This is the Adult & Family page. Please note that in-person activities are on-hold during the pandemic, but many online Zoom gatherings are taking place instead.
Between the Lines Book Group
“Between the Lines” Book Group meets on Sunday evenings in various members’ homes (and online during the pandemic) for a potluck dinner at 6:00 pm, and a discussion of the selection from 6:45 – 8 pm. All are welcome to join us when you can. Contact Mary Beth at marybethmcgowan1@gmail.com or (949) 702-7286.
Breaking Bread
Breaking Bread is a regular discussion group for “inquiring minds.” We meet at a local restaurant (and online during the pandemic), enjoy food and fellowship together and learn about God. More information is here.
Friends in Faith
We gather as a group for dinner and fellowship Mondays at the RSM Campus. Kids are always welcome… our group has many youngsters so we are definitely a kid friendly group!
We love having new friends join us and we hope that you will feel at home amongst fellow “Friends in Faith”! For more information, please contact us at fif@sothumc.org.
InMotion
“In Motion” is a Shepherd of the Hills’ ministry for active adults who enjoy running, cycling, walking, swimming, and other active sports. We have a regular weekly bicycling activity for all levels every Sunday afternoon, location varies. Friends and family members are welcomed too! For more information, please email Vivian Martin at vivianmartin2000@yahoo.com or call her at 949 637-0587.
Lenten Hikes
Lenten Hikes are every Saturday (usually at 9:00 am) during Lent. See here for more information and schedule. (On hold during the pandemic)
Men’s Ministry
Meets regularly for men’s breakfasts and special events.
Music
The Chancel Choir at the RSM campus (which rehearses Tuesday evening) sings at the Relaxed Traditional Service at 9:30 Sunday mornings
The Sanctuary Chorale at the MV campus (which rehearses on Thursday evening) sings at the Traditional Worship service at 9:00 on Sunday morning.
The Bells of Joy at the MV campus rehearses Thursday evenings and performs at the 9:00 am Sunday service.
Modern Worship Team at MV and RSM plays at the 11:00 am service Open to anyone who plays an instrument and/or sings and has a passion for leading others in worship through music.
Service & Share Group
If you are a senior, come and participate in the Service and Share Group. This group of men and women meet each Tuesday morning at the Mission Viejo campus. The men do all kinds of jobs from simple repairs on furntiure to installing doors, etc. They are the handymen of handymen. The women help assemble the “Happenings” for mailing, keep the items in the pews stocked and help with all church mailings.
Shepherd Seniors
The Shepherd Seniors is for couples and singles age 50 and better (age range is approximate and flexible). We meet for lunch once a month at a local restaurant. This gives us the opportunity to share life’s experiences and plan for future events. Now and then we trek off someplace for an adventure.
For information on the monthly restaurant brunches, see the weekly and monthly Happenings.
For information on field trips and other events, contact Sunny Hartman (MV Campus) at sunesue3@yahoo.com or 949-248-2707, or Carla Beddome (RSM Campus) at cbeddome@cruisesinc.com or 949-589-2538. Newcomers are always welcome!
Stephen Ministry
Could you benefit from the confidential, one-to-one care and support of a Stephen Minister?
Do you know someone else–perhaps a friend, neighbor, coworker, or relative–who could benefit from Stephen Ministry? (Feel free to refer them to this site, or pass along a brochure.)
Are you interested in possibly becoming a Stephen Minister?
Then talk with a pastor or Stephen Leader (you can recognize us by our blue name badges), or contact the church office, to learn more.
Stephen Ministry is Christ Caring for People through People. Stephen Ministries is a not-for-profit Christian educational organization based in St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 1975, Stephen Ministries provides training and resources to thousands of congregations and organizations worldwide.
Study groups
Pastor’s Bible Study
This in-depth study of scripture imeets at 10:30 am and 6:30 pm every Wednesday at the Mission Viejo campus, and at 9:00 am at the Rancho Santa Margarita campus.
The Gathering
Offering adult study, fellowship and prayer, this group meets every Sunday at the MV campus for an hour. Please contact Karen or Tom Roberts with any questions: (949) 361-9236 or kvaroberts@gmail.com
Women’s Study and Spiritual Growth Groups
Offering study and camaraderie to enrich your faith journey, Women’s Study meets 9:15 am every Tuesday at the MV campus, and Spiritual Growth meets monthly.
United Women in Faith
The United Women in Faith group (formerly United Methodist Women) is a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church. Shepherd’s UWF supports mission outreach, promotes fellowship, and spiritual growth, and meets monthly. A slideshow of some activities is HERE.