AFTER SCHOOL CLUB
Youth in grades
6
through 8 come to the church basement every Thursday from 2:45 PM
- 5:00 PM for homework
help and participate in the sharing of Bible stories.
Growing kids can expect snacks while tackling those stacks of homework projects
before heading home. For more information go to the Youth Page.
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
Students in grades
1 through 5 are invited to join the fun of learning in our popular After School
Program. Every
Tuesday grades 1 through 3 meet between 3:50 PM - 5:15 PM and
every Wednesday grades 4 and 5 meet
between 3:50 PM - 5:15 PM. These children from the Liberty
Union-Thurston Local School District meet for Bible
stories and assistance with
their homework in the church basement. Our teaching staff are dedicated members
who enjoy volunteering to help minister to the children in our community.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Traditionally held
in July, this summer educational learning experience always draws a record crowd
of enthusiastic students eager to know more about Jesus Christ. No one will sit
idle here. All participants are kept busy with music,
art projects, reading,
recreation, and even eating. Watch for this year's dates on the Youth Page.
BIBLE STUDY
Bible studies are
held during the Lenten and Advent Seasons. Discussions do get lively and stray
from the subject
from time to time, but the sharing and learning can't be beat.
Check out the News & More Page for announcements
of Seasonal Bible
Studies. Plan to join us!
BREAKFAST CLUB
What better way to
catch up on the news, visit with friends and neighbors, rest a while before
starting all those chores
you put off until the end of the week. Held the second
Saturday of every month in our church basement. Food is stacked so high at this
All-You-Can-Eat-Buffet that you'll have a hard time getting out of your seat
when it is time to go home. But don't worry, we have church members circling the
dining area to give a boost to those in need. Hungry yet? stop by! For time
and dates go to the News & More Page.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
As
soon as everyone polishes off their cookies and cup of juice or coffee
immediately following our morning worship, Sunday School classes commence.
Besides catching up on the area's news, finding our how family and friends are
doing, and enjoying a good laugh or two, we do find time to share scripture,
research the Bible and discuss a valuable lesson to start the week off on
the right foot. There's always room for one more!
JUNIOR
CHURCH
Right after our wee folk gather for the Children's Sermon during morning
worship, they head downstairs to have their own style and pace of worship.
Music and interactive scripture lessons make the service go by fast before
everyone rejoins the rest of family at the end of worship for cookies
and juice. Getting to know Jesus was never so much fun!
MISSIONS/OUTREACH
Reaching out to others in the name of Christ is why missions are an important
part to our ministry. Over the past year we have supported the Baltimore
Food & Clothing Pantry, Lancaster Foundation Dinners & Shelters,
Zanesville's Pierce Street Mission, Red Bird Mission, the McCurdy School, the
Festival of Sharing, UMCOR, OMI (a Russian Seminary), a Chinese Orphanage, and
local people in need.
MUSIC
We're quite proud of our talented choir and they are always looking for new
voices to join the ranks. Besides performing at worship every Sunday, they
feature soloists from time to time, and add pageantry to special
services such as Easter, Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas. Practices are
held in the Sanctuary every Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. except during
the summer. If you don't feel you are up to the challenge, at least stop by some
Sunday morning and listen to the sweetest music this side of heaven. We're sure
you will give their performance two thumbs up.
UNITED
METHODIST MEN
Our UMM group meets at 7:00 AM on the first Sunday of each month for breakfast
and devotions at the church. The men of the church do gather in fellowship
on an irregular basis to do such things as being cooks for the
monthly Breakfast Club, assist the UMW with kitchen duties, and host an
annual golf outing in Lancaster. In a farming community such as Thurston, it is
hard to assemble the men during planting and harvesting time, but when called
upon, the men can be counted on to assist where needed in the life of our
church.
UNITED
METHODIST WOMEN
We
are fortunate to have a very active UMW group that meets for devotional programs
on a regular basis, travels to other churches to join in fellowship with
other UMW groups, sponsor special and fundraising dinners such as "The Pork Chop
Supper" and "The Baked Chicken Dinner." Our UMW group
is always stepping forward to tackle important projects such as the new
carpet that was installed in the church basement in the dining area, classrooms
and nursery. Watch the News & More Page for announcements of upcoming
meetings and events.
YOUTH
CAMPING
You
can't get any closer to the Lord than spending as much time as possible in the
great outdoors with other Christian youths at one of several Church Camps. There
is a series of one-week camps at different locations in Ohio for
students in grades 3 through 12. One of the greatest experiences of being
young is having the opportunity to go to Church Camp at least once in your life.
For more information go to the Youth Page for details.
"Therefore,
go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the
name
of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:19
