Posted by fumcbelmontadmin on July 22, 2021September 1, 2026

**Fall 2026 – ALL IN – Adult Small Groups**

Classes begin the week of September 13. Number of weeks vary depending on the class.

Childcare may be available for these groups based on interest and advance registration. Please contact Jennifer Martin, jennifer@fumcbelmont.org, as soon as possible if you will need childcare.

Sunday, 12:30 pm Twice a Month | The Emotionally Healthy Woman

Are you a woman who is working, caring for children and adult parents, feeling overwhelmed by life’s responsibilities? This group will meet for a light lunch, share life together, and participate in this eight week study “The Emotionally Healthy Woman.” It will provided a more authentic and less superficial spirituality; it is for every woman who wants to find emotional health and the true purpose for her life. Led by Patty Hayward and Emily Lyons

Monday, 6:30 p.m. | The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work
Drawing on decades of research, internationally known psychologist John Gottman offers practical tools to help couples deepen friendship, manage conflict, and build a stronger, more lasting marriage. Seven week class led by Leigh and Michael Nance

Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. | DISCIPLE Bible Study
Take a 30-week journey through the Old and New Testaments, discovering the Bible’s sweeping story and how it shapes our lives as followers of Jesus. No previous Bible study experience is necessary. 30 week class led by Pastor George and Catherine Ragsdale

Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. | Building Beloved Community
Using a timely new resource from the United Methodist Council of Bishops, this group will explore how Christians can practice courageous love, resist division, and help build communities in which every person is seen and valued. Six week class led by Kim Ingram and Janet Jones

Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. | Engage Men’s Group | Beginning September 23rd

John Wesley said “The gospel of Christ knows of no religion, but social; no holiness but social holiness” and he promoted Classes or Band groups. This Engage group will explore some Scripture and reflect on how they have walked with God and others that week. Through reflection, listening, and prayer this group will grow spiritually and relationally. Class led by Matt Gillespie

Thursday, 11:00 a.m. | The Shape of Living
How can we live faithfully when life feels hurried, demanding, and overwhelming? Drawing from David Ford’s classic spiritual text, this group will explore wise, practical guidance for finding spiritual direction and shaping a life of deeper purpose. Eight week class led by Pastor Ellen

Register for small groups here.

Adult Sunday School Options:

Marriage (taking the place of Disciple): The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work
Drawing on decades of research, internationally known psychologist John Gottman offers practical tools to help couples deepen friendship, manage conflict, and build a stronger, more lasting marriage. Located in room 503. Led by Jennifer and Brandon Martin

Route 66: Perfectly Flawed: How God Transforms Our Weakness Into Strengths by Lisa Toney:

Beginning Sunday September 13th. We are all flawed but God can turn our weaknesses into strengths. Focusing on the apostle Peter’s passions and imperfections the author walks you through how this flawed disciple lives out his calling to lead people to Christ. Located in room 304. Led by a team of people.

Salt and Light Fellowship:

This class is different from a traditional study. They begin with a Scripture devotional and reflection, then move into talking about their week and how God has moved in their lives. Located in the Narthex Meeting Room. Led by Stephanie Beaty

Wanderers:

Currently they are utilizing the book Yes, Lord, I Have Sinned; but I Have Several Excellent Excuses by James Moore. It challenges readers to recognize when we make excuses and to grow beyond them. Located in Room 502. Led by Patty Hayward, Rev. Larry Kimel, Danny Laboone, and John Tria.

Previous Studies:

Lent 2026 Adult Small Groups

February 25th – April 1st, 2026

“What Makes a Hero?” by Matt Rawle It will coincide with the youth small group study. Rawle looks at culture’s definition of a hero versus God’s. Learn how Jesus turned the concept of hero on its head. We will examine how good vs. evil, right vs. wrong, and overcoming adversity are at the core to how we as Christians understand salvation. Led by Danielle Preisach and Barbara Lange

Kate Bowler’s “Life Together Apart: While it was Yet Dark” (No book) Learn practices that will help you to find hope in the midst of uncertainty. In life we have limited agency, interdependence, hope, community, and joy—the very things we need to sustain us in the midst of uncertainty and fear. Led by Doreen Collins

Pastor George’s study “The Cross and Us: A Lenten study.” (No book) Our worship services will explore five different ways Christians have understood what Jesus accomplished on the cross—from Christ’s victory over evil to how his life transforms ours. Want to go deeper? Join us for a 5-week small group where we’ll study the same scriptures, ask hard questions together, and discover what the cross means for our daily lives. No theological background needed—just bring your questions and an open heart.

Fall 2025 Adult Small Groups

Sign Up for our Fall Small Group based on Howard Thurman’s book “Jesus and the Disinherited.” There will be two options for this study, Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. and Thursday at 11 a.m. The Wednesday group will be led by Tony Wilson and the Thursday group will be led by Doreen Collins. It will run from September 17/18- October 22/23.

Please sign up so we can contact you about the location of the class. Contact Doreen Collins for more information: doreen@fumcbelmont.org.

Stories to Live By Small Group: once a month small group that meets on Sunday evening. Led by Pastor George. The topic is “Exploring Spiritual Memoirs.” Email George to sign up: george@fumcbelmont.org

Engage Small Groups: This fall would you like to sharpen your spiritual practices and spend time reflecting on your week? This is a four-week small group of 4-5 people, it begins Tuesday October 7th at 6:30 p.m. Sign up here.

Reading Women: book group for women who like to read a variety of topics. They meet on Zoom the second Tuesday of each month October through May. Contact Ellen to sign up ellen@fumcbelmont.org

Summer 2025 Adult Small Group

Summer Small Group on the Psalms

Join this small group and study some of the Psalms and how it applies to our lives today. The group will meet on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. beginning June 17th going through July 29th; no class will be held the week of July 1st due to the holiday.

We will be using “Psalms: Prayers of the Heart” book by Eugene Peterson. This study will coincide with Pastor George’s sermon series. There is an option for an evening study if there is enough interest.