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 (All sign ups are located on the bulletin board in the hallway next to Samantha’s office)   Men’s Bible Study Facilitator: Steve Haines; Day Offered: Tuesday mornings at 10:00 am OR Tuesday evenings at 7:00 pm; Beginning Tuesday, September 14   WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY: When God Winks at You: How God Speaks Directly to You Through the Power of Coincidence Those extraordinary little events in your life that happen for a reason.  A coincidence-sometimes a silly little thing-changes the course of your day… or even your life. Is it chance, or is God communicating with you?  When God Winks at You is packed with true stories demonstrating that God does communicate with us, making incredible things happen in our lives every single day. As you read the riveting accounts of everyday and famous people-including Tim Conway, Rudolph Giuliani, Billy Graham, and Don Knotts-you will begin to recognize the godwinks in your own life, both past and present. Through these tangible signposts from God, we receive personalized messages that reassure us, stop us from worrying, chart our path in life, and help us keep the faith.  Facilitator: Samantha Wesley; Day Offered: Tuesday mornings at 10:00 am OR Tuesday evenings at 7:00 pm; Beginning Tuesday, September 14; Cost of Book: $12.25   Useful Legal Information 101 In this four-week class, attorneys Susan Shumaker and Eddie Nicholson will give common-sense talks about several kinds of legal issues that you and your family members may face.  9/15 - Living Wills and Health Care Powers of Attorney; 9/22 - Wills and Other Estate Planning Documents; 9/29 - Lawsuits and Other Disputes; 10/6 - TBA (based on class interests); Day Offered: Wednesday evenings 6:15 pm; Beginning September 15   Invitation to the New Testament Short Term Disciple Course Explore the writings of the New Testament using the story of Jesus as the starting point. This survey of the testament looks at how the early church took ownership of and was shaped by the story of Jesus and how the church learned how to develop as disciples and create communities of faith. Participants find a deeper conversation with the writers of the NT and a renewal of our commitment to be shaped---personally and communally---by the story of Jesus.  In the weekly video segments, listen as scholars fascinate you with facts and information that opens new understanding and enlightenment for your group. In the second video, sit in on a table conversation between guest scholars and debate key issues in the text. Sessions: 1. Jesus Calls Us Into God's Redemption Story; 2. Jesus Calls Us to a Transformed Life; 3. Jesus Calls Us to Minister to a Hostile World; 4. Jesus Calls Us to Complex Communities of Faith; 5. Jesus Calls Us to Serve One Another; 6. Jesus Calls Us to a New Relationship With Tradition; 7. Jesus Calls Us to Live in Light of His Coming Again; 8. Jesus Calls Us to Experience the Gifts of His Dying and Rising; Facilitator: Butch Clements or another leader; Day Offered: Wednesday evenings 6:15 pm; Study begins September 15; Cost of book: $10.00 Christian Believer The Christian Believer course examines what we believe about God, our Christian faith, and what it means to live a Christian life.  The study focuses on scripture and is amplified with readings from church “fathers” including Augustine, Francis of Assisi, Martin Luther, John Calvin and John Wesley. The Christian Believer course is closely related to the Disciple Bible studies.  The entire course is 30 weeks long, with lessons designed for 90 minute discussions.  We intend to offer the course in four “mini semesters.” The first will begin September 15 and go through November 3, when we will break for Advent.  The second will go through January and February, when we break for Lent.  Class participants will decide the late spring and summer schedules. Facilitator: Butch Clements; Day Offered: Wednesday evenings 6:15 pm; Study begins September 15, 2010; Cost: $36.00 for the workbook and the book of reading materials (one time fee).   Casting Queens Is a group of women who gather on Wednesday evenings to knit prayer shawls.  If you would like to learn or already know how to knit or crochet please come and join this group.  Enjoy the fellowship as well as knitting together. Time: Wednesdays 6:30-7:30 pm; Place: Church Parlor   For Kids, ages 3 yrs old-5th grade: First Kids is a program every Wednesday evening from 6:15-7:15 pm.  They meet 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 every Wednesday evening from 6:30-7:30 pm. Join the fun and fellowship, and bring your friends! They will meet 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 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 third through sixth grades. Wednesdays, 4:45-5:30 pm Choir Room Contact: Matthew Brown   Covenant Singers Sundays, TBD 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 ten 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 room 206 (upstairs in the education building). This group is made of singles and couples, with and without children.  They study various topics

Odyssey Class (young adult) room 203 (upstairs in the education building). This group is made up of young adults ages 18-35 who have not found a Sunday School class home yet. They study various topics.
 
All our Sunday School classes have social times that they get together for fellowship.

HOME