Adult Ministries

Sunday School Classes - Bible Studies and Beyond
Carpenters Class

Sunday School Locations

  • Carpenters – Room 206
  • Generations – Room 203
  • Ikono – Room 306
  • Neighbors – Library
  • Odyssey – Room 308
  • Travelers – E1
  • Win Sum – A2

Adult Spiritual Formation

We offer a variety of adult learning opportunities through Bible Study, Sunday School, and other events. If you would like additional information on any of the programs offered, please contact Director of Christian Education, Coreen Witke at 515-255-2131 ext. 230 or coreenwitke@gracedesmoines.org.

 

 

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES

At Grace, Sunday School is not just for children. We offer several adult Sunday School classes that offer a variety in curriculum and presentation methods. If you are interested in joining a class, but aren’t sure which one is for you try a few of them before making a decision. Classes meet from 9 – 10 a.m. on Sunday mornings.

CARPENTERS CLASS

The Carpenters Class offers members a warm and fun-loving atmosphere to share joys and struggles that occur in our journey to understand and grow in our relationship with God. The class is composed of a mix of couples and singles. We explore faith, religious and current topic issues in a variety of formats, but always with an emphasis of having time and being open to share our differing points of view and ideas. The class does a few service projects and social gatherings. Meets in Room 206 of the Education Wing.

GENERATIONS CLASS

The Generations Class includes adults in their 50s and older, although the class is open to any age. A variety of learning mediums are used including books, DVD’s and guest speakers on a variety of subjects intended to inform and challenge our faith. The discussion is lively and the class doesn’t always agree. Social events are throughout the year. Meets in Room 203 of the Education Wing.

IKONO/ODYSSEY CLASS

Class members share leadership for the Ikono/Odyssey Class which provides a great opportunity to broaden your perspective and to share in discussion with others. Class members span all ages. Meets in Room 306 of the Education Wing.

NEIGHBORS CLASS

Bible study, missions, and social concerns are a few examples of the topics presented by outside speakers and class members in the Neighbors Class. As good neighbors do, the class serves as a strong support for the church and our classmates. Many class members can be found helping out at the church throughout the year. The class gathers for an official monthly social time besides our out-to-eat Friday nights and Sunday breakfast. Many members are in their early 70s and 80s. Join us…the coffee is always on. Meets in the Church Library on the 2nd Floor of the main building.

TRAVELERS CLASS

The Travelers Class is led by Rev. Jim and Carolyn Nelson. Class members include singles and couples with many of the members being parents of elementary and middle school aged children. Please join us in the discussion and fellowship. Meets in E-1 which is the Confirmation Room…go to the north stairwell in the Education Wing and keep going up the stairs until you get to E-1.

WIN SUM CLASS

The Win Sum class covers a variety of topics. Weekly lessons and discussion are often led by outside speakers, with class members leading at times. Social events are also held throughout the year. The class also participates in other mission projects both inside and outside the walls of Grace.

 

Above: The Odyssey Class “takes it outdoors” on their annual bike ride.

ADDITIONAL ADULT LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

INTO THE FRYING PAN BIBLE STUDY

Into the Frying Pan is a Lectionary Bible study that delves into Scripture, politics, biblical history and their intersections for contemporary faith. It meets each Thursday night from 7-8:30pm. It resumes for fall at Walnut Hills UMC on 9/6 at 7pm. The study may rotate locations this year. If you have questions, call Josh Steward at 515-991-6368.

OUT TO LUNCH BUNCH

On the first Friday of the month we load up the Church Bus and venture out to an area establishment for lunch and fellowship.  Contact the church office to reserve your seat on the bus.  The location of our next outing is on the list at the left.

EMERGING ISSUES FORUMS

These forums are scheduled three times a year while Sunday School is in session. The forums, which focus on issues that are of concern to us as members of the general community and Christians, are sponsored by our Church and Society Committee. Additional forums are scheduled on an as needed basis.

Upcoming Emerging Issues Forums

  • 9/29/2019
  • 1/26/2020
  • 3/29/2020
  • 5/31/2020

 

ART GROUP

Meets on Thursday afternoon at 1:30 in the Confirmation Room for fellowship, peer coaching and encouragement of Grace artists.  In May each year the group puts on the Grace Members and Friends Art Exhibit.