Adult Ministries
Regardless of where you are in life or where you have been, there is a place for you here at Arborlawn. All of our groups are always open for you to join us.
Women's Ministries
WMAA – Women’s Ministries at Arborlawn
Launched in January 2006, this program encompasses several women’s Bible studies. The various studies meet together twice a year for breakfast, fellowship and worship, and the individual studies meet weekly throughout the year.
United Methodist Women (UMW)
The United Methodist Women of Arborlawn United Methodist Church is a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church. The Arborlawn United Methodist Women is a group of approximately 200 women, ranging in age from young adult through some of Arborlawn’s more seasoned members. The Arborlawn UMW meets as a whole unit on the first Tuesday of each month from September through May. These general meetings include a speaker or program and a meal for a time of fellowship. Smaller groups, known as Circles, meet together later in the month in the morning and evening. Each Circle at Arborlawn has a unique focus, may it be Bible study or missions. Christian fellowship is also an important component of the United Methodist Women.
The Arborlawn United Methodist Women participates in a variety of mission project. As a group, UMW supports the Arborlawn Food Pantry and Snack Sack programs, United Community Centers, Church Women United, various projects of the Metropolitan Board of Missions, the Methodist Children’s Home, and a variety of programs through the Central Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church. Through volunteering and giving, the Arborlawn United Methodist Women reach out in Christian love and service both locally and around the world.
All women are invited and encouraged to visit a general meeting of UMW. Please check the church calendar for upcoming events!
WMAA – Beth Moore Bible Studies
These 12-week intensive encounters are based on studies by best-selling author Beth Moore. The Founder of Living Proof Ministries, Beth Moore challenges students to increase their biblical literacy and live according to God’s Word. The 12-week sessions at Arborlawn combine videos of Beth Moore’s classes with group discussion and home study.
WMAA – Sisters Bible Study
The Sisters are the longest-running women’s study at Arborlawn. Meeting on Thursday mornings, this eclectic group offers an opportunity to study aspects of biblical living in a friendly, uplifting environment. The Sisters have explored questions of spiritual gifts and Harlots of the Bible … and everything in between.
WMAA – Friendship Bible Study
Using studies authored by best-selling author Max Lucado to delve into God’s word, this Thursday evening study is perfect for working women looking for spiritual sustenance. The class meets in members’ homes and takes a systematic approach to studying individual books of the Bible. The study focuses on understanding Scripture both in its original context, as well as the message it conveys to modern Christians.
Men's Ministries
United Methodist Men
United Methodist Men are organized to provide a dedicated ministry for building men spiritually and involving men in the total ministry of the church through evangelism, mission and spiritual growth. Our chapter of the United Methodist Men is organized and active! The executive board meets once a month, and the general meeting also convenes once a month at a 6:30 dinner.
The newly re-organized United Methodist Men is striving to serve the community and the church by uniting in Christ. Mission activities are actively supported through donations, programs, and volunteered time. United Methodist Men support the joy of fellowship within the church as well.
The group sponsors a Dads and Kids Night filled with fun activities, co-sponsors the All Church Picnic, organizes an all church Golf Tournament, provides a Pancake Supper on Ash Wednesday, hosts a special Sweetheart Banquet with door prizes, photos, and flowers, and hosts an Ice Cream Social to cool us in the summer.
Breakfast Theologians
We’re a group of Christian men who like to eat and love to talk about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. So once a week, we do both. Join us at IHOP on South University Drive at 7 a.m. Thursday mornings for breakfast, prayer and fellowship.
Spiritual Development
Introduction to Arborlawn
New to Arborlawn United Methodist Church? This three-week class offers a crash course in who we are as United Methodists and as people of Arborlawn. Taught by Senior Pastor Ben Disney, this course is offered twice a year and is an opportunity to plug into the excitement of Arborlawn and meet new people, too.
Arborlawn 101 – Adult Confirmation
Launched in February 2007, this 12-week course is designed to provide an overview of the Christian faith and the United Methodist Church. Utilizing professors from area seminaries and experts from within the United Methodist Church, this course takes a detailed look at the history and development of the Christian church and the development of the United Methodist Church, as well as the call to discipleship that each Christian answers. Arborlawn 101 is perfect for new Christians who want to explore their faith, adults who did not have the confirmation experience as youth, or members who come to Arborlawn from another denominational tradition. Students who complete the 12-week program are confirmed and affirmed during a worship service, but individual classes are open to anyone.
Bible Studies
Pastors’ Bible Study
Join us for this weekly Bible study at Arborlawn led by Senior Pastor Ben Disney and Associate Pastor Lee Trigg. These studies, featuring original curriculum created by Arborlawn pastors, explore and wrestle the Bible in a lively discussion format designed to bring the Word of God to life for contemporary Christians. The classes are offered twice each week – 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday and 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday -- to accommodate the busiest schedules.
Disciple Bible Study
Designed for adults seeking a deeper encounter with Scripture, Disciple at Arborlawn is an informing and transforming Bible study program that explores the depth and breadth of Scripture. Led by Associate Pastor Paul Gravley, these 30-plus week studies combine a video-based curriculum with small-group discussion and intensive individual study. Part of Abingdon Press’ popular series, the Disciple program at Arborlawn allows serious Christians to engage in serious biblical study on an ongoing basis.
Short-Term Disciple Studies
Are you looking for an opportunity to plunge in-depth into God’s Word, but can’t make the long-term commitment for a Disciple Bible Study? Then this may the class for you. These 8-week studies at Arborlawn follow the same format as the popular Disciple Bible Studies, combining expert commentary, group discussion and independent study, but with a more narrow focus, such as the study of individual books. Upcoming classes include studies of Genesis and Romans.
WMAA – Beth Moore Bible Studies
These 12-week intensive encounters are based on studies by best-selling author Beth Moore. The Founder of Living Proof Ministries, Beth Moore challenges students to increase their biblical literacy and live according to God’s Word. The 12-week sessions at Arborlawn combine videos of Beth Moore’s classes with group discussion and home study.
WMAA – Sisters Bible Study
The Sisters are the longest-running women’s study at Arborlawn. Meeting on Thursday mornings, this eclectic group offers an opportunity to study aspects of biblical living in a friendly, uplifting environment. The Sisters have explored questions of spiritual gifts and Harlots of the Bible … and everything in between.
WMAA – Friendship Bible Study
Using studies authored by best-selling author Max Lucado to delve into God’s word, this Thursday evening study is perfect for working women looking for spiritual sustenance. The class meets in members’ homes and takes a systematic approach to studying individual books of the Bible. The study focuses on understanding Scripture both in its original context, as well as the message it conveys to modern Christians.
"Classic" Adults
Older adults, and any who would like to join!, are invited to Merrymakers on the fourth Wednesday of every month. Bring your covered dish for a noontime luncheon, then stay for games and fellowship. Merrymakers also plans outings – the Dallas Arboretum, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, musicals, and shopping trips to Granbury. Bring your favorite game and come join the fun!
If you would like more informaton about Merrymakers, contact Kyle Glenn at the church office or Glen & Katie Rector.
Sunday School
Baker Burns
This class of 60+ ers enjoys Scripture lessons through the International Lesson Series. Weekly lessons also include articles on related Bible topics and teaching methods. They have a strong belief in prayer-based care and share their faith, sorrows, and lifetime experiences together.
Ben Feemster New Testament
Ben Feemster New Testament is a lively group of couples and singles who study a variety of topics with a focus of applying biblical principles to modern life. The discussion oriented format provides an open exchange of life experiences as members strive for Christ-centered spiritual maturity.
Bible Study
Bible Study class is a loving, caring group of 50-80+ couples, widows and widowers. They have various activities away from class including 42, bridge and bingo nights. Their outreach activities have supported the church missions primarily. Class format is lecture-type presentations of various books of the Bible.
Cornerstone
Singles and married couples from 20s-60s meet to grow their faith and knowledge through lessons, discussion and fellowship. They strive to apply various aspects of the Bible to everyday life. Activities away from the church include movie outings to mission projects.
Covenant
Covenant Class is designed to tackle intellectually challenging topics and provocative (sometimes unanswerable) questions about church doctrine, church history, the Bible, and extra-biblical documents. Class time include lecture, discussion and class "homework".
Co-Workers
Co-Workers offer a warm, friendly lecture/discussion class for the 60+ age group. Our name well describes our dedication to mission projects and our thoughtful, prayerful care for our fellow members. We enjoy dinners, plays, and musicals for class social activities.
Faith Bible
Faith Bible class is made up of adults of all ages. They study various books of the Bible with study guides and class discussion. They seek to build their relationship with the Lord to better reach out to others in the church and community.
New Hope
The New Hope Sunday school class studies are Bible-based and usually taught by James Nader. Members of our class are from 40 - 60+ years old. We try to have a party quarterly and enjoy fellowship every week before class starts.
New Horizons New Horizons is geared for those who are divorced, single, widowed or attend church without their spouses. Lessons are scripturally based and focus on current issues facing us a Christians. Monthly gatherings away from the church are planned.
New Life Friends in Faith
We are adults in our mid-30s-50s. Most of us are married and have children living at home. Our children's ages range from preschool and young elementary through senior high school. We enjoy contemporary study of Bible-based lessons related to current family life. Our class meetings are informal and encouarage open discussion. We enjoy making craft projects for the homebound and shut-in church members. And, we support mission projects including the Presbyterian Night Shelter, Habitat for Humanity and the church Food Pantry.
One With Others
This class uses the Adult Bible Series format to provide spiritual study, fellowship and support for its members, who are senior adults
Open Door
This class enjoys a large mix of ages (30s to 50s), beliefs and previous denominations and is a blend of couples and singles. Studies are member-driven and include a variety of topics from the Bible and Christianity to current issues in today's society. Key focus is on class member involvement, discipleship, fun and fellowship. Class sessions are informal and encourage open discussion. Monthly adult socials as well as family activites are scheduled. Class members are very active with church projects and several members serve in key leadership areas within the church.
Questers
Questers are mostly couples and singles in their 60s-80s who seek to become better Christians in their families, church, community, business and personal lives. Lessons focus on biblical and Christian topics and their application to daily living.
Saints and Sinners
Our class includes mostly parents of young children. We study a variety of topics from Bible study to controversial issues and discuss how to apply them to our lives and our child-rearing. We periodically have parties with and without children and service projects such as serving cookies at the Nativity Pageant.
Searchers
Searchers class is mostly adults in their 40s-60s who are empty nesters. Their lessons are vaired, from Bible study to current events with lively discussion. Sojourners This class is comprised of young seniors - both singles and couples. Their lessons are varied and include biblical and related subjects for discussion. They enjoy gathering in members' homes for good food and fellowship throughout the year as well as support mission projects.
Study the Bible for Yourself
This class is based on the book, "How to Study the Bible for Yourself" by Tim LaHaye. It is a member-led discussion group consisting of all ages and walks of life.
Warmed Heart
The Warmed Heart Class is a discussion class led by a facilitator. Topics include in-depth Bible study and lessons that focus on life enriching issues. Our life stages range from parents with young children to empty nesters. Guests are always welcome!
Young Adults (aka Crossing Point)
This class targets those who are 25ish to 35ish. It is designed for both Singles and Married couples to take a fresh look at faith.