Welcome to a new season!
Dearest Faith Family,
To say that I am excited to be stepping up to the helm of Adult Discipleship at SUMC is an immense understatement. I am extremely passionate about facilitating opportunities for followers of Jesus to go deeper in their faith and I pray that the offerings you will find in this catalog will help you do just that.
A new year brings with it a fresh page in our collective story, and our hope for the Winter Catalog is to set all of us up with the right pen. What you will find in these pages is the result of many people giving the Lord a faithful “Yes!” and I trust that we will all be blessed by where the Holy Spirit has led and will lead.
As we begin again, I invite you to pray big prayers with me. Pray that we might each be brought further into Christlikeness through growth in community. Pray that what we each internalize might be put into practice in the mission field that is just beyond our walls. Pray that we would be able to perceive all of the new things God is doing, both in and through us. Let’s pray big, fresh, new prayers.
As we begin again, I invite you to pray big prayers with me. Pray that we might each be brought further into Christlikeness through growth in community. Pray that what we each internalize might be put into practice in the mission field that is just beyond our walls. Pray that we would be able to perceive all of the new things God is doing, both in and through us. Let’s pray big, fresh, new prayers.
Here’s to the journey! Off we go!
In Christ,
Pastor Lindsey
In Christ,
Pastor Lindsey
Seasonal Offerings
A New Mix in 2026
When a new year rolls around, there is something in the human spirit that naturally wonders how we can best spend the fresh opportunity before us. This devotional resource will help you to get centered so that, as you move into 2026, you will be able to set hopes that focus on Jesus and map prayers that go beyond anything you could ask or imagine. Let’s mix it up this year!
When: This document will be made available on Christmas Eve so that it can be utilized for the first few days of the new year, starting January 1 .
When: This document will be made available on Christmas Eve so that it can be utilized for the first few days of the new year, starting January 1 .
Companions in Christ Study:
“John, The Gospel of Light and Life.“
In this six-week study, Adam Hamilton will guide us through the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus through the Gospel of John. The book will discuss the context of some of the best-known verses in the New Testament. Everyone is welcome to join.
When: Wednesdays 9:30-11:00am, beginning January 14
Where: SUMC, Rooms 22/23
Cost: $15
Led by: Randy Border
When: Wednesdays 9:30-11:00am, beginning January 14
Where: SUMC, Rooms 22/23
Cost: $15
Led by: Randy Border
Pour Inspirations: Mini-Series
Prayer can come in many forms, including art! Whether you are a seasoned artist, someone who is curious, or someone who just wants to make a colorful mess in the name of Jesus, you are invited! This will be a three-part series to create pour paintings together while also sharing time in fellowship and prayer.
When: Tuesdays January 13, 20, 27 at 6:30pm
Where: SUMC, Rooms 10/11
Cost: $10 per session (you can attend as many as you would like)
Led by: Bethany Wilson
When: Tuesdays January 13, 20, 27 at 6:30pm
Where: SUMC, Rooms 10/11
Cost: $10 per session (you can attend as many as you would like)
Led by: Bethany Wilson
Small Group Leader Training
If you have ever been curious about what it might be like to lead a small group or other adult discipleship offering at SUMC, this is the event for you! We will have discussion about the vision of adult discipleship ministries going forward, equip potential leaders for growing in their gifts, and have a lot of fun, too! If there is any nudge from the Holy Spirit that you should attend, please sign up to learn more. Attending does not
automatically mean that you will be leading a group right away, but we hope to open the door to welcome all that God might want to do in the future.
There are two options:
When: Saturday, January 24 , 9am-Noon; Saturday January 31 , 9-11:30am
Where: SUMC Parlor (24th); Zoom (31st)
Cost: Free; lunch will be provided at the in-person training.
Led by: Pastor Lindsey Funtik
automatically mean that you will be leading a group right away, but we hope to open the door to welcome all that God might want to do in the future.
There are two options:
When: Saturday, January 24 , 9am-Noon; Saturday January 31 , 9-11:30am
Where: SUMC Parlor (24th); Zoom (31st)
Cost: Free; lunch will be provided at the in-person training.
Led by: Pastor Lindsey Funtik
“On Purpose-Finding God’s Voice in Your Passion”
Book Study
When it comes to longing to hear God’s voice, we are most hungry for a sense of purpose, direction, and calling in our lives. This 4-part study explores the spiritual principles that allow us to listen to God, discover our purpose and passion, join with others in the journey, and ultimately, make a difference in the world around us.
When: Mondays 10-11:30am starting January 12th
Where: SUMC, Rooms 22/23
Cost: $9
Led by: Mary Frank
When: Mondays 10-11:30am starting January 12th
Where: SUMC, Rooms 22/23
Cost: $9
Led by: Mary Frank
“Life Together in Christ”
Book Study
As our faith family dives into 2026, we wanted to set apart intentional time to consider what it means to be a part of a community and how that can transform us. Join others within our own SUMC community for a 4-week study to discuss Ruth Haley Barton’s book titled “Life Together in Christ: Experiencing Transformation in Community.” This study will be a great way to kick off a new season of coming together!
There are four options:
When: Fridays, 9:30-11am; Mondays, 7-8pm; Tuesdays, 7-8:30pm; Sundays, 12:30-2pm running from January 18th- February 13th
Where: SUMC (Tuesdays-Room 18, Fridays-Rooms 22/23 Sundays-Downstairs Lobby); Zoom (Mondays)
Cost: $15
Led by: Pastor Nichole Fewell (Mondays via Zoom); Jessica Van Lehn (Tuesdays); Paula Fultz (Fridays); and Leanne Gruss (Sundays)
Note: While the Sunday option is open to everyone, that time was chosen to make it easier for parents who might want to participate. A simple sack lunch and childcare will be provided.
There are four options:
When: Fridays, 9:30-11am; Mondays, 7-8pm; Tuesdays, 7-8:30pm; Sundays, 12:30-2pm running from January 18th- February 13th
Where: SUMC (Tuesdays-Room 18, Fridays-Rooms 22/23 Sundays-Downstairs Lobby); Zoom (Mondays)
Cost: $15
Led by: Pastor Nichole Fewell (Mondays via Zoom); Jessica Van Lehn (Tuesdays); Paula Fultz (Fridays); and Leanne Gruss (Sundays)
Note: While the Sunday option is open to everyone, that time was chosen to make it easier for parents who might want to participate. A simple sack lunch and childcare will be provided.
Ongoing Offerings
Abilities in Bloom
Abilities in Bloom is a monthly support group for parents and caregivers of neurodiverse kids—a safe place to be heard, supported, and reminded that you are not alone. Each meeting begins with this encouragement: we may not be in the same boat, but many of us are in the same body of water. Please note: childcare is not provided.
When: The 2nd Saturday of each month at 10am
Where: Holy Grounds Cafe
Cost: None, but registration is required
Led by: Leanne Gruss
When: The 2nd Saturday of each month at 10am
Where: Holy Grounds Cafe
Cost: None, but registration is required
Led by: Leanne Gruss
The Sandwich Circle
There are few things more uplifting than being in a group of people who just “get” it. As there are many of us who are now becoming empty nesters, caring for their parents, and discovering what it means to be the “Sandwich Generation”, we want to provide a space to relate to and pray for one another. This group is for participants in their late 40’s-60’s who desire to be surrounded with support and the love of Christ as they
navigate new terrain.
When: The kickoff meeting will be on Sunday, January 25 at 12:30pm with future dates and times determined by the group’s desires and availability.
Where: SUMC Parlor
Cost: Free; lunch will be provided for the first meeting
Led by: Julie Pavelich
navigate new terrain.
When: The kickoff meeting will be on Sunday, January 25 at 12:30pm with future dates and times determined by the group’s desires and availability.
Where: SUMC Parlor
Cost: Free; lunch will be provided for the first meeting
Led by: Julie Pavelich
Sweet Hour of Prayer
As we all go further in our walks of discipleship, it is important that we carve out space to connect with God. We want to help with that! Starting in 2026, we will have open prayer in the sanctuary each week. This will be a time of quiet, centering, and various prayer practices that can be utilized so as to provide sacred space in the middle of our busy lives.
When: Wednesday Evenings from 6:30-7:30pm starting January 14th
Where: The SUMC Sanctuary
Cost: None; simply come as you are
Organized by: Matt Stone (Please contact Matt if you are interested in serving as a prayer facilitator.)
When: Wednesday Evenings from 6:30-7:30pm starting January 14th
Where: The SUMC Sanctuary
Cost: None; simply come as you are
Organized by: Matt Stone (Please contact Matt if you are interested in serving as a prayer facilitator.)
Dudes’ Night Out
Sometimes, dudes just need to be able to chill with other dudes. This community group will meet monthly and will provide a space for men in their 30’s-40’s to come together, process life, and simply hang out. If you are looking for a low pressure and encouraging place to build relationships with other young(ish) men who are walking through the same intense season of life, look no further.
When: One Friday night a month at 6pm, starting January 30 (future dates to be determined by the group)
Where: Buffalo Wild Wings
Cost: Each person will cover their own meal, but if cost is an issue, please do not hesitate to contact the office.
Facilitated by: Dustin Gruss and John Funtik
When: One Friday night a month at 6pm, starting January 30 (future dates to be determined by the group)
Where: Buffalo Wild Wings
Cost: Each person will cover their own meal, but if cost is an issue, please do not hesitate to contact the office.
Facilitated by: Dustin Gruss and John Funtik
“Matthew For Everyone”
Bible Study
World-renowned theologian and pastor N.T. Wright has produced a series of commentaries and Bible studies that are “for everyone.” True to its name, we invite everyone to come together for a Bible study based on Wright’s material! Together, we will dig deep into the biblical text and explore the first book of the New Testament. This study will also ramp up to Lent, during which we will be taking a church-wide approach to Matthew.
There are three options:
When: Sundays, 9:30-10:30am; Mondays, 6-7pm; Wednesdays, 12:30-1:30pm starting January 4th
Where: SUMC (Sundays-Heritage Room, Mondays-Holy Grounds Cafe); Zoom (Wednesdays)
Cost: $15 if you would like a print study guide, but purchasing a book is not necessary for participation.
Led by: Phil Weisbrod (Sundays), Pastor Dan Jenkins (Mondays), and Pastor Lindsey Funtik (Wednesdays)
Note: While the Wednesday option is open to everyone, the time and format was chosen with working professionals in mind. Whether you close your office door, pop out to your car, or are able to settle down in
your own home, the Zoom option will be designed to fit within one’s lunch hour on a busy day.
There are three options:
When: Sundays, 9:30-10:30am; Mondays, 6-7pm; Wednesdays, 12:30-1:30pm starting January 4th
Where: SUMC (Sundays-Heritage Room, Mondays-Holy Grounds Cafe); Zoom (Wednesdays)
Cost: $15 if you would like a print study guide, but purchasing a book is not necessary for participation.
Led by: Phil Weisbrod (Sundays), Pastor Dan Jenkins (Mondays), and Pastor Lindsey Funtik (Wednesdays)
Note: While the Wednesday option is open to everyone, the time and format was chosen with working professionals in mind. Whether you close your office door, pop out to your car, or are able to settle down in
your own home, the Zoom option will be designed to fit within one’s lunch hour on a busy day.
Coming Soon
SUMDisciple
SUMDisciple will be a monthly digital resource sheet that will bring ideas for spiritual growth directly to your
inbox. Each month will fall under a theme and will include such things as:
-Scripture passages to ponder
-Prayers and liturgies
-Further reading
-Action steps
-Songs, media, and more!
inbox. Each month will fall under a theme and will include such things as:
-Scripture passages to ponder
-Prayers and liturgies
-Further reading
-Action steps
-Songs, media, and more!
Questions? Never hesitate to reach out to Pastor Lindsey or the church office.
lindsey.funtik@strongsvilleumc.org
office@strongsvilleumc.org
lindsey.funtik@strongsvilleumc.org
office@strongsvilleumc.org
We look forward to growing together as a community in this new year!