Christian Education

It is God who calls and the faith community that responds.  God's people gather together to worship and play in the form of singing, praying, studying, serving and sharing faith.  Through Christian Education we invite people to be transformed as they come to know and experience God through Jesus and grow and serve as Christian disciples.

We have special classes, retreats, day outings and mission projects throughout the year for all ages Read our newsletter, the Ecclesia, check the bulletin boards, and talk with our faith community to find out the latest news.
 

Education Ministry Mission Statement for  First United Methodist Church of Salisbury

September 2005

The mission of the Education Ministry Team is to support the Pastoral Staff (specifically the Director of Christian Education and Children’s Minister) in planning, coordinating and overseeing church based religious educational opportunities for people of all ages.  Specifically, this will include:

The specific tasks of the Education Ministry Team are to:

The membership of the education Ministry team shall consist of:

The on-going activities for which the education ministry team will be primarily responsible for are:

Discipleship Programs

First United Methodist Church of Salisbury offers many different classes during the fall, winter and spring for members to increase their knowledge and Christian discipleship through special Bible studies.  Experiencing God, The Christian Walk and Disciple I and II are just a few of the classes that have been taught.  These classes are usually offered during the day and evening to give everyone who would like to participate a chance to do so. Discipleship classes are also offered for youth at various times during the year.

Sunday School

We have Sunday School classes for all ages of children, youth and adults.  All children and youth classes take place on our Educational Wing near the Fellowship Hall.  Children and youth classes are divided by age.  Adult classes are divided by interest and phase in life.  Some are located on the Educational Wing and others are on the main hall.  Curriculum is biblically based and focuses on the liturgical church year and celebrating special holidays in our church.  We also have a joint fellowship time that begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall after the early worship service and before the Sunday School hour begins at 9:45 a.m.

Many folks are enjoying the fellowship time we have together before Sunday School on Sunday morning. There’s coffee, juice, goodies and a chance to say good morning to those who have gathered. Different Sunday school classes make the coffee and provide the goodies. If you haven’t stopped by the Fellowship Hall around 9:30 on Sunday morning, plan to do so this week.

Our classes are divided as follows:

Adult Sunday School Classes

Sunday school for adults is the core of our Christian Education Program.  Currently, we have seven adult classes which vary by age, size, style of teaching and learning, choice of curriculum, and theological learning.  Many classes meet socially throughout the year.  All actively welcome both visitors and new members.  They include:

Christian Forum:   The Christian Forum Sunday school class is made up of active, earnest seekers of the Word of God.  They seek a personal biblical and theological awareness so that they may have an informed personal witness in their daily lives.  As seekers, they are encouraged to share their diversity of faith experiences through unconditionally accepting class comments and discussions.  Several members share responsibilities for teaching.  Most share in providing coffee and refreshments each Sunday.  The class-selected curriculum includes biblical studies, social and ethical issues, theological commentaries, world religions, etc., in both hard copy and video formats that are presented in lecture/discussion style.  Members participate in family/community projects.  Occasionally, the class enjoys fund and fellowship in social activities.  If you have a need to know and a need for support in your faith.  

Daisy Hedrick:  The Daisy Hedrick is a class of 74 ladies who are middle age and older that is taught by eleven different individuals, all but one who are members of the class.  These faithful persons alternate Sundays teaching and utilize the Adult Bible Study curriculum.  An anonymous donor provides two floral arrangements each Sunday for the class to give to whomever needs a beautiful gift of love from our church family.  The class contributes to the Salvation Army, Rowan Helping Ministries, mission and disaster needs, the Battered Women's Shelter, the annual picnic for the Veterans Hospital, bereaved families and numerous other venues.  They welcome anyone who would like to visit or join their class.

Genesis:   This class is comprised of single and married adults sharing Bible study and fellowship.  Recent studies have dealt with Christian doctrine and how it is incorporated in our every day lives.  Social functions are held periodically for fun and fellowship.

Golden Rule:  The Golden Rule Sunday class is comprised of 35 men who are middle age and older.  They enjoy singing and fellowship with one another as part of their Sunday school experience.  The Cokesbury Adult Bible Study curriculum is used as their study guide.

Pairs and Spares:   This class engages in lively discussion of contemporary issues.  They use scripture and selected texts to explore, recognize and reaffirm God's grace and presence in their daily lives.  Their atmosphere is casual and welcoming to single people and couples alike.  Come and join them!

Adam and Eve:   The Adam and Eve class is a mixture of adults, singles and couples who are anywhere from 30 to 60 years of age.  Their format is both lecture and discussion Cokesbury's Adult Bible Study as their starting point and guide for discussion.  Most everyone participates in discussions, some are quieter than others.  They welcome and accept individual opinions and beliefs.  the participants of this class view it as an important component of their lives as a place where they are accepted, cared for and loved.

Friendship Class:  This class meets in the church parlor and welcomes adult couples or single persons who express an interest in membership.  Their purpose is to provide a meeting place of the Holy Bible and the teachings of Jesus Christ and His Disciples and apply these teachings to their own lives.  They actively keep in touch with their members, including remembrances in times of sickness and deaths, cards on their birthdays, and telephone calls to share special needs of their classmates as they arise.  Class socials are held three or four times a year for fellowship and getting to know one another.
 

Legacy Class:  This class has a wide variety of ages, some are single adults, some are parents with children and some are couples with no children.  They study a wide variety of topics.  The class also gets together for social events every quarter.
 

Seekers Class:  Consisting mainly of middle aged adults, this class studies a wide variety of topics from books of the Bible as well as video series.