Activities Page

On this page is information about the many ministries and activities at Newman UMC.  Also listed are active committees.  In general, for more information please contact the church offices at 541 479-5369 on weekdays from 8:30 to 12:30.  If any errors are found please contact the web editor.

Please scroll down to find the information that you are seeking.  Major categories are:

• activities and ministries  
  

• education
  

• committees.   

Activities and Ministries
Bell Choir.  Our Bell Choir meets every Wednesday afternoon at 3:30 pm to practice through the school year and enjoy each other's company. The bells music enriches our worship periodically through out the year, especially around Advent. Come join us!
Choir.  Vocal music is an important part of our weekly worship experience. Our Choir meets on Wednesday evenings throughout the school year to rehearse a variety of musical styles but mainly focusing on more traditional music. We enjoy each other's company and graciously welcome anyone interested in singing with us. Choir is a wonderful way to get connected to people and to worship. Come and join us!
FISH.  The FISH Food Bank serves hundreds of people every month, providing persons needing help with grocery foods. FISH is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 3:00 to 4:30 pm. FISH is an ecumenical volunteer organization and gladly welcomes your help. If you are interested and would like to serve others, please contact the church office.
Men's Prayer Breakfast.  A group for men, the Men's Prayer Breakfast  meets every Wednesday at 7 am for breakfast, fellowship and Bible Study. In addition, we help sponsor youth to church camp and are involved with several special projects. This is a wonderful time of fellowship and deepening our commitment to Christ. The coffee's on! Come join us!
Praise Ensemble.  A musical group with a contemporary flair.  Performs at Sunday services.  Guitars, bass, electric drums, etc. as well as great vocalists really liven things up!
Sacred Dance.  Our Sacred Dance group integrates a ministry for both body and soul. Consisting of children, youth and adults, our Sacred Dance group enhances our worship experience in a meaningfully dramatic way. Contact the church office for more detail.
Social Groups.  There are three active social groups at Newman UMC, "Merry Mixers", "Prime-Timers", and "SAMs" (single and married).  Generally they get together monthly for socializing, programs, camping trips, seeing plays, etc.  Look for information in the Sunday Bulletins or contact the church office.
United Methodist Women.  The UMW is an active fellowship of women whose "purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church." We meet monthly on the second Wednesday of the month.  Please join us! Contacts:   UMW President - Babs Eggleston Fellowship Group Presidents:      Esther -  Doris Dewey      Ruth - Dee Taylor      Susanna - Marge Shaw
Women's Prayer Group.  Prayer is the breath of the church. Each week is a special opportunity to gather and lift each other, the church, our community and world up in prayer. Meets Mondays at 5:30 pm in the Church library.
Education
Adult Education Class.  This is an adult program held from 9:30 to 10:30 on Sunday mornings during the school year.  Led by Dorothy Summers and supplemented by video interviews, we delve into theological issues with a new perspective.  Come join us in the church library.
Bible Study.  The Bible  is the single most important writing in our faith. It deserves our time and committed attention. Join us as we explore the sacred writings of our faith in a refreshing, insightful and inspiring Bible Study! This class meets weekly in the lower level of Fellowship Hall on Tuesdays at 10:30 am and then is repeated Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm.  No class during the summer or during Lent. There is no need to have attended previously to attend. We'd love to have you join us!
Short Term Disciple Bible Study.  This is a two eight-week courses, one on the Old Testament and one on the New Testament.  It is an in-depth, high-commitment study involving daily preparation by the students.  A weekly meeting features group discussion and a video component offering the insights of biblical scholars who set the Scriptures in context.  One of its goals is to enhance Christian discipleship.  The class meets in the church library at 10:30 am on Tuesdays.  The New Testament class begins on August 8th.
Faith & Film.  This exciting "study" looks at religious imagery in some of Hollywood's block-buster films. After a brief introduction, we view the film of the month in it's entirety on a big screen. Following the movie, we share insights in an informal discussion. Faith & Film usually meets once a month on the second Sunday of the month. Often times pop-corn and soda are provided. It is a big-cinema experience without the sticky floors. At no cost, you can't beat it for entertainment, insight and spiritual growth!
Sunday School.  In June through August there is a Sunday school for pre-schoolers through the 8th grade at 9:45 (students attend the 9:30 service and then leave for classes).
Youth Activities.  Check the Calendar Page for special events that have been planned for our youth.
Vacation Bible Study.  VBS will be held this year from August 7th through the 11th, 9:30 until noon in Fellowship Hall.  Ages 4-11. Great activities are planned!
Committees
Board of Trustees.  The Trustees act as an agent of the Charge Conference in caring for the physical resources of the church, developing policies, and is responsible for all legal matters. It is accountable to the Church Council. It meets monthly.
Care and Nurture. The Care and Nurture Committee ministers to persons in our church family in their time of need.  A number of volunteers visit, offer communion and also provide support and love through the prayer chain, card chain and food chain.  The committee meets monthly.
Church and Society.  The purpose of this committee is to relate the gospel of Jesus Christ to the members of the church and to the community in which they live.  It 1) projects plans and programs that challenge the members to work through the church, ecumenical channels, and society toward personal, social and civic righteousness and 2) encourages Christian lines of action that assist us top move toward a world where peace and justice are achieved.  The committee meets on call.
Church Council.  The Church Council develops, communicates, and maintains the shared vision of the church.  It develops a system of processes, teams, and relationships to deliver the vision.  It is composed of chairpersons of major and ad hoc committees, lay persons, delegates and the pastor.  It is the main decision-making body of the church.  It meets every other month.
Church Life.  The Church Life Committee organizes social activities for all members and non-members of our community who would like to participate in Newman's fellowship.  Events that are planned throughout the year include the All Church Picnic, the Ice Cream Social, the Easter Brunch and other events.  It meets monthly.
Education.  The Education Committee is an active group of eight to ten individuals who are interested in helping children and youth of our congregation to learn more about living as a Christian. It oversees church school planning and VBS (Vitalizing and Building Spirits).
Endowment.  The Endowment Committee educates and encourages members to consider making a charitable bequest to insure the future of the church.  It also oversees and makes recommendations regarding the investment of the endowment funds.  It is accountable to the Board of Trustees.  It meets as needed.
Finance.  The Finance Committee is responsible for on going stewardship of our finances for ministry in the church. It compiles an annual budget for the local church and submits it to the church council for review and adoption. It meets monthly.
Four Season Performing Arts.  This committee plans the quarterly concert program.
Membership and Evangelism.  The Membership and Evangelism Committee promotes evangelism in the community, greet and welcome visitors and new members, and encourage fellowship and involvement in the church.
Mission Outreach.  The Mission Outreach Committee is involved in many projects for the church, community, and the wider-world. Projects include providing rides for Seniors one month each year, “One Great Hour of Sharing in March,” the "Crop Walk in October, Blanket Sunday, Alternative Christmas, UMCOR, the Give & Take Table (proceeds to FISH), Habitat for Humanity and the Advance Special Programs. It meets monthly.
Lay Leadership (formerly Nominations).  The Nominations Committee fills leadership positions for each committee of the church. It is responsible to the Charge Conference and the Church Council. It meets as needed.
Staff-Parish Relations.  The Staff-Parish Relations Committee is responsible for all appointed and employed personnel related to the church. It ensures that all employees receive fair and impartial consideration for salaries and benefits, and that a common consistent set of personnel policies is adopted and used. It confers and counsels with the pastor and staff, develops and approves written job descriptions, and interviews, evaluates, reviews, and recommends annually to the charge conference lay preachers and persons for candidacy for ordained ministry. It cooperates with the pastor, the district superintendent, and the bishop in securing clergy leadership. It meets monthly.
Stewardship.  The Stewardship Committee develops and implements plans to raise sufficient income to meet the budget adopted by the church council. It meets in the fall months and whenever it is called upon for special concerns.
Team 150.  Newman UMC is approaching its sesquicentennial-- that is 150 years of ministry in the Rogue Valley. Team 150 will explore ways that we can celebrate and remember a century and a half of faithful Christian witness and service as we prepare to continue to be a vital Christian presence into the future.
Website.  This website was established several years ago. The goals of the site include both reaching out to interested members of the Grants Pass community but also to provide a link for church members that could help them get more out of church life.  If you have information or ideas that might be of interest to others or if you would like to help with our website, please contact the webmaster.
Worship Ministry.  The Worship Ministry Team’s Purpose is to examine the ongoing experience of worship by: Periodically evaluating our present worship experience for both services and other special worship experiences; Exploring ways of creatively enhancing the aesthetic experience of worship (e.g. the sensory experiences, drama, dance, music, visuals, etc.); Helping organize and guide the first and second services; Overseeing the “nuts & bolts” of worship (i.e. seasonal decorations, Communion preparation, supplies, etc.).

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