First United Methodist Church holds the Christian education of both children and adults as one of its most important tasks. We offer these class descriptions to share opportunities for you and your family to grow in your faith. We encourage you to visit a class and enjoy the fellowship of growing together in faith.
Children & Youth Christian Education Classes:
(These classes are located on the first, second, and third floors of the education wing.)
Three & Four year old Sunday School class is taught by Judy Jenings and Robin Leimkuehler. Their focus is creation, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jesus' early childhood, teachings, miracles, his life and death.
Kindergarten is taught by Angie Harvey and Patty King. The focus of this class is creation, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jesus' early childhood, teachings, miracles, his life and death.
First & Second Grade Sunday School class is taught by Karen Deutch and Kay Wettlaufer. This class learns about the traits of our God and promises he He has made to his people. The class will also learn what God expects of them.
Third & Fourth Grade Sunday School class is taught by Wendy Hartley and Jessica Huhs. These students learn about Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Jesus and his birth, Christ's teachings and miracles.
Fifth & Sixth Grade Sunday School class is taught by Kim Greeter and Jamie Rigs. These students explore God's wisdom and law; Jesus' birth, life, death, and resurrection.
The Junior High Sunday School class is lead by Carrie Foockle. Modern day issues as they relate to the guidance of the Bible is focus of this class.
The Senior High Class is lead by Hugh Harvey. Their focus is on the Old Testament, its prophets in particular, but with breaks throughout where they deal with contemporary issues in Biblical context.
Jesus and Me (J.A.M.) A program for children up to fifth grade that meets during the 10:30 Worship Service following the children's message.
Adult Christian Education Opportunities :
The Seekers Adult Sunday School Class meets on the first floor of the education wing in the northwest room of the Parlor. Members alternate teaching this class. Their approach to lessons varies with Bible study, discussion, studying social issues or studying books by contemporary Christian authors. The class also spends time each week in prayer for joys and concerns and keeps a permanent prayer journal.
The Seekers are involved in many projects, including adoption of needy families, outreach to shut-ins and involvement with community projects and have raised money to help with the renovation of the downstairs Parlor.
The Seekers Class is an informal, friendly class made up of a mix of adult ages. The class has several social gatherings during the year and welcomes all adults who would like to attend their class.
The Sojourners Adult Sunday School Class meets in the room behind the piano in the Fellowship Hall. Its class members range in age from 25 -50 years of age. This class uses a group discussion format that is informal, but there is often quite a bit of discussion based on the study of books by contemporary Christian authors on spiritual growth.
This group is active in the church and community. They are involved in Vacation Bible School. In the past, they have provided the concessions for the annual Church Bingo Night and provided meals for the church revival.
The Sojourners also support Butterfield Youth Services, CASA (Court Appointed Youth Special Advocates), Youth Groups and Mission Trips, Saline County Preschool Scholarships and Children's International.
The facilitator for this class is Carol Smith.
The Keystone Adult Sunday School Class meets in the pastor's office on the second floor of the education wing. Sam Dyer, Carol Raynor and Hubert Schilb take turns teaching. This class studies the Bible using lectures and class discussion. They like to use the International Lesson Series for Bible study.
The members range from 80 - 96 years of age. Several members are active in the community; some have moved to marshall recently to be near family. All have years of Christian service in their past.
The class supports church projects, the local Food Pantry, and the Senior Center. Also, some members of the class are Meals on Wheels volunteers.
The Lamplighter Adult Sunday School Class meets in the classroom opposite the kitchen door. The class members range in age from 55 - 80. They use a wide variety of materials and several approaches. Some of these approaches include discussion, Bible study and studying social issues.
This class has dinners and picnics together outside their Sunday School class time. Some of their class projects are participating in the Rummage Sale, the Harvest Festival, and providing for children at Christmas.
Hubert Schilb and Harry Major are teachers of this class.
The Weber's Adult Sunday School Class meets in the church library on second floor of the education wing. Nelson Weber leads this group in studying the Bible. This class appeals to a wide age range of those who are interested in becoming more familiar with the Bible and learning how to embrace and apply the teachings of Jesus and being led by the Holy Spirit in every day life situations.The church library offers a friendly study atmosphere for fellowship and discussion. All of its members are encouraged to take part in church sponsored activities. Todd Hartley, Will Campbell and Sam Dyer also assist in teaching this class.
The Circle of Faith Adult Sunday School Class meets in the middle room on the first floor of the education wing. Its class members range in age from 25 to mid 50's, though adults of any age are welcome. In the past, the Circle of Faith has learned about their spiritual gifts. They use open discussion in studying the Bible or books by contemporary Christian authors. The class is actively involved in church and community activities such as providing Vacation Bible School meals and sponsoring a room at the Lighthouse women's shelter.
