Education at North United Methodist Church is a priority.

When we experienced continued growth in our Sunday school program several years ago we decided it was time to add on to our church. As a result we have a greatly enlarged sanctuary, four new classrooms, a new Sunday school office, an enlarged nursery and an elevator allowing easy access to all parts of our building. Also, down on the education level we have a library with a wide assortment of books, Bibles and reference materials.

The adult education program at North Church currently consists of Bible study, book discussions and movie discussions where current movies are viewed with an eye toward spirituality and meaning for our lives today.

The Sunday school Program at North United Methodist Church is a big focus for our congregation. We have an active program with age groupings as follows: Toddlers, Kindergarten - First, Second - Third, Fourth - Fifth, Junior High and High school. Our Sunday school currently uses the "Exploring Our Faith" curriculum through junior high.

Our Sunday School meets during the 10:30 service with the children beginning their worship in the sanctuary with their families before moving down to their classrooms.

We also have a Methodist Youth Fellowship group for students in grades 6 -12, which meets at various times throughout the year. The focus of this group is on fellowship and outreach.

Current Adult Study:

For the last seven months the Adult Bible Class has been studying Genesis. We have been looking at this book of the bible with the idea of understanding Gods purpose for man and how he works to make us understand his goals for us. We have studied the creation of man and his relationship to God. Areas we have looked at are: the story of the Garden of Eden, man's fall from grace, Noah and the flood, and Gods covenant with man. We studied the patriarchs - Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We looked at God's attempt to develop a race of people that would follow his ways.

Most recently we have been studying the story of Joseph. This is the saga of his rise from a slave in a foreign country to the second highest official in the country of Egypt. How did he do it? Yes he had the gift of interpreting dreams but he also was a faithful worshiper of God that never wavered when he had tough times. He was able to impress his superiors with his compassion for others and his integrity. His brothers, eleven of the roughest characters you would ever want to meet is a story of reconciliation. By threats of starvation, incarceration, and death they came to the realization that their brother's dream was true. They were restored and able understand that selling their brother to slavery and then lying to their father was wrong. They were forgiven by Joseph and allowed to live with their father in Egypt safe from the famine.

Throughout all of this we have been studying what all these stories mean. What does God want for us? Why did he create us? What is his plan? How does God work? What are we to do to be faithful to God? To answer these questions we studied key words such as trials, humbleness, pride, discipline, integrity, providence, redemption, restoration, reconciled, and wisdom. There are hundreds of passages in Psalms, Proverbs, and the letters of Paul describing what these words mean.

During the next two months we will be studying some of the epistles. These were letters written by Peter, James, and John to the early Christian congregations. They discuss some of the problems of that time and how to deal with them. Some of these problems are evident even today which makes them all that more important to the learning Christian.

Take some time to grow in the wisdom of the Lord. Come join us for this class!

The Adult Bible Class is lead by John Chadwick (860-643-0943) every Sunday night at 6:30-8:00.

Recently Completed Adult Studies:

Alpha Logo

The Alpha Course

What is the meaning of life?

What happens when we die?

What relevance does Jesus have for our lives?

How do we deal with guilt?

If you would like to explore questions like these, then ALPHA is for you.

What Is Alpha?

Anyone interested in finding out more about Christian faith. Adults of all ages are welcome.

Learning and laughter. It is possible to learn about Christian faith and have fun at the same time.

People meeting together. An opportunity to get to know others and make new friends.

Helping one another. The small groups give you a chance to discuss issues raised during the talks.

Ask anything. Alpha is a place where no question is seen too simple or too hostile.

The Alpha course met for ten weeks beginning in January.

Please speak with Pastor Laurel if you are interested in being a part of the next Alpha group.

Genesis — Sundays at 6:30 pm from September to April

This study helped students answer the question, "What does the Bible say?" The meaning of passages are made clear by considering such aspects as ancient customs, locations of places, and the meanings of words. Students connect the meaning of the Scripture with their own lives.

Lenten (Winter) Study — “Invitation to the Old Testament” 8 week Disciple Bible Study

This study was an overview of the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) and a place to encounter “Bible 101”. Because of the additional resources, this study also offered more in-depth challenge for those seeking a next level study.

The Life and Letters of Paul

This study explored the letter to the Romans. Drawing on the historical data about the Roman congregation, this study examines major issues facing them and Christians today.

Advent Bible Study

In November and December of 2008 Rev. Margaret Goad lead a 5 week Advent Study called “Expecting the Unexpected" An Advent Devotional Guide. Expecting the Unexpected offers far more than a typical re-telling of the Nativity story. Instead, this daily devotional guide presents snapshots from throughout Jesus’ life in which he persistently does the unexpected.

His arrival came at an unexpected time for Mary and Joseph, and it began a lifetime pattern in which Jesus confounded his family, perplexed the religious leaders of his day, and baffled his own disciples. His followers did not expect his death and resurrection…and, his second coming will occur at an unexpected time.

For each day of Advent, this book offers reflections on:

These daily devotions are presented in five chapters, for the 4 weeks of Advent, plus the week after Christmas. In addition to the author’s comments, these brief devotions include:

This Advent, expect the unexpected.

Reconnect with the Christmas story, the arrival of Christ’s biblical message of hope and healing for this world.

Expecting the Unexpected is a spiritual feast for mind and imagination.

Journey Through the Bible: Acts of the Apostles

The adult bible class studied the book of Acts. Acts of the Apostles is sometimes called Acts of the Spirit. This might lead us to a sense of expectation that we might find wondrous things. We may well discover a power and a joy heretofore unknown to us. Maybe even some passionate spirituality. At any rate we will be looking into the book of Acts and the founding of the first Christian churches for some answers. Most of all we look to our own spiritual enrichment.

Invitation to John — Spring 2008

The invitation from Christ is: "Come and see, Follow me". Experience the magnificent passages in John including the I am statements (I am the truth, the life and the way, I am the living water and more). Revisit stories only told in John's gospel including Nicodemus, Mary Magdalene and the raising of Lazarus. During the weekly video segments, travel into the scripture as you hear the Word, experience the grand artwork connected with each story and interview the scholar. Each week wraps up with a small group discussion on the video to spark our own conversation.

Participants for this Invitation to John do not have to have an in-depth knowledge of the Bible to enjoy and benefit from participation. Reading just two chapters of John a week, you will discover the life altering stories that will invite you to follow Christ as true disciples.

Disciple I Bible Study

The Disciple I Bible Study Group completed their 34 week journey through the Bible on January 27, 2008. Great thanks and appreciation to Caleb Cadman for facilitating the group each week.

A few comments from participants about their experiences are as follows:

"I've come away with a better understanding of the Bible and our history; where we come from. I also came away with a richer and deeper relationship with God: having a 34 week study with daily readings really opened up a new level of communication with Him."

"From the beginning of this bible study, I thought of myself as 'The Reluctant Disciple'. I always had the intention to take the time to go to my Bible and read it more thoroughly - gain a better understanding of my faith. Daily, 'things' would come up in my life that took time instead. Having now finished this Disciple Study, I can honestly say I am happy that I finally made the time. By taking this study, not only have I gotten a better understanding of the Bible, but I have also gotten to know other members of our congregation on another level. I urge other 'Reluctant Disciples' that have this opportunity to try it and you might be surprised just how much you get in return."

"I hate to admit that I have read the Bible more and thought more about God during this course than at any time since I was a kid in Sunday School. However, it will continue."

"This journey through the Bible was my second experience with Disciple I Bible Study, as it was for several of us who participated. To engage in this same study at another time in my life, and with a new group of people, was a wonderfully insightful experience."

"An interesting and informative review of the Bible focusing on God's efforts to bring us all into his kingdom from the calling of Abraham to the first gatherings of Christians lead by the apostles of Christ."