“People grow better in circles than they do in rows.”
JOIN OUR SMALL GROUPS!
Memorial UMC does have a traditional service schedule, but Memorial is more than scheduled church services. We are a community of people living life together, helping one another, caring for each other, and serving our community along side one another. Every week or month, people come together to learn about God, pray, eat, laugh, and live…TOGETHER. We call these Small Groups—and they’re the heart of our church.
No matter where you are in life, it is within these small groups that we make new friends, grow deeper in our relationship with God, and practice applying the gospel to our lives, our community, and the world.
Small Groups
- WHO: All adult
- WHEN: Sundays at 9:30 am (Sept. through June)
- WHERE: Parlor
- LEADER: Rev. David Chase & Bob Kelly
- FOCUS: “First Corinthians: One in Christ” by Robert A. Bryant (published by The Kerygma Program)
Bob Kelly and Dave Chase lead the Adult Class at 9:30am for an hour every Sunday morning between the two worship services. We use excellent guide books by the Kerygma Program which cover the books of the Bible, Biblical themes, and Christian topics. There is always much more material than can be covered in an hour, especially with lively attendees, so it usually takes two or three classes to cover a guide book chapter or topic. We take a moderate measured pace to best absorb each lesson.
In most every class we discover new insights, key historical material, and ways to make the ancient ways relevant to today. Mostly, however, it is revealing that people back then are basically the same as us, just in a different context. We have times of laughter, times of pensive thought, times of encouragement, and times of gratefulness for what we have received. Please come join us when you can for a refreshing involvement with folks who want to learn, share, and grow together spiritually.
For more info, contact Rev. David Chase or Bob Kelly via the contact form.
A seasonal group study offers participants a chance to study more deeply a particular portion of Scripture, or a theme found within, through small group meetings. Each seasonal group study has a unique subject material and length.
Advent Bible Study (Dec. 7, 2024 to Jan. 13, 2025)
- WHO: All adult
- WHEN: Saturdays (Dec. 7 – Jan. 11, 2025) at 10:30 am & Mondays (Dec. 9 – Jan. 13, 2025) at 7 pm
- WHERE: Parlor & Zoom
- SHARED LEADERSHIP: Laura Gorden, Diane Hornaday, Christine Calandriello
- FOCUS: “In Days to Come: From Advent to Epiphany” by George H. Donigian
Tired of Christmas coming and going too quickly? Want to recover the full meaning of the birth of Jesus? Please join us for a six-week Advent Bible Study!
Many people end their celebration of Christmas on December 25, but George Donigian reminds us that the celebration is only beginning. Donigian offers meditations that begin with Advent and continue through Epiphany (January 6), also known as the 12th night of Christmas.
Like the surprises of an Advent calendar, the meditations touch on many subjects. Some topics include “An Editor,” “A Counting Song,” “Prudence,” and “Chrismons.” Instead of putting away your nativity scenes and other Christmas decorations on December 25, celebrate all the days to come.
In Days to Come offers devotional meditations based on a merger of several Christmas traditions: Advent calendars, ancient Advent prayers known as the “O Antiphons,” the traditional celebration of Christmas on December 25, and the Armenian Orthodox celebration of Christmas on January 6. The meditations–4 per week–count down from the first week of Advent to Epiphany. While each reading stands alone, the meditations are rooted in a weekly theme. Donigian’s writing style is conversational, and given his diverse interests, the conversation ranges widely.
In Days to Come encourages us to move with the Incarnation of Jesus Christ into the new year and into mission and ministry.
The books are available at the church office.
Past Group Study Includes:
“Transforming Evangelism: The Wesleyan Way of Sharing Faith” by Henry H. Knight III and F. Douglas Powe Jr. (September 13 to October 24, 2024)
Focus: Fall Group Study focusing on a true transformative act of evangelism is R.E.L.A.T.I.O.N.A.L.: Renewal; Enter; Listening; Acceptance; Testimony; Inviting; On-Going; New Beings; Assurance; Live-It.
“Final Words from the Cross” by Adam Hamilton (Feb 7 to March 21, 2024)
Focus: Lenten Study examining Christ’s dying hours and his final words as seen and heard through the eyes and ears of those who stood near the cross.
“Revival: Faith as Wesley Lived It” by Adam Hamilton (Sept. 20 to Oct. 26, 2023)
Focus: John Wesley’s message and his faith that continue to speak to 21st-century Christians—calling for a revival of our hearts and souls so that our world might be changed.
“24 Hours that Changed the World” by Adam Hamilton (Feb. 15 to Apr. 13, 2023)
Focus: As we retrace the last 24 hours of Jesus in this world, we will experience his sacrificial love for us more fully.
“Questions & Answers About The United Methodist Church” by Thomas S. McAnally (Sept. 21 to Dec. 1, 2022)
Focus: Guide that answers the most frequently asked questions about the beliefs, practices, and history of The United Methodist Church
- WHO: All women at MUMC
- Chair: Chris Calandriello
- COORDINATORS: Chris Calandriello, Laura Gorden, Linda Johansen
BUILDING FAITH, SISTERHOOD, AND SERVICE
“Women of Faith & Fun (WOFF)” was formed in May 2024 to “revitalize” our women’s group at MUM.
WOFF is a dynamic and supportive community that brings women together to deepen their faith, strengthen their connections, and serve their community. Rooted in the shared values of camaraderie and spiritual growth, the group provides a space for women to navigate life’s challenges through the lens of faith.
Event-driven gatherings, including Bible studies, workshops, and fellowship & social events, provide opportunities for personal and spiritual development. These meetings foster open discussions, enabling women to share experiences and insights that contribute to mutual growth. WOFF encourages a sense of accountability and sisterhood, fostering a supportive network for navigating life’s complexities.
In addition to internal growth, WOFF is committed to community service. Through various outreach programs and initiatives, these women actively engage in making a positive impact beyond the church walls, embodying the principles of compassion and service.
Whether through long & short-term programs, social events, or collaborative projects, WOFF at Memorial UMC is dedicated to building a community where women can flourish in their faith while forging meaningful connections with one another. In essence, it’s a space where women can be inspired, supported, and equipped to lead lives reflective of their Christian values.
Women of Faith & Fun is open to all women attending Memorial.
- Chair – Chris Calandriello
- Women’s Bible Study Coordinator – Chris Calandriello
- Activity/Event Coordinator – Laura Gorden
- Missions-related Project Coordinator – Linda Johansen
- WHO: Women of all ages
- WHEN: Saturdays at 10:30 am (Sept. through June)
- WHERE: Parlor
- LEADER: Chris Calandriello, a Certified Lay Servant
- FOCUS: “Prayer: Beginning Conversations with God” by Richard J. Beckman
Women of all ages and stages of life are invited to join us as we seek to build a community of women to support one another while uncovering the power of prayer.
Through the study, we will examine the basics of prayer by exploring questions such as: What is prayer? How do I pray? Why is it sometimes so hard to pray?
Ideal for individuals who are just beginning to explore prayer, this book suggests ways to learn to pray and to develop a prayer discipline by focusing on personal and devotional prayer.
For more info, contact Chris Calandriello via the contact form.
Past Study Includes:
“All the Women of the Bible” by Edith Deen
“Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions” by Kenneth W. Osbeck
“Living a Chocolate Life” by Deb Burma
The prayer chain provides a means of quickly receiving notification of prayer requests for members of our church, their friends, family and others for whom they wish to receive the benefit of prayer. The prayer chain isn’t really a “chain” at all. You don’t have to do anything more than open the email and pray for those who have made the request.
If you would like to be included in the prayer chain distribution, please contact Donna Baily via the contatct form and put “Prayer Chain Opt In” in the subject line. By opting into the prayer chain in this way, you are agreeing that 1) Donna/others can email you prayer requests as we receive them, sometimes multiple times in a week; 2) other prayer chain members may also email prayer requests and updates to the group; 3) you can opt out at any time by emailing Donna with “Prayer Chain Opt Out” in the subject line.
The prayer chain email list may also include former members of MUMC who feel called to pray for us. If you know someone who might like to be included in this prayer chain, please have them get in touch with Donna.
- WHO: Open to All
- WHEN: The 3rd Sunday of the month at 7:00 pm (September through July)
- WHERE: Parlor, Zoom
- COORDINATOR: Heather Kelsey
- FOCUS: Book discussion
Love reading? Join the inclusive, grace-filled, engaging group of disciples dedicated to learning together through books! The group meets monthly. Selections are made by the group and all are welcome to participate.
Our book group provides a warm and inclusive space where members come together to explore a diverse selection of literature. From thought-provoking novels to inspiring non-fiction, we delve into captivating stories that spark insightful discussions.
Whether you’re a dedicated reader or simply looking to connect with fellow community members, our book group offers a unique blend of literary exploration and camaraderie. Join us as we turn the pages of knowledge and imagination, sharing our thoughts and insights along the way.
For more details contact Heather Kelsey via the contact form.
2025 LIST OF BOOKS FOR DISCUSSION:
January 2025: “The Old Lion: A Novel of Theodore Roosevelt” by Jeff Shaara
PAST BOOK DISCUSSION INCLUDES:
2024
January 2024: “The Lincoln Highway” by Amor Towles
February 2024: “The Echo of Old Books” by Barbara Davis
March 2024: “Evening Stars” by Susan Mallery
April 2024: “The Paris Bookseller” by Kerri Maher
May 2024: “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt
June 2024: “Getting Out of Saigon” by Ralph White
July 2024: “Good Night, Irene” by Luis Alberto Urrea
September 2024: Annual “Reader’s Choice” discussion
October 2024: “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus
November 2024: “Miss Benson’s Beetle” by Rachel Joyce
2023
January 2023: “Monstrous Regiment” by Terry Pratchett
February 2023: “Ordinary Grace” by William Kent Krueger
March 2023: “The Story of Arthur Truluv” by Elizabeth Berg
April 2023: “Around the World in 80 Days” by Jules Verne
May 2023: “The Forest of Vanishing Stars” by Kristin Harmel
June 2023: “The Last Runaway” by Tracy Chevalier
July 2023: “Song of the Lion” by Anne Hillerman
August 2023: Annual “Reader’s Choice” discussion
September 2023: “The Personal Librarian” by Marie Benedict
October 2023: “Before We Were Yours” by Lisa Wingate
November 2023: “The Paris Library” by Janet Skeslien Charles
- WHO: Men of all ages
- WHEN: The 3rd Wednesday of each month at 8:00 am
- WHERE: Friendly’s in Avon
- COORDINATOR: Walter Sargent
- FOCUS: Fellowship
The roots of the Men’s Breakfast Group go back to when Russ Kelly and Joe Booth, our church members, retired in the same year (1989) and realized the church always required a lot of maintenance and attention. The men who were retired (or not), took on little and big jobs and kept whittling away at jobs that were listed as needing to be worked on. It was decided early on that there was no need for an agenda except for good food and conversation or whatever came up in conversation at the breakfast meetings.
Today, the Men’s Breakfast Group continues as a very informal group. The agenda and purpose is fellowship. Discussions cover just about everything under the sun, mostly sports and deer hunting (thus the venison-egg stratas). This is a great opportunity to get to know the other men of the church, share experiences, and grow your faith to become the man God wants you to be. Contact Walter Sargent via the contact form for more info.
- WHO: All bereaved members of the community
- WHEN: The 3rd Wednesday of each month, 9:30 am to 11:00 am
- WHERE: Palor, Zoom
- FACILITATOR: Allen Nixon
- FOCUS: Bereavement Support
The MUMC Bereavement Support Group is comprised of members whose spouse or partner has died. Everyone grieves differently and in their own way, and the Support Group provides a safe place for members to share each other’s experiences, concerns, and emotions that may be causing pain. It is a time set aside for the grieving person to process their own personal grief, away from the day-to-day frustrations and interruptions we all experience. The fundamental benefit of the Bereavement Support Group is knowing you are not alone, and Christ is always with you.
The Group meets once a month from 9:30am to 11:00am, on the third Wednesday of each month except for July and August. Pastor and Allen Nixon facilitate each meeting. There is no specific agenda, and at the meeting one may express what is troubling them, their emotions, cry, or remain silent, and do this without fear of judgement, as the members know what they are going through.
Also, around the first of each month, an article or two concerning the grieving process is sent to Group members; an example of this is “7 Strategies for Managing Grief During the Holidays.”
If you’d like to join or need more info, contact the pastor or Allen Nixon via church office.
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Make You Visible to Christ and His People.
