"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." (Acts 2:42, NIV)
Sunday School Classes – 10:00-11:00 am
Adults
Christian Formation Sunday School Class (Family Life Center)
This class reads scripture and discusses the application of theological concepts to modern life. Primary themes for study and discussion vary from 8-12 weeks.
Leader: Steve Pawel, 482-9097
Faith Weavers (Parlor)
This class of parents of young children shares in Bible studies and discussions about Christian-based marriage/family topics, Christian movies (e.g., Courageous), etc. Special activities include fellowship and outings, such as treasure hunts/geocaching parties, pot luck picnics, family weekends in the rustic cabins area of Norris State Park, and other activities that include children. Mission projects include providing food, clothes, art supplies, toys, and toiletries for a young mother and child this Christmas. The class also helps with Vacation Bible School and various activities involving children.
Contacts: David & Sandy Bradshaw, 483-3343
Patty Cox, 482-3094
Friendship Sunday School Class (Fellowship Hall, Room 5)
This class studies the Bible, from Genesis to Revelations. Special Activities and mission projects include Ecumenical Storehouse, United Methodist Women Bazaar and Flea Market, Morgan-Scott Project donations, Thanksgiving and Christmas donations, and Holston Home for Children. NOTE: This class is currently combining with the Rogers Memorial class.
Contact: Bill Luzader, 483-8839
Hot Potatoes Sunday School Class (Education Building, Room 10)
This class offers members and their families support and prayers, social activities, and an opportunity to engage in “hot” topics that are relative to faith in today's world. We’ve enjoyed studies from Beth Moore, Mark Hamilton, Nooma, and Narnia! New members, both singles and married couples, are welcome. Special activities & mission work include serving as a sponsor to ADFAC (Aid to Distressed Families of Anderson County), Stocking Stuffers programs at Christmas time, and helping families in need.
Contact: Julie Martin, 235-8113
Linda Morrison, 483-8213
Rogers Memorial Sunday School Class (Fellowship Hall, Room 4)
This Bible study group offers support when needs arise within the church family. The class votes on three activities to sponsor or help each year. This year the class is sponsoring Kern’s Humanitarian Fund, Ecumenical Storehouse, and Keystone Elder Care. In addition, the class supports ministries such as Kern’s Helping Hands, Vacation Bible School, Methodist Medical Center Hospitality House, Habitat for Humanity (Anderson County), Holston Home for children, and provides school kits for Zimbabwe.
Contacts: Mary Henderson (President), 483-0843
Marjorie Nall (Vice President), 482-3618
Katherine Simerly (Secretary), 482-3533
Seekers Sunday School Class (Education Building, Room 11)
This Sunday School class seeks materials, both modern and ancient, that are useful in trying to find Christ’s purpose for each of us. Class members suggest ideas for study to widen the scope of discussion. The class plans social gatherings annually. Couples and singles are welcome.
The group supports and participates in church-wide projects.
Contact: Carol Cox, 482-3402
Young Adults
College Age & Young Adults Sunday School Class (Fellowship Hall, Room 3)
This class welcomes young adults, ages 18-29. Discussions are selected by class members. Recent topics have included Spiritual Gifts, Five Languages of Love, as well as short-term studies that follow the Christian calendar. The class is starting the New Year with a study of miracles from Paul E. Stroble’s book Mystery: Experiencing the Mystery of God. Sessions are independent of each other to accommodate the busy schedules of those in this age group. All are welcome to this class that shares in small group discussions and a time of prayer. The group also meets at Panera from time to time for fellowship.
Contact: Debbie Shope, 483-5273
Youth
Grades 7-12 Sunday School Class (Rooms 13 & 14)
Discussions and activities are designed to help teens establish a grasp on the Bible and to experience the gifts of others through missions, community projects, and personal relationships.
Contact: Chuck Dawn, 599-2147
Children
Nursery, Ages 6 weeks through 35 months (Room 28)
Our Nursery provides a safe, loving place for babies and toddlers while their parents participate in the ministries of the church. These include Sunday morning worship, exercise classes, Bible studies, Wednesday Niters, handbell/choir practices, and special services and events. For more information, please see Kern’s Nursery Brochure or the Kern Kid’s Korner or contact our Nursery Coordinator below.
Contacts: Sheila Smith, 435-9451
Lindsay Shope, 850-9943 (Interim Nursery Coordinator, thru March 2012)
Preschoolers & Kindergarten, ages 3-5 years (Room 26)
Children experience Bible stories through age-appropriate curriculum and interactive play.
Lead Teacher: Shona Ellis, 483-0775
1st & 2nd Grades (Room 24)
Children experience the Bible through stories, crafts, and other hands-on activities.
Lead Teacher: Jennifer Shell, 257-8902
3rd & 4th Grades (Room 18)
Children experience a more in-depth study of the Bible through reading scripture, thought-provoking games, skits, hands-on activities, and interactive discussions.
Lead Teacher: Diane Stetzel, 685-4866
5th & 6th Grades (Room 16)
This class offers a deeper study of the Bible and Biblical truths on tough issues that “tweens” face today. This year, the class is focusing on a study of the New Testament. Discussions are interactive and informal, welcoming individual opinions, feelings, and ideas. Sixth graders are invited to participate in Confirmation classes, which are held during the latter half of the school year. Watch for details on Confirmation later this Fall.
Lead Teacher: Cathy Cary, 483-8111
Confirmation: Jennifer Shell, 257-8902
Other Classes, Studies & Small/Support Groups
Sunday
Disciple I – 10:00-11:00 am (Fellowship Hall, Room 4)
Experience Disciple I: Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study at a bit slower pace. Lessons are completed over a period of 2-4 weeks.
Contact: Jamie Wright, 481-3554
Sunday Afternoon Study Group – 4:00-5:30 pm (Parlor)
This small group formed in the fall to share in a book study and discussion of J.D. Young’s The Shack. Upon completion of this study, the group will continue to meet for Bible study, fellowship, and support. For more information, please contact the leader.
Contact: Diane DeBinder, 483-3723
The Blessing – 4:30-6:30 pm (Family Life Center)
The Blessing is a place where 7th-12th graders are on a journey to discover how following Jesus can be fun. We use a simple model of five key factors – 1) fellowship, 2) prayer, 3) worship, 4) study (scripture), and 5) service (in ministry) – to take us on a journey of discovery. A Lenten study – 24 Hours that Changed the World – will be offered in February. Join us as we take a deeper look at the last 24 hours of Jesus’ life.
Contact: Chuck Dawn, 599-2147
Monday
Weight Watchers – 6:00-7:00 pm (Fellowship Hall)
Learn how to eat right and live a healthy life, lose weight and keep it off. Weekly meetings are to offer pointers on good eating habits and to provide support. For more information on class availability and cost, please call the person listed below.
Contact: Liz Kornfeld, 947-3340
Tuesday
Gospel of Mark – 10:00-11:00 am (Fellowship Hall)
Bring your Bible and join Pastor Don Morris in an in-depth study and ongoing discussion of the Gospel of Mark. A second class will be offered on Wednesday evenings.
Contact: Don Morris, 483-5273
PK Hope is Alive – 3rd Tuesday, 11:00 am (Fellowship Hall)
Parkinson’s Disease is a brain disorder that occurs when certain nerve cells become impaired. This disease is chronic and progressive. Be part of this self-help group that learns ways to improve lifestyle through greater understanding. Care support partners are welcome to attend too. Lunch is provided.
Contact: Joan Cassens (Kern contact person), 220-8900
One in a Million: Journey to Your Promised Land – 6:30 pm (Parlor)
Women are invited to learn how to experience God’s power, hear His voice, and live in the abundance He has promised in this 7-week study by Priscilla Shirer. The first session starts Tuesday, January 10. To reserve a book, please contact Judy Elliott at t_elliott@bellsouth.net, Judith.elliott511@comcast.net, or at the number below.
Contact: Judy Elliott, 435-4013
Crossroads Ministry’s Pathways to Parenting – 5:30 pm (UMW Room)
Empowering young moms and dads to navigate the Pathways of Parenting with confidence, patience, training, understanding, and lots of love. These two sessions are continuous and geared toward the needs of our parents.
Soul Food - These classes deal with food for the body as well as the soul. Feeding your spirit provides a happy home for you and your child; feeding your body for the healthfulness keeps your spirits up. Basic baby care, lactation consulting, infant and child CPR, first aid, and many other parenting skills will encourage you in the next phases of parenthood.
Show Me The Money - Where does all the money go? See how it disappears and where it goes. Learn how to manage your money and plan for the future. This class will also help you find the right child care, help prepare for your job quest and/or college opportunities, and much more.
Contact: Cora Rhew, 258-0875 or info@crossroadstransition.org
Fellowship & Other Group Activities
Monday
Monday Morning Maintenance – 9:00 am (Fellowship Hall & church-wide)
This group provides maintenance and general repairs to Kern facilities, as needed. They meet for coffee and prayer, fellowship and support, before working.
Contact: Jim McNabb, 483-5990
United Methodist Women – 2nd Monday, 10:00 am (Fellowship Hall)
This women’s Christian fellowship group comes together to grow in Christ, as well as to reach out in mission to other women, children, and youth throughout the world. In addition to the monthly General Meetings, dinner meetings are held during the months of September and December. Several circles meet in the homes of individuals at scheduled times throughout the month. UMC welcomes women to get involved in various mission opportunities. For more information on Circles or our Reading Library, please contact our UMW President or a member.
Contact: Kay Hamrick (President, 2012), 483-9510
Tuesday
Kernels – 2nd Tuesday, 11:00 am (Family Life Center)
Kernels is an intergenerational fellowship group, welcoming people of all ages. A short meeting is followed by an entertaining and informative program. A potluck dinner is shared at 12:00 pm.
Contacts: President: Barbara Osborne, 482-9262
Programs: Joan Cassens, 220-8900
United Methodist Men – 1st Tuesday, 6:00 pm (Family Life Center)
This men’s Christian fellowship group prepares and shares in a meal, followed by a brief program. The group enthusiastically invites men (and women) to participate in meetings and service activities. New ideas for service are always welcome.
Contact: Herb Wright (President, 2012), 483-9449
Wednesday
Wednesday Niter Dinners & Fellowship – 5:30-6:30 pm (Family Life Center)
Wednesday Niters are offered September through May for the entire family to share a meal together and then remain for fellowship, a special program, or to attend a variety of short-term classes or activities. During the summer, Wednesday Niter meals are offered once a month. Cost is $6.00/person or $22.00/ family for the meal (under 7, free). Holiday meals are more.
Contact: Jeanetta Nutter, 425-9825
After Wednesday Niter Dinners
Chancel Choir – 6:30-8:00 pm (Sanctuary)
Kern’s Chancel Choir provides musical leadership for the 11:00 am worship service. We sing a wide variety of anthems and lead the congregation in responses and hymn- singing. During Advent and Holy Week, the choir presents special music and programs.
Contact: Kevin Miller, 233-0624
Youth – 6:30-8:00 pm (Education Building, Rooms 13 & 14)
See the Kern website for details on all the youth activities planned for the fall!
Contacts: Chuck Dawn, 973-2881, & Brett Ellis, 483-0775
Children’s Devotions – 6:30-8:00 pm (Education Building, Room 24)
In January Devotions kids (ages 4 through 6th grade) will be viewing the animated Greatest Heroes and Legends of the Bible Series (50-minute kid-friendly movies). Following each movie, we will have a group discussion and a simple art craft to support our lesson. In February, we will be focusing on our homebound members with a Card Ministry.
Contact: Jennifer Shell, 257-8902
Adult Classes
These classes are offered in conjunction with our Wednesday Niter ministry.
Experiencing God
Millions of people have been transformed by this classic discipleship course. The revised 14-week video-based study requires participants to commit to 30-45 minutes of daily reading, reflection and prayer during the week. The group will tentatively meet on Wednesday nights during or immediately following the Wednesday Niter dinner, beginning on or about February 1 – so you will have an opportunity to bring your meal and eat while we meet. Cost of the book is $21.00.
Contacts: David Vick, 482-4175 and Julie Johnson, 483-5273
Financial Peace University – 6:30-8:30 pm (Fellowship Hall)
Start the New Year with a plan for budgeting and getting finances in order in this 13-week video-based series hosted by popular radio host Dave Ramsey. Participants will learn Biblically-based life-changing financial lessons and see how simple budget planning can be. Cost per couple is $100.00 (Lifetime Membership kit). The introductory class begins January 11. (Cut-off date to participate is January 25.)
Contact: Lauren Barber, 360-9626
Gospel of Mark
Bring your Bible and join Pastor Don Morris in an in-depth study and ongoing discussion of the Gospel of Mark. A second class will be offered on Tuesday mornings.
Contact: Don Morris, 483-5273
Thursday
Pastor Prayer Partners, 7:50-8:30 am (Parlor)
Join others as they lift up and support the pastor, staff, leadership, and the church, by making a personal pledge and commitment to pray regularly and consistently for our church. Those available for a more intimate and focused prayer time are invited to meet every Thursday morning from 7:50-8:30 am to pray both with and for our pastor and church staff; we also share and pray over church concerns.
Contact: David Vick, 482-4175
Other Opportunities
Handbells
The Handbell choir is a musical group that plays on an occasional basis for worship services and for special church events. The current group meets to practice in the Sanctuary each Tuesday at 6:30 pm.
Contact: Carol Cox, 482-3402
Are you interested in a small group that is NOT listed?
This booklet contains a sampling of the various classes, Bible studies, and small groups that are available at Kern UMC this Winter & Spring. You do not have to be a member of the church to participate. We both welcome and encourage others to join us.
In addition, we are always seeking new ideas and opportunities to bring people together in small group ministries. If you would like to lead a small group or participate in a study that is not included in this list, please let us know.
Please complete the sign-up sheet inside your bulletin or call the church office. Your name will be given to the appropriate class leader.
