Small Groups & Classes

We are a community of participants! 

Newman Methodist Women

Newman Methodist Women is many things. It is a time for friendship, laughter and fellowship. It is a place to learn more about and help serve the local Rogue Valley Community. It is also an opportunity to participate in global ministries that support the health and family needs of women and children around the globe.


For more information contact the church office. 

Newman Bible Breakfast

The Newman Bible Breakfast group meets Wednesday mornings for a time of fellowship, Bible reading and prayer.


Fellowship and coffee time begins at 6:30am followed by breakfast, clean up, Bible reading and ending with prayer by 8am. Meals are prepared by the group sharing responsibility for set up, meal prep and clean up. A donation offering is taken that goes toward church projects as directed by the breakfast group. Cost of the meal is covered by group members donating eggs, meats, juice, fruit and other food items as needed. 


This event takes place in Friendship Hall. Please use the back entrance, adjacent to the B Street parking lot. Visitors, new members & non-members are always welcome!

Affirm Youth Group

TEMORAILY ON HOLD!  We are in the process of hiring a new Director of Children Youth and Family Ministries. 


Tuesday's 6:30-8:30pm in Wesley Hall (enter from parking lot steps or through the plaza) 


Affirm is a youth group for young people ages 11-17. We are a causal group who gather to be in community with one another. We are intentionally welcoming of young people who have not felt welcomed in other religious settings. At Affirm you can be your most authentic self.  Young people are welcome no matter their sexual orientation, gender identity, race, nationality, family situation, economic status, housing situation, immigration status, ability level, or faith background.  Affirm is a safe place to be yourself. We welcome your questions, doubts, and skepticism. You don't even need to call yourself a Christian to attend, just be respectful, open, and honest.


When we meet up we typically have snacks and an activity of some sort (crafts, games, service, etc...). This is a new and growing ministry of NUMC.  Check out the events calendar to find details on the next gathering or contact us.

Children and Family Ministry

Newman UMC has a growing number of children and families. In 2023 we re-started Children's Sunday school which happens on most Sunday's during worship. Children are welcome to stay in worship too. 


Our children's Sunday is a one room model where trained volunteers will lead a simple lesson based on a bible story for children ages 5-11. We welcome kiddos of all backgrounds and ability levels. Our staff and volunteers strive to be inclusive and affirming in all that we do. Our primary goal is for children to walk away knowing that they are loved by God and that there is a community of people who love and support them for who they are and who they will become. 


We are excited for the future of family ministry at Newman! Currently we are in the process of hiring for a Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministry to lead these efforts. 

Progressive Christian
Study Group

Have you ever had doubts about the historical accuracy of The Bible? Have you ever wondered why the Gospels differ from each other? What is the place of critical thinking and modern scholarship in religious faith and belief?  


Please join us in Wesley Hall on Tuesdays 10am - 11:30am. (enter on B street in the education/office building or via the double doors in the plaza)


This group is quite diverse and includes persons from several Christian denominations, as well as Unitarians and seekers from different backgrounds and those that belong to no faith community.

Open Mind Bible Study

Join our Pastor of Adult Education, Rev. Steven Berry for this weekly bible study of the New Testament. All are welcome as we take on the scriptures with an open mind. 


Pastor Steven brings a progressive take on the scriptures, but people of all theological persuasions are welcome to participate. You are also invited to bring a snack or sack dinner with you to the study. 


Thursday's 5:30pm in Wesley Hall (enter on B street in the education/office building or via the double doors in the plaza)


Culinary Ministry Team

This new ministry was born out of our desire to help people by feeding them in body and in spirit. Formerly a group of church members provided meals for the Hearts With a Mission youth shelter in Grants Pass. In 2020 the shelter was consolidated to one location in Medford. It was then that church members turned their focus to helping the residents at Foundry Village, a transitional housing community for people who struggle with housing. 


Our culinary ministry team prepares meals for  holidays and special occasions bringing good food and soul filling kindness to the residents at Foundry Village. This ministry also bring occasional cooking classes to the residents. 


To learn more about this ministry or to get in touch with the team leader please call or email the church office. 

Courageous Conversations

Every month community members from across southern Oregon gather online to discuss important topics concerning systemic injustice and oppression. We have a particular focus on racial justice in Southern Oregon, but discuss a variety of topics. 


Typically, a topic will be presented by one of the organizers or a guest presenter. Then we allow space for group discussion, Q&A,  and sharing. Here's some of the topics discussed in the past:

Grants Pass - A Sundown Town

LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Southern Oregon

Thanksgiving - Myth vs reality

The Oregon Trail of Tears

Racism in policing and the justice system


This is a community project led by Newman UMC, Bethany Presbyterian, St. Luke's Episcopal, and Rogue Community College.


These conversations happen on the last Tuesday of each month at noon.


To get the link for these events visit: 

https://web.roguecc.edu/diversity-board/events

Brewing Theology

For centuries, sometimes with a beer in hand, men and women have gathered to try to understand God and God's relationship to the world by steeping, boiling and soaking their own ideas, experiences and practices into a theological brew. Join us as we gather at Weekend Beer Company (1863 NW Washington) to brew some theology!


Brewing Theology offers an opportunity to explore, question and share as we strive to understand God and God's relationship to the world. All ideas, experiences and practices are welcome to be a part of this theological brew. We don't have to agree on everything, but respectful dialog is expected.


Join us every 4th Monday of the month at 6pm!

This ministry is a partnership between Bethany Presbyterian Church, St. Luke's Episcopal Church, and Newman United Methodist Church. 

Voice of Hope Team

Advocates for God’s people. Keeping true to our United Methodist Social Principles, we work in our community to advocate for a variety of social justice issues. 


Our church has a history of supporting and advocating for LGBTQ rights and inclusion. We also advocate for a fair and just economy, criminal justice reform, women’s rights, an end to racism, equitable housing policies, fair and equal treatment of people regardless of immigration/refugee status, and much more. You will often find Newman UMC churchgoers at local protests and engaged in local activism.


This group does not have a standard meeting time at the moment. For more information contact the church office, or speak with Pastor Ryan.

Newman Game Day

Come join our occasional game day! Keep your mind sharp and join in with others in playing games and connecting with one another. 


The goal of this group is to gather for fellowship and to keep our minds engaged by playing games together. Have a favorite game? Feel free to bring it along. 


Check the events calendar or call the church office for more information on the next Newman Game Day. 

New and Upcoming Opportunities

Newman UMC is a growing congregation! As more and more people find a church home here at Newman we will be expanding our small group opportunities. 


To stay in the loop, go to our contact page and send us a message requesting to be added to our email list and follow us on Facebook.

Other Ministries — Our Love in Action!

Single Parent Family Ministry: Caring for single parents in our community by helping provide some basic needs. 


Care and Nurture Team: Caring for members of the congregation who are no longer able to attend church due to age, illness, and/or physical disability.


Hidden Blessings Program: Collecting socks and underwear for our unhoused neighbors.


B Street Food Pantry: See our community partners page for more information. 


Community Aid: Emergency assistance to community members in need as funds are available.