Adult Ministry
Adult Sunday School Classes
At Athens First UMC, individuals can choose from seven adult Sunday school classes with members ranging in age from early 20’s to retired. Singles, couples, young professionals, mid-lifers and retirees can find the perfect setting for fellowship and learning in a caring community.
- Apostles - A mixture of professionals and retirees, they study the Bible and various books on Christian living. They love to sing the old hymns from the Cokesbury hymnal and the Heavenly Highways hymnal. This class meets the second Sunday of each month at Lakeland House, a retirement home, where they present a devotion and sing with the residents. They meet at 9:45 a.m. in the third room on the right in the Owen Family Education Building.
- Builders - This is currently the fastest growing class in our church. Builders are mostly retirees who are very active in church activities and leadership. The teachers are well-versed in the Bible, and it is the Bible that most of their studies are based on. Seasonal parties are enjoyed by this close, friendly, and supportive group. They meet at 9:45 a.m. in the last room on the right in the Owen Family Education Building.
- Christian Workers - With a strong heritage, this is the oldest class in our church. They began in 1932 as a class of couples and singles and are still going strong. During 1940 - 43, they struggled because so many were part of the armed forces, but they rallied after the war and membership grew once again. They study the Adult Bible Study series and the teaching responsibility is shared among 4 or 5 members. They meet at 9:45 a.m. in the Wofford Cain Chapel.
- Discovery - This class has adults who are parents of young children through college age. The common interest of the class is to develop their spiritual lives, both as individuals, parents, and family members. Studies alternate between Bible study and books to challenge their daily lives. They meet at 9:45 a.m. in the second room on the right in the Owen Family Education Building.
- Fellowship - This class consists of two groups, one is enjoying a Bible study and the other is studying a current inspirational book. These young and middle adults are seeking to further their faith and discover new and lasting friendships through discussion, study, service, and fellowship. They have experience steady growth and welcome newcomers. The class begins at 9:45 a.m. in the church parlor.
- Genesis - This is a group of young parents who study the Bible, Christian living and topics pertinent to their life situations. They are an "off-shoot" of the Fellowship Class and join together for social events and mission projects. They meet in the Fellowship Hall at 9:45 a.m.
- Seekers - This class formed in 2003 and is interested primarily in supporting each other by learning scripture and learning how to apply it to their daily lives. They also have a strong prayer support system. They meet several times a month, outside of Sunday morning, for prayer and fellowship. The Church Library in the Owen Family Education Building is where they meet at 9:45 a.m.
Small Group Study
More information coming soon...
"Come Alive" Fellowship
"Come Alive" is a group of senior adults who gather every month for lunch (bring your own) and games. This group includes church members as well as people from the community. They meet the third Wednesday of each month at noon and enjoy fellowship and games. Games include cards, dominoes and some board games. Join us in the Fellowship Hall and have some fun!
Officers for 2007
- Chairperson - Nellie Spiares
- Assistants - David & Beverly Asire
Crafty Ladies
A group of dedicated and talented ladies meet every Thursday, beginning in mid-January, to create gift and household items to sell at their annual Holiday House Bazaar. They meet in the Bazaar Room on the east end of the Owen Family Education Building. Held in the fall, the Bazaar is one of the most exciting events in our community. It’s a two-day event beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday and ending the following Saturday at 3 p.m. Meals are served both Friday evening and at noon on Saturday. Their goal is to raise funds to purchase needed supplies and equipment that our church budget does not include. The fellowship among these ladies is one of the most important missions of the group.
Church Library
The church library, located in the Owen Building, is for the use of our members for study, inspiration, and information. The library is open during church office hours. The collection includes excellent helps for Bible study, including the New Interpreter’s Bible, Devotional books, church history, and a growing number of books on issues such as handling grief and rearing a Christian family.
Although there is no librarian on duty, access is simple. The collection is catalogued in a three-ring binder by title, author, and subject. Users may consult the catalogue, which is on the buffet on the north wall, for Dewey number, locate the book, write a name and date on the card in the inside pocket, and place the card in the small file box on the buffet. These instructions are also on the buffet.
A committee of the church administers the library.
Contributions of new books or cash gifts may be made in memory of or in honor of someone special to you.
First United Methodist Church of Athens
P.O. Box 911
E. College at Lovers Lane
Athens, Texas 75751
903-675-5161
P.O. Box 911
E. College at Lovers Lane
Athens, Texas 75751
903-675-5161
