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
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.
The Methodists at the Downs 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 the Clemson Downs
Table for 8 Table for 8 is an exciting opportunity to connect with others at Clemson UMC…..over DINNER! Participating in Table for 8 is signing up for three meals - one in September, one in October, one in November. Based on your answers and preferences in the questionnaire, you will be arranged into groups of 8 that will gather three times in the spring to build community and get to know each other more. Signups are now closed. 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: 1st Tuesdays @ 11:00am Location: Room 115 in the Office Building Who: Anyone interested in the sacred craft of Chrismons.
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
SHARING SPECIAL INTERESTS
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
#Adulting! A space for young adults who 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? However you are adulting, this is a group of people around your age to share faith with, grow and learn with, talk about life with, and fellowship with! Meeting Time:TBD Location: TBD Who: Young adults ages 21 to 35ish 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
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: Meg Wilkes, 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 – we also break on 5th Tuesdays.) Location: Room 402 in the CLC Who: Men of all ages
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. We have studied various women authors and Bible teachers including those published with She Reads Truth and Well-Watered Women. Our studies are short term and each will be announced a couple of weeks before we begin. Our next study will be How God Loves Us: 40 Days to Discovering His Character in the Fruit of the Spirit. Brooke Whitworth facilitates this study. Meeting Time: Sundays @ 5:00-6:30pm, 1/22 - 3/19 Location: Room 402 - Christian Life Center Conference Room Who: Women, generally from their 30’s through 50’s.
Genesis to Revelation Come join us for discussion based biblical study every Sunday morning before The Vine. We are interested in the whole Bible and seeking an opportunity to hear from God through the scriptures and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We will study books of the Bible, in no particular order, and linger in our selections for as long as we are learning, and growing with them. The goal of this cell group is to allow people an opportunity during the Sunday school hour to be a part of a meaningful study group and develop strong, supportive relationships in faith and with one another. CHILDCARE and Children’s Sunday school available! Meeting Time: Sundays @ 8:30am Location: Room 116 in church office building Who: Men and women of all ages
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
DISCUSSION GROUPS
Monday Night Discussion Not sure what you’re looking for? But know you want to plug in somewhere? Come as you are on Monday evenings, no strings attached and no expectations! Our group uses a variety of seasoned and new voices in theology and spiritual formation as catalysts for open discussion. You are welcome to read the books, or to not read the books, then join us for the conversation! We have read Barbara Brown Taylor, Richard Rohr, Robin Kimmerer, Father James Martin and more, discussing topics on everything from the relationship between neurology and theology to contemplative prayer practices. This is a wisdom seeking group of people who enjoy learning from wise teachers and from one another. 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 @ 7:00pm Location: Room 106 in Office Building Who: People of all ages and interests
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
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 class is six-week class is for you. It will be offered when at least 10 participants register. Our primary source book for the class may be found here. Contact Rev. Tommy Wilkes for more info.
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.
FUTURE CELLS? Would you be interested in one of these? or do YOU have a good idea yourself? Please contact Pastor Meg Wilkes at meg@clemsonumc.org if you would like to talk about any of the following or anything new: 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? Let us know if this sounds like a winner! Joyful Noise Not keen on “performing,” but would love to sing favorite hymns or praise music with friends? Maybe learn new songs, swap stories, or even explore a bit with instruments? Just for the joy of it? This could be a relaxing and life-giving space for you if you love music and singing but would rather not be on stage or in the choir! Let us know if you’re interested. Sermon Reflections Make Sunday Worship stretch! Gather together during the week to reflect with others on the previous Sunday’s sermon. Enjoy open discussion. Bring your extra studies or just your thoughts to the proverbial round table for positive reflection together on the scripture and the topics presented in the preaching. Couples Fellowship Before Covid we had a group of couples meeting together for dinner and fellowship. The kids were all included as couples rotating at each other’s houses. Some are interested in reviving this again! If you are interested in participating in this supportive fellowship, contact us and we will work to set it up! BODY MIND SPIRIT YOGA MEDITATION A contemplative experience in meditative yoga that is good for the whole being. Simple, not strenuous, with the purpose of centering and holistic healing. With enough interest we will work to find a practitioner to see this through. Exercise and Faith Could be walking, running, kickboxing, old fashioned calisthenics, or some other basic form of exercise for health and well-being. Would you make a good leader for a group like this? Let us know, and we can look at freeing up some time and space in the CLC for you to have a brief devotional and get some exercise too! Support Groups Is there an area of your life that seems hard to manage on your own? Are you in need of meeting regularly with a group of other people who are walking the same difficult path? People tend to need support when they are caregivers growing weary from the strain, or if they have family members experiencing substance abuse or mental illness. People need support when they feel alone or when they have more stress than they can endure. If you are skilled in facilitating specific support groups or you would like our church to consider providing support in a certain area, please reach out and let us know. With God’s blessing and guidance, we may be able to accommodate.
