Walk HumblySunday School
9:30 a.m.

  • Agape Sunday School Class is made up of men and women of different ages, but the majority who are above age 60. We are of different marital statuses. We welcome all who wish to join us. We focus on and study God’s Word using United Methodist materials. We have discussion and sharing of ideas based on the lesson of the day. In the past, the class has studied the Bible itself, sections of the Bible, and people of the Bible.

    We have followed the wishes of our class in choosing our materials. Our people have inquiring minds and would welcome other points of view. Join us at 9:30 a.m. each Sunday, across from the first floor kitchen. Our leaders are Susan Bales and Mona Buckley.



  • Spirit Filled Sunday School ClassSpirit Filled Sunday School Class is made up of adults aged 24 to 66 years old, both married couples and singles. The class was formed in 1998. The fun-loving, caring and sharing group of people promises to have fresh coffee and hot tea, and often times, food. (There are several great cooks in the class!)

    The purpose of this Sunday School class is to conduct Bible studies. As a group we read chapters and discuss what we’ve read. Spirit Filled class members strive to put God’s Word into practice in today’s world. We discuss how we can relate to God’s Word and how He wants to use us. The class meets at 9:30 a.m. each Sunday in Room 101, downstairs level. The class leader is Sharyl King.

  • Champion Sunday School Class is made up of enthusiastic, spirit-filled, golden year-aged “Keenagers,” that love to sing and study the Word of God. The class is made up of people of all walks of life, with a core age group of those 51-93 years. We focus on Bible teachings and we divide up our Sunday School hour, half being devoted to music and prayer.

    We meet at 9:30 a.m. each Sunday in Room 308, at the top of the north staircase. We study from the Adult Bible Studies Quarterly, and we gather monthly for an outing for dinner or have dinner catered in to us. The catered dinners are held in the Fellowship Hall of the church, and entertainment is also provided for this event.

    We send out hospitality cards to those that are ill or have lost loved ones. We support local charities and church groups. We are a very caring group of individuals. We invite you to visit our class! The class leader is Marvin Whitley.

  • Asbury Sunday School Class is made up of post-middle-aged couples and singles who focus on Bible study and discussion. Asbury also makes donations to many church and community groups and holds social activities. We meet in Room 304 at 9:30 a.m. each Sunday. Asbury Class is led by John Burton and Ardis Larvick, and others as needed.

  • Ever Growing in Faith is a Sunday School Class that is made up of women aged 20 to 60 years old who share life experiences, family life issues, faith walk topics, humor and love and support of one another. There’s no designated leader for this class, as members of this class take turns leading, as the Spirit guides them.

     We are made up of a laid-back, free-flowing group of survivors, accountable to one another and supporting one another by Christ’s example and love. We intermittently study the Gospel of John and have studied books from authors such as Joyce Meyer, Charles Stanley, and Tommy Tenney.  The class meets in Room 302, across from the church library, on Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Come join us!

  • Revelations Sunday School Class has been meeting for the past 30 years at the First United Methodist Church. Currently the group is made up of couples and singles aged 35 years and older. Our group has lively discussions on various topics of interest. We meet at 9:30 a.m. each Sunday in Room 102. Peggy Ropiequet is the class leader.

United Methodist Women

  • UMW LogoUnited Methodist Women is an organization of approximately one million members whose purpose is to foster spiritual growth, develop leaders and advocate for justice.  Members raise nearly $25 million each year for programs and projects related to women, children and youth in the United States and in more than 100 countries around the world.  The Women's Division is the national policy-making body of this group.

    Here in Mattoon, our local UMW unit  does all it can to make a difference in the world….by planning mission programs, raising funds for local, national, and global mission projects, while growing together in fellowship and faith. Our work is carried out through monthly meetings and several “Circles”, which are UMW small groups, each with its own focus. We invite and welcome women of all ages to join hands with us in mission and caring!

  • Mary Circle UMW is made up a group of women aged about 60 years and older, many who have been in this circle for years.  We consider ourselves a traditional circle and we believe in supporting each other by prayer, visitation of the sick, and serving some receptions. Our circle is very active in the annual church bazaar, which includes many of its members getting involved in making candy for the fundraising event.

    We meet on the second Monday of each month at 1:30 p.m. in Old Fellowship Hall, lower level of the church. We hold two evening meetings a year, which includes inviting spouses at each one.

    Mary Circle is led by Mona Buckley.

  • Sarah Circle UMW is best described as a group of loving, and supportive women. This group of older ladies meet at the local retirement complex, Brookstone North, in Mattoon. Many of the members have mobility concerns and meeting at Brookstone addresses this issue and helps keep our circle active. Many members reside at Brookstone North.

    However, we welcome all women. We have great fellowship and all contribute to our circle. We have devotions and a lesson at every meeting. There are two planned social occasions, a brunch in November and a Christmas party in December, at the home of Patty Stiff.

    Each member--if she is able--is asked to present a devotion and/or lesson. Recently, we have had speakers informing us of the efforts of Cunningham Children’s Home in Urbana; and Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House in East St. Louis.

    Members try to follow the UMW Purpose of knowing God and experiencing freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to have fellowship and to work in missions at home and around the world.

    Sarah Circle meets at 9:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at Brookstone North. Our leaders are Patty Stiff and Susan Bales.

    Rebecca Circle UMW is a group of women of any age who might enjoy taking part in mission projects and fellowship. The circle meets on the second Monday of the month at 7 p.m. in members’ homes.

    The Rebecca Circle is led by Pat Campbell.

    The New Circle It’s a name in progress and a group in progress.  A group of mostly younger women have begun to meet on the 2nd Thursday night of the month at 6 pm. to form this new U M Women’s circle.  They are still talking, dreaming and planning about how they want to structure meetings and what they will become.  If this group in progress sounds exciting to you, it may be the one to join!  The group does know that they want to learn more about local mission needs and find ways to help and serve while growing together in faith and fellowship. Childcare is provided as needed.


Adult Discipleship and Bible Study Groups
 Study Groups

  • Women’s Sharing Group is a gathering of women of varying ages who wish to study God’s Word, while at the same time fellowship together. We often study and discuss the works of contemporary Christian authors. Our group focuses on problem solving through prayer and using God’s Word.

    The Women’s Group meets in the conference room in the church office from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. each Tuesday, during the school year. During the summer we switch to Wednesday nights, same time, same place. All women are welcome to join in.

    Tammie Young leads the group.

  • Bible StudyThursday Morning Women’s Bible Study
    is just what the name says. This scripture-based format, generally using published Bible studies as a beginning, supplemented by commentaries, witnessing, and prayer. The group is made up of women aged 23 to 65-plus years who also enjoy an early start on the day.

     We meet in fellowship for breakfast and follow with a lesson, prayer, and discussion, as well as sharing. The group meets every Thursday at 6:30 a.m. at Pagliacci’s restaurant on Logan Avenue in Mattoon. Join us in the northwest corner room of the restaurant! We meet year-round.

    As a group, we select the subject to be studied, which usually involves three or four series over the year. We expect and welcome class participation. Some of our members have been participating for many years, and lately we’ve been blessed with some people of other churches to join our Bible study. We believe we are richer for this reason.      We recently studied “Just Give Me Jesus,” by Anne Graham Lotts, and will be starting a sequel to “Being a Mary in a Martha World,” this fall. Linda Hance leads the women’s Bible study.

  • Tuesday Night Men’s Group is made up of men aged 20 years and older, both single and married. We focus on the struggles, challenges, and benefits of being men of God, in the world we live in today. We provide accountability to one another. We also try to involve ourselves in our community. All men are invited to join us in Room 102 each Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church. The men’s group is led by Jeremy Harminson.

  • Pastor’s Tuesday Bible Study is held Every Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. in room 101, Rev. Ken Hutchens leads an in-depth study of God’s word. In a small group setting, we learn and pray our way through the Bible, one book at a time. The emphasis is not Bible knowledge so much as application of Bible truths to our current struggles and challenges. Open to anyone.
    Currently: The Gospel of Matthew

  • Serving From the HeartServing From The Heart ... Our church is a SFTH congregation! That means we believe in gift-based ministry. Everyone is encouraged to take one of our Serving From The Heart classes to help them discover their own God-given spiritual gifts, and how God wants them to use those gifts. People are passionate about ministry in areas that match their gifts!

    From time to time, on an on-going basis, we offer SFTH discovery classes to everyone at FUMC. We want our ministries to be gift-based, God led, and passion-driven.  Groups are now meeting for Leadership From the Heart, the next step.  Come and join a group.