Adult Sunday School @ 9:30 am
Sisters in Strength
Wesleyan
Balanced Life Group
Leaders – Dave & Michele Imler
This class is for couples and singles of all ages. Our studies apply biblical principles to help understand current events and solve everyday challenges. We fellowship while we learn, and share our faith by volunteering in the community when we can. We welcome new attendees at any time.
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:
Upcoming First Step Fellowship Options
“First Step” options are one-time gatherings to help you get to know others within the congregation as you learn more about Avon UMC. Below is more information:
March 10th – Newcomer Luncheon
Noon – 1:30 pm
Fellowship Hall
Led by Patsy Porter & the Newcomer Team
The Newcomer Luncheon is an opportunity to meet others who are newer to this congregation, while sharing a meal with a few long-time members and some of the church staff, including pastors. During the free lunch you can ask questions as we provide you more information about Avon UMC, including how to get connected through groups/classes and serving as part of a ministry.
Contact the church office during weekdays, Patsy Porter via email, or the representative at the Welcome Desk on Sunday mornings to sign up:
newcomerministry@avonumc.com or 317-272-4068
April 7th – Start Here
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Room 200/201
Led by Pastor Rob
Start Here is a session to remind you of your God-given purpose as a person made in the image of God, as well as the purpose, mission, vision, and values of the Church, the Avon UMC virtues of Christ we are intentionally living, and some ways for you to take your next steps on your faith journey with us.
April 14th or 21st – Membership Class
2:00 – 4:00 pm
Conference Room 1
Led by Pastors Danny and Rob
Membership Class is an opportunity to be with others who are exploring becoming members of Avon UMC, hear part of the faith journeys of class attendees, while learning and discussing the why, how, and what of Jesus’ church, including our Wesleyan roots, the United Methodist membership vows, and how we are intentionally living as disciples of Christ as part of this congregation.
Contact the church office or pastor Rob to sign up: robprobus@avonumc.com or 317-272-4068
Upcoming Second Step Fellowship Options
Second Step Fellowship Options are groups and classes that meet for up to three sessions to help you get to know others within the congregation as you take steps forward on your faith journey. They include:
Meet & Eat Groups
February/March through April/May
Various days & times
Led by various group hosts & hostesses
Meet & Eat Groups are small groups of about 6 to 8 people meeting monthly to eat a meal together while getting to know one another better. Groups meet to eat a meal together for three months in a row. Look for information in February about signing up for a group.
Simple Group
February 4th – 18th
Sundays at 10:45 am
Led by Michele Imler
Simple Group is a 3-week small group experience designed to help attendees get to know others while having some simple discussions about faith. The weekly topics include the following from Rueben P. Job’s book “Three Simple Questions”: Who are you? Who is God? Who are we together? Contact Michele Imler to sign up: micheleimler@gmail.com
Upcoming Third Step Fellowship Opportunities
Third Step Fellowship Opportunities are short-term groups/classes that either meet for four to eleven sessions, or are ongoing groups/classes that you choose to join for four to eleven sessions to help you get to know others within the congregation as you take more steps on your faith journey. Upcoming short-term groups, classes, or studies include the following:
Creed: What Christians Believe and Why – Exploring the Apostles’ Creed
Who & What: All are welcome to join the Parenting Group for this short-term study
When: Feb.11th – May 19th, meeting every other Sunday morning at 10:45 am
Where: AUMC Conference Room 1
Leader: Pastor Rob Probus & Others from the Parenting Group
Creed: What Christians Believe and Why is an 8-session study based on Adam Hamilton’s book and the Apostles’ Creed. For Christians, the beliefs expressed in the Creed are foundational. This study will invite participants to consider those beliefs, have conversations about them, including why they matter. Contact Pastor Rob to sign up: robprobus@avonumc.com or 317-272-4068
Upcoming Fourth Step Fellowship Opportunities
Fourth Step Fellowship Opportunities are ongoing groups and classes that meet twelve or more times per year to help you to grow in your relationships with group/class members while growing as a disciple of Christ. These fellowship opportunities include the following:
Sunday Morning Classes & Groups
Sisters in Strength
Who & What: A women’s Bible Study
When: Sundays at 9:30 am (weekly)
Where: AUMC Conference Room 2 (near the Chapel)
Leaders: Becky Archer-Inskeep, Patsy Fleener, & Shannon Leigh
Wesleyan Class
Who & What: Retirees studying the Bible together
When: Sundays at 9:30 am (weekly)
Where: AUMC Conference Room 1 (in the office area closest to 36)
Leaders: Neil Gobel & Don Schooley
Shared Lives
Who & What: Empty nesters & retirees studying, praying, serving, and growing together
When: Sundays at 10:45 am (weekly)
Where: AUMC Library (the back of the chapel)
Leaders: Keith & Nancy Bruning with Dave & Michele Imler
Parenting Group
Who & What: Parents of school age kids growing in faith through studying, praying, & seeking to live more Christ-like
When: A few Sundays per month at 10:45 am
Where: AUMC Conference Room 1
Leader: Pastor Rob Probus
Fellowship Groups
Circle of Friends
Who & What: Adults with special needs & their caretakers enjoying food & fellowship
When: Second & Fourth Sundays 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 (monthly)
Where: Various restaurants & locations
Leaders: Janell Miller & Ruth Eggleton
2/13 at Noon – Bru Burger in Brownsburg
3/12 at Noon – Breakfast Company in Brownsburg
*More dates and locations will be listed in the future.
Fitness & Sports Groups
Aerobics
Who & What: Aerobics fitness sessions
When: Tuesdays & Thursdays from 10:45 – 11:45 am (twice per week)
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 (twice per week)
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.
Griefshare
Who & What: A 13-week Christ-centered support group for those grieving after the death of a loved one
When: August – November 2024 (weekly)
Where: AUMC Room TBD
Leaders: Kelly Lane, Kerry Locke, Teana Norcutt, & Keith Bruning
*More information will be available closer to the start date.
Widowed Support Group
Who & What: A support group for widows & widowers
When: First Sunday of the month from 3:00 – 4:30 pm (monthly)
Where: AUMC Conference Room 2
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 (monthly)
Where: AUMC Fellowship Hall or another location
Leader: Michele Pitts
MOPS / Moms Inc.
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 (twice per month)
Where: AUMC Room 200/201 (across from the Multi-Purpose Room/Gym)
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 (monthly)
Where: Conference Room 1
Leader: Charlotte Martin
WinGS
Who & What: Women’s Bible Study Group
When: Thursdays from 9:00 – 10:30 am (weekly)
Where: AUMC Room 200/201 (across from the Multi-Purpose Room/Gym)
Leader: SanDee Miller
Men’s Groups
Come and See
Who & What: Men’s Bible Study
When: Tuesdays at 9:00 am (weekly)
Where: AUMC Conference Room 2 (near the Chapel)
Leader: Pastor Danny Walker
Sages
Who & What: Widowers Lunch Group for Men
When: Second Thursday of the month at 11:30 am or Noon (monthly)
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 (twice per month)
Where: AUMC Conference Room 1 (in the office area closest to 36)
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