Bible Studies
Adult Christian Education is an integral part of the Strawbridge experience. We offer classes for all ages, with a variety of meeting times throughout the week. Various classes pursue Bible study, study books by popular authors, cover topics on social concerns, or discuss family life issues. Click here to see a listing of our current weekday Adult Bible Studies.
sunday school
Adult Sunday School classes meet at approximately 10:00 am (after our 9:00 am worship service and prior to our 11:05 am service). A variety of adult Sunday School classes are offered – each with its own special mix of styles and interests. You can learn more here.
UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH (UWF) CIRCLES
We are women like you, a powerful, fearless force driven by God’s love and united in sisterhood. With a focus on women, children and youth, we act for justice and transform communities. Join us, because love in action can change the world.
Men of strawbridge
Our Men of Strawbridge ministry provides an opportunity for the men of Strawbridge UMC to get to know each other better while building relationships to grow deeper in their faith and fully experience the power of Christ. This is a group for all men at any stage of life.
They will meet once a month for a meal and/or to participate in a mission opportunity. They will also have events throughout the year with their families.
Upcoming Event:
AddiBall Dodgeball Tournament
Sunday, March 23, 2025
from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at
Riverwood Middle School
All proceeds from the tourney will benefit Addi's Faith Foundation in their continued fight against childhood cancer.
We are looking for a team of 8-10 players. Anyone 8 years old and up is welcome.
Please contact Anne Blakely for further information.
Lay Leader: Adam Pieknik
Be the Bridge
The mission of Be the Bridge is to address the issues of racial division and systemic injustice in our society with the aim of liberating individuals from the constraints of a racially-conditioned society and grounding them in the hope and truth of Jesus Christ as we are called to, "do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8)
Join us in 2025 as we kick-off a new 10-week study that teaches foundational principles every "Bridge Builder" needs to understand in welcoming diversity and healing into our communities!
There are four class day and time options to choose from. Classes begin late-February:
Introduction Class (recommended before any class you take)
February 16 immediately following our 2nd worship service in The Great Hall
Tuesday Class: Sign-Up
4:00 - 5:30 pm beginning February 18 for 10 weeks in The Library
Led by Pamala Messinger and The Rev. Kelli Eldridge
Friday Class: Sign-Up
12:00 - 1:30 pm beginning February 21 for 10 weeks in Room 151
Led by Kristin Pieknik, Adam Pieknik, and Daniell Sears
Sunday Early Class: Sign-Up
10:00 - 11:00 am beginning February 23 for 10 weeks in The Choir Room
Led by The Rev. Tiffani Whitaker and Peter Harrell
Sunday Late Class: Sign-Up
12:15 - 1:45 pm beginning February 23 for 10 weeks in Room 151
Led by The Rev. Tiffani Whitaker and Cassandra McGregor
You can stay up-to-date by following our Be the Bridge Facebook Group Page! Or please contact Pastor Tiffani for any further details. You can also learn more about the core mission of the "Be the Bridge" program here.
50+ Travelers
The Strawbridge 50+ Travelers remain very active with quarterly field trips throughout the year where they visit some very interesting - and very fun - places throughout SE Texas.
Next Trip:
Sunday, February 2, 2025
"'Til Death Do Us Part: Late Nite Catechism 3" at Stages Theatre. After teaching countless students about the saints, venial sins, limbo and more, Sister is now offering up hilarious lessons on the Sacraments of Marriage and the Last Rites, including her own wacky version of the Newlywed Game. Classroom participation is a must, so bring along your sweetie and your sense of humor for a session with the country’s feistiest couples counselor!
Join the 50+ Travelers for lunch and a matinee performance of this fun show. The bus will be leaving SUMC at 11:00 am. Cost will be $49 per person plus the cost of lunch. Please sign-up and provide payment no later than Tuesday, December 31, 2024. The Sign Up sheet is available on the 50+ Travelers table in the Activity Hallway. Please make checks payable to "Strawbridge UMC" with a note in the memo section indicating "50+ Travelers | 'Til Death Do Us Part". You may place your check in the Sunday worship offering plate or drop it off at the church office.
Lay Leader: Jean Anderson
Behind the Scenes
Calling all creative types and those who like to decorate, assemble, and have fun. No special skills required! Join us to help create sets and backdrops for our Children’s VBS, musical events, and other special activities throughout the year.
We will begin construction of the 2025 VBS set and decorations each Wednesday morning (starting March 5) at 9:30 am in Room 208. This year's VBS theme is "True North: Trusting Jesus in a Wild World".
Merry Widows and Friends
Our Merry Widows & Friends typically meet for lunch on the last Thursday of every month for fun, fellowship, and understanding. Please be sure to check-out our weekly e-newsletter for information on when and where their next luncheon is scheduled.
Next Luncheon
Thursday, February 27 at 11:30 am at Chicken Salad Chick located at 30129 Rock Creek Drive.
Lay Leader: Belinda Fagin
Painters with a Purpose
A new adult ministry is starting in 2025 where they will make art to enrich our lives and the lives of others within our community.
Join them as they explore and express their spiritual gifts and offer them at auction later in the year to benefit our neighbors in need.
Those who participate must bring their own supplies each session. They encourage watercolorists, oil and acrylic painters, multimedia artists, pastel creators, etc. You choose the medium, substrate, and mark making tools. All are welcome from beginners to experienced artists. Please know that funds will be made available to help buy supplies, if necessary. They don't want anyone left out of the opportunity to contribute.
First Meeting:
Tuesday, February 11 at 10:00 am in The Great Hall.
They will discuss such things as how many times a month we would like to meet, the potential for a night meeting during daylight savings time, resources for inspiration, etc.
If you are interested or have questions please contact Anne Blakely at the church office.
Lay Leader: Corinne Ingersoll
united methodism 101 classes
For anyone wanting to learn more about the history and beliefs of the UMC and Strawbridge's ongoing role within the denomination, please join Pastor Todd in a series of Methodism 101 meetings.
Next Class Offering:
Sundays, February 23, March 2, March 9, and March 16 during the Sunday School hour (10:05 am) in Pastor Todd's office.
Coffee with the pastor
Come to Pastor Todd's office during the Sunday school hour (10:05 - 11:05 am) most 2nd Sundays of each month to hang out, ask questions, and/or share. The last Coffee with Pastor Todd was held on Sunday, February 9. Be on the lookout for an announcement for the next one - likely to come in the Spring.