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.

Alpha Logo

Starting January 14, 2010 - 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 will meet for ten weeks beginning Thursday, January 14, 2010.

In the Memorial room you will find brochures with registration forms and more information. Please speak with Pastor Laurel with any questions.

Current Adult Study:

Genesis — Sundays at 6:30 pm beginning September 13

This study helps 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.

Questions may be directed to John Chadwick at 643-0943. Sign-up in the Memorial Room.

Recently Completed Adult Studies:

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."