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.   Small Group Opportunities at First United Methodist Church of Salisbury   Sign-ups are located on the bulletin board in the hallway next to Samantha’s office.   Dare to Be Uncommon Men's Bible Study By Tony Dungy Tony Dungy says it’s time...for every man to choose an Uncommon life!  This Super Bowl-winning coach has spent his life shaping young men. Now, Tony Dungy is ready to share core truths he wants every man to understand, live by, and pass on to others. Examine your life—and aspire to a life of renewed integrity…influence…and faith. With this Bible study, you’ll tackle key principles found in Tony Dungy’s Uncommon.  You’ll explore Scripture, engage in discussion, encounter character-building insights—and uncover what it means to live a life of true significance. Seven sessions reinforce important life lessons captured in Uncommon. 1. Strengthening Your Core 2. Loving Your Family 3. Lifting Your Friends and Others 4. Your Full Potential 5. A Mission That Matters 6. Influence Over Image 7. Live Your Faith Facilitator: Steve Haines Day Offered: Tuesday mornings at 10:00 am OR Tuesday evenings at 7:00 pm; study begins on February 16, 2010 (please note date change).  Cost of Book: $9.00   Invitation to the Old Testament Short Term Disciple Course This study approaches the study of Hebrew Scriptures by inviting participants to hear the story of God and God's calling of the people of Israel through the many "voices" of the biblical text. Narrative, poem, history, and prophetic utterance all have their own distinctive characteristics and purpose, arising out of a particular historical, social, and cultural setting. To understand fully the story of God's covenantal relationship with Israel calls for listening to these various ways the story is told throughout the Old Testament. What does it mean to be God's chosen people? And how does the story of Israel's covenant with God inform our own identity as heirs of that covenant? Through this study, participants will be invited to listen afresh to the witness of the Old Testament to hear God's call and purpose for their own lives and respond to that call.  Study contents are as follows: The Making of the Hebrew Bible, The Creation Story of Israel, Out of Bondage, Promise and Problem in the Land, Israel Has a King, Division and the Rise of Prophecy, Exile and Response, Restoration and Renewal.   Facilitator: Butch Clements Day Offered: Wednesday evenings 6:15 pm; study begins Wednesday, January 6, 2010. Cost of book: $8.00 ***** For Kids ages 3-5th grade: First Kids is a program on Wednesday evenings from 6:15-7:15 pm.  They meet every Wednesday evening to learn scriptures, Bible stories, play, and crafts. There is also child care for children 0-2 years of age. For Youth 6th-12th Grade: Bible study on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:30 pm.  Come and join the fun and fellowship, and bring your friends! In the youth room with Adam.   .     FUMC Salisbury Youth The Youth of FUMC Salisbury are involved in fellowship, mission and worship. Through retreats, programs and worship, FUMC offers opportunities for youth to grow spiritually. Youth participate in Sunday Morning Worship by serving as acolytes and in the music ministry. From September through May, the youth typically meet on Sunday Evenings between 5:30 and 7:30 for recreation, food, fellowship, small group discussion and a closing worship service. Opportunities are available for youth to develop leadership roles and serve in local, national and international missions.   Music Opportunities   Adult Handbells 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 6:15-7:00 pm Contact:  Matthew Brown   Chancel Choir Wednesdays, 7:15-9:00 pm Contact:  Matthew Brown   Music Opportunities  for Children   Novice Choir This training choir is for children in Kindergarten and first grade or other choristers. Wednesdays, 4:00-4:45 pm Choir Room Contact: Matthew Brown   Junior Choir This choir is for children who are returning choristers from the previous season and for any child currently in second through sixth grades. Wednesdays, 4:45-5:30 pm Choir Room Contact: Matthew Brown   Covenant Singers This choir is for the Youth of our Church in grades 7-12. 2nd and 4th Sundays, 12:15-12:45 pm Choir Room Contact: Matthew Brown     *** If there is a Bible study or short term small group opportunity that you would like to see offered, please contact Samantha at 704-636-3121 or samantha@fumcsalisbury.org   Education Ministry Mission Statement for First United Methodist Church of Salisbury Updated August 2008 The mission of the Education Ministry Team is to support the Pastoral Staff (specifically the Director of Christian Education and Children and Family Ministries) in planning, coordinating and overseeing church based religious educational opportunities for people of all ages. Specifically, this will include:

	Assessing the needs, identifying gaps and setting priorities for the congregation’s educational opportunities for all ages
	Planning and evaluating settings for teaching, learning and practicing spiritual activities for all ages
	Identifying and equipping effective leaders for each of the educational efforts provided
	Developing and administering the annual education budget
	Empower, Enable, Enrich and Equip teachers, leaders and participants who take part in education

The specific tasks of the Education Ministry Team are to:

	Publicize and promote opportunities for teaching and learning
	Coordinate Sunday School and age-level ministries
	Plan and coordinate special events e.g. Vacation Bible School (with the Children’s Ministry Team) and other educational opportunities e.g. small group studies
	Create a course offering information guide so the congregation is aware of what we have to offer
	Promote and coordinate rally day

The membership of the education Ministry team shall consist of:

	Director of Christian Education and Children and Family Ministries
	Sunday School Superintendent
	Coordinators from:

	Children’s Ministry Team
	Youth Ministry
	Youth Sunday School
	Adult Sunday School
	Young Adult Ministry

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

	Sunday School for all ages
	Support the First Family Celebration on Wednesdays

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.

Daisy Hedrick Class room 104
This class consists of women of all ages.  Their curriculum is the Adult Bible Study material from Cokesbury.

Genesis Class room 106 (conference room)
This class is a small group consisting of people in their 30’s-40’s.  They study various topics.

Golden Rule Class room 108
This class consists of men of all ages.  Their curriculum is the Adult Bible Study material from Cokesbury.

Christian Forum room 101 (media center)
This class is a mixed aged group.  They study the Adult Bible Study material from Cokesbury as well as other material related to world issues and the Bible.

Friendship Class room 103 (parlor)
This class is a mixed aged group. Their curriculum is the Adult Bible Study material from Cokesbury.

Pairs and Spares room 202 (upstairs in the education building)
This class is a group with mixed ages from 30 and up.  They study various books and topics. 

Adam and Eve Class room 213 (upstairs in the education building)
This class is a mixed aged group.  They study the Adult Bible Study material from Cokesbury as well as other material related to world issues and the Bible.

Seekers Class room 211 (upstairs in the education building)
This class is a group with mixed ages from 40 and up.  They study various books and topics. 

Discovery Class (formerly the Young Adult Class) class room 206 (upstairs in the education building). This group is made of singles and couples, with and without children.  They study various topics.
 
All our Sunday School classes have social times that they get together for fellowship.

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