Adults
Adult Ministries
Adult Ministries at Grace Avenue are designed to meet the needs of adults of all ages and stages of life. Whether we gather to pray, study, eat, or play, we grow together in Christian faith and love.
We challenge all our adults to participate in at least one group. Many participate in several! You do not need to be a member to be part of these groups – all are always welcome.
Sunday Morning Studies
Sunday morning studies are short-term opportunities to dive into the bible through the lens of a specific topic or theme. These are led by church members and are often seasonal, so they’re a great doorway into discipleship at Grace Avenue. For more information about Sunday Morning Studies, contact Rev. Karyl Patredis at karyl@graceavenue.org.
Sunday Morning Groups
Throughout the church on a Sunday morning, our rooms are full of folks creating intentional community together. Some of these groups follow book or bible studies, and others dive into conversations about faith and life more generally. If you’re used to meeting with a Sunday School group each week, you can find that kind of community in one of our Sunday morning groups. For more information about Sunday Morning Groups, contact Kristen Lane at klane@graceavenue.org.
Christ Connections
Room 216
9:15am
Christ Connections is a dynamic group of people of various ages and backgrounds. Our focus is to learn and grow as we study the Bible through present-day resources. We have monthly lunches after class and festive social gatherings throughout the year.
Discovery
Youth Room (211 & 213) | 9:15am
Our class includes both singles and couples. Many of our members have elementary-age to college-age children. Our class topics include current events, contemporary faith issues, and Bible study. We often use videos and other media to enhance our lessons. We gather regularly for social activities throughout the year and support one another year-round.
GraceLink
Room 219 | 9:15am
Gracelink is a discussion style format that is easy and fun! This class continues to grow through a variety of books on Christian living and Bible study. We have different backgrounds, interests, marital statuses, and ages, from empty nesters to retirees, and yet come together in Christian fellowship and learning. Our members like to get together several times a year. We get to know one another much better during these times, and we always have a lot of fun. All are welcome to join us in faith and fellowship!
Kaleidoscope
Room 218 | 9:15am
This class includes adults from all walks of life. Our class is for those that would rather belong than try to fit in. We welcome all manner of modern singles and families. Whether you are queer, neurodivergent, or unique in a thousand other ways, we would love for you to feel at home where you belong in a Bible study focused atmosphere with the widest variety of participants.
Providence
Tom Graves Hall | 9:15am
This friendly class is composed of adults aged 65+ which includes couples and singles. Lessons generate stimulating discussions on a variety of Christian issues. We are mature, but not old! This class is involved in outreach and participates in frequent social activities.
Village of Grace
Room 214 | 9:15am
People often say it takes a village to raise kids and that is why we gather to support one another as we walk through all the many phases of the parenting journey. Village of Grace is for anyone with kids at home. After dropping off your children at the nursery, Song Birds, or Sunday School, come join us for an hour of connection and conversation. Each week, we explore Scripture, reflect on current events, and share real talk about marriage, parenting, and discipleship.
Through a Different Lens
Room 218 | 10:30 am
Young Professionals
Room 216 | 11:30am | 1st and 3rd Sundays
Navigating your 20s and 30s can be a wild ride – career changes, new relationships, and trying to figure out where God fits in the mix. Whether you’re starting your career, pursuing further education, or still figuring out what’s next, this group is a place to support one another as we seek God’s guidance in this journey through adulthood.
Midweek Studies & Classes
Throughout the week, these spaces aim to take you deeper in your faith. Studies & classes are designed for you to find a discussion that fits your schedule and appeals to the things you want to know more about.
On Demand
Need a quick boost during your week? Maybe you don’t have time to commit to a weekly study, but you want something to watch during your lunch break or listen to on your commute. Tune into these online, on-demand videos for a dose of spiritual connection during your week.
Faith Handles with Rev. Billy Echols-Richter
Have you ever tried to carry your luggage without a handle? It would be difficult and challenging. It is the same with our lives. It seems we are carrying around a lot of questions that often encumber and weigh us down. Faith does not always give us the answers, but it gives us the handles to better navigate our way on the journey of life. On a subscription basis, Rev. Billy Echols-Richter will email out a weekly video entitled “Faith Handles.” If you would like to subscribe, register online or email communications@graceavenue.org and simply write “Subscribe to Faith Handles” in the email. Life is often cumbersome. Faith provides a handle.
The Calm Connection with Laurie Hanson Roberts
Laurie Hanson Roberts leads a weekly meditation that helps us prepare for worship on Sundays. Each week, she posts a reflection that focuses on Sunday’s scripture or theme. We hope this will become a meaningful tool in your weekly devotions. The meditations can be found on The Calm Connection group on Facebook or through the playlist on Grace Avenue’s YouTube channel. Contact Laurie Hanson-Roberts at lhr@graceavenue.org with any questions.
Small Groups
Small Groups are groups of people who come together to form a sense of community and belonging. Groups come in all varieties to meet the needs of the participants.
As humans, we are wired to connect and feel known through vulnerable sharing in trusted relationships. At Grace Avenue, we are passionate about creating small groups in which people can experience being known and loved by others while experiencing deep change by the grace of God. This kind of committed community is essential to being a disciple of Christ.
What is a Small Group? – A small group is exactly what it sounds like! We band together a small group of people (8-10) to support one another on life’s journey, to hold space for one another, and to build trust and vulnerability with one another. Those who join a small group are often looking for support, encouragement, and affirmation. They are committed to growing as a person, both emotionally and spiritually. There are no requirements to join a small group except a desire for growth through consistent attendance and presence.
Contact: Rev. Karyl Patredis – karyl@graceavenue.org
Gatherings
These regular gatherings build community around different hobbies and lifestyles. Gatherings are recurring, but you don’t have to commit to being there every time. They’re the perfect way to get involved however your schedule allows.
Gentle Yoga with Laurie
Saturdays | 10:00am | Online Only
Movement and breathing are good for our bodies, minds, and spirits. Join Laurie each Saturday for a Gentle Yoga experience to start your weekend off with intention. Contact Laurie Hanson-Roberts at lhr@graceavenue.org for the Zoom link.
Monthly Book Club
1st Mondays | 1:00pm | Room 219
Book club is an informal group of different ages that meets once a month to discuss different books. We bring water, coffee, or nothing but ourselves. Email Carol Dirks at cdirks1@sbcglobal.net to learn the book of the month.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
2nd Tuesdays | 1:00-2:30pm | Tom Graves Hall
We are a group of adult women (men are welcome too!) who crochet, knit, and sometimes sew or quilt for people going through a difficult time. We make prayer shawls, lap blankets, hats, scarves, baby and preemie items, and sleeping mats made from plastic yarn (plarn) made by members of our group. We are also making soap sacks – small crocheted or knitted bags made from cotton yarn that hold a bar of soap and can be used as a washcloth – that we are donating to the Little Elm Food Bank and Oak Lawn UMC. We support local hospitals, outreach programs for the unhoused, and other organizations as well as our own church members and visitors. We can teach you to crochet or knit if you’d like to learn. Join us each 2nd Tuesday and make some new friends while helping others in our community! Contact Robin Caraway at rcarawaycpa@sbcglobal.net or Tina Perello at tinagp97@yahoo.com for more information.
Chair Yoga with Laurie
Mondays | 10:00am | Tom Graves Hall
Movement and breathing are good for our bodies, minds, and spirits. Laurie leads Chair Yoga to make this less intense, assisted yoga experience accessible for all ages and abilities. Contact Laurie Hanson-Roberts at lhr@graceavenue.org for more information.
Veterans Group
3rd Tuesdays | 6:00pm | Local Restaurants
Veterans are invited to join this group for dinner to exchange ideas, share discussions, and celebrate blessings. We meet each month around Frisco over dinner. Please contact Mike Norskog at mikenorskog@gmail.com, Bob Diggles at bldiggles@gmail.com, or Greg Black at gregblack49@att.net with any questions.
Senior Adults
Activities for adults 55+ years young to build a community and reinforce self-worth and purpose.
Men
Softball League
Mondays | Games between 6:30-9:30pm | Shawnee Trail Sports Complex
Grace Avenue UMC plays in a men’s church recreational league during three seasons – Spring, Summer and Fall. The Spring season typically starts around the end of February with the last game of the Fall season in early November. Each season is eight games with a chance for an extra week for play-off games. All skill levels are welcome. Typical costs are $30 per season with a one-time $25 jersey fee. Contact Preston Reid at preston@graceavenue.org with questions. Pay for Current Season here.
Men's Morning Bible Study Led by Rev. Christopher Vaughan
Wednesdays | 7:00am | Prayer Room
Designed to help you grow in faith and community. We’ll begin by exploring key themes from 11 Indispensable Relationships You Can’t Be Without by Leonard Sweet. Sweet helps readers look at the kinds of relationships God uses to shape and sustain us. No reading required to join the conversation; just come with an open heart and a willingness to learn. Come before work and start your day off right! Contact Rev. Christopher Vaughan at christopher@graceavenue.org with questions.
Legendary Lunch
2nd Tuesdays | 11:00am | Local Restaurants
Join us for our monthly gathering for retired men. There will be a short program with the primary focus of enjoying food and fellowship. Please let us know if you will be attending by emailing Marion Deaton at mariondeaton@sbcglobal.net.
Men of Grace Dinners
Tuesday, April 28 | 7:00pm | Chiloso on Main Street
The Men of Grace Dinners are a great opportunity to get together with other men in our congregation for fellowship, connection, and great conversation. We meet each 4th Tuesday at local restaurants around Frisco. If you would like to be part of our Facebook Group or want more information about this group contact Rev. Christopher Vaughan at christopher@graceavenue.org.