Grace UMC

Practicing Uncommon Hospitality

Christian Education
We offer a variety of adult learning opportunities through Bible Study, Sunday School, The Grace School of Applied Christianity and other events. If you would like additional information on any of the programs offered, please contact Director of Christian Education, Coreen Witke at 515-255-2131 ext. 230 or coreenwitke@gracedesmoines.org.

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES
At Grace, Sunday School is not just for children. We offer several adult Sunday School classes that offer a variety in curriculum and presentation methods. If you are interested in joining a class, but aren’t sure which one is for you try a few of them before making a decision. Most classes meet from 9 – 10 a.m. on Sunday mornings.

The CARPENTERS CLASS offers members a warm, comfortable and fun-loving atmosphere to share joys and struggles that occur in our faith journeys. A mix of singles, married couples, parents of children and teens, we explore faith, religious and current topics in a variety of formats, but always with time to share questions, points-of-view, and ideas. Social gatherings outside of church are scheduled several times a year. Money raised during our annual Bake Sale on Easter morning supports mission projects. We invite you to explore with us. The coffee pot is always on. Meets in Room 206 of the Education Wing.

The GENERATIONS CLASS welcomes diverse ideas and opinions. We use a variety of curriculum resources including books, videos, and guest speakers. Our class meets from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. so that our members can prepare for their responsibilities at the 10:15 a.m. worship service. Meets in Room 207 of the Education Wing.
The IKONO CLASS is our newest adult Sunday School class and is led by Bill Cotton, Ellery Duke, Bob Crandall and Jan Hill. It promises to provide a great opportunity to broaden your perspective and to share in discussion with others. Meets in Room 306 of the Education Wing.

The NEIGHBORS CLASS is led by class members with guest speakers occasionally leading the class. Our curriculum includes Bible studies, missions, and discussion of local concerns. We try to have one social activity a month, plus we do a work project at Grace Church each year. Our yearly bedding plant sale funds missions and church needs. Guests are encouraged to join us as we study, socialize and support Grace. Meets in the Library on the 2nd floor of the main building.

The ODYSSEY CLASS shares leadership among the class members throughout the year. We are currently using the Faithlink Newsletter as a basis for our weekly discussion that allows for many different viewpoints to be shared. Class members have a variety of backgrounds and discussion is usually lively. Meets in Room A-4 in the lower level of the main building.

The TRAVELERS CLASS uses the Adult Bible Studies curriculum and is led by Rev. Jim and Carolyn Nelson. Class members include singles and couples with many of the members being parents of elementary and middle school aged children. Please join us in the discussion and fellowship. Meets in E-1 which is the Confirmation Room…go to the north stairwell in the Education Wing and keep going up the stairs until you get to E-1.

The WIN SUM CLASS studies an eclectic mix of topics throughout the year that may feature guest speakers or special events. We enjoy several social events throughout the year including our annual Iowa Cubs baseball outing. Our yearly Christmas Wreath sale supports several different mission projects. Meets in A-2 in the lower level of the main building.

BIBLE STUDY
The Thursday Morning Bible Study is lectionary-based, which gives those attending an opportunity to study and contemplate the scripture for our upcoming worship services. This study is led by the pastor who is preaching the following weekend. Meets from 6:45 to 7:45 a.m. on Thursday mornings in Fellowship Hall. This Bible Study does not meet during the summer months.

GRACE SCHOOL FOR APPLIED CHRISTIANITY
The Grace School for Applied Christianity was created to provide opportunities for those who wish to deepen their faith through study and good conversation. Through the years, courses have been offered in Bible, Church History, Theology and Culture and Spirituality. Classes are designed to enable participants to connect their faith in practical ways with daily living. There are two classes being presented during the 2012 Winter Session. They are Blessed are the Organized: Exploring the Public Life with Paul Turner and The Letter of James with Rev. Dr. Brigitte Black. The six-week long Winter 2012 Session meets from 6:45 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday evenings beginning Tuesday, January 17 and ending on Tuesday, February 21. There is a $15 registration fee and childcare is provided, if requested in advance. For class descriptions, faculty information or to register, please see our Grace School for Applied Christianity Registration Form.

EMERGING ISSUES FORUMS
These forums are scheduled three times a year while Sunday School is in session. The forums, which focus on issues that are of concern to us as members of the general community and Christians, are sponsored by our Church and Society Committee. Additional forums are scheduled on an as needed basis.
January 29 @ 9 a.m. – Immigration Emerging Issues Forum with Naomi Sea Young Wittstruck, Leadership Development Minister for Social Justice and Mission with the Iowa Conference as the speaker. All who are interested in hearing this presentation are invited and welcome to attend. No pre-registration needed and childcare will be provided.
April 29 @ 9 a.m. – Human Trafficking Emerging Issues Forum. All who are interested in hearing this presentation are invited and welcome to attend. No pre-registration needed and childcare will be provided.

SOUP AND SERMON LUNCHES DURING LENT AND ADVENT
On Wednesdays during Advent and Lent, join us in Fellowship Hall for a brief worship service and sermon, followed by a wonderful selection of homemade soups and fellowship. We begin at 12:10 p.m. and conclude by 1 p.m.