Children & Youth Ministries
Children's Ministries (Birth - Sixth Grade)
"Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked
the people, but Jesus said, 'Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.'"
Matthew 19:13-14
In the United Methodist Church, we embrace children as an integral part of the congregation. During
the service of Infant Baptism, the congregation pledges the following: "With God's help we will so order our lives after
the example of Christ, that this child, surrounded by steadfast love, may be established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened
in the way that leads to life eternal."
The United Methodist Hymnal, page 44.
At Grace United Methodist Church, we attempt to provide opportunities to children to experience love, faith,
and Christian nurturing which may guide them in discovering and growing in their faith. We also celebrate the ministry
that children bring to the congregation. They are not only the church of tomorrow, they are a part of the church today.
SUNDAY SCHOOL HOURS: Sunday School classes are held each Sunday, 9:45 - 10:45 a.m.
Sunday School Classes:
Church Nursery
A church nursery is provided for infants and preschool children on Sunday mornings and during church-wide
events.
Children: Room 10. Children ages 4 - 5 and elementary students are
led by Carol Story and Betty Cook. During March we will study Holy Week. Stories, crafts, music, prayers, and sharing
are all part of the time we spend together in this class.
Youth: 7-12th grades in Room 13. Led by Jamie Tatum
Adult Sunday School Classes
Sunday morning at 9:45 a.m., adults are invited to participate in an ongoing learning opportunity by being
a part of a Sunday School class. Sunday School is a place to learn more about the Christian faith and to be a part of
a small group within the larger community of faith at Grace United Methodist Church. Sunday School classes are
open to anyone, and we encourage you to visit several before choosing a class.
Disciples Class: This class uses the United Methodist Adult Sunday School
series with a format leading to spirited discussions focusing on how we can incorporate the study material into our daily
lives. Adult Bible Studies follows the lectionary that covers the Bible in three-year cycles. During September
we will look at the struggle Old Testament peoples had maintaining hope and moving toward the future God has promised.
In October the study moves to the new Covenant community Jesus established. In November we look at the challenges
we have to live faithfully with hope toward the future God has promised us. This diverse age group supports many service
projects with volunteers and finances. The Bible study is led by Dr. Clifford Flood. The class meets in
Room 1 in the Fellowship Hall.
Seekers Class: This class traditionally works through contemporary books
about Christianity. We are presently studying The Case for God by Karen Armstrong. On
a typical Sunday morning we disucss a few chapters of our current book. Any given Sunday also finds us talking
about contemporary issues. This class is led by Dr. Richard Beil and is held in Room 2 in the Fellowship hall.
Haniel Jones Class: The studies of this class vary from Bible study to study
of different books. The members of this class support many church and local ministries and organizations.
They are led by Jo Anne Laughlin and meet in Room 3 in the Fellowship Hall. Adults of all ages are welcome.