Wednesdays are a special time at Bluff Park UMC. Around 300 people gather for supper and over 400 people participate in a variety of classes, choirs, and activities. It’s one of the best things we do. We meet from September till May, taking a break for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and another for the school's Spring Break.
THE MIDWEEK MEAL
The Midweek meal is served continuously in the fellowship hall from 5:00-6:30. It’s a full meal: meat, vegetables, salad, dessert, bread, drink - with optional salad bar and potato bar with baked chicken.
| Adults |
$ 6.00 |
| Children (6-12) |
$ 2.00 |
| Children (under 6) |
Free |
| Family maximum |
$ 18.00 |
TAKEOUTS AVAILABLE
CHOIRS
Preschool Choir (ages 3-4) 6:10-6:30
K-1 Choir 5:50-6:25
Grades 2-5 Choir 5:50-6:25
Adult Choir 6:30-8:15
The nursery is open during the adult choir rehearsal. New singers are always welcome. No auditions - just come to rehearsal.
*Youth Choir (grades 6-12) meet on Sunday's at 4:30.
HANDBELLS
Rehearsal times on Wednesday night are:
Young Ringers (grades 3-6)
4:30-5:15
Adult Handbells
5:45
Russell Blackburn and Ann Harter are our Handbell Directors, New ringers are always welcome!
MISSION STUDY
The geographical Mission Study will focus on the nation of Haiti. There will be a series of programs during the month of January to examine the history, culture, and needs of that country along with ministries there. The Spiritual Growth Study will be “The Journey: Forgive- ness, Restoration, Justice, and Reconciliation.” It is divided into three parts. The first part explores the journey of Jacob, how he reconciled himself to Laban and Esau. The second part studies the key imperative of the Great Commandment to love God, neighbor and self. The last section urges us to fulfill the call to the ministry of reconciliation as described in 2 Corinthians. Reid Crotty will lead the study as one section of his Bible study class.
COOKING CLASS
Another series of cooking classes will be offered soon. Keep your eyes open
ASH WEDNESDAY
February 22, 2012 will be Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. In place of all classes and Bible Studies, we will have a worship service at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary which will include the Imposition of Ashes.
PASTOR’S BIBLE STUDY
Reid Crotty leads a Bible Study at 4:30 and 6:30 in the Opportunity classroom. The sessions are identical. Bring your Bible (any translation) and join us. Beginning on September 7 we will study the Book of Ecclesiastes.
TOM DULEY'S CLASS
Tom will lead a 5 week course on “Why Are People Poor?” beginning on September 21 and continuing through October 19. The class will meet at 6:00 in the Wesley Forum classroom. The group will explore root causes of poverty and a Christian response to them.
DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY
Bob Nelson will lead DISCIPLE II at 6:00 in the Friendship classroom. This 32 week study covers Genesis, Exodus, Luke, and Acts. There will be a DVD presentation, a workbook, and class discussion. Anyone interested in an in-depth Bible study is welcome. No previous Disciple courses are necessary.
BECKY WALKER'S BIBLE STUDY
We will begin this year by offering a short term study called On the Road with Jesus— Birth and Ministry. Travel with Dr. Ben Witherington III, noted New Testament scholar and professor at Asbury Theological Seminary, as he explores the cultural, religious, and sociological aspects of Jewish life during Christ’s childhood and early ministry. The study will use DVD and discussion as its framework, and will last for only four weeks. We will begin with an orientation and information session the first night of Midweek. Knowledge of the culture and practices of Palestinian Jews of the first century will greatly enrich your understanding of the New Testament. No previous study is required—all are welcome! Meet in the Seekers classroom at 6:00.
COFFEE AND CONVERSATION
One of our most popular Midweek offerings is Coffee and Conversation. We have a group of people who enjoy relaxing in the dining room after supper with a cup of coffee. A lot of people have limited opportunities for adult conversation during the day. It’s a great time to sit down in a quiet place and unwind with friends. No agenda - no lesson - no schedule. Just rest and relaxation.
FOR CHILDREN
A Nursery is provided for all babies and toddlers throughout Midweek Ministries. It opens at 5:30 p.m. Preschoolers (3-4 year olds) are also welcome and are taken to choir at 6:10 p.m. then to the 3 year old classroom. After choir time they go to the gym and then back to the 3 year old classroom.
M & M KIDS (Midweek Ministry for Kids)
This is for elementary children K5 through 3
rd Grade. They rotate through gym time, which starts at 5:15 p.m., choir at 5:50-6:25 p.m. and class time from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Class time focuses on mission and Bible activities for the children.
4th & 5th GRADE FELLOWSHIP
This is for 4th and 5th Graders. They rotate starting with free play in the gym which opens at 5:15 p.m. Next is choir, 5:50-6:25 p.m. and after that they go upstairs to the Zoo Room for programming. We meet Sunday nights with a snack supper at 5:30 followed by Bible study from 6:00-7:30 p.m.
FOR YOUTH
On Wednesday nights we will meet with God like Moses did on Holy Ground here at Bluff Park UMC. Holy Ground is a time we take in the middle of the week to refresh our hearts for God and worship Him. The typical service will involve announcements, a game, worship, and a short message. Each message will focus on a different aspect of Christ and how He is relevant in our lives today. We will take part in the churchwide meal from 5:00-6:30, then head to the Youth Hall for Holy Ground from 6:30- 7:30. Holy Ground is focused on 6th-12th grades, but we welcome adults too.
