We regularly have various studies and classes starting throughout the year, especially in the fall and at the beginning of the new year. Here is a list of current offerings. Check back often to see what’s new!

Email [email protected] with any questions.

Thursday Mornings from 9:15–10:30am
Beginning September 5, 2019
Join Laura Echols-Richter in a 3-week study focused on Biblical images of home.  Discussion will include our mission at Grace Avenue and our calling as Christians in 2019.  In a world where there is so much homelessness, how do we live into the phrase “Welcome Home!”?  No prior Bible knowledge needed.  Contact [email protected] with questions.  

Thursdays Sept. 12th & 19th from 6:30-8:30pm
Sharing our story is the most compelling way that we encourage people along their own faith journeys.  It can, however, be a very difficult and vulnerable thing to do, especially in the midst of everyday life.  This two-part workshop will teach how to engage in practical and meaningful conversations with our neighbors. Part one will teach what a sacred conversation is, how to get in touch with your own personal story & how to tell our story in a short and compelling way. Part two will teach how to have a sacred conversation in practical ways in our church, homes, work places, areas of ministry, and places of power. Finally, we will explore how sacred conversation can be integrated into the ministries of Grace Avenue. Contact Jesseca Aziz at [email protected] for questions.

Sundays from 3:00-4:30pm
Beginning September 8, 2019
Are you or someone you know new to the area?  Finding a place of belonging in a new place can be lonely and difficult.  This study is for women of all ages.  You will find a place of encouragement with a group who understands what you are going through.  This Christ-centered study will help you establish roots in your new home and equip you for the process of letting go, starting over and moving ahead with your life.  Childcare is available.  The cost is $20 for the book.  Contact Donielle Mayes at [email protected] with questions 

September 15th from 4:00-5:30pm
EDGE Room
Parents of 6th-12th graders are invited to our first PC gathering to discuss and share our questions, joys and challenges. Our youth don’t come with manuals and each are different. A parenting coach once said: “There is no such thing as a perfect parent. So just be a real one.” Join Laura Echols-Richter and Kristen Lane for a real conversation about parenting teens. Contact Kristen Lane at [email protected] with questions.

Wednesdays from 12:30-1:45pm
Beginning September 11, 2019  
Join Pastor Billy Echols-Richter for this weekly Bible Study.  We will explore the scripture that will be used in worship that upcoming weekend. The exact scriptures are listed in the Grace Avenue Atlas which is our resource guide for worship for the 2019-2020 school year.  Copies are available at church but you may also view it HERE.

Bring your lunch and connect with others. Contact Kristen Lane at [email protected] with questions.

Tuesday Nights from 7:00-8:30pm
Beginning September 17, 2019
Our story as Christians begins with the foundation of the covenant stories found in the Old Testament.  They speak to who we are, whose we are and who we are called to be.  Join Laura Echols-Richter for 8 weeks to explore the stories of the fathers and mothers of our faith, judges, kings and prophets.  Bring your curiosity, questions and doubts.  There is no prior Bible knowledge needed. Contact Laura Echols-Richter at [email protected] with questions.  

Kick-Off Gathering
Tuesday, September 17th from 6:30-8:30pm 
Grace Avenue is launching its next round of Small Groups for the Fall.  Small Groups are a way to connect with others and grow in your faith. There are groups of all kinds; couples, coed, women only, men only, similar life-stages or multigenerational. Email Kristen Lane at [email protected] with questions.

4-Week Study
Thursday Mornings from 9:15-10:30am 
Beginning September 26th
Jonah is more than a story about a big fish.  Most of us can relate to the real struggle of Jonah.  Join Laura Echols-Richter as we study the prophet Jonah and listen for God’s call in our lives.  Sometimes God calls us to places we wouldn’t choose to go, but it is often in those places that we experience God’s mercy most profoundly.  No prior
Bible knowledge needed.  Childcare is available upon request. Contact Laura Echols-Richter at [email protected] with questions.  

Gather @ the Table
Mondays at 7:oopm beginning September 30th
When we gather at a table, wonderful and meaningful conversations can take place. Women of all ages and stages of life are invited to Gather @ the Table.  Each week our Minister of Discipleship, Kristen Lane, will guide the gathering as we share in conversation and life happenings. 

From September 20th – October 21st our conversation will focus on the calling in our life and what we do with it!

Bring your dinner, snack, dessert, whatever you desire on Monday nights at 7:00.  Child care is available.  This is a come when you can event so join us when you can.   Contact Kristen Lane at [email protected] for questions or to RSVP for child care. 

Sundays at 11:00am
Beginning October 6, 2019
Are you new to the United Methodist church?  Have you been a long time United Methodist who has new questions?  Come and explore the history, nuances, theological and social principals of the United Methodist Church in a 4-week study led by Kristen Lane.  Contact Kristen at [email protected] with questions.

Wednesdays from 9:30am–12:00pm
Room 219 (During the school-year)
This group of women meets weekly, offering a variety of studies throughout the school-year. Email [email protected] or contact Cathy Vining at [email protected] with questions or to find out information about the next study.

Classes Begins both in September and January. 

Grace Avenue offers free classes focusing on grammar, vocabulary, reading, and conversation to those in the community who need to improve their English skills. We also offer Citizenship classes for those preparing to take the United States Citizenship exam.

If you are interested in volunteering to lead a class or have any other questions, please contact Mary Martin at [email protected].

First Wednesdays of the Month
11:00am–12:15pm | Local Restaurants
Join us for our monthly gathering for retired men. There is a short program with the primary focus being enjoying food and fellowship. Please register by the Monday prior to the Wednesday event by e-mailing [email protected] or click the registration link below:

1st Saturdays of the Month
4:00-5:00pm in Tom Graves Hall
Join Rev. Joyce Cravens and “workout” your grief journey. We will taking about finding hope, reaching out to others, and living life as fully as you can each and every day. Stay after and celebrate Sabbath worship at 5:30pm in the Worship Center. Contact Joyce Cravens at [email protected] with questions.

Childcare is available for a minimal cost upon request for most studies. For more information on any of these ministries, please contact Kristen Lane, Minister of Discipleship at: [email protected] or (972) 335-2882.