First United Church | An inclusive Christian community in Bloomington, Indiana Bible quote  

        

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Why Christian Education?

  • You can ask questions in a safe place.
  • You will meet new people and build deeper relationships with some you have known for a long time.
  • It's an easy way to get connected here at First United if you are new to the church.
  • Being a Christian is hard work -- it's more manageable and rewarding if you do it with a group.
  • You will have fun!  You will laugh, share stories, and learn things you didn't even know you wanted to learn.
  • Need more reasons?  Talk to anyone who has partiicipated in one oof our classes -- they will be happy to share.
SUNDAY MORNING CLASSES

CLASSES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH

Kids Worship.  - 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. on Sundays
Kids are invited to worship God in their own way! This multi-age, multi-sensory worship experience is led by two adults. Each week children will have time for music, hearing and responding to the word, and active play. This worship experience is open to ages three through fifth grade and meets in Room 2.  For more information, click here.

Children’s Learning Time.  During worship each week, the children are invited to the front to talk with one of our ministers and then are dismissed to
Children’s Learning Time. In these Sunday-School-like classes, children interact with adult leaders and peers to learn about many of the same themes the adults are exploring in worship.  The lectionary-based Seasons of the Spirit curriculum is designed to help children explore meaning and mystery in the Bible.

Children ages three through first grade meet in Room 2.  Children in second through fifth grades meet in Room 3.

Youth Group.  Students in grades 6-12 are invited to meet downstairs in the
Wayland Room each Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. We check in with each other and talk about what’s important to us. We also participate in service activities and have social gatherings one Friday night a month. Led by Kelly Roberson.

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES - 9:30 A.M.

Seasons Lectionary Class.  Lectionary-based class where we discuss a different Scripture and theme each week. Drop in any week for discussion, laughter, and serious contemplation of the Bible. 

Led by George Birthisel, Hannah Cartwright, & Jacque Soderquist. Meets in Rm. 5.

Eternal Life: A New Vision.  This is a class that will read and discuss Eternal Life: A New Vision, the newest book by Bishop John Shelby Spong.  The theme of this book will be the topic of Bishop Spong's lecture when he visits First United on February 14.  Spong's prose is lucid and thought provoking. 

Led by Rachel Norton.  Meets in Room 6 from January 10 - 31. Please get a copy of the book before the class begins.

Reflective Writing and the Inner Life.  This collaborative learning experience will encourage participants to explore ways that reflective writing can be used to deepen self-knowledge -- the inner life --  and to understand how individuals relate to those near them and to the world at large.  Participants will share their writing and discuss writing aims and practices.

Led by Donovan Walling.  Meets in Room 6 from February 7 - 28.

Cutting Carbon for Christians.  For the beauty of the earth, thanks be to God.  What are our roles as stewards of this earth?  We will look at current data about carbon dioxide's role in clmate change and consider our own carbon dioxide production, working through the "Cut Your Carbon" workbook together.  Regular attendance will be important, but you can follow the workbook for any session that you have to miss.  In the process of reducing our carbon footprints, we will also be reducing our utility bills!  In this class, we will not only consider all of the ways we can reduce our carbon footprint, but also how our role as people of faith can influene this effort. 

Led by members of the Earth Care Group.  Meets in Room 6 from April 11 to May 16.

All About First United.  Want to know more about our church?  Join us for a four-week serieswhere we will learn about our two denominations, our church's history, and how things currently happen around her!

Facilitated by the pastors.  Meets in Room 6 from April 4 to 25.

 

 

WEEKDAY OPPORTUNITIES

The mid-moring adult study group will cover a variety of topics begining Wednesday, January 12 at 10:00 a.m.  Led by Dr. Skiles, the group will begin with a look forward to Bishop John Shelby Spong' sermon/lecture.  We will listen to his DVD cvomments on what it means to be a follower of Jesus and read his Jesus for the Non Religious.  Two other series will follow: "Uppity Women of the Bible" and "Countering Pharoah's Production-Consumption Society."