Open Registration for classes for 2026-2027 will open soon!
If you are interested in any of our classes, 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 9, 2026
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). Join Pastor Tommy on this journey through the scriptures.
DISCPLE II Fast Track: Into the Word, Into the World
Sundays @ 4:30 pm (main church building & Zoom)
Led by Dr. James Woods
Beginning Sept 15, 2026
This adaption of the original DISCIPLE 2 course is a 24-week study covering four foundational books of the Bible. The first 12 weeks are on Genesis and Exodus, with the second 12 weeks on Luke and Acts. Participants commit to 30-40 minutes of daily reading and weekly group meetings.
It is recommended that participants have taken Disciple 1 before taking this course.
Pastor Courtney’s Study Hour: Conversations with Scripture: The Book of Judges
Wednesdays @ 6:45-8pm, Zoom ONLY
Led by Rev. Courtney Schultz
6 sessions: September 16, 23, 30, and October 7, 21, 28 (note we skip Oct 14).
Join Pastor Courtney for a weekly study hour as she leads several studies throughout the year.
The first study will be Conversations with Scripture: The Book of Judges by Roy L. Heller.
Most of us know Judges as the book with Samson. But as Dr. Roy L. Heller notes in his book, the story is about a great deal more than that — the individual characters throughout Judges stand out for their “irony, pathos, and occasional humor.” Pastor Courtney will lead the class through Heller’s book with each session mixing lecture and discussion. We’ll meet the judges — familiar and unfamiliar — and explore what their stories, in all their strangeness and humanity, might still be saying to us today.
Note: Pastor Courtney’s subsequent studies for 2026-2027 will be (1) an Advent study in December, (2) a study on 1 Corinthians in January/February 2027, and (3) and study TBD in April/May 2027. Those registrations will be announced later. Watch the church newsletter (The Echo) for more details.
Words of Life: Jesus and the Promise of the Ten Commandments
Tuesdays @ 9:30 am in the Hub (Youth Building)
Led by Monty Forrester
Beginning Sept 15, 2026
Nearly everyone has heard of the Ten Commandments, the list of “thou-shalt-nots” found in the Bible. Jesus saw these commandments not as onerous burdens, but as guideposts to help us experience a good and beautiful life.
In this book of Scripture and inspiration, Adam Hamilton brings fresh eyes to the most important set of ethics in history. He considers the commandments in their historical context, considering the meaning of each commandment in Hebrew, unpacking how Jesus reinterpreted them, and showing how every thou-shalt-not was intended to point to a life-giving “thou shalt.” He also explores how the latest research in science and psychology illuminates these commandments, rightly understood, as a way of ordering one’s life beautifully in the present day. In a culture marked by workaholism, materialism, and social media-driven envy, God has given us a time-tested path that leads to gratitude, confidence, and peace.
In this book of Scripture and inspiration, Adam Hamilton brings fresh eyes to the most important set of ethics in history. He considers the commandments in their historical context, considering the meaning of each commandment in Hebrew, unpacking how Jesus reinterpreted them, and showing how every thou-shalt-not was intended to point to a life-giving “thou shalt.” He also explores how the latest research in science and psychology illuminates these commandments, rightly understood, as a way of ordering one’s life beautifully in the present day. In a culture marked by workaholism, materialism, and social media-driven envy, God has given us a time-tested path that leads to gratitude, confidence, and peace.
Note: This class will choose another study and continue meeting after this study ends.
Blessed Journey
1st & 3rd Tuesdays @ 10:00 am, Conference Rm
Led by Roger Smidt
Introductory meeting: TBD
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
The 45 Parables: A Devotional for Skeptics and Believers
Group: Digging Deeper
Wednesdays @ 6:45-8:00 pm
Led by Christie Dickson
Beginning Sept 9, 2026
This devotional book by United Methodist Pastor Andy Nixon encourages readers to discover the ageless teachings of Jesus in a way that connects to the world today. This devotional is open, candid, written not only for devout Christians, but for skeptics, doubters, or anyone who ever felt disconnected from faith. It’s accessible storytelling and spiritual wisdom can help heal, test assumptions, and inspire change. Come experience a fresh grasp of Scripture, a deeper faith, and a personal experience with the timeless voice of Jesus.
NOTE: Pastor Andy Nixon is scheduled to be present at the first meeting of the class on Sept. 9. Join us!
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 Women’s Study Group
Study: Seamless: Understanding the Bible as One Complete Story
Wednesdays @ 10:00-11:30 am (main church building)
Beginning Sept 5, 2026
This 7-session study by Angie Smith covers the people, places, and promises of the Bible, tying them together into the greater story of Scripture. Using maps, general Bible facts, and word studies, discover a biblical context that reshapes and brings to life stories from the Old and New Testaments.
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 is TBD
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 UPDATE: Class moved to WEDNESDAYS @ 7pm
Sundays @ 11:00 am at Melissa UMC
Led by Thomas and Barbara Probst
Beginning Sept 7, 2025 UPDATE: Begins Sept 24.
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. Contact Chad at pastor@melissaumc.com