Adult Classes and Opportunities

Pick up a Growing Our Soul (Trinity's Program 2008-09) booklet in the church office for a complete listing of classes, studies, retreats, fellowship groups and opportunities at Trinity.

Sunday School Classes: 9:30 am

Exploring Trinity -
Orientation and Basic Beliefs:

(North Parlor, Level 2 – Room 8)  A seven-week series offered as independent sessions is designed for persons new to Trinity or those wishing more in depth information about Trinity and the United Methodist Church. Topics covered include Trinity History, United Methodist History, United Methodist Beliefs, Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts, Stewardship and Organization, and Sacraments and Church Membership.  A strong emphasis is placed on fellowship with others new in the congregation and becoming connected. Contact Rev. Miriam Slejko at 303-839-1493 or mslejko@trinityumc.org.

Homebuilders:
(Level 1 - Room 9) Participants are young adults with active families. With Wayne and Beth Brown as primary teachers, a variety of topics are covered on marriage, prayer, current issues and issues to continually search for ways to keep God as a focus in our busy lives. With faith and desire to continually build our relationship with the Lord, an added bonus is having fun with social activities throughout the year.  Contact John and Karen Kinzie.

Intervals of Joy: 
(Choir Room, adjacent to Fellowship Hall)  This adult music education class allows participants to learn how to read music, improve ear training skills, study music history and learn vocal techniques. Talented music educators from Trinity help adults in music ensembles as well as those wanting to be in an ensemble, but don’t know where to begin.  Join us in this exciting opportunity to challenge yourself and learn a new skill!  Classes are Sundays from 9:30-10:15 am, beginning September 7.  Contact Judith Mitchell through the church office to register.
                                                           
Koinonia Bible Study:
Koinonia, a new Sunday School class for adults of all ages, will meet for the first time on Sunday, September 7, at 9:30 in Stiles Chapel.  Please join us for Christian fellowship and community, the meaning of the Greek word Koinonia.

Dr. Richard McLean, PhD in Biblical Studies, will teach each Sunday in September on the subject, “What Happened to my Parents’ Bible: Modern Understandings of the Nature, Content, and Use of the Bible.”  Dr. McLean’s series will provide background material for the following
 8-week series to be held in October and November that will be taught by Trinity member Matt Lee. 

Mr. Lee, MBA, will be leading discussions on the book Reading the New Testament by Pheme Perkins, a leading scholar of the New Testament.  This book will be available for $14.50 at the September classes.  Participants will greatly enhance their experience if they have read the book so that they can contribute to class discussions.  Having led Disciple Bible Study levels 1 to 4 on numerous occasions, Mr. Lee has extensive experience directing class discussions. Also, he has been active in youth ministry education, adult education, and church stewardship at Trinity and at his former church in PA. 

The two series are interrelated and, although attendance at both is strongly encouraged, participants do not need to attend both in order to benefit and learn.

For additional information, contact Mary Jackson at maryjack@aol.com or 303-770-6247 or Alexandra Walter at alexandrakiefer@hotmail.com.

Life After Forty:
(Level 1 - Room 13) A class welcoming all adults, LAF is designed to provide a spiritual and social community for mid-life adults.  The mission is to provide support in fulfilling and enriching the Christian lives of Trinity’s adults through God’s blessings and guidance. Studies include issues such as realities of midlife and aging, pre-retirement and work, spirituality, lifelong learning, relationships and directing our lives to give back to our community, families and the world. A wide range of social activities and mission projects are also provided.  Contact  Pat Soden at 303-338-8792 or pasoden@comcast.net.

New Horizons:
(Level 1 - Room 8) Young couples of all types in their 20’s and 30’s enjoy this scripture-based class. We emphasize developing an understanding of our faith and how it applies to everyday living. We offer a faith-based experience and an opportunity to learn about other church opportunities while meeting other couples with similar interests. Class social events are planned throughout the year. Contact Sharon Scheminske at sscheminske@att.net.

Young Adults:
Young adults study biblical, non-biblical, religious and contemporary material in order to gain a better understanding of our spiritual lives and of our faith. The group discusses each work in depth, bringing in life experiences, education and other resources. Contact Tiffany Baker at 303-839-1493 or tbaker@trinityumc.org.

Pastors’ Bible Study:
(Sanctuary, Level 3) All are welcome to share in this weekly opportunity for fellowship, devotion and Bible study, led by Senior Pastor Mike Dent. This fall, the class will explore “The New Testament Community.” The winter quarter will focus on “Human Commitment” in the scriptures. Student books will be available for each quarter. New Bible students and guests of all ages are especially invited. Contact Maurice and Joanne Nelson at 303-471-4817 or mauricenelson@webtv.net.

Seekers:
(Level 2 – Room 9) In this “mature adult” class, topics include not only Bible study but book reviews, morality issues and current religious doctrines. The variety provides opportunities for individual spiritual growth as well as an increased understanding and awareness of Christian concepts and concerns. Here is an excellent opportunity for social interaction, friendly discussion and personal growth. Come and join us! Contact Abe Vasquez at abevasq@aol.com.

Surveying the Bible:
(Conference Room, Level 2) The Bible survey class invites you to join us as we support one another in listening, discussing and applying the weekly lesson to our lives. No previous Biblical study required. Contact Rev. Bob Keller at 303-765-2812 or chezfrantz@msn.com.

Trinity Transitionals:

(Heritage Room, Level 2) All are welcome to this class of sharing and supportive couples and singles. Members are invited to suggest topics and lead the weekly discussion. We also invite guest speakers to share their knowledge and views on relevant topics. Our weekly, informal discussions include, but are not limited to, specific Bible study, religious history and doctrine, interfaith exploration and religious representations in music, art, and popular culture. Drop-ins are always welcome! Add your name to our email list to receive weekly announcements about our programs and events. Contact Marti Sorensen at
303-233-3163 or LindMart1@hotmail.com.

Two-By-Twos:
(Level 1 – Room 11) Adults (35-years-old-plus) participate in lively discussions dealing with spiritual topics, Bible study and personal growth. Lectionary of scripture, current events and resources are woven into the weekly gatherings. Contact Julie Mueller at 303-665-7256.

Men’s Ministries
Men’s Bible Study:
Men meet every Thursday morning at Trinity for Bible study. Contact Jack Houser at 303-825-6306 or pjhouser@aol.com.

Wesleyan Breakfast Club:
On the first Friday morning of the month, Trinity men gather at a local restaurant for fellowship, guest speakers and good food! Contact Rowland Wimmer at 303-422-7887 or rgwimmer@aol.com.

Women’s Ministries
Retreats:
Women are invited to participate in two retreats held each year. For more information or to volunteer to help prepare for the retreats, contact Rev. Linda Marshall at 303-839-1493 or lmarshall@trinityumc.org.

The Fall Retreat is held at Snow Mountain Ranch near Winter Park, Colorado, and includes ample time for fellowship, study, fabulous community meals and recreation.  This year’s retreat, October 3-5, will be led by Judy Carlisle, with the theme “Listening to Our Hearts.”

The Spring Retreat is held the first weekend of March.  Focusing on dimensions of the spiritual life, this overnight retreat provides a 24-hour period to connect with other women of the faith community and to connect with God.  The Spring 2009 Retreat is scheduled for March 6-9.

United Methodist Women:
UMW is a community of women whose purpose it is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ. We develop creative and supportive fellowship and participate in the global ministries of the church. Women are invited to participate in any of the five small groups which meet at various times and places. Contact Helen Olson Hull at 303-893-1847 or helenolsonhull@yahoo.com.

Fellowship Groups

Primetimers:
Programs are scheduled each quarter to offer older adults social opportunities and fellowship.  Contact Joanne and Maurice Nelson at 303-471-4817.

Life-After-Forty: 
Social and mission activities are scheduled each month. Contact Pat Soden at 303-518-2653.

Young Adults: 
Various social and mission-oriented activities are being planned throughout the coming year.  Watch the weekly email or contact Tiffany Baker, 303-839-1493 or tbaker@trinityumc.org to learn of the scheduled events or to offer suggestions.

Caring Ministries

Blood Pressure Screening: (Trinity Café) Screening is offered at no charge on the 3rd Sunday of each month.

New Beginnings:

The development and unfolding of a relationship is a major step as couples enter into a marriage relationship. New Beginnings is a one-day workshop (9:00 am – 4:00 pm) designed to explore important skills for a good relationship, including communication and negotiation skills, setting of expectations, discussion of roles and much more. These quarterly workshops are led by Dr. Steve Benson, nationally certified counselor working with issues related to marriage and family. Workshop dates are October 11, 2008, and February 14, May 9 and August 8, 2009. Contact Lee Kulick regarding exact dates and registration deadlines at 303-839-1493 or lkulick@trinityumc.org.

9NEWS Health Fair:
Trinity Care Ministry hosts the 9NEWS Health Fair in Trinity Café for a half a day each spring.

Prayer Quilt Ministry:
The prayer quilt group meets on the 2nd Saturday of each month at Trinity United Methodist Church. All people wanting to learn quilting skills, along with sharing in Christian fellowship, are welcome to join us in creating quilts for the Prayer Quilt Ministry. These prayer quilts are given to members and friends of Trinity who are experiencing difficult times. In addition to making quilts, the group gathers for community quilting events and has an annual Christmas party. Contact Sherry Valentic at 303-773-6220 or sherryvalentic@netscape.net.

Re-membering Grief: 
Members and friends of Trinity UMC, experiencing the loss of a loved one gather quarterly to allow time to share stories and discover ways to manage our losses with some helpful tools to connect us with our faith. This group is led by Bonnie Bingham, Lee Kulick and members of the Trinity pastoral staff. Remaining classes for 2008 are August 16 and November 1. Contact Bonnie Bingham at 303-424-5892 for details and scheduling.

Scripture and Faith Studies
Basic Bible Knowledge for People of the Book:
This exciting new class begins September 10 and meets Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm. Trinity member David Bingham will lead this Bible study offered especially for those who may have had little or no previous exposure to the Bible’s basic structure and content. Participants will discover a common starting point for understanding the Bible, which will provide a foundation for further Bible study.  The sessions also will encourage time for inquiry and development of the Christian faith. Contact Rev. Linda Marshall at  303-839-1493, x 15 or lmarshall@trinityumc.org.

Disciple Bible Study:
Through the in-depth study of scripture, this program is designed to develop strong Christian leaders. Disciple participants are strengthened in faith and guided into service and ministry. Daily Bible reading and journaling are an important part of this structured, intensive study. At the weekly meetings, questions are explored that are designed to stimulate group discussion. Contact Rev. Linda Marshall at 303-839-1493, x 15 or lmarshall@trinityumc.org.

Thursday Morning Bible Study:
(Level 2 – Room 8) This ongoing Bible study with interactive discussion  meets Thursday mornings from 9:30-11:00 a.m.  Childcare is free, but parking is on your own. Contact Kathy Gibb at 303-839-1453 or kgibb@trinityumc.org  for details and scheduling.

Spiritual Formation and Spiritual Direction
 Spiritual Formation is the process of being conformed to the image of Christ. We have a longing to be closer to God, but what can we do about it? How can we break through the busyness barrier and spend more time in God’s presence?

Throughout the year Trinity offers short term classes that help us discover methods, tools and activities to help us on our spiritual journey. We will explore different types of prayer, spiritual reading, journaling, personal retreat time, daily spiritual practices and more.
 Currently, we offer a centering prayer group on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm and a contemplative worship service, “Romancing the Spirit,” on Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm.

Spiritual Direction is an on-going relationship in which a person (the directee), who desires being attentive to his or her spiritual life, meets with another person (the director) on a regular basis for the purpose of becoming more attuned to God’s presence in all of life. The directee is on their spiritual journey and the director is a facilitator, a helper, on that journey. We have three trained Spiritual Directors at Trinity. Rev. George Brunner, Linda Sperber and Mary Jane Hopkins are available to work with individuals, small groups and retreats.

For more information about spiritual formation or spiritual direction at Trinity, call Rev. George Brunner 303-839-1493 or gbrunner@trinityumc.org.

Transformational Leadership in Action
Have you ever been asked to lead a small group but didn’t feel adequate?  Have you ever thought you’d like to lead a small group? This class is designed for persons wanting to lead small groups and Sunday School classes and will provide innumerable tools for becoming an effective spiritual leader. Contact Dave Sanger at 303-841-9535.


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