Present: Lillie Johnson, Caroline Close, Stella Rous, Barbara Dethfleson, Darlene
Phillips, Jean Ann Lansche
Absent: Carol Sayer, Nick Strobel, Anne Scott, Pastor Kimberly Willis
Anne Scott was absent but sent word that Sunday School continues to do well. She
has asked that we table until January consulting with Anna and Lisa reguarding
the jr. high learning to do devotions to present once a month at the Children's
Opening. Right now there are several jr. high and senior high students
who are involved with practice for the Christmas Play. The Christmas Play
will be presented at the Angel Tree Party on December 17th and also at the first
service on Christmas Eve. It includes all ages and the congregation. Pastor
Kimberly's Hot Cocoa Kids are being involved for the month of December
by meeting with her and with the play practice. The Hot Cocoa Kids have
written out a list of people they would like to have come talk with them and
they may do that during the education hour on Sundays.
Pastor Kimberly also sent a report that she is meeting with Hank Webb and Pat Carter to brainstorm and help as a Youth Council, but currently does not have anyone who is willing to step up and actually lead the Youth Group. Barbara said that it is hoped that we could fill the position on a volunteer basis by a member or members of the congregation. The Education Committee has agreed to also try to come up with suggestions to help the council with this project.
Pastor Kimberly included an update on the Bible 101 class. "It was a wonderful and enthusiastic group of folks. At the last session I asked what else they might be interested in. They would like an Old Testament survey course and a World Religions course. The latter I've taught, the former I haven't yet but could. Overall, I've heard very positive feedback about the adult education hour...and we certainly have an increased number of folks participation! ............I will not be here to do a Lenten study..."
Nick Strobel also sent a report reguarding his plans to teach a class on Methodism
101. "As of now I'm thinking about using the thin book by Bishop
Jack Tuell called "The Organization of the United Methodist Church" which
is $12 from Cokesbury. We have a copy of it in the church library. This
will NOT be a theology/Methodist beliefs or Bible study class. This will
be about the UM structure and goverance. The book "highlights the
funtions and cnnectional relationships within the organization, beginning with
the local church and continuing through connectional organs in the districts,
annual conferences and their agencies, jurisdictional conferences and their
agencies, the General Conference, the general agencies of the Chruch,
and the Judicial Council."
Nick also suggested a follow-up class on "what Methodists believe" and
had several books that would be possibilities. Nick has also agreed to
teach the follow-up class.
With Nick's class replacing one of the current classes in January we need to find one more leader and subject. Stella will talk to Dwight and Jerry and see if they are interested in continuing leading and at our January meeting we will hopefully present more leaders and classes. We will specifically be looking for a Lenten class during that time.
Barbara has lined up to do a class on Forgiveness for the Thursday Morning group that will lead up to Lent and is looking for Lent class ideas. She will check with Anne and Kimberly to see if they have come across materials they think would be good. Ash Wednesday is March 1st and Palm Sunday is April 9th. Barbara mentioned that James Moore has a new book out on Parables that would contain 7 lessons and might work.
Caroline reported that the Wednesday Evening class is going well.
Jean Ann will talk with Nick to find the results of the survey taken last spring on types of classes the congregation is interested in. Jerry and Dwight will also be asked to see if their current classes have suggestions.
Pastor Kimberly's surgery is scheduled for January 16th and she will be out until Palm Sunday.
Our next meeting is scheduled for January 4th at 5:00 p.m. in the Education Lounge. A light meal will be provided. Please e-mail or call Stella or Jean Ann if you are unable to attend or have anything that needs to be included on the agenda.