Christian Education

Small Groups - Adult Sunday School
Children and Youth Sunday School

U = Main Floor or Upper Level
L = Basement Floor or Lower Level

Sr. Pastor’s Class – Sunday Mornings at 9:45 a.m. in the Atrium

Description: Rev. Russ Smith , the Senior Pastor of Wesley United Methodist Church, will, from time to time, teach a series of classes on controversial issues or lead a seasonal based study in the Atrium. For information on current studies, please check out the most current worship bulletin, newsletter, or weekly calendar.

For More Information: Please feel free to contact the Church Office:

Church Office – 833-2153

E-mail – revruss@macombwesleyumc.com

Journey’s In Faith Class – Sunday Mornings at 9:45 a.m. in Room U-12

Description: This class is led by Rev. Steve Smith and is often an exploration into Christian origins, the Historical Jesus, early Christian documents (including the New Testament), and various theological and social issues. Usually engaging in a series of short term (6-10 week) studies chosen by the participants, this class has tended to attract people who are somewhat theologically and socially mainstream to progressive, but is of course open to anyone who may be interested.

For More Information: Please feel free to contact

Rev. Steve Smith: Church Office – 833-2153 Cell – 255-9673

E-mail – smsmith@macomb.com

Pairs & Spares Class – Sunday Mornings at 9:45 a.m. in Room U-16

Description: This class varies studies of the Bible with studies of how the Bible’s teachings apply to current issues. Lessons are led on an informal and volunteer basis by members of the class. Class members include couples, singles, and folks whose spouses do not attend or who are members of other classes or churches. Coming from diverse denominational backgrounds they appreciate opportunities to examine different perspectives. Pairs & Spares hosts several social activities throughout the year and co-sponsors the annual Wesley UMC Christmas Cookie Walk to help local persons in need and/or non-profit organizations.

For More Information: Please feel free to contact Sue Dagit:

Church Office – 833-2153 Home Phone – 837-2448

E-mail – dagit@macomb.com

Progressive Class – Sunday Mornings at 9:45 a.m. in Room U-23

Description: This retirement-age class meets in the Lodge Parlor (U-23) for crisp Bible study led by Mona Johnston and intercessory prayer. They meet once a month for breakfast and intentionally support the missions program.

For More Information: Please feel free to contact Eldon Snowden:

Church Office – 833-2153 Home Phone – 833-2468

L = Basement Floor or Lower Level

Village Class – Sunday Mornings at 9:45 a.m. in Room L-6

Description: “It takes a village to raise a child.” This African proverb describes both he membership of the Village Class and its approach to Christian education. Most members have children ranging in age from early elementary to college, but everyone is welcome. At times the class will choose curriculum that directly relates to parenting and families, but topics considered have varied, including Methodism, basic Christian beliefs, current events through a Christian perspective, prayer, and books of the Bible. Our goal is to grow as Christians as well as to support one another as parents and families.

For More Information: Please feel free to contact Aimee Shouse:

Church Office – 833-2153 Home Phone – 833-2565

E-mail – AD-Shouse@wiu.edu

Searchers Class – Sunday Mornings at 9:45 a.m. in Room L-9

Description: The group typically chooses a Christian book and someone from the class will teach and discuss a chapter each Sunday. With this rotating volunteer teaching leadership within the class, this group is good at lively discussion and learning. Consisting primarily of ‘empty-nesters’ this group continues to have a monthly social and mission project. Dr. Ed Baker is this year’s class president.

For More Information: Please feel free to contact Sam and Anne Edsall:

Church Office – 833-2153 Home Phone – 837-3460

Anne’s E-mail – AM-Edsall@wiu.edu Sam’s

E-Mail: SH-Edsall@wiu.edu

Friendship Class – Sunday Mornings at 9:45 a.m. in Room L-33

Description: This diverse group is open to all ages and is a strong supporter of mission projects. Each year, mission funds are raised through a soup lunch and donations. This class engages in Bible study and a wide variety of lively discussions.

For More Information: Please feel free to contact Marian Swisher:

Church Office – 833-2153 Home Phone – 837-9204

E-mail – hermann@macomb.com

Midweek Bible Studies for Women

Moms’ Bible Study – First Wednesday of the Month at 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. in Room U-13

Description: The Mom’s Bible Study is a group of mothers with younger children whose purpose is to study the Bible and to provide a socialization time. Leaders emphasize that any woman is invited, one does not have to be a mother to attend!

For More Information: Please feel free to contact Barb Coker:

Church Office – 833-2153 Home Phone – 833-1450

E-mail: scoker92@logonix.net

The Women’s Bible Study – Every Wednesday at 4:15 p.m. in Room U-12

Description: Every Wednesday (except on the 1st Wednesday of the month), this group of women meets in room U-12 to know God through Bible study and fellowship and sharing with each other. This group networks regularly and is very flexible due to busy lives and schedules.

For More Information: Please feel free to contact Monica Iverson:

Church Office – 833-2153 Home Phone – 837-5125

E-mail: iver5@macomb.com

Seasonal, Special, and Ecumenical Studies

Disciples Study – Tuesday Evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in Room U-12

Description: This semester we will do an eleven week in-depth study of the Gospel of John. We meet on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A video segment with interpretive presentations from biblical scholars is used for each session; the format includes roundtable discussion and opportunities for reflection. (Search the Internet for Disciple Bible Study Invitation to John for further details about the study). “Bible Beginners” are welcome as well as individuals with more experience in Bible study. This class is open for both men and women, adults of all ages. The class starts September 9th, 2008.

For More Information: Please feel free to contact the church office or study leader Jane Coplan:

Church Office – 833-2153 Home Phone – 833-4860

E-mail: JC-Coplan@wiu.edu

Advent and Lent

Description:Wesley United Methodist Church pastors Rev. Russ Smith and Rev. Steve Smith often offer special seasonal studies to coincide with the devotional practices of the Christian seasons of Advent and Lent. Usually, these are short term studies (4 to 6 weeks), and will be advertised in our monthly Wesley Window newsletter and on our website. We also sometimes offer a “Lenten Luncheon Lecture Series” over the Wednesday noon hour during the season of Lent in our Atrium. Again, please check the website or contact the church office, or speak with one of the pastors for more information.

For More Information: Please feel free to contact Rev. Steve Smith:

Church Office – 833-2153 Webpage – http://macombwesleyumc.com

E-mail – smsmith@macomb.com

Cinema and Spirituality – Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m. at the Wesley Foundation

Description: Rev. Dave Lafary, the director and campus minister of the Wesley Foundation at WIU, and Rev. Steve Smith of Wesley United Methodist Church will be offering a new kind of ecumenical faith study entitled, “Cinema and Spirituality.” We will explore the contours of our faith and spirituality through the lens of a different motion picture each week for six weeks on Thursday evenings in the Fall beginning on Thursday, September 25th (through Thursday, October 30 th), from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Each film will enable us to examine and discuss our different spiritual/faith disciplines such as compassion, hospitality, inclusion, connectedness, faith, courage, and more! The series will be advertised in our monthly Wesley Window newsletter and on our website.

For More Information: Please feel free to contact Rev. Steve Smith:

Church Office – 833-2153 Cell – 255-9673

E-mail – smsmith@macomb.com

Wesley Foundation – http://www.wiu.edu/users/miwf/

Living the Questions – Sunday evenings at 6:30 p.m. at the Wesley Foundation

Description: Rev. Dave Lafary, the director and campus minister of the Wesley Foundation at WIU, and Rev. Steve Smith of Wesley United Methodist Church will continue to offer an ecumenical DVD-based study, “Living the Questions 2.0” for seven weeks on Sunday evenings in the Fall beginning on Sunday, September 21st (through Sunday, November 9 th), from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. We will begin each session with casual conversation and snacks, followed by the DVD presentation and discussion. Handouts with additional supportive materials will be provided to participants for each session. The series will be advertised in our monthly Wesley Window newsletter and on our website.

For More Information: Please feel free to contact Rev. Steve Smith:

Church Office – 833-2153 Cell – 255-9673

E-mail – smsmith@macomb.com

Wesley Foundation – http://www.wiu.edu/users/miwf/

Christian Education

Children and Youth Sunday School

Small Groups - Adult Sunday School

Wesley United Methodist Church provides opportunities for children of all ages to learn about the graciousness and love of God, and about the wonders and beauty of God’s world.

Jr. Church – is offered for children in Grades 2 through 6, during the second half of the 8:30 a.m. worship service, and is a way for them to learn about the love of God in an age-appropriate manner.

Vacation Bible School – is offered one week each summer (Monday to Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.), providing through crafts, food, singing, and creative teaching, a fun and enjoyable way to learn more about our faith.