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ADULT | Short Term Classes

All Are welcome!

Manchester UMC offers short term classes that cover a variety of timely and intriguing topics. These classes are from one to six weeks long and appeal to a wide variety of audiences.

Spring 2024

Somehow

Fridays, Apr. 19 - May 31

US Capitol

A Braver Way

Thurs, Apr. 11 - June 13

The Lords Prayer Book
The Lord's Prayer

Suns, Apr. 21 - June 2

Summer 2024

Drawing

Beginning Drawing

Sats, June 1 - Aug. 3

The Gift of Empathy

Weds, June 5 - July 10

Short Term Classes

Please complete one form per Person:

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Pastor's Note

Have you ever felt like this?

by Rev. Andy Blacksher, Executive Pastor Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Zebedee’s sons, and two other disciples were together.  Simon Peter told them, “I’m going fishing.” They said, “We’ll go with you.” They set out in a boat, but throughout the night they caught nothing.   

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Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White 43
April 7 - May 19

Adult Faith Formation
Long Term Class

alpha class

Date: Sundays thru June 9, 2024
No Class on Mar. 31, May 5 or 26
Time:  9:30-10:30 a.m.
Location:  Room 223 | Manchester UMC
Zoom Meeting ID:  843 6667 1102   
Passcode: 245451
Leaders:  Shared Leadership

Join the Alpha Class as they reflect on how the teachings of Jesus and Christian practices relate to contemporary issues of the day. All are welcome as we gather for fellowship and study our faith and how to put it into practice.

The Alpha Class will be studying the following:

  • Mar. 31:  No class, Easter
  • Apr. 7 – May 19:  Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White
  • May 5: No class
  • May 26: No class 

Newcomers are always welcome!

Adult Faith Formation
Long Term Class

Reflections

Date:  Fridays, Jan. 5 – May 31, 2024
Time:  10:00-11:30 a.m.
This group will not meet on Good Friday, March, 29.
Location:  Room 223 | Manchester UMC
Leader:  Barb Bess

This is a group of mature women who enjoy reading and discussing a variety of religious themed books, by authors Adam Hamilton, Phillip Yancey, Henri Nouwen, and many others.

Book Description: 

Join this group as they begin studying the brand new book, “Somehow: Thoughts on Love” by Anne Lamott.

Book Description:   “Love is our only hope,” Anne Lamott writes in this perceptive new book. “It is not always the easiest choice, but it is always the right one, the noble path, the way home to safety, no matter how bleak the future looks.”

In Somehow: Thoughts on Love, Lamott explores the transformative power that love has in our lives: how it surprises us, forces us to confront uncomfortable truths, reminds us of our humanity, and guides us forward. “Love just won’t be pinned down,” she says. “It is in our very atmosphere” and lies at the heart of who we are. We are, Lamott says, creatures of love.

In each chapter of Somehow, Lamott refracts all the colors of the spectrum. She explores the unexpected love for a partner later in life. The bruised (and bruising) love for a child who disappoints, even frightens. The sustaining love among a group of sinners, for a community in transition, in the wider world. The lessons she underscores are that love enlightens as it educates, comforts as it energizes, sustains as it surprises.

Newcomers are always welcome!

US Capitol

Adult Faith Formation
Short Term Class

A Braver Way

Date:  Thursday, April 11 – June 13, 2024 (10 sessions)
Time:  6:00 to 7:30p
Location:  Room 223 | Manchester UMC
Leader:  Jill Krogen

Description:  Don’t spend another election year hiding from friends and family with different opinions.  Learn how to listen and be heard with “A Braver Way” podcast.  Hosted by Monica Guzman, the podcast’s mission is to “help people who disagree get curious about each other with each other.”

This group will listen to the podcast as a group and then discuss.

Mar. 3 - Apr. 14, 2024
The Lords Prayer Book
Apr. 21 - Jun. 2, 2024

Adult Faith Formation
Long Term Class

Sojourners

Date: Sundays
No class Feb. 25 & Mar. 31 (Easter) or May 19
Time:  9:30-10:45 a.m.
Location:  Room 309 | Manchester UMC
Leader:  Prudy Bertolino

Join the Sojourners class as they study:

  • The Call by Rev. Adam Hamilton starting Mar. 3 – Apr. 14, 2024.
  • The Lord’s Prayer by Rev. Adam Hamilton, Apr. 21 – Jun. 2, 2024.

Newcomers are always welcome!

Adult Faith Formation
Short Term Class

Beginning Drawing Class

 Date:  Saturdays, June 1 – Aug. 3, 2024 
Time:  4:00 – 5:00p
Location:  Room 222 | Manchester UMC
Leader Bobby Canonigo

Description:  Drawing can bring so much joy and relaxation.  In fact, most people want to draw realistically, essentially focusing on the skill of drawing over the expression of the work itself.  This is how most drawing classes begin.  Briefly we will work on the structure of two aspects of drawing shape (the correct outline and structure of a thing) and form (the shadow and fullness of a thing).  It is typical to do well as one thing much more than the other, so the class will be about balancing those two aspects.

Tools:  Click here to view the suggested tools that are available on Amazon and runs around $17.  

All are welcome! 

Please enter the building from the southeast door which is the elevator entrance to the Historic Chapel.

Class participants must be adults.  Children under age 18 may attend with their parent or guardian.

Adult Faith Formation
Short Term Class

The Gift of Empathy

Date:  Weds, June 5-July 12, 2024
Time: 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Location:  Room 221 | Manchester UMC
Leaders:  Rev. Dr. Mary Beth Hartenstein, Maurice Parisien, Jana Lippard

Description:  We’ve all likely had thoughts of how the world could be a better place with greater empathy. By attending The Gift of Empathy book discussion classes you’ll learn how to help bring about greater empathy into daily interactions with others. The Gift of Empathy co-authored by Joel Bretscher and Kenneth C. Hauck, Ph.D., founder of Stephen Ministries.

This six-week series of classes will be led by Rev. Dr Mary Beth Hartenstein, Director of Congregational Care and Moe Parisien, Stephen Leader, and will explore practical ways to use the key skill of empathy in all situations and settings.

You’ll be empowered to better understand and connect with family, friends, coworkers, and more!  Book:  $16