Christian Formation
Our faith formation journey begins when our parents bring us to church and church school as an infant and young child. The church partners with parents in raising their children in the faith and pledges as children are baptized to surround them in a community of love and forgiveness that they may grown in their faith. The journey continues through youth and adulthood as we mature in our knowledge in discipleship of Christ.
We offer classes during Sunday mornings (See Church School section below) and other times during the week (See Other Christian Formation Opportunities section below).
Church School
Classes are provided for age two through adults on Sunday mornings from 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. Everyone is invited to learn more about God and live into our call to become disciples of Christ. We ask that all participants in Church School register using this form.
Children’s Church School
All are welcome to attend beginning on any Sunday morning. Children attend the same class that they attend in preschool/school. Young children attend the class for the age that they are by September 01, 2011.
Nursery I – For infants and toddlers – Using the Rock-a-Bye Babies and Waddlers Ministry Guide our nursery caregivers will nurture and begin to introduce Christian formation in our youngest children in age-appropriate ways. Through songs, scripture, fingerplays, faith words and phrases and posters, young children will begin on their faith journey to learn, know and experience God and Jesus.
Two-Year-Old Class (must be potty trained) – Using the Rock-a-Bye Toddlers and Twos curriculum our twos teachers will introduce and nurture the children in Christian faith formation using easy-to-understand faith concepts, Bible stories, songs, games, fingerplays and board books.
Preschool Three and Four’s through Grade 5 classes – Each class uses the age-level appropriate United Methodist Rock Solid curriculum to help them grow in their faith journey. The Rock Solid curriculum is a comprehensive overview of the Bible covering the major stories of the Bible spread over three years. Each week, the children encounter a Bible Story, helping them to understand the Scripture and apply it to their daily lives. The outlines of Bible stories follow the Christian year, so children fully experience stories of Christmas, Holy Week, Easter and Pentecost. Activities provide a variety of brain-friendly methods to help children to experience and learn the Bible stories and how they apply to Real Kids today and continue to nurture them on their faith journey as they grow and mature.
Read more about our program in the Children and Youth Church School pamphlet and the ABC’s of Children in Worship.
Youth Church School
Our Youth Ministry serves students from grades 6 through 12.
Middle School for grades 6-8 use the Claim the Life curriculum. Each week we look at a key word and and invite our students to develop “deeper understanding, new appreciation and greater meaning for their lives” by understanding how that word is a part of their faith journey.
High School for grades 9-12 focuses on different aspect of life and how Christ and the church can play a role in “real life situations.” YouTube videos and other media technology help connect the world we live in today with our calling as disciples of Christ.
Adult Church School
As a growing church, we are committed to be a learning and serving fellowship of Christians who seek new and traditional ways to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in today’s world through Adult Church School classes, which can be found here. Bible study, social concerns, and living a Christian life are usual offerings. These study-discussion classes provide adults the opportunity to deepen their ties with other members and seekers in the church. Join any on-going class or any short-term classes that become available. All are welcome.
Short Term Classes
Ways to Pray Explore different ways to pray using basic practices of Christian spiritual formation such as prayer, meditating on the Lectionary Scriptures, journaling, and soulful listening. Each week learn a different way to pray to practice in class and through out the coming week. Come nurture your relationship with God and grow in your faith and discipleship. Rev. Kathy Wadsley will lead this six week study, on Sundays, February 19, 26, March 4, 18, 25, April 1 during Church School 9:45-10:45 a.m. in Room 113. This class does not meet during Green Church. Bring your Bible. All are welcome. No registration. Just come.
Green Church Green church is a series of seven lessons leading up to Earth Day on Sunday, April 22. The topics will be Repent, Reclaim, Reduce/Reuse, Recycle and Rejoice. On March 11, we will be focusing on the need to Reduce. Classes meet Sundays in Fellowship Hall.
Other Christian Formation Opportunities
Ongoing Christian Formation Opportunities
Disciple Studies is a program of disciplined Bible study aimed at developing strong Christian leaders.
Pastor’s Bible Study – Using The New Interpreter’s Bible Commentary as a guide, this class is currently studying the book of Isaiah. The format of the class is conversational and allows participants to “drop in” as they are able-in other words, come when you can, all are welcome! We meet Tuesdays from 9:45-10:45am in Room 126.
The “Angel Gang” – This group’s mission is to draw on their common experiences as they assist others who are faced with challenges to their wellness. The group’s focus is laughter, fellowship, and story-telling. Everyone is welcome! We meet Tuesdays from 11am-12pm in Room 126.
Bible Study for Health – If you are looking for a group to help you focus on your health through Scripture, prayer, lifestyle and exercise support, this is the group for you! We meet Wednesdays from 10:30-11:30am in Room 126. All are welcome!
Short Term Christian Formation Opportunities
Green Church is a series of seven lessons leading up to Earth Day on Sunday, April 22. The topics will be Repent, Reclaim, Reduce/Reuse, Recycle and Rejoice. On March 5 from 7-8pm, we will be focusing on the need to Reduce. Class will meet in Room 126.
HOSANNA!: A Spiritual Journey Through Holy Week is a Lenten Scripture Study Tuesdays, Feb 28-March 27 from 9-10:30 am OR 7:00-8:30 pm. The classes are identical, so you may come to either one. Hosanna invites you to explore the main texts in all four Gospels and in Paul’s writings that deal specifically with the last week of Jesus’ life and with the resurrection. No previous knowledge of Scripture is needed for this class. Register with the main office to reserve your book.
