Goal and Direction

It is the goal of the Children’s Ministry to spiritually nurture the children of the United Methodist Church of the Disciple through various modes and activities. We are committed to providing activities to lead our children to a better understanding of the Christian faith, Bible literacy and worship participation and leadership. We seek to help children understand, experience and share the love of Jesus Christ. Partnering with the children, parents and members of the church, ideas and goals for the children of this church and community can be established. All children are welcome at United Methodist Church of the Disciple.

Opportunities for the Children

Sunday School – children from 3 years old through 6th grade; the time is from 9-10 a.m. Children’s Church is offered during worship except for the first Sunday for children from 3 years old through 4th grade. After the devotional time on Wednesday evening there are fun and Biblically based activities for the children.

Nursery and Child Care

Nursery care is available for infants through four-year-olds each Sunday morning from 8:00 to 12:00 noon. There is a safe, warm and friendly environment for the youngest saints near the sanctuary for easy access.

Recent Activities

The Children’s Ministry presented “Come Let Us Adore Him” – a time of celebrating the birth of Christ. The children memorized individual speeches, a group of nine children spelled out CHRISTMAS telling the Christmas story. After the conclusion of the play by the Youth the children and youth closed out the program with a rousing rendition of Joy to the World. Following the program the children and Youth received a gift bag filled with treats, provided by the Senior Pastor, Dr. Ouida Lee, Cheryl Jones (Children’s Pastor) and Carolyn Allbritton (Youth Pastor). The Children’s Ministry presented readings during Black History Month. The readings on the first Sunday highlighted African-Americans who were the first in their areas of endeavor. On the second Sunday the children led in the worship service leading the Call to Celebration, the Mission and Vision Statement and the announcements. There was also a reading by two young persons – The Bottom Line, which reminded the children to remember that they could “do all things through Christ who strengthened” them.

Worship

Children of any age are welcome at both Worship Services. A Children’s sermon is presented on 2nd through 5th Sundays. Children’s Church is a part of the 10:15am services on most Sundays. The Children’s Ministry led the 10:15 worship service on several occasions during 2008, giving the children active roles, as they learn to be worship leaders.

Vacation Bible School

Every summer we offer an awesome Vacation Bible School. For 2008, the theme was Walk It Out – Together in the Way of Jesus. Children’s Ministry is currently seeking a Director for the 2009 VBS program. For other volunteer opportunities see the Children’s Minister.

Trunk-R-Treat

A church-wide activity led by the Children’s Ministry affords an opportunity for everyone to dress up in their favorite costumes and decorate their vehicles, as well. The treats are distributed from the trunks of cars and the beds of pick-up trucks. Additional snacks, fun and games and festive music are offered which makes for a safe and wonderful alternative to traditional house-to-house celebrating. This celebration is held annually on October 31st.

Sunday School

Sunday School is for all youth in 7-12 grades. We meet in the Youth Room in between services at 9:30.This is a focused study of the Bible. This is a great place to get connected to our group and meet some new friends.

Youth Group

Youth Group is for all youth in 7-12 grades. We meet Sunday nights at the Church, although we also will go to the movies, or go to someone’s house. Youth starts at 5:30 with dinner and then we have our group meeting from 6:00-7:00. At youth, we may have a Bible study, watch a movie, play ultimate Frisbee, go to the lake, or something else. This is also a great place to get connected to our group. For information on upcoming youth groups please watch the Church of the Disciple Bulletin or the website calendar.

Confirmation

Confirmation is a annual class for 6-9th grade students. Confirmation studies the basics of the Christian faith and our heritage as United Methodists. The goal of the class is to lead youth to make a public confession of their faith in Jesus Christ and to choose to join Church of the Disciple.

The organized unit of United Methodist Women at Church of the Disciple is a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.

If you would like more information about the United Methodist Women, contact our church office.

Each meeting of the United Methodist Men's group features an enjoyable presentation, fellowship, and educational activities with emphasis on spiritual growth. Special activities and events include: fishing area lakes and stocked tanks, cookouts, bowling, and local mission/helps projects.

Regular meetings, when we gather for a prayer breakfast, are held the second Saturday morning of the month at 7:30am in the fellowship hall of the church. See the church calendar for any changes to this and for the date, time and place of other UMM activities. All men of the church are welcome regardless of membership.

"... In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." -- Phil. 4:6

We at Church of the Disciple believe that God answers prayer. We pray for the sick, the lost, the needy, and the oppressed. There are two primary ways that we share our needs with one another: (1) the prayer list in the Sunday worship guide and (2) the Prayer Chain.

The prayer list in the Sunday morning worship guide is printed and updated weekly. Members take this list home and pray for the needs of others during the week.

The Prayer Chain is a small group of volunteers who intentionally pray for the needs that come up during the week. Members of the prayer chain are contacted via email. Appropriate items for the prayer chain include emergency needs and confidential needs. Prayer chain volunteers are committed to discussing these needs only with the Father and no one else.

If you would like to join the Prayer Chain, you are most welcome. Contact Ocie Hogan by email or through the church office.

Mission Statement

The Family Ministry’s goal is to fulfill the church’s mission of helping all persons become disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. To address the needs of families in our church and community so that all may grow in the Christian faith and live both at home and at church as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Christian Home Month

May is Christian Home Month. The Church of Disciples recognizes this time in several ways. The Family Ministry works in conjunction with other ministries to support the growth of families. The annual Crawfish Boil, the Graduate Recognition Ceremony and the Annual Garage Sale are to name a few. On a continuous basis The Family Ministry provides a meal to all who attends the Wednesday night bible classes.

Intergenerational Ministries/Marriage Enrichment

There is a Valentines Day Event held each February that consist of fellowship, games, gifts and charity drive.