Small Group Information

Small Group Information (Updated Sept. 7, 2026)

Nursery

Sundays (9 and 11 AM) | Nursery, Children’s Wing | Birth–4 years | Ongoing

The Nursery, coordinated by Emma Stephens (sumc-nursery@skylandumc.com), provides age-appropriate lessons for children from birth through 4 years. Activities include music, games, crafts, books, snacks, and play.

Children’s Church

Sundays (9 and 11 AM after the Children’s Message) | Children’s Ministry Room | 4 years–2nd Grade | September–May

Children’s Church, led by our Children and Youth Ministry Director Anna Ahern (youth@sklyandumc.com) and volunteers, offers age-appropriate Bible lessons with a theme each semester. Lessons are taught and reinforced through games, activities, and crafts. Children’s Church meets September through May, except on Communion Sundays.

Bible Explorers

Sundays (9 and 11 AM after the Children’s Message) | Aldersgate Room | 3rd–5th Grade | September–May

Bible Explorers is an opportunity for older children to explore the Bible while building community with their peers. The group, which meets during our Sunday worship services, is coordinated by our Children and Youth Ministry Director Anna Ahern (youth@sklyandumc.com) and led by a rotating group of volunteers. Bible Explorers meets September through May, except on Communion Sundays.

Wesley Way

Sundays (10–10:50 AM) | Wesley Room | Adults | Ongoing

Wesley Way is an adult Bible study using the Wesley Curriculum. The group’s discussion on Hebrews begins this fall. The group is led by Jim Nichols (jcnichol@att.net) and David Hultberg (davehultberg@gmail.com).

Skyland Kids

Wednesdays (3-5 PM) | Fellowship Hall | K–5th Grade | September–May

Skyland Kids is our return to Wednesday programming for our kids. They will participate in a variety of activities, including games, mission projects, science, cooking, Bible stories, singing, and chimes. The group is led by Children and Youth Ministry Director Anna Ahern (youth@skylandumc.com).

Junior Youth

Sundays (5–6:30 PM) | Fellowship Hall | 5th–7th Grade | September–May

Junior Youth is a time for younger youth to gather, enjoy community, participate in Bible lessons and music, and build connections with one another. The group is led by Aaron and Kari Byrd (Karisbyrd@gmail.com).

Youth Group

Sundays (5–6:30 PM) | Youth Arena | 8th–12th Grade | September–May

Youth Group, led by Children and Youth Ministry Director Anna Ahern (youth@skylandumc.com), is a weekly gathering designed to build community through games and by connecting Scripture to real-world issues and challenges faced in our communities and in our own lives. Follow our Youth on Instagram (@skylandstudentministry).

MOMS

Sundays (5–6:30 PM) | Office Chapel | September–May

MOMS, led by Amelia Hodges (hodgesah@gmail.com), follows with the curriculum that our Youth uses. This women’s group meets in the Office Chapel from September through May.

Young Adult Small Group

Sundays (10–11 AM) | Aldersgate Room | Adults, single or married | Ongoing

The Young Adult Small Group is for adults who are single or married and meets to discern what it means to be a disciple of Jesus as a young adult in the 21st Century. The group alternates focusing on the Bible and book studies about the Christian faith. The group is led by Sarah (sarahlympany@gmail.com) and Shane Lympany.

Seeking Sparrows

Tuesdays (10:00–11:30 AM) | Aldersgate Room | Women’s Book Study | Ongoing

Seeking Sparrows is a women’s group focused on studying the Bible throughout the year. The group is led by Marian Gass (marianigass@gmail.com).

Burning Heart Disciples

Tuesdays (1–2:15 PM) | Aldersgate Room | Intergenerational Women’s Group | September–May

Burning Heart Disciples is an intergenerational women’s group focused on seeing ourselves as God’s beloved and growing as disciples of Jesus—for our transformation, the world’s good, and God’s glory. Members diligently seek to grow and progress in Christ likeness. The group is led by Celeste Tolbert (celeste.tolbert@gmail.com).

A Few Good Men: Brothers in Christ/Truth Seekers

Tuesdays (5–6 PM) | Youth Arena | Intergenerational Men’s Group | Ongoing

A Few Good Men is an intergenerational men’s group that focuses on studying Scripture, with participants encouraged to bring a Bible. The group also includes discussion, prayer, and fellowship as brothers in Christ. The group is led by Paul Richards (pauldrichards9@outlook.com).

Women in the Word

Wednesdays (noon–1 PM) | Aldersgate Room | Women’s Group | September–May

Women in the Word is a women’s group focused on seeing ourselves as God’s beloved and growing as disciples of Jesus — for our transformation, the world’s good, and God’s glory. The group is led by Celeste Tolbert (celeste.tolbert@gmail.com).

Women’s Covenant Group

Wednesdays (3–4:30 PM) | Asbury, Children’s Wing | September 24–May

The Women’s Covenant Group is for women of all ages and provides an opportunity to come together for fellowship and study, deepening our love for God and caring for one another as we serve the church and community. The group is led by Jackie Mangum (jmangum@charter.net) and Eulone Sawicki (esawicki61@gmail.com).

Wednesday Book Study

Wednesdays (6–7:15 PM) | Wesley Room| Men, Women, Young, Old, Married Couples & Singles | September–May

The Wednesday Night Book Study group study will explore Genesis: A Beginner’s Guide to the Beginning, by Amy-Jill Levine. It will study Genesis as a living narrative through historical context, humor, and theological insight, including creation, conflict, judgment, mercy, Eden, Cain and Abel, Noah, Jacob, and Joseph. The study, which will include video sessions, is open to all. The group is led by Rev. Joe Tarpley (jtarpley@skylandumc.com).

Women at the Well

Saturdays (9–10:30 AM) | Chapel Office | Intergenerational Women’s Group | September–May

Women at the Well is an intergenerational women’s group focused on weekly Bible or book study centered around a topic from the Bible. Participants are asked to complete weekly preparatory reading. The group is led by Susan Anderson (andersonsusan99@gmail.com).

SEASONAL SHORT-TERM STUDIES

Fall Walks

A Variety of Dates | Aldersgate Room| All Ages | September–November

A discussion of Frédéric Gros's A Philosophy of Walking, exploring pilgrimage, nature, protest, solitude, thought, and the many meanings of walking. Discussion dates: Thursdays, September 24, October 22, and November 19 at (5:30 PM); Walks: Saturdays, October 24 and November 21 (9:30 AM) The group is led by Rev. Joe Tarpley (jtarpley@skylandumc.com).

Advent Study and Sermons

Wednesdays 9 AM and 6 PM | Aldersgate (9 AM) and Wesley (6 PM) Room | All Ages | September–December

Names for the Messiah, by Walter Brueggemaan, reflects on the four royal titles in Isaiah 9:6: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Through study and sermons, we'll ask: What were the expectations for the Messiah, and did Jesus fulfill them? Study dates: Wednesdays, December 2, 9, and 16 (9 AM and 6 PM). Sermons dates: November 29 and December 6 (9 and 11 AM); December 13 (10:30 AM). The group is led by Rev. Joe Tarpley (jtarpley@skylandumc.com).

Keeping Spiritual Company

Fall availability: September 14-December 17| Wesley Room| All Ages | September–November

One-on-one time with Pastor Joe for listening, exploring your spiritual story, and considering ways to connect with God through conversation, prayer, and perhaps silence. No therapy, preaching, or advice given. Meet times are mutually agreed upon (Monday-Thursday) and there is a limit of five participants. Sign up by emailing Rev. Joe Tarpley (jtarpley@skylandumc.com).

Advent Retreat Day

Dec. 5 (morning) | Wesley Room| All Ages

The event is led by Rev. Joe Tarpley (jtarpley@skylandumc.com). More info to come.

Beloved Community

Oct. 25 and Nov. 8 (2 p.m.) | Wesley Room| All Ages |

Join us on two Sunday afternoons for a conversation about the book, Building Beloved Community. This is an opportunity to look at the things that divide communities today and a way for Christians to be exposed to a (prophetic) path for peace during difficult times. On Nov. 11 we will share a meal with Bishop Ken Carter, was the principal writer for the study book. We are fortunate to have him be with us and to guide us in conversations around this topic. Contact Rev. Joe Tarpley (jtarpley@skylandumc.com) for more info.

Confirmation Revisted

Sept. 20-Nov. 29 (10 AM) | Asbury Room| Older Youth and Adults |

Confirmation Revisted is a short-term class for those who want a little more related to the content of a Confirmation Class. Often, we only faintly recall some of the basic tenets of the Christian faith. Come for one, come for all. No sign-up required. Here is a short “re-discovery” of some of the basics: Sept. 20 (What is the Trinity?), Oct. 4 (What are the Creeds?), Oct. 18 (Is Jesus fully human or fully divine or both?), Nov. 1 (What Is Grace?), Nov. 29 (What is a Sacrament?). The event is led by Rev. Joe Tarpley (jtarpley@skylandumc.com).