CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AND SPIRITUAL FORMATION

As with everything we do at Smyrna First UMC, Christian Education and Spiritual Formation ministries challenge people to live as Christ’s followers and in making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the local community and beyond. Christian Education is at the very heart of the church. In the educational and transformational process God’s Spirit encounters people of all ages so that they are nurtured in faith, grow in knowledge and experience, and are inspired and empowered to live as disciples of Jesus Christ. This call to discipleship urges everyone to share their faith and to serve those who are less fortunate in many ways. Participants have opportunities to be both teachers and learners and together to grow in faith. Learning opportunities are available for all ages on Sunday mornings and during the week and include elements of study, spiritual growth, service and witness. The area of Christian Education and Spiritual Formation comprises of the following ministries:


■ Sunday School
    • Adult, Youth and Children’s Classes
■ Children’s Church
■ Nursery
■ Confirmation Class
■ WOW – What’s On Wednesdays –
    • Lenten Studies/Advent Studies
■ Special Opportunities
    • Lenten/Advent Day Apart
    • Stations of the Cross
    • Last Supper Drama
    • Relay for Christ
    • Easter Egg Hunt/Third Grade Bibles
    • Vacation Bible School
    • Trunk or Treat
    • Breakfast in Bethlehem
    • Family Movie Night
    • Church Camps/ Picnics/Retreat


Upcoming Events

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Human Trafficking is a crime against humanity. It involves an act of recruiting, transporting, transferring, harboring or receiving a person through a use of force, coercion, or other means, for the purpose of exploiting them. Every year, thousands of men, women and children fall into the hands of traffickers, in their own countries and abroad. Every country in the world is affected by trafficking, whether as a country of origin, transit or destination for victims. On Wednesday, January 11, we will have a special speaker to share about the ACT (what is done), the Means (How it is done), and the Purpose (Why it is done) of Human Trafficking. More than being an information/educational evening, Scripture challenges us to do justice, to show kindness and to walk humbly with our God. We will begin with a supper ($5.00 per person) at 5:30 pm in Fellowship Hall and following the supper will be the presentation on Human Trafficking at 7:00 pm. If you wish to be part of the supper, please call the church office. This will certainly help in meal preparation.

58: THE FILM
WE HAVE EVERYTHING WE NEED...WILL WE DO EVERYTHING IT TAKES?

58: THE FILM is the inspiring true story of the global Church in action. Witness bravery and determined faith in a journey from the slums of Kenya to the streets of New York. Confront the brutality of extreme poverty and meet those who live out the True Fast of Isaiah 58 and create stunning new possibilities for the future. Travel from the sun-scorched plains of rural Ethiopia to British shopping centers. Travel from the sun-scorched plains of rural Ethiopia to British shopping centers, from Brazilian ganglands and the enslaving quarries of India to western churches, businesses and conferences. 58: invites audiences to discover the incredible work of God through His people in our hurting world. Meet ordinary people, hear their stories, and see their struggles and their victories as 58: shows the relentlessly loving god at work through His church bringing hope to the darkest challenges of our day. Experience eye-opening reasons to lift our expectations of the future. On Wednesday, January 18, we will begin with a supper ($5.00 per person) at 5:30 pm in Fellowship Hall and the movie will begin at 6:30 pm. If you wish to be part of the supper, please call the church office. This will certainly help in meal preparation.

NATIONAL MARRIAGE WEEK- DATE NIGHT CHALLENGE
A Valentine’s Event
for Couples
Saturday, February 11, 2012 in Fellowship Hall 6:00 PM

Focus on the Family is sponsoring a nationwide movement to encourage couples of ALL ages to build stronger marriages. Couples are pulled in many directions, but the fun, simple act of dating each other strengthens relationship long term. The Date Night Challenge is two hours of fun and laughter for couples, featuring comedian Jeff Allen  singer/songwriter Michael O’Brien and best selling authors Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley via web cast. During the event, the Smalleys will explain the power of dating your mate and encourage couples to take the “Date Night Challenge”: go on three dates in three weeks.

So, what are you waiting for? Mark the above date in your calendars and come and enjoy a world-class evening of fun, laughter and entertainment via web cast. Watch for more details regarding registration in our church’s website, weekly bulletins and in the newsletter. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact Felicia Kumar at 615-459-2826 or by email at: felicia.kumar@smyrnafirstumc.org.

Save the Date/Mark You Calendars for the Lenten Day Apart on Saturday, February 18, 2012, 9:00-Noon in Fellowship Hall. Watch for more details in the weekly bulletins.

“Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”  Psalm 119:105

Nursery Care is provided by Ginger Davis & Bethany Upham for children three and under.

Children's Sunday School Classes & Teachers

Pre-School Sunday School class for the 3 & 4 year olds are led by Mary Blackburn & Betty Ross.
Kindergarten & First Grade – Becky Bowles, Gina Sanders & Kelly Greenwood

Second & Third Grade - Cynthia Page & Jan Schlling
Fourth & Fifth Grade – Lydia Oliver & Elizabeth Abed.

If you have a desire to help with the children, youth, or adult Sunday School classes, please contact Felicia Kumar at 615-459-2826, ext.13 or email her at felicia.kumar@smyrnafirstumc.org

Children's Church Workers for January

Jan. 8th

8:00 am    Sharon Dickens & Gwen Graves  ;   11:00 am    Pam & Mike Ashworth

Jan 15th

8:00 am    Dorris Waldron & Nancy Barnett  ;  11:00 am    Belinda Fanning & Barbara Pierce

Jan. 22nd

8:00 am    Cathy & Craig Smith   ;  11:00 am Donna Sweeney & Ruthie Vaughan

Jan. 29th

8:00 am    Donna Nelson & Georgette Norman  ;  11:00 am    Jonathan & Heather Kirby

                                                              

                                                            

Trunk or Treat 2011