So That Living or Dying, Our Life May Be In You: An End of Life Lenten Series
Sundays, March 5, 12, and 19 from 3:00-5:00pm in person
Pastor Laura and Rev. Cameron Merrill (Hillsborough UMC)
Preparing for death is rarely a favorite topic of conversation, and most of us go our whole lives not thinking about or planning for our own. And yet it will come all the same—often leaving loved ones to scramble to make decisions while grieving themselves. Join us for a series of conversations on what a good death can be, how we can plan now with our family and friends, and how to look toward our end with hope and grace.
Back to Basics Bible Study: The New Testament
Sundays, beginning on February 12, at 5:00pm in person or via Zoom
Pastor Molly
Spend time this spring with Jesus and his disciples in the New Testament. Each week we’ll go over basics from different books from the Gospels, Letters, and Revelation. The only course material is a Bible.
Ladder to the Light: An Indigenous Elder’s Meditations on Hope and Courage by Steven Charleston
Wednesdays, beginning on January 18, at 10:00am in person
Pastor Molly
Member of the Choctaw Nation and Episcopalian Bishop Charleston shares wisdom formed from the combination of his symbiotic identities. We’ll discuss this beautiful and practical meditation on searching for hope in our current cultural context, and we’ll explore new ways of imagining Scripture with the First Nations Version of the New Testament.
Don’t Look Back: Methodist Hope for What Comes Next by Will Willimon
Wednesdays, beginning on January 18, at 6:30pm in person
Pastor Molly and Pastor David
Are you new to The United Methodist Church? Are you a lifelong Methodist? Let’s talk about what’s next for The UMC as our denomination is experiencing change. Join us for a discussion of practical, scriptural, and theological avenues of hope for our United Methodist denomination – and for our Hayes Barton UMC.
Baby Steps: Navigating Parenthood
Wednesdays, beginning on January 18, at 6:30pm in person
Pastor Matt and Meagan Knowles
A weekly conversation for parents of young children seeking community and collective wisdom. The guide for these sessions will be the Guideposts in The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown. The book is optional. All are welcome!
Everybody, Always by Bob Goff
Wednesdays, beginning on January 18, at 6:30pm in person
Kat Moncol
In this study we will learn to love people right where we are through serving and helping our neighbors. Life is messy, but God leads us one step at a time. Join us for lively discussion as we explore this book through video and structured discussion activities.
Lectionary Group
Every Thursday morning at 10:00am
Join our pastors for a spirited discussion of the upcoming preaching text for the week.
In person or via Zoom. No sign up required. Email Cheryl for a Zoom link.
Current Adult Small Groups

The pastors lead a study about the weekly lectionary text each Thursday at 10. Email Janey Hunter for the Zoom link.
Hayes Barton UMC’s Biblical Justice Action Team is dedicated to social justice study and action, with emphasis on the Book of Discipline and Social Principles of the UMC’s priorities. Contact Beth Baker for more information.
Being Boaz acts as an arm of service through Outreach for HBUMC. This group meets via Zoom to plan how they can help offer support in Wake County. Being Boaz will build strong relationships both within and outside the church and reach out to make contact with those in need thereby serving the least of these. They will work side by side with other groups within HBUMC to address needs as they are identified and shift focus as needs evolve in the community. For more information and to sign up contact John Thomas.
Sunday School
The Sunday School hour at Hayes Barton UMC begins at 10:00am and ends at 10:50 every Sunday. Please note that the class descriptions include room numbers and contact information for the Sunday School class leaders. If you have questions about Sunday School classes, you may contact the leader directly, you may attend any class on a Sunday morning to get a feel for the curriculum, or you may contact Pastor Molly White for more information on Sunday School classes and other small groups at Hayes Barton UMC. Stay tuned for seasonal adult combined Sunday School classes during Advent, Lent, or our special Summer Seminary series.
At Hayes Barton UMC, we believe in Sunday School for the entire family. We have fantastic Children and Youth Sunday School programs during the Sunday School hour each week. Please check out our Children and Family Ministries page for more information about Children’s Sunday School and other programs, or you may contact our Director of Children and Family Ministries Jami Britt Noble. Please check out our Youth Ministry webpage for more information about our Sunday morning J.O.Y. Class and other youth opportunities, or you may contact our Director of Youth Ministry Rachel Carter.
Young Adults – Room 245
Contact: Pastor Molly
This new Sunday School class is made up of group of young adults who are single or recently married exploring faith and fellowship. Many of us are new members at Hayes Barton UMC and some of us grew up in the church. The curriculum of the Young Adults class and the name of the class will be determined in the first couple of meetings.
Adults with Young Children – Room 115
Contact: Pastor Molly
This new Sunday School class is made up of adults with young children who gather to explore navigate faith and friendship during a busy season of life. The group has many new Hayes Barton UMC members. The curriculum of the class and the name of the class will be determined in the first couple of meetings.
Connections – Room 250
Contact: Laura Kirby
Connections class is an intergenerational group who seeks connections through: Studying of God's word and current issues affecting God's people, Building authentic relationships with each other, Praying for each other and our community, and Sharing in common acts of care and outreach for each other and our community. We’re planning on tackling several topics during the year, but we’ll begin the year with the James Harnish study entitled Finding Your Bearings: How Words That Guided Jesus Through Crisis Can Guide Us.
Cornerstone – Room 343
Contact: Vicky Ravenel
Cornerstone is currently a small class of singles and couples who are empty nesters, although we welcome anyone! Most studies are 6 to 8 weeks in length and are varied in subject matter. Buying and reading the study book is encouraged but never required. Many of our studies have a recorded component that we watch in class and then discuss. We enjoy socializing together and try to plan get-togethers several times per year. We’ll start this year with a video and book series entitled The GOD We Can Know: Exploring the “I AM” Sayings of Jesus by Rob Fuquay.
Adult Contemporary (ACC) – Room 328
Contact: Cindy and Skip Jones
The Adult Contemporary Class, which began in 1975, is comprised of adults of all ages. We focus on education, with an emphasis on current/contemporary topics, missions, outreach, and fellowship. We are a large and diverse class . We use “The Wired Word” curriculum tied to viewing the latest headlines from a faith perspective.
Seekers – Room 320
Contact: Rev. Sally Bates
The Seekers blend Bible study with contemporary issues. They are actively engaged in the ministries of the church – particularly focusing on mission work and being the church in our community. The class is led by various class members and benefits from many outside speakers. The Seekers will begin the year by studying Matt Rawle’s book Jesus Revealed.
Wesleyan – the Chapel
Contact: Ann Thompson
The Wesleyan Class is a very active group of seasoned citizens that enjoys a traditional Sunday School atmosphere in a discussion-oriented lecture style. We use the Adult Bible Series curriculum, sing from the hymnal, and pray for one another every week. Join us for a lively gathering each week.
Starnes Class Special Ministry
Contact: Mary June Jones
The Starnes Class is an animated gathering for adults who are developmentally disabled. For many decades the group has provided love and a meaningful Christian experience through music, lessons, prayer, and group discussion to its members and leaders. Adult volunteers are always welcome in the Starnes Class. It’s a great way to serve on Sunday mornings!
Unity – Room 336
Contact: Kathy Davis
The Unity Class began a new study on January 15 of the book Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund. This book focuses on Matthew 11 and explores the heart of Jesus as he longs for his people to find rest in him. All are welcome to join our class for interesting discussions that expand our faith and understanding of the Gospel.