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| Sunday School
Christian Education at First United Methodist Church
Mission Statement: The Christian Education program at the First United Methodist Church of Oneonta encourages participation of all members as both teachers and learners within the Sunday School and other educational opportunities such as Children s Church, Vacation Bible school, and adult seminars.
Our established goals for Christian education:- Provide experiences that foster the development of personal faith in our creator God, in Christ as role model and savior, and in the scriptures as the source for our understanding.
- Practice reading and interpreting the Bible to assist participants in the use of critical thinking when applying the teachings found within the scriptures in their daily lives. Students should gain respect for scripture but should be freed from strictly literalist interpretations of its content.
- Provide understanding of the layout and contents of our scriptures; general knowledge of the books, chapter, and verse layout of the Bible; and an ability to find references with ease.
- Increase comfort with expression of personal religious beliefs.
- Learn to examine one s own beliefs and the official beliefs of the various expressions of the Christian faiths using John Wesley's Quadrilateral recommendation of scripture, tradition, experience and reason. In this process, we hope to assist our students in the development of critical thinking skills and encourage their application to church, social issues, and an understanding of the scriptures.
- Discover benefits of corporate and personal prayer, Bible study, worship, and acts of Christian service.
- Gain appreciation for the benefits and responsibilities of church membership; understand the methods the church uses to organize itself in the local church, our denomination, and the Church as a whole.
- Introduce the traditions and rituals of the church. Students should learn about the church calendar and the celebrations of the major church holidays, including understanding the differences between secular and religious traditions. This goal will also enhance understanding of and participation in the sacraments of Baptism and Communion.
- Explore worship patterns and traditions, commonly used music, and texts of worship (i.e. common prayers, creeds, and musical responses) to increase students comfort within the worship services of the church. In meeting this goal, we hope to provide additional opportunities for students to contribute to the worship services through music, drama, or other expressions of faith.
- Learn about Mission; the many possible types of work and their benefits to the world and to the individuals involved in the service activities.
- Increase tolerance of other faiths and persons who do not match our own beliefs.
- Gain appreciation of diversity as a positive quality within our community, country, and world families.
Our program includes Sunday morning classes and special Sunday School celebrations throughout the year. Our church makes every effort to provide Sunday School opportunities for all members of the our Church family. We encourage suggestions concerning programs, new areas of interest, and possibilities for expanding our current offerings to meet the needs of our congregation and community. We attempt to include a large part of the church family members in the teaching roles and support all teachers by providing good materials and training opportunities.
Our Education Committee is committed to developing child-centered activities related to the adult service, including Children's Church, theater and music productions, and obvious connections between the Sunday School program and regular Sunday worship in terms of scripture and message.
Current Offerings for Classes at First United Methodist Church of Oneonta
Childrens and Teens Classes:
Sunday Morning from 9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. sery - birth to age 2 1/2- Pre-K - age 2 ½ to age 5 (prior to Kindergarten)
- Elementary - Kindergarten through 6th Grade
- Junior High - 7th and 8th Grade
- High School - 9th through 12th Grade
- Confirmation Class for 7th and 8th Graders joining the church is provided as needed.
Adult Education Opportunities:
Sunday Morning from 9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M.- Issues Class - discussions of books, videos, and current topics of interest including but not limited to religious, political and social justice Issues.
- Women's Spirituality - This is a group of women embarking on a deep spiritual journey.
- Alive Now Group - A group for women who just want to spend time with other women sharing ideas with direction toward a better life. Inspirations that only women can give to each other in faith.
- Dr. Dann - Low key, no homework adult class discussing videos on Theological topics and changes in daily living. Also raise funds for worthy causes such as the Wyoming Children s Home and Hospice.
Other Educational Opportunities (Contact the Church Office for Schedule)
- Pastor's Bible Studies (scheduled throughout the year)
- Mission Fair with opportunities for service
- Art Classes (usually 4 week sessions) with facilitators in various areas
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