Small Groups at Marlton UMC

 

  • Small groups are short-term gatherings where people come together to grow in faith, build friendships, and explore Scripture in a relaxed, welcoming setting. They’re a core part of our discipleship journey at Marlton UMC and are open to everyone—no matter your background or experience.

  • If you’re new, small groups are a great place to start. Each group meets for six weeks and offers a friendly, no-pressure environment to ask questions, share life, and discover how faith connects to everyday experiences. You don’t need to have all the answers—just come as you are.

  • We believe faith grows best in community. Small groups help you deepen your relationship with God and others, offering encouragement, accountability, and spiritual growth. Whether you join one or many, each group is a step forward on your faith journey.

  • Small groups at Marlton UMC meet in three 6-week sessions throughout the year, making it easy to find a time that fits your schedule. You’re encouraged to join at least two sessions annually—but you’re always welcome to attend more!

    2025–2026 Small Group Sessions:

    • Session 1: September 7 – October 12, 2025

    • Advent: November 16 - December 21, 2025

    • Session 2: January 4 – February 8, 2026

    • Lent: February 22 - March 29, 2026

    • Session 3: May 3 – June 7, 2026

    Groups meet at various times, including Sunday mornings, Wednesday evenings (with dinner!), and more. There’s something for everyone—whether you’re new to faith or looking to go deeper.

 

Small Group Sessions

Session 1: September 7 – October 12, 2025

Open Door Fellowship - Sundays @ 9am

The Walk: Five Essential Practices

How do we walk with Christ—daily follow him, grow in him, and faithfully serve him?

 

After Worship fellowship - Sundays @ 11:30am

Parables: Putting Jesus’ Stories in their place

When Jesus taught in parables, he was doing more than telling simple morality tales.

Wonderful Wednesdays - Wednesdays @ 5:30pm

Reclaiming the New that Jesus Unleashed for the World

 

Foundations Sundays @ 11:30am

Whether you are a new guest, new believer, or long-term church member, this course is for you.

Church Wide Christmas Series

11/16/25-12/21/25

 

Advent: 11/16-12/21

It’s not within our own power to make a fresh start. If we’re to have a future different from the past, it must come as a gift, something not of our devising. What we need is a God who refuses to be trapped in eternity, a God who not only cares about us but is willing to show up among us and do something with us, here, now.

As we prepare our hearts and homes for Christmas, all small groups will be studying Heaven and Earth by Bishop Will Willimon. Pastor Jesse will be preaching on the same topics that we’ll be studying.

 

Session 2: January 4 – February 8, 2026

Open Door Fellowship - Sundays @ 9am

Bible Stories for

Grown-Ups

New ways to understand well known pieces of Scripture in our current cultural environment.

Wonderful Wednesdays - Wednesdays @ 5:30pm

Share the Dream

Bible study based on the life and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

After Worship fellowship - Sundays @ 11:30am

Reckless Love

How did Jesus teach the Greatest Commandment to his disciples?

Foundations Sundays @ 11:30am

Whether you are a new guest, new believer, or long-term church member, this course is for you.

Church Wide Lent Series

2/22/26 - 3/29/26

 

Lent: 2/22-3/29

Join Peter, Mary Magdalene, and Thomas as they feel the despair of losing Jesus and the surprise and joy that awaits them in the resurrection. This study traces events around these characters, along with Paul and the disciples at Emmaus, and how the resurrection transforms their lives.

As we prepare for the mystery of the Resurrection, all small groups will be studying The Third Day by Tom Berlin and Mark Miller. Pastor Jesse will be preaching on the same topics that we’ll be studying.

 

Session 3: May 3 - June 7, 2026

Open Door Fellowship - Sundays @ 9am

Acts: Catching up with the Spirit

The Acts of the Apostles chronicles the story of God’s grace flooding out to the world.

 

After Worship fellowship - Sundays @ 11:30am

Questions Jesus Asked

Jesus was fond of asking questions, many of which cut right to the heart of what it means to be human.

Wonderful Wednesdays - Wednesdays @ 5:30pm

Five Means of Grace

Wesley showed us ways to reorder our lives through the “means of grace.”

 

Foundations Sundays @ 11:30am

Whether you are a new guest, new believer, or long-term church member, this course is for you.