Sunday School

 

 

 

 

            Little Lambs is the class for our youngest children, our toddlers, and is taught by Karlene Dalton with assistance from Mary Ward. Joyful noise—that is what you will hear coming from this classroom each morning. Whether enjoying crafts, dancing and singing with a video, or gathering on the colorful rug for story time, these little ones learn Bible stories and praise songs while having fun!

 

            When one hears that the combined kindergarten and first grade class has the name Angels and Eagles, one might think of the phrase, in flight! And that’s what you’ll see as you enter—small children in constant motion—walking, talking, singing, laughing—children about to soar! No, a nurse and a state trooper aren’t really required as teachers of such an active group, but the husband and wife team of Ken and Tammy Horton seem more than capable of directing the activities of five and six year olds. Making Bible stories come alive has been their goal for some time now.

 

            The Miracle Workers, our second and third grade class, is small in number, but not in enthusiasm. Their teacher Diane Webb and assistant, Jean Kidd, compliment them on their knowledge of the Bible and their above average reading abilities. These children love to complete an activity in their fun packs and read their story of the week. They also learn about mission work as they fill shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.

 

           

             When Charlie Rand and his assistant, Barbara Iroler began teaching their class two years ago, they wanted to call the class something besides “Tweens” or “Junior High.” The class suggested TBD—To Be Determined as a fitting description for their age range. Their questions are searching, their faith is building and they are connecting with their role in not only their families but also in their church, community and school. Their purpose in life is to be determined, and they have great mentors for their quest. Using the book of James as their text, the students explore an overview of the entire gospel that God has revealed to  them.  Charlie is an experienced teacher, as a Boy Scout leader and Sunday school teacher for many years, and he now has the faithful assistance of Beth Day.  As one of the students remarked, “I enjoy the class because of the openness of asking questions and then having the questions answered from a biblical perspective—and because we can laugh together!”

  

            Twenty years ago, a class was formed for young adult couples. They called themselves the Challengers Class. Today, this class includes avid campers and sports enthusiasts who spend a great deal of their time involved in their children’s sports and school activities. Members actively support the ministry and upkeep of Camp Dickenson, the Holston Conference United Methodist Camp in Grayson County. Often this class combines work, fellowship and the call to mission and ministry on their weekend camp retreats. Taught by a rotation of teachers, including pastoral and laypersons, the class strives to apply biblical texts to their every day lives.

 

            Are you an adult, over 30, and in need of a boost? No, not a flavor boost or an energy boost, but a love of God boost? Are you trying to figure out what your purpose in life is? Are you eager to get involved in the work of the church both locally and worldwide? Then you belong in the Seekers Class! This class includes singles, couples, travelers, grandparents, bloggers, columnists, professional speakers and just “talkers,” musicians and artists. This group asks the hard questions of why, what, when and how of its rotation of teachers. Using the Cokesbury Adult Bible Studies as a framework for the weekly study, the teachers strive to encourage individual study and group discussion.

 

            The Fellowship Class, formed in 1977 by the current teacher Tony Oliveira, his wife Ruth and several others, was founded with a purpose. As stated by Tony, “we agreed to use the Bible as our text and to begin our study in the Old Testament. Thirty-three years later, the Bible continues to be our text as we journey through the Old and New Testaments. A special ministry of this class is their support of the Tri-Area Pregnancy Resource Center in Galax. With both financial donations and baskets prepared by class members, the group serves the needs of moms and their newborn babies and promotes the sanctity of life.

 

            The Upper Room fills up fast on Sunday mornings. Eager to find their favorite seat (even before the bell rings), the members of this class are always prepared. Paul Jones, retired minister, knows he will be challenged and invigorated as he leads this group in their Cokesbury Bible Studies! Bible scholars JoAnne Street and R. J. Reynolds, also a retired minister, are his capable substitutes. This class was formed when the church was located on Main Street and began meeting in the Red Barn Building across the street from the church. The class continued to grow and averages around 30 people. Members of the class are very active participants in local missions such as The Glory Singers, Happy Seniors, UMW, Food Pantry, Vacation Bible School and Operation Christmas Child, and their card ministry which goes out to nursing home residents and shut-ins.

            

            Taking our Sunday school on the road, we will meet each Sunday morning from 9:45-10:15 with the residents of Wheatland Assisted Living Center. “The Golden Years” was a brainchild of Pastor Ronnie Collins. As he remarked in a recent Church Council meeting, “Every time I visit our church members at Wheatland, they always say how much they miss their Sunday school class. We need to offer them a part of our Sunday worship each week.”