Age Range: 40-70

Inspired by the verses in John 15:1-17, the Abiding in the Vine class strives to follow Jesus Christ and be obedient to God. By “abiding in Him,” class members strive to fulfill His purpose in their lives. The class is a mix of faith journeys and ages. This diversity lends itself to thoughtful discussion. Recent studies have included Ephesians; “Christianity’s Family Tree,” by Adam Hamilton; and a class on honoring parents into their golden years. Several studies have been written by noted Christian author Andy Stanley. Curriculum has included a variety of media, occasional guest speakers, small group prayers and hymn sings. Abiding in the Vine is very involved outside of the classroom, with quarterly events for families or couples and annual gender-specific events, like fishing trips for the guys and boating for the girls. The class supports many missions, including tending the memorial garden outside of Trinity Hall, providing food for Trinity Soup Kitchen and preparing barbeque for FALLFest.  

Comprised primarily of couples starting families, the Breakfast Club is close-knit, inquisitive and fun-loving. Recent class studies have included “Christianity’s Family Tree,” by Adam Hamilton; “The Screwtape Letters,” by C.S. Lewis; and “Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus,” by Kyle Idleman. Two of the Breakfast Club’s favorite authors are Adam Hamilton and Rob Bell. Outside of Sunday morning meeting, class members host holiday parties and small group dinners and serve the community at places such as the Drake House and EnAble. Class members rotate bringing breakfast every Sunday morning.

When the Builders class was formed, its members came from a variety of locations and denominations. Since they were endeavoring to form new relationships while following Christ the carpenter, they called themselves “Builders.” Recently, the class has studied Romans and James. The Builders class is an interactive, “diverse group of Christians affirming each other in our attempt to grow more in Christ.” In the past, their mission projects have included service at the North Fulton Community Charities food pantry and for the Great Day of Service. 

When the New Visions class was originally formed, its members were “young and wanted the name to represent our age.” Now that they’ve aged a few years, class members joke about changing the name to “Impaired Vision.” Comprised of couples and single parents with grade school children, members of the class tend to be opinionated, but also thoughtful and accepting. Class time includes open discussion, often about a book by favorite author Max Lucado. Members gather for family outings and have previously supported EnAble of Georgia. 

The Cobb Class analyzes scripture using Bible commentaries. The class was originally organized in 1946 to serve the needs of young adults, at a time when many young men were returning from service in World War II. The class still honors its namesake, Eulalia Cobb, who served as class leader for more than 15 years. Her portrait still hangs in their Sunday School room. The Cobb Class strives to be friendly, fun and caring. Class members volunteer for many church duties, including delivering flowers and, every Friday afternoon, inserting flyers into worship bulletins. 

Families of Faith was named to reflect class members’ desire to incorporate their families into their own spiritual growth. Families of Faith is a social, family-oriented group, with members seeking to find God in their daily lives. Recent topics of study have included forgiveness and parenting. The class hosts an annual a Christmas party for the Alpharetta Methodist maintenance staff. Members have also participated in Baked with Love cupcake ministry for the Atlanta Women’s Day Shelter, and send card to shut-ins. 

Named after the 80s TV show, Family Ties is a group of young parents focusing on Christian living, marriage and children. Recent studies have included the importance of godly friendships; self-worth based on Christ’s love; and faith, fears and overcoming failure. A favorite study has been the NOOMA series, short films that explore our world from Jesus’ perspective. Class time is highlighted by open discussion, and each gathering begins with a “Favorite Things” discussion that helps participants get to know each other better. A mission-oriented group, the class adopts a less fortunate family each Christmas, purchasing items on the family’s wish list. Family Ties has also been very involved in the AFUMC Special Needs Ministry. The class’s motto is, “Havin’ Fun, Doin’ Good.”

Footsteps is a very diverse class pursing a wide variety of discussion topics. The class generally alternates a six-week Bible study, such as the book of James, with a book study, such as “When the Game Is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box,” by John Ortberg. The Footsteps class welcomes anyone with a sense of humor who wants to grow in faith.

Spirit in Action was formed 20 years ago with the desire to be the hands and feet of Christ. Its members are laid back, supportive and very active in church. Recently the class studied “It Came from Within!: The Shocking Truth of What Lurks in the Heart,” by Andy Stanley. Other studies have included Revelation and the NOOMA series, short films that explore our world from Jesus’ perspective. Spirit in Action is a family-oriented group that enjoys supporting missions such as MUST ministries and the Paraguay mission team. Outside of class, members host quarterly small group dinners, monthly luncheons and an annual Christmas party.