The life of faith thrives in community with other believers.

One of our primary values at Mountain Park UMC is intentional discipleship. As a result, we strive “to grow to become more faithful followers of Jesus,” which holds us all accountable to grow in both knowledge and wisdom of our faith, but also to live it out. Our learning of who God is helps us to grow our hearts to see and love all of God’s people.

We want to connect you to a group of people where you can share and do life together as well as intentionally grow in your faith. We call these groups, “Life Groups,” where you can meet weekly (or for a season) either on our church campus or in homes/establishments throughout our community.

Sunday Life-Groups

meet from 9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. throughout our church campus.

Barnabites-Friendship Class (Upper Education Hall, Rm. 203/205)
Welcome to the Barnabites-Friendship Class! This class was named after a beloved pastor named Charles Barnes who served from 1971 – 1980 at MPUMC. He was known for his loving nature and his persistent hospitality. He never met a stranger, which is the essence of this wonderful group of people who meet Sunday Mornings in Room 203/205. Members of the class offer Bible Study experiences that include lectures, discussions and engaged learning. Each week, members keep in touch with email encouragers, devotions, and prayer support. They are ready to welcome any visitors to join in and learn together. Average class size: 20-25. (Class Coordinator: Kathy Buckner, Class Communications: Patty McIntire)

Herb Chisenhall (Upper Education Hall, Rm. 206/208)
Welcome to the Herb-Chisenhall Class!  This group took their name from the pastor who served from 1988-1992.  Rev. Chisenhall was a beloved leader who challenged people to go deeper through study.  Class members are in a stage of life where they are enjoying being newly retired or on the brink of retirement.  They dive into Biblical studies and book studies that challenge them to go deeper in their faith and focus on God’s grace in their every-day living.  They are excited about walking the life journey with people who are ready for faith to be central to their trek.  Average class size: 15-20. (Class Coordinator: Dorothy Kopp, Class Communications: Teresa McElveen)

New Song (Upper Education Hall, Room 209)
Welcome to the New Song Class!  This group was called “New Song” because many of the members were beginning new chapters in their lives together at the start of this class. This is a wonderful group of people who truly enjoy one another’s company and fellowship.  Many of the members are joyfully retired and finding ways in which they live Christ’s “New Song” in their lives every day.  Each week they focus on a book study that helps them bring the life of Christ into every aspect of life.  Studies they have done in the past include: Max Lucado books, James Moore and J. Ellsworth Kalas readings “Parables from the Backside.”  They are a community that supports one another in sickness and in health.  Average class size: 8-15. (Class Coordinator: Dotty Riley)

Sam Howson (Upper Education Hall, Room 211)
Welcome to the Sam Howson Class!  Originally known as the Passages class, we changed our name in 2003 after the passing of our beloved member and friend, Sam Howson.  His life legacy of generosity of his time and resources and his service to the homeless made a difference in all of our lives.  We honor him and his faithfulness with our class name. Our studies are based on Scripture, with rotating facilitators.  We encourage participation and discussion. New members are welcome to our class, which is made up of retirees and those who are still working, parents and grandparents.  Weekly email updates are sent to keep the class connected by sharing prayer concerns and upcoming lessons. Average class size is 10-12. (Class Coordinator: Lyn Pihera)

Sarah Johnson (Lower Main Building, Rm. 133)
Welcome to the Sarah Johnson Class!  This class is named after a faithful disciple of Christ and a wonderfully faithful member of MPUMC named Sarah Johnson.  She was known for her devotion to God and to learning.  One of the longest running classes at MPUMC, this class is made up of the wonderfully retired community who have years of wisdom and grace to offer everyone who joins the group!  This class often invites class members and guests to engage them in conversations that challenge and deepen their understanding of faith in Jesus Christ. They are very supportive and loving and want to welcome anyone ready to learn into their community. Here is an example of a study they have done in the past: Cokesbury’s Series. Current study: Study of Psalms-Living in God’s Presence) Average class size: 15-20. (Class Coordinator: Rosalie Carden, Class Communications: Patricia Ingram)

Seekers (Upper Education Hall, Rm. 212)
Class style is mainly discussion and book study. Most participants are middle aged-older adults. Average class size: 10-20.

Son-Shine (Upper Education Hall, Rm. 216)
This class is for adults with developmental challenges. They use the “Access” curriculum. Average class size: 2-4. (Class Communications: Patricia Ingram)

Younglings (Lower Main Building, Rm. 128)
This class is informal, contemporary, and conversational, based on current events, parenting, and how it relates to the Bible. Most participants are young-middle aged adults. Average class size: 4-6. 

Drop-In Bible Study (The Parlor, Next to the Park)
This class is informal, contemporary, and conversational, based on current events, parenting, and how it relates to the Bible. Most participants are young-middle aged adults. Average class size: 4-6. 

Please email info@mountainparkumc.org for more information.

We hope you were able to find community!

Still have questions, want more information, or ready to join a Life Group?
Reach out to Rev. Dr. Millie L. Kim, Lead Pastor