Tarrytown United Methodist Church

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Adults Who Want to Grow Spiritually

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In the heart of London, by the banks of the Thames, there stands a statue of Robert Raikes.

It enjoys this place of prominence because many in England credit Raikes (1735-1811) with the creation of Sunday School in the 1780’s. Many had a hand in creating modern Christian education, but Raikes, a friend of John Wesley’s, clearly played a big part and his passion for learning had an enormous impact on the flowering of the Methodist Church.

Methodists have made a big deal of education from the beginning; we began in a university dorm room, after all. We’ve been building schools and colleges for centuries. Weekly Sunday School is an essential of being Methodist and not just for the children.

People say, “Children are the future of our church and our world.” In important ways, they’re right. But, I think our adults are the future of our church. We’re the ones who teach the children; can we hope to teach them the Bible if we don’t know it? If the kids notice (and they do watch us) that we aren’t involved in spiritual growth, can we really expect them to value it? We’re the ones who make decisions about who we are as a faith community and what we do for God’s kingdom. Do we act out of a mature Christian understanding of who we are and what God is calling us to do? Do we really know what’s going on?

As one pastor passionate about Christian education and spiritual growth, let me offer some possible answers to the question, what’s going on?

  1. God is drawing us closer to God and to each other.
  2. God calls us to undertake whatever learning and spiritual practice we need to grow closer to God and each other.
  3. The leaders of TUMC are called to plan and provide methods of transformational learning that will help a wide variety of people move closer to God and each other.

I thank God for such a mission and all who would help us in this important work.

To every adult who wants to grow spiritually, I hope you will be intentional in this. In the coming weeks, you will be hearing about new opportunities for learning here at TUMC. There will be Bible studies, short-term small group studies on faith and practice, new Disciple Bible Study classes, including new opportunities for Sunday School. Please pray that God will guide you to the Sunday School class or group that will best bless you in your next faithful steps. The kids are heading back to school. How about you?

All good things to you in Christ,

David Gilliam

Teaching in Big Ways

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Learn How to Get Involved This Fall with Children’s Ministry

It may be two cliche statements, but the fact is, summer is “flying by” and Move Up Sunday is “right around the corner.”  As we get closer to celebrating all children and youth moving up to their new grades on Sunday, August 20, we still have much to do in preparation for their big day.

Classes continue to grow each year. We are reaching out to teachers who have taught in the past and present as well as those who’ve not yet ventured into the world of Children’s Sunday School.

Many exciting things are happening within our Children’s Ministries. Last year, Allison Angell blessed us by not only teaching her 3rd Grade Bible Curriculum but also the 4th grade class. These 4th graders had the gift of a second year of true Bible study and now, this curriculum will be continued to the rising 5th graders. We now have a three year Bible study program which starts with 3rd graders. It’s an amazing program and definitely worth being a part of! The excitement doesn’t stop there. Our 3 and 4 year olds get the basics of the entire Bible through Godly Play. Kinder, 1st, and 2nd continue growing their minds and hearts with stories and activities each week.

We need teachers in ALL grades. Will YOU please pray about this and consider where you can help? If each class has eight helpers then we share the responsibility through the school year. Share this invitation with others.

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If you have any questions, concerns or just need more information on our Children’s Ministries, please contact Brandy Reimers or J’Nevelyn Lloyd.

Teach With Your Life

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“Teaching Sunday school is walking with Jesus to cultivate love and wonder of God.”

“For me, teaching Sunday School is walking with Jesus to cultivate love and wonder of God. I think a children’s Sunday School classroom is one of the most genuine and comfortable places where all of us can strive to be our best selves without pressure or embarrassment. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to help foster such an environment. And teaching isn’t scary or hard because we work as a team—some teachers are our Biblical scholars, some know every child’s favorite subject and hobby, some help everything stay organized and efficient—the common thread is our desire to serve God.

“If you pray about it and you’re willing to try, God will help you share your gifts with the kids. Even if it’s one time this summer, that one time will make a difference.”

—Leigh Gober

Teaching children about our faith is an essential need for any church and is one of the most significant ways a Christian can serve their church. If we can teach children—from the time they start coming to us as babies through their elementary years—that we are not here on earth for ourselves but to join God’s work in loving our neighbors, then we are living up to what God asks us to do.

Don’t think you’re cut out to teach children’s Sunday School? You’re more capable than you think! Please prayerfully consider if God is calling you for this important ministry opportunity.

J’Nevelyn Lloyd