Christian Education

"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.'"

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."

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.

Cherub Class: Carol Story, Nicole Holloway, and Jane Gaylor will use Bible stories, songs, crafts, and other activities to provide experiences for nurturing the faith of our 2's, 3's, and 4's.

Elementary Class: This fall our kindergarten-3rd grade students will learn about God's calling a people, God's family grows, and Hope for God's people. These stories from the Old Testament, along with arts and crafts, music, and other activities will be led by Betty Cook and Joanne Wilcox.

Tweeners Class: Keith Patterson and Annabelle Rockwell lead our 4th - 8th graders. Their Rock Solid Curriculum is designed to help them build a solid rock foundation for their faith. The fall units Hope Begins, Hope Grows, and Hope for God's People include Old Testament stories.

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. This fall the study includes the Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament. 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. On a typical Sunday morning we disucss a few chapters of our current book. This fall we are conclude our study of the Apostles Creed and begin a study of The Lord's Prayer. 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: This class selects a book or topic for discussion. This fall the study chosen is the Book of Revelation. The members of this class support many church and local ministries and organizations. They are led by Ann Horner and meet in Room 3 in the Fellowship Hall. Adults of all ages are invited to come and grow with this class.

This class, facilitated by Rev. Libba Stinson, will conclude its study of the Gospel of John using the Kerygma Bible Study materials early this fall. Their next study will be the Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament. Members of the class volunteer to take turns leading the study and discussion. Everyone is welcome to join this class which meets in the church parlor.