link to small groups
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
Our Adult Sunday School classes meet in person from 9:30-10:30am on Sunday mornings. Childcare is available during the Sunday School hour and during all worship services. Expand the sections below to learn more about our class offerings. If you would like to join a class, contact Deacon Troy Sims ( or 757-229-1771, x108), and he'll connect you to the class leaders. Some classes are available via Zoom.
ALDERSGATE FELLOWSHIP SUNDAY SCHOOL
This class meets in Wesley Hall.
This class covers a wide variety of topics in a lecture format with coffee and treat each week. They also spend time singing each week and joining in prayer. Various class members as well as guest speakers teach throughout the year. This class, named for a former pastor who became a bishop, usually does a video-based studies that they will discuss. For more information or to get connected to the class leaders, contact Deacon Troy Sims.
BISHOP McKENDREE SUNDAY SCHOOL
This class meets in Room 102.
Named for a former WUMC pastor who became a Bishop, this class tends to use videos to foster discussion. The Great Courses are a favorite discussion starter. To get connected to the class leaders, contact Deacon Troy Sims.
This class takes the summer off, but they return September 13. Then, they invite you to join them then for a study of The Bible With and Without Jesus starting September 20. Together, you'll consider how Jews and Christians read the same stories of the Bible differently. Using videos and a book by Amy-Jill Levine and Mark Zvi Brettler, you'll compare various interpretations – historical, literary, and theological – of each ancient text, finding deeper understandings of the original narratives and the way they are understood in later times and places. By showing how the text speaks to different generations under changed circumstances, the Bible’s ongoing significance is illumined.
MARVIN WILLARD SUNDAY SCHOOL
This class meets in Room 174.
Named for a beloved former class teacher, this class tends to do studies that focus more on books of the Bible but with supplemental materials such as books and videos. Although there is often an element of lecture from a session leader or a video, they also have conversation. Favorite authors that they like to study include Adam Hamilton and Amy-Jill Levine. They also sometimes have guest speakers. To get connected to the class leaders, contact Deacon Troy Sims.
For 6 Sundays beginning September 13, the Marvin Willard Sunday School Class invites you to learn from Hap White how the oral tradition of an an obscure peasant culture became the official Greek texts of the early church, with a focus on how the Aramaic sayings traditions, miracle stories, and Passion narratives expanded to account for Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection, and Pentecost.
Then, they invite you to join them for The Will of God book study for 5 Sundays beginning November 1, 9:30-10:30am. Arguably one of the most misused theological phrases is "the will of God." Together, you'll consider this classic book by British Methodist, Leslie Weatherhead, to get a handle on how to more fully understand God's will -- what it is and what it isn't!
SEARCHERS SUNDAY SCHOOL
This class meets in Room 303.
This class likes to use various resources that include at least a study book but often video as well. Favorite authors include Magrey deVega, Adam Hamilton, and Amy-Jill Levine. Various class participants take turns leading the discussion, and this class loves to discuss! For more info or to get connected to the class leaders, contact Deacon Troy Sims (
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Searchers Sunday School Class invites you to join them in focusing on the book Five Marks of a Methodist by Steve Harper for 6 Sundays beginning September 13. Take part in an accessible, spiritually grounded study of a faith shaped by love, joy, gratitude, prayer, and care for others. Drawing on the vision of genuine Christian living, John Wesley outlined in his sermon "The Character of a Methodist," the class will make the case that these five qualities aren't abstract ideals—they're a practical way of life, available to anyone seeking more than belief.
Then, you're invited to join the Searchers for The Holy Spirit by Adam Hamilton for 6 Sundays starting October 25, 2026. Together you'll explore what Scripture teaches about God's Spirit — from the Hebrew Bible through Jesus' promises in the Gospels, the powerful Pentecost experience in Acts, and the rich teachings found in the New Testament letters. This accessible study helps believers understand and experience the Holy Spirit's presence and power in their daily walk with Christ.
If you are interested in starting a Small Group or Sunday School Class, please contact Deacon Troy Sims at .
