First United Methodist Church
Alvord, Texas
|
First United Methodist Church |
|
Confirmation 2000 was a fantastic experience. The youth who participated, along with their parents, adult mentors, and the pastor, grew really close and learned a lot from each other. We went on two out-of-town field trips and visited places like SMU, Temple Emanu-El, Bishop Oden's offices, the Biblical Arts Center, and Cook Children's Hospital. We also asked lots of questions, wrote a creed, and learned about the Bible and church history.
Confirmation is designed for students no younger than sixth grade. Other than that, there's no age limit. One option that Mary wants to encourage is for families to take the class together. Another option is for long-time members to enroll in order to refresh their Christian education. The class costs very little (only help with transportation, snacks, materials). And remember: it's fun! Please begin praying now for our next confirmation class.
Sunday School
Our Sunday School's growing, folks! What an answer to prayer!
Though there aren't any babies or toddlers at this time, we have every
other age group represented, from 3 to 80-something. In fact, we have the
wonderful problem of classrooms that are getting too small for the classes
that meet in them, and children's classes that need to be divided into
smaller age groups.
Even if rooms are a little crowded, though, there's still room for you. Are you in a class? And are you praying for our Sunday School? If so, is God answering your prayer by challenging you to grow into teaching or substituting? We really need more teachers! If your answer to any of these questions is yes, then talk to Shelly Rangel or Mary Rarden to find out where to "plug in" to Sunday School.
Sunday School meets on Sunday Mornings at 9:30 for breakfast, and classes are held from 9:45 to 10:45. See you there!
Bible Study
In addition to our Sunday School classes, we are offering a youth and
an adult Bible study this fall. The youth (grades 5-12) are studying
"Wild Bible Lessons" (about some really wild Bible characters and what
we can learn from them). The pastor is the primary teacher of this
class. All youth who have not previously received a copy of The
Youth Bible are eligible for one if they attend "Wild Bible Lessons."
The youth Bible study is scheduled for 6:00-6:30 on Sunday nights.
The adult study is "Troublesome Bible Passages." This 10-week course deals with various short Bible passages that are either difficult to understand or that are traditionally interpreted in disturbing ways. This group meets at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday nights; the teacher is the pastor. If you would like to participate in this study, the cost is $5.00 for materials; bring your own study Bible or order one at class.
Though we are not offering a Disciple course this fall, God is continuing to use Disciple here in Alvord. We hope to offer Disciple I and possibly Disciple II next fall. For more information about this excellent Bible study program, click here: Disciple Information
Kids' After-School
This is a brand-new venture with our younger elementary children (grades
K-4). Tracy Randall picks up all participating Alvord Elementary
students at school, then everyone meets at our Wickham Street annex for
a snack, recreation time, and a short program and activity from "Let's
Talk about God." Be sure to contact Tracy (427-3140 or at the
church at 427-5795) for more information or to enroll your child.
She must have written permission to provide transportation from school!
United Methodist Youth
Our Youth Director, Tracy Randall, coordinates our youth activities.
Youth activities continue after our 6:00 p.m. Sunday Bible Study with a
snack supper at 6:30 and an active learning program at 7:00. Our
early fall theme is "The Ten for Teens" (the Ten Commandments).
The youth also serve at the Wise Area Relief Mission (W.A.R.M.) on the
first Saturday of each month and take many trips for fun and learning.
Contact Tracy (427-3140 or at the church at 427-5795) for more information,
and watch your mailbox for youth calendars and reminders.
John Wesley Bear
John Wesley Bear is a new addition to our church family. Dressed
properly in his sober black vest and preacher's collar, he is an observer
of all things United Methodist. Expect to see him at Council meetings,
Sunday School lessons, Mission projects, sharing the pulpit with Elois,
Glenn, and Mary, and even trips that our groups take! He is armed
with a camera and will report to the congregation on what he sees and hears.
His most recent big excursion was to Annual Conference in June with Bill
Spain and Mary. He kept a serious eye on Bishop Oden and the Wichita
Falls District representatives from his third row seat.
Many thanks to Judy and the Junior High Sunday School students for recruiting John Wesley Bear to help us learn more about being United Methodists. Stay tuned for JWB's reports.