Faithful discipleship is a lifelong journey. Christian education comes in many forms — traditional face-to-face class and Bible studies, small groups, online groups. We take seriously the task of faith formation for children, youth, and adults. We give careful attention to the selection of material used in Sunday school classes, Bible study sessions, and small groups. Our faith journey never ends; thus, our need for study and experiences that form our faith never ends.
Children from birth to three years old may stay in the nursery during Sunday School and during both services. A paid nursery worker and a church volunteer are always in the nursery. The nursery is located just off the sanctuary adjacent to the choir room.
The Good Shepherd class is a Montessori style class for our preschoolers who are three to five years old. Children move through various stations while exploring Bible stories. The focus is on Jesus -- the Good Shepherd who knows us, calls us by name, and is always with us, protecting us. This class meets on the second floor of the Fellowship Hall/Classroom Building.
Come ... enjoy fun and fellowship with our elementary students while they learn about the Bible, faith and living as a faithful Christian. We use "Spark Lectionary Curriculum." This means that most Sundays our elementary students will be studying the same scripture lesson in Sunday School that they will hear in worship. We have a fabulous group of volunteers who teach and assist, rotating throughout the month. This class meets on the second floor of the Fellowship Hall/Classroom Building.
Younger youth complete a yearlong study of the church's history and the United Methodist Church. Intensive study and field trips prepare them to become members of the church. This class meets in the Confirmation Room which is located in Wesley Hall--the gym building.
Our fantastic team of youth teachers use the "Youth Lessons from Discipleship Ministry." The lesson plan is lectionary-based. Youth will encounter the same scripture in Sunday School as they do in worship each Sunday. Youth engage in discussions about the scripture and where faith and life meet. This class meets in the youth room in Wesley Hall, where the gym is also located.
"Explore Christ and Enrich Lives" -- The Excel class places an emphasis on enhancing the Sunday School experience for all. The class meets on the second floor of the Fellowship Hall/Classroom Building. On the first Sunday of each month, the class meets at the Old Post Coffee Shop. They also have periodic dinners and outings together.
The New Covenant class is comprised of single and married adults who are interested in deepening their walk with Jesus through in-depth Bible study and applying scripture to daily living. Studies, typically 6-8 weeks, begin with a short video followed by a heartfelt discussion. Leadership rotates among those interested in leading, and the group selects the curriculum. New members are always welcome. The class meets in a classroom in Wesley Hall, where the gym is also located.
Study, Seek & Support -- studying God's word, seeking His will in our lives, and supporting one another through fellowship -- these are the guiding principles for the Cornerstone class. Our members are a mix of working and retired adults with a variety of hobbies, interests, and life experiences. All of this makes for an interesting and engaging class. Our study is the "Adult Bible Studies" with lessons based on scripture. We enjoy discussion on scripture and how we can apply this to our daily living. Presently, the class meets virtually. New members are always welcome!
"Help carry one another's burdens, and in this way, you will obey the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2) We like to joke that we are a class of "under 30" and have been for fifty years! Our average age now is about 65. Our class consists of both couples and singles. Some have been in the class for nearly fifty years while others are newcomers. Several class members serve as out teachers. We engage in Bible study from time to time, but we vary our course of study by examining contemporary issues from a Biblical perspective. The class meets on the first floor of the Fellowship Hall/Educational Building.
This class is a mix of senior adults, both couples and singles. Members of the class lead the class in "Adult Bible Studies" which is based on the "International Sunday School Lesson for Christian Teaching." Periodic outings provide times for informal fun and fellowship. Mt. Olivet class members are very active within the leadership of our church and in volunteering in many community outreach programs. We invite others to visit or join us as we strive to "Grow in Christ. Reach out to others." The class meets in the chapel, adjacent to the sanctuary.