CONNECTING THROUGH CELL GROUPS For all information and to get connected with any Cell Group, please contact our Minister of Discipleship, Rev. Meg Wilkes at meg@clemsonumc.org.
The cell. It’s the basic unit of LIFE in the body. Just as each body is made up of many cells, so the Church body is made up of many cells, together bringing LIFE and vitality to the whole. What a perfect metaphor for the Body of Christ! We are One body. And through our unique study, leisure, and fellowship groups, we deepen our personal ties and strengthen our discipleship as we journey together in faith. Cell Group is an interchangeable term with small group, life group, home group, class, or fellowship group.
Why join a Cell Group? The point of participating in a Cell Group is to prioritize spiritual formation in our daily lives, and to engage in meaningful relationships with others who share our desire to grow in Christ. Some people have aptly said that Cell Groups are about “doing LIFE together!”
CELL GROUPS
MONTHLY FELLOWSHIP
United Methodist Men (UMM) Our United Methodist Men’s group meets for breakfast on the third Tuesday of the month at 8:30am throughout the academic year. (We do not meet in December, June, July, or August.) Our purpose is to experience fellowship over a terrific breakfast either cooked in-house or brought in from a local restaurant, to hear from a variety of relevant speakers for information and wisdom, and to serve God and others through mission projects and support of CUMC. Meeting Time: 3rd Tuesday each month @ 8:30am Location: Christian Life Center Who: Men of all ages and stages are welcome Contact: To get connected with any Cell Group, please contact our Minister of Discipleship, Rev. Meg Wilkes at meg@clemsonumc.org.
United Women in Faith (formerly United Methodist Women) We have four active circles of women who are united in faith together, celebrating life through their common interests of mission initiatives, reading programs, retreats, and devotional growth in Christ. Formerly known as United Methodist Women, these United Women in Faith are often thought of as the foundation of worldwide connections for good work through the UMC. We are very proud of our international UWF and grateful for our groups right here @ CUMC United Women in Faith | Love in Action (uwfaith.org)
Abigail-Dorcas meets 2nd Wed @ 10:00am in the overflow room of the Worship Center.
Hannah-Priscilla corresponds regularly and meets in person periodically. Contact the church for more information and to connect with the group leader.
Mary-Martha meets 2nd Thursday @ 6:00pm-8:00pm at a different restaurant each month! This is a group of younger women (30’s-50’s)
Miriam meets 2nd Thursday @ 5:30 in room 115 of the office building for a brief business meeting at the church followed by dinner at a restaurant together.
Contact: To get connected with any Cell Group, please contact our Minister of Discipleship, Rev. Meg Wilkes at meg@clemsonumc.org.
Clemson Downs Fellowship We are a group of senior adults who live in apartments and homes in the Clemson Downs. We gather monthly for fellowship, devotion and singing in the Corley Building. Laughter and learning, sharing prayers and stories, and continuing to grow in faith during these golden years is essential to us. The Clemson UMC senior pastor joins us regularly! We welcome all who are residents of the Clemson Downs to join us for this time set apart. Meeting Time: First Thursday of the month @ 10:00am Location: The Corley Building Who: Senior Adults of Clemson Downs Contact: To get connected with any Cell Group, please contact our Minister of Discipleship, Rev. Meg Wilkes at meg@clemsonumc.org.
Dominion Fellowship Meeting Time: First Thursday of the month @ 2:00pm Location: Dominion Gathering Lounge Who: Senior Adults of Dominion Senior Living Contact: To get connected with any Cell Group, please contact our Minister of Discipleship, Rev. Meg Wilkes at meg@clemsonumc.org.
Table for 8 Table for 8 is an exciting opportunity to connect with others at Clemson UMC. Participating in Table for 8 is signing up for three meals within the Fall months - from September through December. Based on your answers and preferences in the questionnaire, you will be arranged into groups of eight that will gather three times in the fall to build community and get to know one another more. You can sign up here. For more information, go towww.clemsonumc.org/tablefor8 and make sure to sign up by September 11. Meeting Time: One evening monthly at a designated hour as determined by each group. Location: In homes and restaurants as determined by each group. Who: Men and women of all ages Contact: Pastor Meg Wilkes at meg@clemsonumc.org
SERVING TOGETHER
Nurture Team Do you have a gift of caring for others? Are you interested in serving God by offering your time and care to the members of a church congregation? Our Nurture Team is a committee of the Church Council at CUMC, striving to connect to ALL members in our congregation, with an emphasis toward our seniors. We offer nurturing attention through calls, cards, visits and other neighborly actions (such as giving bereavement bags to families when they have lost a loved one). Our team enjoys meeting once a month on the 3rd Tuesday with a devotion and fellowship as we discuss and plan for our ministry of care to the CUMC congregation. Kay Owen is our Nurture Team Chair. Meeting Time: Every 3rd Tuesday @ 10:00am and 2:00pm Location: Overflow Room, Worship Center Who: Anyone who enjoys caring for others Contact: Pastor Meg Wilkes at meg@clemsonumc.org who will then connect you with Kay Owen.
Chrismon Crafters If you enjoy crafting and creating and the idea of creating something sacred that will be used in the worship experiences of our church, come make Advent Chrismon Ornaments with us. We create these beautiful symbolic ornaments out of beads and wire, and then give these to the church to adorn our trees in the Worship Center and the Christian Life Center. MeetingTime: TBD Location: Room 115 in the Office Building Who: Anyone interested in the sacred craft of Chrismons. Contact: To get connected with any Cell Group, please contact our Minister of Discipleship, Rev. Meg Wilkes at meg@clemsonumc.org.
Samaritan Stitchers We are people who enjoy knitting or crocheting for the benefit of others - no expertise required. We make prayer shawls and lap robes for people who need TLC and also items for new babies born to families of CUMC. Meeting Time: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays each month. Location: Room 106 in the church office building. Who: Everyone is welcome Contact: To get connected with any Cell Group, please contact our Minister of Discipleship, Rev. Meg Wilkes at meg@clemsonumc.org.
SHARING SPECIAL INTERESTS
Women's Leisure Ministry We have plans for some valuable fellowship time with women who are connecting through Bible Study, OR others who would enjoy some leisure activities and shared meals! Brooke Whitworth is making plans to offer the following get-togethers just for fun, and of course, to include prayer requests and praying for one another. Contact Pastor Meg Wilkes at meg@clemsonumc.org/803-622-1315 to get connected! 9/17 - Italian & coloring book night; 10/20 - Mexican & paint by number night; 11/5 - Soup & puzzle night If childcare is needed for any of these occasions, let us know if we can help secure an experienced church sitter for your family. CUMC Hikers Are you interested in exploring nature? Do you enjoy hiking through the woods or along beautiful trails? With so many wonderful trails and natural wonders (waterfalls and lakes etc) in the Clemson area, this group takes advantage of the opportunity for fellowship in the great outdoors! Please join us for some meaningful experiences on the trails - from easy to moderate hikes - typically within a 30 min drive radius of Clemson. Fall is coming and the weather and views will be just right in the weeks ahead. Put on your hiking boots/shoes and get hiking with us! Meeting Time: 2nd Saturday each month @ 9:00am Location: Determined month to month Who: All are welcome Contact: To get connected with any Cell Group, please contact our Minister of Discipleship, Rev. Meg Wilkes at meg@clemsonumc.org.
#Adulting! A space for younger adults in their 20's and 30'swho are out in the real world! You may be fully invested in a vocational or professional career, getting more education, or still looking for employment that’s right for you. You may be secure in your place in the world or still looking for where/how you belong. You may be single or coupled, living in your own place, staying with roommates, or still with family. Are you already active and involved in church? Or just looking for people to journey with? Howeveryou are adulting, this is a group of people to share faith with, grow and learn with, talk about life with, and get together for some leisure and fun! Meeting Time: Bi-weekly on Mondays @ 5:15pm Location:Determined with each gathering!Coffee shops, restaurants, parks, homes, etc. Who:Younger adults, 20's and 30's Contact: Pastor Meg Wilkes at meg@clemsonumc.org
Senior Singles The Senior Singles group traditionally gets together on the 4th Thursday of each month, for dinner and/or entertainment. This is a social group of a few senior adults who like to stay active and have fun! Meeting Time: 4th Thursday each month Location: Varies month to month Who: Single people in their senior adult years Contact: To get connected with any Cell Group, please contact our Minister of Discipleship, Rev. Meg Wilkes at meg@clemsonumc.org.
As You Are Reconciling Sunday School The As You Are class was formed two years ago and became a Reconciling Class recognized by the national group. We meet (at present) via Zoom on Sunday afternoons at 1:00pm. We begin each class sharing highs/lows from each member. Our group spends the remainder of the hour in study and discussion. Currently we vary our study materials to explore our faith. Sometimes it's books recommended by class members, with guided studies from authors such as Adam Hamilton, Amy-Jill Levine, Barbara Brown Taylor, and others. Our drive to be a Reconciling Class came from fact that many of us have LGBTQ+ family members or friends and are concerned with their exclusion by The United Methodist Church and other denominations as well. Our name signifies that all who come are welcome regardless of who you are. Meeting Time: Sundays @ 1:00pm Location: ZOOM Who: Parents and allies of LGBTQIA+ Contact: To get connected with any Cell Group, please contact our Minister of Discipleship, Rev. Meg Wilkes at meg@clemsonumc.org.
BIBLE STUDIES/SUNDAY SCHOOL
Men's Bible Study This cell group meets on Tuesday mornings at 8:30 in Room 402 of the Christian Life Center. In our sessions, we will discuss Bible passages and use videos to spur additional thoughts. This is a large group of men, many of whom also participate in the CUMC United Methodist Men’s group. Attendees are always welcome to both. Meeting Time: Tuesdays @ 8:30am (except the 3rd Tuesday – join us then for UMM Breakfast – we also break on 5th Tuesdays.) Location: Room 402 in the CLC Who: Men of all ages Contact: To get connected with any Cell Group, please contact our Minister of Discipleship, Rev. Meg Wilkes at meg@clemsonumc.org.
Women's Bible Study This Bible study is for all women, including those with families at home, with adult children or no children, women who are single or married, and women of various stages in life. Brooke Whitworth will be facilitating a 10-week Bible Study, Abide, written and designed by Jen Wilkin. This study is home-based, self-paced using Jen's book, with access to a video for guidance and enrichment every week. Brooke plans to create a text group for participants to engage and offer support. Once we know who will be taking part, Brooke will work with everyone to find a few dates to meet together and discuss. If you are interested, please email Brooke by August 31, 2023 to be included in the group text. Or contact meg@clemsonumc.org/803-622-1315 to get connected. Click here to buy the book. Meeting Time: To be determined Location: To be determined Who: Women, generally from their 30’s through 50’s. Contact: To get connected with any Cell Group, please contact our Minister of Discipleship, Rev. Meg Wilkes at meg@clemsonumc.org.
New Spirit Sunday School Class We are a Sunday school group meeting at 9:45am between CUMC’s two traditional services. Our class is a discussion-oriented group, facilitated by rotating teachers. We enjoy spending our time in biblical and topical studies by respected authors, generally in alignment with the Wesleyan tradition, such as Adam Hamilton, J Ellsworth Kalas, Philip Yancy, Gayle Carlton Fulton, Leonard Sweet, and others. Our topics range from the Church seasons of Advent and Lent, to studies on hope, trust, prayer, social concerns, world religions and challenging faith questions. We are intentional about discipleship and have a wonderful time learning together. Come and see! Meeting Time: Sundays @ 9:45am Location: Room 115 in the Adult Education/Offices Building Who: Men and Women of all ages, working and retired Contact: To get connected with any Cell Group, please contact our Minister of Discipleship, Rev. Meg Wilkes at meg@clemsonumc.org.
DISCUSSION GROUPS
Monday Discussion Group New Book and New Time Legendary preacher Barbara Brown Taylor has released a new collection of sermons, and we are eager to start reading! Always a Guest: Speaking of Faith Far from Home chronicles Taylor’s messages from 2006 to 2020 as she travels the country accepting speaking invitations in a variety of settings. The Monday Discussion Group will begin Barbara’s latest on September 11, 2023 in room 106 at our new meeting time of 4:00-5:00pm. We would be delighted for anyone with a love of good writing and earnest conversation to join us. Book copies in all formats are available online. All are welcome! The face of our group changes with the seasons. We have been a mixture of ages and interests over the years, including working professionals, retired folks, graduate students, couples, singles, women and men. Our purpose is to experience the challenge of spiritual growth together in a relaxed and hospitable setting, no matter our ages or roles in life. Meeting Time: Mondays @ 4:00pm Location: Room 106 in Office Building Who: People of all ages and interests Contact: To get connected with any Cell Group, please contact our Minister of Discipleship, Rev. Meg Wilkes at meg@clemsonumc.org.
Zoom Adult Discussion Class Wherever you are in the world you can join us for topical discussions on books, authors, teachers etc. such as the classic “Honest to God” by John A.T. Robinson, selections by Barbara Brown Taylor and other contemporary theologians. We have class members who Zoom in from here in Clemson as well as New Jersey, Georgia, Mexico, and Ukraine. Grow and stretch in faith. Join us for hearty discussions around challenging topics about faith and practice. Meeting Time: Sundays @ 9:00am Location: ZOOM (get your invite, issued every Saturday, by contacting Bill Dowler with your email request to join– dwdowler@bellsouth.net) Who: People of all ages and interests Contact: To get connected with any Cell Group, please contact our Minister of Discipleship, Rev. Meg Wilkes at meg@clemsonumc.org.
PASTOR STUDIES
Pastor’s Faith and Church 101 Generally, this is a class for frequent guests of CUMC and/or newer members, but it is open to all! If you’d like to know more about our Methodist history and theology, converse about Faith Practices, the Means of Grace, the unique Wesleyan quadrilateral as a method of approaching Bible study, as well as explore info about CUMC (our mission and ministry), this six-week class is for you. Our first session is Sunday, August 27,2023 at 5:00pm in the overflow room behind the Sanctuary in the Worship Center. Our primary source book for the class may be found here. Contact Rev. Tommy Wilkes for more info. His email is tommy@clemsonumc.org.
Pastor’s Bible Studies Rev. Tommy Wilkes invites you to join him in Bible Studies that will be offered twice a year during Lent and Advent. These studies will be unique each time, but will generally be 5 weeks long, around themes relating to Advent and Lent. Some examples include Adam Hamilton’s 24 Hours that Changed the World, Movies and the Cross, The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem, Matt Rawle’s The Heart That Grew Three Sizes and more. Watch for promotions through the newsletter and bulletin as the seasons approach.
CREATIVE WORSHIP DESIGN Are you creative, imaginative, artistic? Would you like to work with the pastors and/or worship teams to design and implement creative elements for our worship services, including visuals, drama, sound, movement, interactive experiences, altar preparation, etc? Currently, we have a team of artful friends creating altar designs and would love to add more insight from others interested in designing and preparing a variety of elements appropriate for worship. These could be added during liturgical seasons, sermon series with themes, or even week to week. If interested, please contact our Minister of Discipleship, Rev. Meg Wilkes at meg@clemsonumc.org.
