Back to School @ SPUMC

A new school year means new opportunities to grow in faith, friendship, and community. Join as we kick off an exciting fall together!

The Big Picture
Our new sermon series

The Bible is more than a collection of stories - it's one sweeping story of God's love, faithfulness, and hope.

This year, we'll step back to see the big picture, exploring the major people, events, and themes that shape Scripture. Beginning with the Old Testament this fall and continuing into the New Testament this spring, we'll discover how these ancient stories connect with one another and with our lives today.

Together, we'll learn to read the Bible with both mind and heart - engaging our curiosity, asking thoughtful questions, and listening for God's voice along the way. Whether you're opening the Bible for the first time or have been reading it for decades, this series will help you see the story of Scripture in a fresh and meaningful way.

Back to School Events
Blessing of the Backpacks

August 23 @ 9:15 & 10:45am

  • Bring your backpack, laptop bag, diaper bag, or briefcase to worship
  • We'll pray for students, teachers, school staff, college students, and everyone beginning a new school year
  • Receive a special blessing as you head into the year ahead
Church-Wide Cookout

August 29, 5:30-7:30pm

  • Celebrate the end of summer with food, games, and fellowship
  • A great opportunity to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones
  • Everyone is welcome!
Missions + Ministry Fair

August 30

Looking for a way to get more connected at SPUMC? Join us in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, August 30, between and after all three worship services, to meet representatives from our many ministries. Whether you're interested in missions, music, Bible studies, small groups, children and youth ministries, or fellowship opportunities, you'll discover ways to grow, serve, and connect. Stop by, ask questions, enjoy refreshments, and find your next step at SPUMC!

Fall Kickoff

September 13

  • Discover what's happening this fall at SPUMC.
  • Learn about Sunday School, small groups, Bible studies, children's and youth ministries, missions, music, and more.
  • Food, music, & fellowship on the front porch!
  • Full Sunday School resumes for kids PreK-10th Grade.
  • Start our new sermon series "THE BIG PICTURE" with us!
Flu Shots @ Church

Sunday, September 20 | Between Services (8:30-9:15am and 10:15-10:45am)

  • Get your family ready for the new school year and help protect our community as we head into fall by getting a flu shot at church
  • No registration needed
  • Bring your insurance card(s)
Fall Studies
Holy Envy

Rev. Ron is offering a 6-week study on Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of Others on Wednesday nights at 7pm beginning on September 9. The first sessions will be held in Room 301 but most classes will take place in the Parlor. Come discover the rich traditions within Judaism, Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism that can inform and deepen our own faith as practicing Christians.

Holy Envy was one of the featured books in our Wise Women of Faith series earlier this summer and copies are available at the Welcome Desk for $12.

Register
Genesis: Moms Connect Study

Moms Connect invites mothers of all stages to explore "Genesis" by Amy-Jill Levine. Starting September 10th, meetings are Thursdays at 9:30 AM. It's a chance for moms to connect, learn, and grow in a supportive community.

Register
Contemplating the Spiritual Disciplines

Thursdays, 6-7pm, beginning September 17

Join Rev. Lee and Nicola for a six-week opportunity to slow down, reflect, and explore the spiritual practices that can deepen our relationship with God.

Together, we'll consider how practices such as prayer, meditation, Scripture, worship, and service can shape our everyday lives and help us become more attentive to God's presence.

Come for one evening or make the full six-week journey. All are welcome!

Register
From Genesis to Revelation

Begins October 13 | Tuesdays at 7:30pm | Zoom

Ready to take a deeper journey through Scripture? Join Rev. Byron on Zoom Tuesday evenings at 7:30pm, beginning October 13 and continuing through the end of May.

Together, we'll explore the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, discovering the stories, themes, people, and big-picture connections that shape our faith. Whether you're a longtime Bible reader or simply curious to learn more, all are welcome!

Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 837 1885 7625
Passcode: Faith!

Register Class Synopsis and Zoom Info
UMYF Fall Events
United Methodist Youth Fellowship: Grades 7-12

"Summer UMYF" continues through September 6, 7-8:30pm.

Fall Kickoff - SUPER SUNDAE SUNDAY - September 13: Come for opening night of the UMYF season featuring introductions, skits, PowerPoint show, and... all-you-can-eat ice cream sundae bar!

Super Sixth: 6th Graders + Friends

Our special preparatory group for 6th Graders only will begin Sunday, September 27, 5-6:30pm with games, introductions, and a pizza dinner!

Super Sixth meets every other week at 5pm. This is a way for our youngest youth to get to know the rules, the leadership, and the way our youth fellowship works. The will inherit a long tradition of our youth claiming that the program is fun, special, and a very safe place to be. Youth are welcomed as valuable children of God and are treated with love and respect.

Questions? Contact Rev. Lee.

Small Groups
Fall is the perfect time to find your People

As the leaves begin to change and routines settle back in, fall is a great time to jump into a small group at SPUMC. Whether you're returning to a group you love or ready to try something completely new, there's a place for you.

Small groups are a chance to build friendships, explore faith, ask questions, laugh together, and grow alongside others. You don't have to have it all figured out, and you don't have to know anyone when you walk in. Just come as you are!

This fall, take a next step toward connection. Find a group, bring a friend, and see where the journey takes you.

Missions + Ministry Fair
Sunday, August 30 | Come see everything SPUMC has to offer!

Looking for a way to get more connected at SPUMC? Join us in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, August 30, between and after all thre worship services, to meet representatives from our many ministries. Whether you're interested in missions, music, Bible studies, small groups, children and youth ministries, or fellowship opportunities, you'll discover ways to grow, serve, and connect. Stop by, ask questions, enjoy refreshments, and find your next step at SPUMC!

New Group: Navigating Grief

First meeting: September 21 @ 7pm in the Parlor

A new group beginning this fall for those navigating grief and loss. Join us for a welcoming space to share, listen, connect, and find support as we walk through this season of life together.

Contact: Sarah

Adults Loving Life

Join us on Wednesday, August 26th at noon in Fellowship Hall for our annual indoor picnic luncheon. There will be a patriotic theme; wear your red, white, and blue. Adam's Ribs will do the catering. The "Guitar Man," Len Johnson, will be sharing his musical talent with us. Enjoy a selection of familiar, "sing-along" favorites along with a few patriotic tunes. Make reservations (by August 23) for the picnic luncheon by signing up in Fellowship Hall or call Kathi Kamm at 410-647-5914.

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Declutter Anonymous

Next meeting Wednesday, September 9th at 6pm in the Parlor.

Contact: Rev. Narae

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Faith & Race Group

Next meeting: September 23 @ 7pm in the Parlor

Contact: Rev. Ron

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Faithful Foodies
SPUMC Young Adults

Next meeting on Tuesday, September 1st at the church. Moving forward, Faithful Foodies will officially meet on the first Tuesday of every month.

Contact: Rev. Narae

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JULIETS
Just Us Ladies Inspired to Eat Together

Contact: Paula

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Men's Breakfast Group
For men in their 30s-50s(ish)

We'll be grilling the meats (including veggie burgers) at the All-Church-End-of-the-Summer Cookout on Saturday, August 29. We need guys for an early shift (4:45-6:15pm) and a second shift (6:15-7:45pm), so contact Rev. Ron if you can help with either.

1st Friday of the month breakfasts resume on September 4 at 7am at The Breakfast Shoppe in Severna Park.

Contact: Rev. Ron

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ROMEOS
(Retired Old Men Eating Out) | For men 55+

The ROMEOs will meet for breakfast and fellowship on Thursday, September 10 at 8am at The Grill (7704 D Quarterfield Rd, Glen Burnie). Join us to meet some new friends and reconnect with some folks you may already know.

Contact: Rev. Ron

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Sacred Worth Group

Next meeting: September 16 @ 7pm in the Parlor

Contact: Rev. Ron

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United Women in Faith

Contact: Diane

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Walking Wednesday
Fresh air + Fellowship (oh, and exercise)

Looking for some exercise, fresh air, and good conversation? Join us for Walking Wednesday! We gather behind The Big Bean (558 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd) in Severna Park and walk the Baltimore-Annapolis Trail to Earleigh Heights and back - a round trip of approximately 4 miles, less than 2 hours.

This is a fun and informal opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, get some exercise, and connect with friends along the way. Walk at your pwn pace and enjoy the fellowship! 

Contact: Beth

Music Ministry
Friendship, fun, and fantastic music!

Intergenerational Pop-Up Choir will sing one last time for the summer on Sunday, September 6 at all three services. No rehearsal necessary, just show up! 

  • To sing at 8am, meet in the Sanctuary at 7:30am
  • To sing at 9:15am, meet in the Choir Room at 8:45am
  • To sing at 10:45am, meet in the Choir Room at 10:15am

Sanctuary Choir and SPARK Bells will begin rehearsing again on Thursday, September 10th ! Handbells meet at 6 and choir at 7 almost every Thursday in room 108. New members welcome!

SPARK Worship Praise Band meets every Wednesday at 7pm in the Sanctuary.

SPARK Song for PreK-Elementary resumes on Kick-off Sunday, September 13thWe open Sunday School with singing and playing at 9:15 in room 208.

Contact: Laura

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