CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Christian Education
Director - Donna Snyder
, 237-2163 ext. 125
Coordinator
of Children's Ministries -Tori Von Leer, 235-3040
Coordinator
of Youth Ministries - Matt
Hoffert , 237-2163 ext. 137
Small Groups Ministry Coordinator - Anne Smith
Trainer - Aldene Gabany
Coordinator of Disciples and Jesus in the Gospels - Phil Mohr
ChristCare Coordinator - Bill Ross
Coordinators of Alpha - Joanna and Matt Carlson
Christian
Education Lay Council - Chair - Dave Piltz
Co-chair - Craig Rose
Council
Members -
| Marion Dougan | Lance Marshall | Bill Ross |
| Wendy Fay | Phil Mohr | Retha Sellman |
| Aldene Gabany | Kevin Morgan | Anne Smith |
| Sue Justice | David Piltz | Garen Smith |
| Eileen Lang | Craig Rose | Donna Snyder |
| Nancy Spannuth |
SPIRITUAL GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AT ST. PAUL'S UMC
EDUCATIONAL
OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN, TEENS,
COLLEGE STUDENTS,
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS AND ADULTS
DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR
Who is Christ in
our lives? How do we live out our ministry? To whom do we belong? How
do we know God?
How can we live out our faith? What does the journey look
like? Who are the sojourners along the way?
Your Christian Education is
a vital component for your personal spiritual growth.
The 2005-2006 Christian Education program is in full swing here at St.
Paul's UMC. Listed here are the numerous
opportunities for spiritual growth
at St. Paul's. You are cordially invited to participate in these classes.
In addition
to the classes listed below there are many other opportunities
in all age categories. Please call the Christian
Education office for
more information. These offerings include: Bible studies, book discussions,
video series,
retreat experiences, and more. Please come, learn, grow and
enjoy!
1. CHILDREN'S SMALL GROUPS (for birth-5th Grade)
Contact: Tori Von Leer, Coordinator of Children's Ministries, 235-3040
More information about Childrens' Activities and Sunday School Classes
can be found in the Children's Section.
Name |
Description |
Meeting Time / Special Notes |
| Children's Sunday School (2 yrs-Grade 5) |
Bible stories, fun, singing, crafts, and fellowship | 9:15am Sunday, Education Building |
| FW Friends (Grades K-5) |
Midweek fun (crafts, games, and music), faith-building and dinner | 4:30-6:45pm Thursday. Meets for two 8 weeks sessions per year. |
| God and Me (Grades 1-3) |
Designed to help children become best friends with Jesus and tell their story of "God and Me" together. | 3:45-5:00pm Sunday. Meets for approximately 6 sessions, as scheduled. Offered every other year. Part of Scouts' God and Country program. |
| God and My Family (Grades 4-5) |
Helps kids understand the importance of family and God's role in a healthy family | Part of Scouts' God and Country program. (Offered alternate years, to be offered in 2006) |
2. YOUTH SMALL GROUPS (for 6th-12th Grade)
Contact: Matt Hoffert, Director of Youth Ministry 237-2163
Name |
Description |
Meeting Time/Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
Boy Scouts |
Troop 31, chartered by St. Paul's |
7 pm Tuesday, Gym |
Confirmation |
Peparation to make a personal commitment to Chist and become a full member of St. Paul's. | 9:15 am Sunday |
God and Church (Grades 6-8) |
A journey to meet Jesus, worship God and witness/minister for Christ | Part of Scout's' God and Country program. Offered every year. |
God and Life |
Study based on the life of Paul as recorded in Acts 9:1-311 | Part of Scout's' God and Country program. Offered every year. |
LIFT Youth Fellowship |
Sr. High Youth Fellowship | 7 pm Sunday, 3rd floor Ed Bldg |
Middle School |
Various small disussion groups | 7 pm Sunday, 3rd floor Wesley |
WILD Youth Fellowship |
Middle School Youth Fellowships | 7 pm Wednesday, 3rd floor Ed Bldg |
Youth Bible Study Groups |
Various Bible Study Groups | As scheduled |
Youth Sunday School |
Bible study, discussion,fellowship, fun | 9:15 am Sunday, 3rd floor Ed/Wesley |
3. COLLEGE AGE SMALL GROUPS (be sure to check Adult opportunities as well!)
Contact: Pastor Tyson Ferguson, Director of Campus Ministries 237-2163. Find out about all the
current activities at Wesley Student Center.
Name |
Description |
Meeting Time/Special Notes |
| Dinner and Worship | Dinner, worship and fellowship on Thursday evenings | 6 pm Dinner Abba Java House |
| Retreats | Various weekend retreats | Check bulletin board/website for details |
| Weekly Bible Studies | Various studies | Check bulletin board/website for details |
4. ADULT SMALL GROUP OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Donna Snyder, Director of Christian Education at 237-2163
A. Adult Faith Introduction Classes
Name |
Description |
Meeting Time/Special Notes |
Alpha |
A practical introduction to the Christian faith designed for people of all backgrounds and faith-based experiences to explore the meaning of life in a safe, enjoyable and non-threatening atmosphere. | 6pm-9pm Monday. Abba Java House (10 weeks) A family meal is served at each meeting. Childcare is provided during the video/ discussions after dinner. Fall / Spring |
B. Adult Bible Study Classes and Book Discussion Groups
1. Adult Christian Education Hour Classes
All adults and college students are welcome to visit classes on any Sunday. Please check the Bulletin for the most accurate
course locations and availability.
Name |
Description |
Meeting Time/Special Notes |
| Bible Study | Weekly Bible Study | 9:15am Sunday, Rm.202 Wesley |
| Brotherhood Class | Men's Bible Study | 9:15am Sunday, Gym |
| The Forum | Topical study group, discussion group and lecture class. No preparation necessary. | 9:15am Sunday, Asbury Room, Library |
| Friendship Class | Women's Bible Study | 9:15am Sunday, Room 205 Wesley |
| Salt and Light | StudyStudy group for 20-30(plus) yr.olds | 9:15am Sunday, Wesley Chapel |
| Sojourners Class | Study and fellowship group | 9:15am Sunday, Rm. 101 Wesley |
2. Adult DISCIPLE Courses
Most Disciple classes run from early fall through late spring.
Name |
Description |
Meeting Time/Special Notes |
| Christian Believer (knowing God with Heart and Mind) | 32-week study integrating Bible Study and Christian doctrine | Open to all adults. Classes begin in September. |
| Disciple 1: Becoming Disciples through Bible Study | 34-week in-depth study from Genesis to Revelation, goal is transformation | 2 1/2 hour weekly meetings. Daily Bible study required. Begins in September |
| Disciple II: Into the Word Into the World | 32-week study focusing on Genesis, Exodus, Luke and Acts | Prerequisite: Disciple I. 2 1/2 hour weekly meetings. Daily Bible study required. Class begins in September |
| Disciple III: Remember Who You Are | 32-week study of the Prophets and Romans | Prerequisite: Disciple I. 2 1/2 hour weekly meetings. Daily Bible study required. Class begins in September |
| Disciple IV: Under the Tree of Life | 31-week study of the writings of the Old Testament, John, John 1,2,3, James, Jude, and Revelation | Prerequisite: Disciple I. 2 1/2 hour weekly meetings with daily Bible study required. Class begins in September. |
| Invitation to the Old/New Testament Classes | 8-week short courses on Old and New Testaments | Open to all adults Offered in fall and spring. |
| Jesus in the Gospels | 30-week study focusing on the portraits of Jesus found in our Gospels | Prerequisite: Disciple I. 2 1/2 hour weekly meetings. Daily Bible study required. Class begins in September. |
3. Adult Short-Term Bible Study Opportunities
A wide variety of short-term Bible Study opportunities are offered year round at varying times. Upcoming courses are listed
in the
Messenger newsletter and Bulletin announcements. If you have an idea for a class, please contact Donna Snyder at 237-2163.
4. Adult Book Discussion Groups
Name |
Description |
Meeting Time/Special Notes |
| Circle of Friends | Monthly book discussion group | Book listings, meeting time and place are listed in Messenger |
| Inspirational Book Club | Weekly book discussion group | 9am Monday, Barnes and Noble |
| Women of Purpose | Women's book and discussion group | Noon Tuesday, Rm 101 Wesley |
C. CHRISTCARE SMALL GROUP MINISTRIES
A ChristCare Group is a gathering of up to 12 people who meet twice monthly for the purpose of: mutual care, encouragement,
support and accountability, prayer and worship, practical study that relates the Bible or biblical principles to every day life, and
service or outreach to others. Each group is led by a trained leader who receives ongoing support and encouragement. The
group independently chooses the topic of study and nature of its service and outreach. There are currently six ChristCare Groups
at St. Paul's, and they are open to everyone.
D. FAMILY AND MARRIAGE RELATED GROUPS
Name |
Description |
Meeting Time/Special Notes |
| Alpha Marriage Course | Marriage enrichment course for married and engaged couples | 7 weeks, fall and spring. Dinner for two, private discussion. Childcare provided. |
| Parenting Classes | Various parenting classes |
Watch for periodic offerings |
| Play Groups | Moms (or Dads) and kids get together for conversation and fun |
Let's get some groups started! |
| Family Night | Social time for families |
Let's get this going! |
E. INTEREST-RELATED SMALL GROUPS
| Name | Description |
Meeting Time/Special Notes |
| Basketball | Basketball and devotions | Find a team. Find a time.Gym |
| Cards for Christ | Create handmade cards to send on request | Meets monthly |
| Knit Together | Knitting, devotional, sharing, and conversation group. Create items to be used for missions | 1pm 3rd Tuesday |
| Knit Together II | Knitting, devotional, sharing, and conversation group. Create items to be used for missions | 7pm 2nd, 4th Wednesday, Abba Java |
Light IS |
Worship God through love of photography. Study photography, the Bible, other readings to become deeply aware of God's revelation in his creation | Meets monthly |
| St. Paul's Saints Slow Pitch Softball Club | Fun-spirited softball games against local church teams |
6:30pm Monday Mid-May-Aug |
F. MEN'S GROUPS
Name |
Description |
Meeting Time/Special Notes |
| Accountable Disciples | Prayer and Study Group | 6:30am Friday, Social Room |
| Brotherhood Class | Men's Sunday School Class | 9:15am Sunday, Gym |
| United Methodist Men | A unit of UMM could be established at St. Paul's if a group of men volunteer to develop / lead it. | St. Paul's men attend Spring Rally in Lewistown. Watch for details. |
| Wild at Heart | Men's spring retreat focusing on John Eldredge's book Wild at Heart |
Watch for details |
G. SUPPORT-RELATED SMALL GROUPS
Name |
Description |
Meeting Time/Special Notes |
| Going on After Loss Support (GOALS) | Includes social events, specific grief programming, and one-on-one care-giving |
As needed/scheduled |
| Life After Loss | 7-week grief recovery series |
Offered in the fall and the spring |
H. WOMEN'S GROUPS
Date |
Description |
Meeting Time/Special Notes |
| Beth Moore Bible Studies |
Challenging, inspiring video Bible Studies for women presented by Beth Moore | As scheduled. Courses typically last 10 weeks. |
| Captivating |
Mini-retreat focusing on John and Stasi Eldredge's book, Captivating | Spring. Watch for details |
| Early Morning Small Group |
Fellowship, study and breakfast | 7am 2nd/4th Tuesdays Perkins Restaurant |
| Friendship Class |
Women's Sunday School class | 9:15am Sunday 205 Wesley |
| United Methodist Women |
Work locally and globally through dedicated circles to bring the love of Christ into the lives of women, youth and children. Develop a creative, supportive fellowship of women through prayers, projects, resources, time and talent | Seven circles meet monthly. Unit meetings first Monday of the month at various times. |
| Wed. Morning Women's Bible Study |
Currently a Disciple I class, but typically topical and Bible studies for all ages |
9:30-11:30am Wed., Social Rm. Child care provided. |
| Women of Purpose |
Bible study group |
Noon Tuesday, 101 Wesley |
| Women's Retreat |
Study, fellowship, and time with Christ |
April 21-23, 2006 (weekend) |
I. GOING DEEPER/PRAYER GROUPS
Name |
Description |
Meeting Time/Special Notes |
| Walk to Emmaus |
For the development of Christian leaders. A special weekend to strengthen relationship with Christ and learn more about grace. | Weekend. Thurs pm-Sun pm in Fall or Spring. Reunion groups for accountability and support. |
| Prayer Ministry Team |
Intercessory prayer group |
11:45am-12:45pm Mon., Sanctuary |