Adult Ministries - Saint Paul United Methodist Church

Classes

Poverty Abolitionists
Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. in Room 155 (September 9 – September 30)

This September, join Dr. Barb Jacobson as she leads us in a study of David Beckmann’s book, Poverty Abolitionists. Rev. Beckmann is an economist, pastor, and activist who spent 29 years as President of the Washington DC-based advocacy organization Bread for the World. (Plus, he is a Lincoln High School graduate!) Together, we will explore Beckmann’s five insights into poverty, 10 strategies on how to help abolish poverty, and how we can become poverty abolitionists ourselves.

Understanding Christian Nationalism
Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. in Room 155 (October 7 – October 28)

This October, Rev. Scott Larson will lead a series on Christian nationalism to explore how our faith, identity, and civic life intersect. Together, we will discuss what Christian nationalism is, its historical development, its appeal to some Christians, and how it contrasts with our commitments to God’s universal grace, social holiness, and the separation of church and state. Ultimately, this class will equip us to engage political life faithfully—neither withdrawing from civic responsibility nor confusing national identity with Christian discipleship—while practicing humility, compassion, and a commitment to the common good.

Ruth: God’s Love for the Outsider
Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom (September 17 – November 12)

This fall, all are welcome to join Dr. Dave Moore’s Bible Study on the Book of Ruth, and the lessons it holds to heal a fractured world. Ruth offers a beautiful portrait of life shaped by hesed—God’s steadfast, loving-kindness. Through ordinary acts of loyalty and compassion, this story reveals how God works through people to bring about redemption and belonging.

Yoga at Saint Paul
Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel (September 16 – December 16)

Wednesday night yoga returns to Saint Paul UMC this September. Once again, Registered Yoga Instructor Gretchen Arroyo will be leading us in Yin Yoga, which is a meditative style of yoga that gently exercises the body and increases flexibility. This class is open to all people and is appropriate for all levels of practice from beginner up. We will use chairs, blankets, blocks, and other supportive props for assistance. If you have a yoga mat, please bring it; if not, we have some to share (first come, first served). Registration is greatly appreciated so we can plan appropriately, but drop-ins are welcome. Church covers the cost of the class, but donations are accepted. Please wear comfortable clothing, arrive a few minutes before start time, and let the instructor know if you have any limitations.

Paine Parlor Sunday School Class
Sundays at 11:00 a.m. in Paine Parlor

This class meets on Sunday mornings in Paine Parlor at 11:00 to discuss current happenings in our community, our nation, and the United Methodist Church. We will meet on the second Sunday of the month in June, July, and August.

Postcards from Lincoln: A History Speakers Series

Every other Monday at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Saint Paul UMC welcomes back Ed Zimmer, Jim Mckee, and other special guests for the tenth season of our perennial speaker series, “Postcards from Lincoln.” Come enjoy presentations from some of Lincoln’s most preeminent figures specializing in our great city’s history.

Fall 2026 Series Schedule
September 14 – “A loaf of bread, a container of milk, and a stick of butter — The Rise and Fall of Corner Stores in Lincoln ” with Jill Dolberg
September 28 – “Humpty Dumpty—The 1889 Sandstone Wall at Old City Hall” with Jim McKee & Bob Ripley
October 12 – “Death, Poverty, Bread: How German Russians Found Success in Nebraska” with Emily Gengenbach
October 26 – “Telling Wright from Wrong – Lincoln’s Close Encounters with Frank Lloyd Wright” with Ed Zimmer
November 9 – “And With it Go the Naming Rights – Stories of Lincoln Placenames” with Ed Zimmer & Jim McKee
November 23 – “Fairview’s Long Journey through the Years” with Ed Zimmer & Jill Dolberg

Jim McKee
Born and raised in Lincoln, Jim McKee has authored over 1,500 articles and books on Lincoln and Nebraska history and numismatics. He currently presents about 50 talks a year to groups around Nebraska, and has taught history at Southeast Community College since 1970.

Ed Zimmer, Ph.D.
Ed Zimmer is a native of Omaha who served as Lincoln’s historic preservation planner from 1985 to 2020. Additionally, he was an elected member of the LPS Board of Education from 1995 to 2014, and he has served as an adjunct instructor for the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.

Jill Dolberg
A lifelong Lincolnite, Jill is the historic preservation planner with the Lincoln-Lancaster Planning Department. Prior to joining the city of Lincoln, Jill worked in the Nebraska State Historic Preservation Office for 24 years in various capacities, working with historic buildings surveys, National Register, Section 106 review, and later as Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer.

Emily Gengenbach
Emily Gengenbach has worked in public and academic libraries since 2015, and holds a BA in History and a Master of Library and Information Science. In May 2022, she joined the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, where she is the Librarian and Program Coordinator. Her duties include giving tours, talking to guests and community groups about the history of Germans from Russia, and maintaining their extensive library.

Bob Ripley
Bob Ripley was the Nebraska State Capitol Administrator for over 40 years, overseeing numerous renovations and restorations, all in an effort to maintain our beautiful, landmark, capitol building. His work has led him to national recognition, including winning the prestigious 2015 Harry F. Cunningham Gold Medal for Architectural Excellence in the State of Nebraska.

The 2026 Midterm Elections: Power, Policy, and the Public Good

Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary (September 8-29)
This fall, America returns to the polls for a momentous midterm election. In preparation for November 3, Saint Paul UMC is hosting a speaker series on the many features of our electoral system throughout September. Join us as we welcome local experts to discuss the impacts of contentious issues such as mid-cycle redistricting, executive orders, dark money, and the implications this election has for our state, country, and the globe. All sessions will be meeting on Tuesdays in September, from 7:00-8:00 pm at Saint Paul United Methodist Church.

Series Schedule
September 8: “The Implications and Impact of Gerrymandering” with Dr. Steve Dunbar
September 15: “Executive Orders & the SAVE Act” with John A. Gale
September 22: “International Implications of the 2026 Midterms” with Dr. Tyler White
September 29: “Dark Money & Campaign Finance” with Kate High

Speakers
Dr. Steve Dunbar
Steve Dunbar is retired from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as a professor of mathematics but he remains active with research and education. His interests are in applications of mathematics, especially in economics and politics.

John Gale
John Gale is a fifth generation Nebraskan, born in Omaha. As an attorney, he held positions in Omaha, Washington D.C., and Lincoln before practicing law in North Platte. He served as Nebraska Secretary of State and Chief Elections Officer from 2000 until 2019. Retired, John and his wife Carol live in Lincoln.

Dr. Tyler White

Dr. Tyler White is a Professor of Practice in political science, Director of the National Security Program at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, and the faculty director of the University Honors Program. His research interests include international security, specifically nuclear policy and human security. Dr. White was named the International Association for Intelligence Education (IAFIE) 2018 Instructor of the Year.

Kate High

Kate High researches money in politics in Nebraska. Prior to retirement she worked for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services for thirty years in the area of social welfare programs. She holds a BA in political science from Doane University and MA in Education from Washington University in St Louis, MO.