Small Group Ministry at Avon UMC
We were created for life with God and other people, so we are better together (Genesis 2:18 & Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). Connecting and growing in relationships with others as we follow Jesus is an important part of life within the church. Jesus led a small group throughout his ministry, the Methodist movement started as a small group on the Oxford University campus in the 1700s with four guys, and Avon UMC began as a small gathering of believers in the log cabin of the Gossett family in Hendricks County in 1832. Today, being part of small groups, Bible studies, and classes helps us to experience God’s love, love one another as we intentionally live life together as the fellowship of the church of Christ, and grow as apprentices of Jesus. Below are opportunities for you to experience and share in the blessings of fellowship with the people of Avon UMC:
Sunday Morning Classes/Groups for Adults
Balanced Life Class
Time: 9:30 – 11:00 am
Location: Room 200/201
Summary: Small group discussions based upon videos, Bible verses, presentation, and various topics, with opportunities for fellowship and serving beyond Sunday morning sessions.
Age range: Retirees
Leaders: Dave & Michele Imler
Practical Discipleship in Real Time
Time: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: Room 200/201 or in the Fellowship Hall
Summary: Discussions based upon the weekly sermon Bible verses
Age range: Adults of various ages
Leader: Pastor Ed Melendez
Shared Lives
Time: 9:00 – 10:00 am
Location: Room 110
Summary: Small group discussions based upon videos, Bible verses, presentations, and various topics, with opportunities for fellowship
and serving beyond Sunday morning sessions.
Age range: Empty nesters & retirees, but all are welcome
Leaders: Keith & Nancy Bruning
Wesleyan Class
Time: 10:00 – 11:00 am
Location: Conference Room 1 (church staff office area facing state road 36)
Summary: Bible study discussions using United Methodist
Adult Bible Studies curriculum
Age range: Retirees
Leaders: Neil Gobel & Don Schooley
Fellowship Groups
Circle of Friends
Who & What: Adults with special needs & their caretakers enjoying food & fellowship
When: Second Sunday of the month from 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Where: AUMC Fellowship Hall
Leader: Michelle Alcorn
Prime Timers
Who & What: Retirees eating lunch together
When: Second Tuesday of the month
Where: Various restaurants & locations
Leaders: Janell Miller & Ruth Eggleton
Fitness & Sports Groups
Aerobics
Who & What: Aerobics fitness sessions
When: Tuesdays & Thursdays from 10:45 – 11:45 am
Where: AUMC Fellowship Hall
Leader: SanDee Miller
Restorative Yoga
Who & What: Christian yoga to help restore your mind, body, and soul
When: Mondays & Wednesdays from 9:30 – 10:30 am
Where: AUMC Fellowship Hall
Leaders: Jan Dorsey
Men’s Basketball
Who & What: Pick-up basketball games for guys
When: Thursdays from 8:00 – 10:00 pm (weekly)
Where: AUMC Gym
Leaders: Jeff Haney
Pickleball
Who & What: Pick-up pickleball games for those of various skill levels
When: Sundays from 6:30 – 8:30 pm (weekly)
Where: AUMC Gym
Leaders: David & Sonia Barnes
Support Groups
*AA and NA groups meet in the AUMC building, but are not affiliated with the church. Alcoholics Anonymous meets on Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:00 pm in the MPR/Gym. Narcotics Anonymous meets on Mondays at 6:30 pm in Room 200/201.
Widowed Support Group
Who & What: A support group for widows & widowers
When: First Sunday of the month from 3:00 – 4:30 pm
Where: AUMC Room 200/201
Leader: Donna Mahler
Women’s Groups
Koinonia
Who & What: UWF women’s circle group for fellowship & serving together
When: First Tuesday of the month 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Where: AUMC Fellowship Hall or another location
Leader: Michele Pitts
Momco
Who & What: A group for mothers to develop deeper connections & grow spiritually
When: First & Third Wednesdays of the month 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Where: AUMC Room 200/201
Leader: Jennifer McLaughlin
Ruth’s Circle
Who & What: UMW/UWF women’s circle group
When: First Monday of the month from 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Where: Conference Room 1
Leader: Janell Miller
WinGS
Who & What: Women’s Bible Study Group
When: Thursdays from 9:00 – 10:30 am
Where: AUMC Room 200/201
Leader: SanDee Miller
Men’s Groups
Come and See
Who & What: Men’s Bible Study
When: Tuesdays at 9:00 am
Where: AUMC Conference Room 2
Leader: Pastor Danny Walker
Sages
Who & What: Widowers Lunch Group for Men
When: Second Thursday of the month at 11:30 am or Noon
Where: Hotcakes Emporium in Avon or another restaurant
Leader: Fred McCracken
You can find contact information for group and class leaders through Realm, or contact the church office for assistance:
officeassistant@avonumc.com or 317-272-4068
Bible Studies
Bible Study Fellowship meets in the AUMC building but is not affiliated with the church. The BSF study of John’s Gospel began in September 2023 and will continue weekly until May of 2024 other than during school breaks. Study groups are available for men, women, and children on Tuesdays from 6:30 – 8:00 pm.
Friday Bible Study
Who & What: A Bible Study led by our lead pastor
When: Every other Friday at 9:00 am
Where: AUMC Conference Room 1
Leader: Pastor Danny Walker
As you consider taking steps into fellowship with the people of Avon UMC, or continue growing in your relationships with sisters and brothers in Christ, you may find it helpful to read The Bible verses below about life together as people of faith:
Genesis 2:18
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Mark 3:13-15
John 13:34-35
John 17:20-23
Acts 2:42-47
Acts 4:32
Romans 12:4-5
Galatians 3:28
Hebrews 10:23-25