The more formal word for Christian Education is "formation," or the shaping of the individual so each of us becomes most fully human and in our full humanness, we are able to experience the transformation that permits the light of Christ to shine through us. Formation is a life-long process. In the United Methodist Church, we often refer to this as our "journey." For some of us, it begins with a dramatic entrance into knowing God and God's love and forgiveness with a powerful experience of some sort. With others, it is a gradual entering into greater and great light as one's knowledge and experience grows.
In every person, whether the entrance into the Christian life be sudden or gradual, a key component is the act of repentance. Repentance, or "re-thinking," opens the doorway to grace. It is within the act of "re-thinking" that we learn to develop holy habits, the kinds of habits and choices that remind us that we are deeply loved, that God has graciously offered to us forgiveness and reconciliation, and that we have the privilege of offering what we have received to all around us.
Ideally, our children are nurtured in the faith. As United Methodists, we offer the sacrament of baptism to all, from the newborn to adult. A child is baptized as a sign of the grace that is always before us, and parents and guardians make promises to raise that little one in the ways of God. Our Sunday School for children provides a place for all children to learn about God. The youth group for junior and senior high youth meets every Sunday at 5:30 pm and is a very important place of ongoing nurture in a fun and contemporary environment. At Community United Methodist Church, we are honored to have Carla Hudson and Linda Clark serve as the co-directors of our Youth Ministries, ably assisted by many of the parents of our youth. When children are old enough (generally 8th grade) to understand more fully the Good News of Jesus Christ, we bring them through a confirmation class led by Pastor Roger, into full membership of the church.
Of course Christian formation does not stop when one becomes an adult. As we age, our theologies need to mature as well, so that we may grow deeper and deeper as more fully formed Christians. For this reason, we have regular study/fellowship groups that meet throughout the year some in homes during the week and others at the church on Sundays. In the context of these small groups, we "watch over one another in love" and, apart from Christian study, encourage one another to engage in regular works of piety and mercy 32; the fourfold acts of devotion, worship, compassion and justice. Please check the menu to learn about the latest study and where the various study/fellowship groups meet. Feel free to join any of the groups as new members are always welcome.
An Adult Study Class meets every Sunday at 9:00 am in the Remembrance Hall. All adults are welcome.
