college age, young adults, and others who are in search of an introduction to the Bible. Join us as we enter the text to understand the social and historical context, explore Biblical Themes and discuss how the Scripture influences our lives. We will start at the beginning of the Bible exploring the Book of Genesis. Bring your questions and an inquisitive spirit as we look at the text in new ways.
Leader: Rev. Trista Soendker Nicholson, 443-3111, trista@moumc.org

Other Adult Small Groups & Ministries

Spiritual Connections
As each of us looks for meaningful ways to be in connection with God, we often find ourselves drawn to faith practices referred to as Spiritual Disciplines. Spiritual Connections is an opportunity for people to explore various disciplines of the faith in an in-depth and supportive way. One discipline will be offered each trimester.

Spiritual Connections Study
Mondays @ 6:30-8:30 p.m., Sept. 10-Oct. 29 in CLC 106
How is it with your soul? That is a question many of us struggle to answer. Join us on Monday nights at 6:30 to learn and practice the spiritual discipline of self-examination. We will follow a simple yet profound five step process which has been practiced within the Christian church for over 600 years. This class will focus on recognizing gifts and opportunities sent to us by God and our response to God. By examining myself and my responses to God I may gain the insight to know how my soul is doing.
Facilitator: Julia Goodell (875-1028, cf7cf7@gmail.com) and the Spiritual Connections Leadership Team

Spiritual Connections Day of Prayer
Saturday Prayer Retreat @ 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Oct. 13 in Room 407
Join us for a day of prayer as we lift up prayers for our church and community, but also leave room to receive God’s Word. *Participants are invited to come for the day, morning, or afternoon sessions. All day participants should bring a sack lunch.
Leader: Julia Goodell, 875-1028, cf7cf7@gmail.com

Praying the Church Forward
First and Third Mondays @ 12-12:45 p.m. in the Chapel
This is an open group of people who meet during the lunch hour to pray the church forward in deepening its ministries, seeking vision, and growing as a church and Christian presence in the community. All are welcome.

Centering Prayer
Thursdays @ 11 a.m., starting Oct. 25 in the Chapel
Centering Prayer is a method of silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of God’s presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself. Centering Prayer emphasizes prayer as a personal relationship with God and as a movement beyond conversation with Christ to communion with Him.

Service Opportunities
Missouri UMC is a church rich in service opportunities as we reach into our surrounding community and the global community. There are a variety of ways to be in mission and service – through small groups, all-church efforts and individual interest. Some service opportunities include (but are not limited to):
Serve 2012
Festival of Sharing
CROP Hunger Walk
Loaves and Fishes
Buddy Pack Program, Central Missouri Food Bank
PET (Personal Energy Transportation)
Voluntary Action Center
Warm Up Columbia
Angel Tree
Partners in Education
Room at the Inn Homeless Shelter
Mozambique Initiative
Guatemala Medical Missions

United Methodist Women
UMW is a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ, to develop a creative supportive fellowship, and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church. UMW Circles meet monthly for fellowship, service, and learning. Please call the church office at 443-3111 or see www.moumc.org for more information.