Registration for classes for 2025-2026 is now open!
We look forward to growing with you in one of our Fall classes!
If you have questions, please contact Scottie Tisdel at stisdel@sharingtheheart.org
Church Map All classes are in the main building of First UMC unless otherwise stated.
DISCIPLE I: Becoming Disciples through Bible Study (main church building & Zoom)
Wednesdays @ 6:30 pm in Dyer Hall & Online
Led by Dr. Tommy Brumett
34 weeks, beginning Sept 3, 2025
We think everyone should take Disciple I at least once! This course moves through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. The first half focuses on the Old Testament and the second half on the New Testament. Participants will read more than 70 percent of the Bible. The Bible readings for each lesson follow the chronological movement of the biblical story. Groups meet weekly for about two hours. Participants commit to personal daily preparation (30-40 minutes) and weekly group meetings (34 weeks).
DISCIPLE II: Into the Word, Into the World (main church building & Zoom)
Sundays @ 5:00 pm
Led by Jason Snyder
24 weeks, beginning Sept 7, 2025
This group study encourages you to hear what God has to say through the Bible and to be guided into your particular ministry and witness in the world. Equal attention is given to the Old and New Testaments, with concentration on four books: Genesis, Exodus, Luke, and Acts. Appropriate connections are made to other parts of the Bible. Group meets weekly for about two hours, with personal daily preparation of 30-40 minutes (24 weeks). Prerequisite: Disciple 1.
Christian Believer (with Spiritual Formation)
Sundays @ 4:30 pm (main church building & Zoom)
Led by Dr. James Woods
Beginning Sept 7, 2025
Christian Believer, part of the Disciple Bible Study program, focuses on classical teachings of the Christian faith—presenting, explaining, and interpreting them in a way that participants can understand, using words, symbols, and hymns. Over a 30-week period, participants will examine the writings of ancient and modern Christian commentators and view video presentations by leading Bible scholars.
Pastor Courtney’s Study Hour
1st Study: Reading John for Dear Life
Mondays @ 7:15 pm by ZOOM only (begins Sept 8)
OR
Wednesdays @ 7:00 pm IN PERSON only (begins Sept 10)
Led by Rev. Courtney Schultz
8 weeks, beginning Sept 8 & 10, 2025
Join Pastor Courtney as she begins a weekly study hour. There are TWO options: via Zoom OR In-person (choose one).
This first study, Reading John for Dear Life by Jaime Clark-Soles, takes you on a spiritually enriching journey deep into the heart of the Gospel of John. Provides historical and literary insights and emphasizes the Gospel’s unique themes and symbols.
The Message of Jesus: Words that changed the world
Tuesdays @ 9:30 am in the Hub (Youth Building)
Led by Monty Forrester
6 weeks, beginning Sept 2, 2025
Study by Adam Hamilton exploring six of the most important themes in Jesus’s teachings, why they matter, and how they speak to us today. Come explore Jesus’s preaching on the Kingdom of God, the Sermon on the Mount, the parables, the “I am” sayings in John, and more.
Note: This class will choose another study and continue meeting after this study ends.
Blessed Journey
Tuesdays @ 10:00 am
Led by Tom Kirwin and Roger Smidt
Introductory meeting: Sept 9, 2025
From the day we were born, we all began a journey from infancy, toddlerhood, childhood, adolescence, adult and into late adulthood. We often get so busy in the early and middle parts of our journey that the middle adulthood quickly becomes late adulthood. Our group comes together to share, learn and help each other navigate these periods and the possible physical, emotional and spiritual changes we may come upon. We will explore the different ways to plan, communicate, support in a way to make this a Blessed Journey, for you, your family and friends.
Questions? Contact Roger Smidt rsmidt@sharingtheheart.org
Luke: Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts, and Outlaws
Group: Digging Deeper
Wednesdays @ 6:45-8:00 pm
Led by Christie Dickson
Beginning Sept 17, 2025
This Adam Hamilton study explores the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus as told in the Gospel of Luke. Through Luke’s stories we find Jesus’ care and compassion for all as he welcomes sinners and outcasts. As we study Luke and see Jesus’ concern for those who were considered unimportant, we hear a hopeful and inspiring word for our lives today.
About Digging Deeper: This is a multigenerational group from diverse theological backgrounds who gather once a week to learn more about Jesus, the Bible, and how Jesus wants us to carry His light into a hurting world. This is a group where faith and doubt can be expressed and explored without judgment. Everyone brings lessons learned, whether they are new to the faith or have walked this path for many years, but no one claims to have all the answers. We choose studies by various authors to guide our study and discussions. We started as a small group of strangers and grew into a family. Each year, we add a few more to our group and by the end of the year, we have a bigger family. We pray, study, laugh, and serve together and we would love to have you join us.
Note: This class will choose another study and continue meeting after this study ends.
Rose Christian Ladies Study Group
Study: John: The Gospel of Light and Love
Wednesdays @ 10:00-11:30 am (main church building)
6 weeks, beginning Sept 3, 2025
This study by Adam Hamilton is on The Gospel of John, the most deeply spiritual of the four gospels. It includes some of the most loved verses in all the Bible: “And the Word became flesh…,” “For God so loved the world…,” “You who are without sin cast the first stone…,” “I am the resurrection and the life…,” “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.”
About the Rose Christian Ladies Bible Study group: We are a fun -loving group of women who enjoy our class discussions and our shared experiences. We also are dedicated to helping others. We have participated in feeding our unsheltered population, organizing school supply kits for Caldwell Elementary students and giving back to other church missions! Come and join us for Christian fellowship and fun. Questions? Contact Donna Wenger, dnnwenger@gmail.com
Note: This class will choose another study and continue meeting after this study ends.
Open Hearts Women’s Group
Wednesdays @ 9:30-11:00 am (The Hub youth building)
Group: Open Hearts Women’s Group
The group’s first study for the year will cover Science and the Creation Story, and will be led by First UMC member Robert Froehlich.
About the Open Hearts Study Group: A group of women living out love of God and neighbor inclusively with questioning and exploring as expressions of serious faithfulness in examining life and faith. Questions? Contact Patti Churner, pathedy@gmail.com,
Note: This class will choose another study and continue meeting after this study ends.
The Divine Feminine in Biblical Wisdom Literature and The Meaning of Mary Magdalene
Group: Christlike Mindfulness
Sundays @ 11:00 am in Room B205
Led by Dr. Andrew Clifford and Roger Smidt
Beginning mid-September 2025
This class is offered through First UMC’s Center for Transformative Prayer. For more information, contact Roger Smidt at rsmidt@sharingtheheart.org
(Note: This class will be using two books.)
Moment by Moment: A Retreat in Everyday Life
Spiritual Exercises and Examen Prayer
Wednesdays @ 7:15 pm in Room B205
Led by Dr. Andrew Clifford and Roger Smidt
Beginning Sept 10, 2025
Moment by Moment is a 34-week adventure in Everyday Life with Universal Christ. Study will use the books Moment by Moment by Carol Ann Smith, and Reimagining the Ignatian Examen by Mark E. Thibodeaux. For more information, contact Roger Smidt at rsmidt@sharingtheheart.org
This class is offered through First UMC’s Center for Transformative Prayer. For more information, contact Roger Smidt at rsmidt@sharingtheheart.org
Scouting the Divine (Women’s Study)
Wednesdays @ 7:00 pm at Melissa UMC
Led by Suzanne Taylor
Beginning Sept 10, 2025
Scouting the Divine by Margaret Feinberg is an invitation to the adventure of a lifetime – exploring how ancient livelihoods show us meaningful truths that apply to life today. Join her on a journey full of humor and vulnerability as you discover new ways of reading scripture and uncovering the magnificence of God.
Questions? Contact Suzanne Taylor at suzanne@melissaumc.com
Confirmation for Grown Ups
Sundays @ 11:00 am at Melissa UMC
Led by Dr. Chad McSwain
Beginning Sept 7, 2025
Would you like to learn more about the United Methodist Church? Join Dr. Chad McSwain, Lead Pastor at Melissa UMC, to explore what it means to be a United Methodist. Questions? Contact Chad at pastor@melissaumc.com
Financial Peace University
Sundays @ 11:00 am at Melissa UMC
Led by Thomas and Barbara Probst
Beginning Sept 7, 2025
This is a 9-week class by Dave Ramsey – a comprehensive financial education program designed to help you create a play for getting out of debt, managing money, and building wealth.