Adult Ministries

We strive to create a vibrant community committed to helping adults grow in faith. We, like Christ, believe in meeting people where they are and walking with them as they grow in Christian maturity.

Sunday Programs

God Renewing Our Women (GROW)

Women | Library (Upper Level)

Sundays, 9:00 – 9:55 a.m.

GROW is for women to grow deeper in their faith and build community through faith-based book study discussions and prayer. We also engage in occasional service projects and fellowship opportunities. For more info contact: Gwen Ghess at  gdghess@hotmail.com

Lectionary Study

All Adults Welcome | Southest Classroom (Main Level)

Sundays, 9:00 – 9:55 a.m.

Small group gathering to study and discuss the weekly lectionary lesson and scripture. Open to all adults, come when you can.

FAQ Session

All Adults Welcome | Gathering Room (Middle Level)

Sunday, 9:00 – 9:55 a.m. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS SESSIONS  Our church has undergone significant changes over the past year, such as with staffing and budget. We face further change in the upcoming year as a plan to split the Methodist denomination has been presented for consideration at the United Methodist General Conference this May. The church’s Administrative Board is offering two information sessions to inform the congregation more fully on these changes. The objective of these sessions is to provide current, accurate information on the most frequently asked questions. The Administrative Board will go through a list of prepared answers and provide opportunity for brief additional questions.

Missionary and Special Guest Presentations

All Adults Welcome | Gathering Room (Main Level)

*Sundays, 9:00 – 9:55 a.m. 

We invite our missionaries to share about their ministries so we can support them through fellowship and prayer. 

*These presentations are scheduled by the Mission Commission and are not every Sunday. Please check the bulletin and calendar for notices.

Weekday Programs

Morning Blend

Women | Children’s Village (Lower Level)

Wednesdays, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Women of all ages are invited to attend this intergenerational Bible study that has been meeting for more than 15 years. We meet during the school year and cover up to three faith based book studies each year. We encourage each other to think deeply about our faith, to ask hard questions, and to invite the Holy Spirit to help us find the answers. We also spend time in prayer for each other and the world. There is free childcare for preschoolers and crawlers. For more info contact: Amy Pass amyinthewind@gmail.com

Young Adults Bible Study

Young Adult Bible Study meeting times coming soon

 

Men's Bible Fellowship

Men | Dining Room (Lower Level) 

*Saturdays, 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Men of all ages are invited to this small group bible study that will challenge and encourage spiritual growth through an authentic relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Each study opens with a light breakfast and time of fellowship. For more info contact: Bert Hepp at  Buckeye4426@gmail.com

*Except for Men’s Breakfast Saturdays

Men's Weekly Prayer Breakfast

Men | Dining Room (Lower Level)

Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 a.m. 

Men of all ages are invited to pray together before the start of their day. We pray for each other, our church body, and the concerns and needs in and beyond our community. Each Wednesday begins with a half hour of fellowship and light breakfast followed by prayer time. For more info contact: Bert Hepp at Buckeye4426@gmail.com

Wednesday Night Adult Bible Study

Adults | Gathering Room (MainLevel)

Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Wenesday night Adult Bible study is a time to study the Word together as a communty of faith. Session range from four to eight weeks per topic and are led by Pastoral staff and volunteers.

January 8-29 | Where is God in the Midst of Transition?
Minister Linda Austad leads us in a journey through scripture to find peace, hope, and promises and God’s presence in the midst of life’s transitions. Open to everyone.

February 5-19 | “Baptized for Justice”
Join us for Bible study and fellowship, led by Rev. Curtiss DeYoung and Rev. Dana Neuhauser.

From the baptism of the Spirit at Pentecost to the vows made at Baptism, we are empowered to the work of social justice in the world. Join us to explore scripture and tradition to understand and share stories of our collective call.

February 26-April 8 | Lent Study
We will begin the Lent season with an Ash Wednesday soup supper and service followed by a Lent Bible study every Wednesday through Lent.

Monthly and Annual Programs

Men's Breakfast

Men | Dining Room (Lower Level) 

Monthly, 3rd Saturday, 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Men ages 12+ are invited to gather together for a hearty breakfast, great fellowship and listen to a special speaker or presentation. For more info contact: Bert Hepp at Buckeye4426@gmail.com

VIP Gatherings

Adults, 50+

VIP meet for special events and service projects. 

Ages 50+, the VIP (Vitally Invigorated People) community has a mission to encourage mature adults to be Christ-like examples to upcoming generations in the church body through service to God, others and each other. VIPs use their gifts and talents to energize themselves and our community.

 

Contact: Ellen Pond at (952) 892-7126 |  ellenpond3@hotmail.com or 

Arla Landon at  (612) 822-5834

Women's Retreat

Women

Upcoming date and location is being decided.

The Women’s Retreat is our annual gathering for the women of Park Avenue UMC. At the retreat, we encourage time for reflection on who we are in Christ, for worship, for visiting with old and new friends, for exploring God’s beautiful outdoors, and for fun. We hope women will leave the retreat with a sense of being refreshed and renewed by being in the presence of the Lord and the wonderful women of Park Avenue UMC. Our retreat location has comfortable rooms and great food. Scholarships are available. For more info contact:

Ivy Winfield at ivy.winfield58@gmail.com

Ellen Pond at (952) 892-7126 |  ellenpond3@hotmail.com 

Arla Landon at  (612) 822-5834

Men's Retreat

Men

Friday, February 28th 7pm to Sunday, March 1st 1pm at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch’s Miracle Lodge (90 minutes south). Contact Bert Hepp for registration information. For more info, contact: Bert Hepp at Buckeye4426@gmail.com

The men of Park Avenue UMC have resolved to get to know one another better and a great way to do this is by spending a weekend together. Please join us at our annual Men’s Retreat for an engaging speaker and plenty of down time to play ball, hike, sleep, read, and eat good food.  

Music and Worship Ministry

Gospel Choir

Adults | Choir Room (Upper Level)

Mondays, 6:30 – 7:30pm

All are welcomed to sing in the choir. We perform a wide range of styles, from gospel to classical, spirituals to contemporary. Music is mostly learned in the gospel tradition of “call and response” with lyric sheets. Music reading ability is not required. We sing two Sundays each month and host a Christmas and a Spring concert. The Choir Director is Sandy Hodges.

Praise and Worship Team

Adults | Choir Room (Upper Level)

If you have musical and performance experience, please consider joining this small group that leads the congregation each week in praise and worship on Sunday mornings. Participation in the Gospel Choir is suggested prior to joining the praise & worship team. For schedule info contact:

Minister of Worship & Music, Martial Besombes

martialbesombes@parkavechurch.org

 612-825–6864 ext. 579

Dance Ministry

Adults and Youth

Adults and youth express worship to the Lord through dance! Participants learn about dance as an act of worship in weekly rehearsals. This team ministers in our worship service on the third Sunday of each month. For schedule info contact:

Minister of Worship & Music, Martial Besombes at

martialbesombes@parkavechurch.org or

 612-825–6864 ext. 579

Park Avenue UMC Band

Adults and Youth

The backbone of the music ministry, the Park Avenue UMC band plays a variety of styles, from traditional to contemporary.  The band ministers every Sunday. To discuss your skill level and availability please contact:

Minister of Worship & Music, Martial Besombes at

martialbesombes@parkavechurch.org or

 612-825–6864 ext. 579

Park Avenue UMC Orchestra

Adults and Youth

Periodically (for example, during the Christmas and Easter seasons), we assemble various instruments to provide seasonal orchestral music. To discuss your skill level and availability please contact:

Minister of Worship & Music, Martial Besombes at

martialbesombes@parkavechurch.org or

 612-825–6864 ext. 579