Adult Ministry
Grow deeper in faith and community. Whether you are new to HPCUMC or you have been hanging around waiting for an opportunity, there is a group for you. Groups for learning meet throughout the week. These groups combine fellowship, study, and sharing in a comfortable friendly atmosphere.
Sunday School Classes
Sunday School Classes
9:30am
Bible Journey, Room 205
This lecture-based class led by retired pastor and Biblical scholar Rev. Pete Rudowski is for adults who want to immerse themselves in the study of scripture. The September session (9/7-9/28) will focus on “Job: Paradoxes in Faith and the Bible”. Yes, bad things happen to good people. It is easy to believe in and trust God when all is going well. But what happens when the bottom drops out of life? The book of Job explores how one individual contends with friends and then God in the midst of financial loss and personal suffering.
Beginning October 26, the class will explore “What Christians Really Believe: A Biblical Answer”, which includes what the Bible has to say about the four components in every world religion: belief in a god(s), sacred writing, rituals, and a moral code.
To get involved, email Pete Rudowski at prudowski@fuse.net.
Faith Weavers, Library
This class consists mostly of adults in their 40s and 50s who are parents of teens and young adults. The class is discussion-based and members are committed to weaving their faith into their everyday lives.
Some examples of previous books/resources include: Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian in Community by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Spiritual Disciplines Handbook by Adele Calhoun, HPCUMC Lenten/Advent devotionals, and others.
To get involved, email Mike Hickerson at mikehickerson@gmail.com.
Let’s Get Real, Parlor
This group is made up of people between the ages of 30-50, including parents of children and teens. This group is discussion-based and focuses on the hard questions of our faith and why we believe what we believe in a safe, inclusive, and honest environment.
Some examples of previous books/resources include Subversive Sabbath by A.J. Swoboda, What is the Bible? by Rob Bell, the Evolving Faith podcast, and others.
To get involved, email Jason Burgess at jasonburgess13@gmail.com.
11:00am
Soul Builders, Room 205
A discussion-based class made up of people ages 55 and up with widely varied backgrounds and theological views explores diverse sources for growing together in faith and life. Topics range from Bible studies to contemporary literature from authors Adam Hamilton, Richard Rohr, Matt Rawle, and many others. Discussion leadership rotates. The class also continues to coordinate its monthly donations project, started five years ago, to collect much-needed items for our ministry partners.
To get involved, email Ronda Deel at rodeel@fuse.net.
New Ventures, Library/Zoom
Led by Rev. Dr. Michael Vilardo, this discussion-based class is made up of people ages 50 and upmeeting both in-person and online. The group is focused on progressive Christian theology to grow in faith that can guide us to address issues currently happening in our society.
Some examples of previous books/resources include: Falling Upward by Richard Rohr, Holy Envy by Barbara Brown Taylor, Do I Stay Christian by Brian McLaren, Short Stories by Jesus by Amy-Jill Levine, Fear of the Other by Will Willimon, and others.
**The class start date is delayed this fall. Follow “News and Happenings” for updated information or email Sara Pease at spease@hpcumc.org to be added to the New Ventures email list.
Current Events and Faith, Parlor
This class is focused on current events and topics including gun violence, inclusivity of LGBTQIA+ persons, current legislation in our state and country, and other social justice concerns we face as Christians. We utilize articles, books, videos, podcasts, and more to anchor this discussion-based class. Members encourage each other to put their faith in action through civic engagement and advocacy. HPCUMC’s Current Events and Faith class is a member of the Reconciling Ministries network committed to intersectional justice and working for the full participation of all LGBTQIA+ people throughout the life and leadership of the Church.
To get involved, email Sara Pease at spease@hpcumc.org.
Sunday Connect Group
Meets the 1st Sunday of the month
Now until May
At the home of David & Jill Colaw
This group is made up of people who have college-aged children and older who are interested in discussing current events and growing in their faith through books and guest speakers, as well as participating in service projects together to build community. The group meets the first Sunday of the month until May at the home of David and Jill Colaw.
If you are interested in attending, please email Jill Colaw at jillcolaw@gmail.com.
Mid-Week Classes
Monday Classes
Intentional Parenting
Monday mornings, Welcome Center
10:00am
Begins September 8
This discussion-based group tackles the challenges of modern parenting in a supportive environment. Most members have children in preschool and elementary school, but caregivers of all ages and stages are welcome. In September the class will begin an Enneagram course designed for parents. Some examples of previous books/resources are Woven: Nurturing a Faith Your Kid Doesn’t Have to Heal From by Meredith Miller and Parenting with Mental Health in Mind.
To get involved, email Pam Pilger at ppilger@hpcumc.org.
Understanding You: An Enneagram Journey
Monday evenings, Welcome Center
7:00pm-8:30pm
September 8 - October 27
In this eight-week class, instructor Katie Whitlock will guide participants in exploring the dynamics of stances and triads, understanding how each type reacts to stress and security, and discovering the unique gifts each type brings to the world. This course is a welcoming space for personal growth and is perfect for anyone taking their first steps with the Enneagram or those deepening existing knowledge.
Young Adult Study
Mondays
7:00pm-8:30pm
at Bean and Barley on Madison Road
Click here to access the website and podcast.
Contact: Rev. Kate Smith ksmith@hpcumc.org
Tuesday Classes
The Story of Christianity Study
Tuesday mornings, Little Theater
10:00am-11:30am
September 2 - November 11
The Story of Christianity, Volume I by Justo L. Gonzalez
Join Pastor Todd Tuesday mornings in the Little Theater at 10:00am for The Story of Christianity, Volume I. Author Justo L. González presents a narrative history of Christianity from the Early Church to the Dawn of the Protestant Reformation. From Jesus’ faithful apostles to the early reformist John Wycliffe, González skillfully traces core theological issues and developments within the various traditions of the church, including major events outside of Europe, such as the Spanish and Portuguese conquest of the New World. This updated and expanded edition incorporates recent archaeological discoveries about the life of Early Christian Communities, as well as important contemporary research revealing the significant role of women throughout the history of the church. With lively storytelling, The Story of Christianity provides a fascinating and panoramic history of the dramatic events, colorful characters, and revolutionary ideas that shaped the first fifteen centuries of the church.
There is no registration fee. A book is available for purchase in the church office for $20. Payment can be made with your registration online or in person. You also have the option to find your own copy.
This class has started. Please contact Rev. Dr. Todd Anderson tanderson@hpcumc.org if you’re interested in joining.
Disciple Bible Study: Hebrew Scriptures
Tuesday evenings
7:00pm-8:30pm
Every other Tuesday
September 9 - March 17
Class will begin Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 7 pm in the Welcome Center and will meet every other Tuesday through March with time-off during Advent. Books are available in the church office.
Seeking God in Everyday Life
Tuesday evenings
7:00pm-8:30pm
Every other Tuesday
Begins September 16
Tuesday at 7 pm in the Social Hall beginning September 16, 2025. There is no need to register. Come join us when you can.
Join a Connect Group today!
Grow, pray, serve and build relationships
Connect Groups are people who come together to build relationships through encouragement, accountability, guidance, and prayer. Every Connect Group consists of 5 essential ingredients: fellowship, worship and prayer, study, accountability, and mission or outreach.
Groups are made up of women, men, couples, singles or mixed groups. The groups usually meet once a week or twice a month to study the scriptures, engage in Christian conversation and fellowship, pray with and for one another, and serve in ministry/mission.
Sara Pease
Director of Faith Formation
If you have any questions regarding our Adult Ministry or are interested in a joining a class or are looking to connect, please contact Sara Pease.