salem united methodist church of ballwin

Adults

Bible Study
Newcomers welcome anytime to this lively discussion of Bible passages and life questions at 9:30 a.m. Wed. Check out our blog.

saleminballwinwmbs.blogspot.com

Are We There Yet? (meets in East Hall kitchen)
The class is offered to all those interested in setting goals, defining beliefs, and tackling tough questions about life. Opportunities are provided to examine biblical and personal ideas more deeply and carefully. Together we try to figure out the answer to the ever-present question, “Are We There Yet?”

Seekers (meets in the classroom adjacent to Duff Hall)
This class is an open discussion attempting to relate the Bible and Christianity to our daily lives. The leader is not a teacher but a fellow soul-journeyer and guide as we help each other to increase our faith and understanding of God’s words for us.

Koinonia (classroom adjacent to Duff Hall)
This class studies the Bible by selecting passages, reading them, and discussing their meaning both now and when they were written. They share what’s going on in their lives by praying together and sometimes getting together for dinner. They sponsor a Thanksgiving Dinner to benefit the clients of the Circle of Concern. They welcome adults of all ages. Participation and humor are encouraged. Visit our blog at terrypursley.blogspot.com

Children & Youth

Preschool (meets in the downstairs Nursery, lower East Hall)
The goals of the Preschool Class are to give the children an understanding of the basic teachings of Jesus Christ and to learn to love one another in a Christian environment. This is done through music, stories and art, all presented in a group setting to foster cooperation.

Elementary Class Grades K-4th
(meets in the upper level of East Hall)
In this class, your children learn how to use and understand the Bible, through music, food, crafts, games and fun. We also focus lessons on seasonal and church events.

Middle High Sunday School Class (Lower Level East Hall)
Youth in grades 5 through 8 follow the “Tweens in Transition” series. Faith building stories and biblically based faith points reinforce each week’s lesson as issues facing this age group are discussed.

Senior High (meets downstairs)
The Senior High Sunday School Class deals with a variety of issues relevant to the lives of young adults. The lessons from Bible Lessons for Youth follow the International Lesson Series. A variety of youth oriented issues are discussed in a relaxed environment.

Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School is held each year during the summer. The 2010 Vacation Bible School is in the planning stages. One theme is selected and each activity, Bible lesson, craft, music, food and fun are based around our theme. A mission project is also chosen to aide those less fortunate than ourselves. Watch the newsletter and bulletin for more information.

activities

UNITED METHODIST YOUTH FELLOWSHIP
The Middle School Youth Group for those in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades and the High School Youth Group for those in 9th through 12th grades meet on Sunday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. from September until May.

United Methodist Youth Fellowship (UMYF) provides youth with opportunities to just meet together to have fun, to so some study and discussion about the Bible and Christian living, to have worship experiences, to do service projects, and to invite friends to grow in a relationship with God

Youth activities include lock-ins, eating out, eating in, workcamps, worship lead by youth, and shopping trips to buy Christmas gifts for those in need.

THE HEARTS AND HANDS GROUP
Meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at 9:30 a.m. in Duff Hall. This is a group of women who enrich their lives by doing book studies of religious/spiritual material, fellowship, and charitable work. Some of the projects we undertake are making lap robes for nursing homes, care bags for children being placed in foster home, baby quilts for women’s shelters, support of church projects, and clipping soup labels. The fellowship of this group is worth your time. If you have questions or want more information please contact the church office at (636) 256-7171

UNITED METHODIST MEN (UMM)
Membership is open to all men and dinner meetings are the second Monday of each month at 6:29 p.m. and include a program and business meeting.

The purpose of United Methodist Men is to declare the centrality of Christ in every man’s life, to promote the spiritual growth of men through effective discipleship, and to model the servant leadership of Christ in our daily lives. Nationally UMM missions include Society of St. Andrew’s Hunger Relief programs (Meals for Millions Harvest of Hope), Upper Room Ministries, Lifestyle Evangelism, Hope for Hearing, and Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H, and Campfire organizations. Locally our activities are American Bible Society Bible Scripture Center, Scouting programs, barbecues, Christmas wreath sales, and Grocery Certificate sales. Funds raised from these activities are used for mission outreach programs both within and outside Salem.

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN (UMW)
Through local district, national, and international activities, this group provides a creative, supportive fellowship for women within the United Methodist Church, and actively plans, sponsors, and participates, in mission projects at all levels. Membership is open to any woman who indicates her desire to belong and to participate in the global mission of the church through the United Methodist Women. Meetings are held quarterly on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 pm. For exact dates contact the 2010 UMW president Katie Cloyd, at 636 227-4799.

T.I.P.S. (Together In Prayer and Service)
A telephone and e-mail network for sharing serious health concerns and deaths of members. For more information or to make a prayer request, contact the church office 636 256-7171.

HOME BOUND MINISTRY
A caring and sharing ministry for and with those who are unable to participate actively in the congregational life because of physical restrictions. The program includes layperson volunteers and pastoral staff visiting regularly in the home and periodically delivering such items as: Large print “Upper Room” devotional materials, communion, and flowers. For more information or to volunteer to help with this ministry, contact the church office (636) 256-7171.

CIRCLE OF CARE
A group of caring members of the congregation who provide meals and other help for families of our church who are grieving or ill. For more information, or to volunteer to help, contact Sally Hennis at (636) 394-9242.

DARTBALL
Dartball is a game in which teams compete at throwing darts at a “baseball diamond” painted on a large target board. Baseball rules are followed. Participants must be at least 12 years old. In the recent past there have been players ranging in age from 12 to 90. Salem has one or more teams and the interdenominational League has 8 churches participating. The “season” runs from January through March each year and closes with an “award banquet” featuring a guest speaker. Games are always held on Friday evenings. For more information, contact Dee or Bob Vogt (636) 394-6809.

Church Library
Our collection covers all areas with emphasis on religions and Christian living. A volunteer is usually in the library after first service for assistance. Periodically additions are printed in the church newsletter and donations are accepted if appropriate to the collection. Our Librarian is Jo Ellen Hurt.

teams

Childcare Team
The responsibility of the Childcare Team is to develop policies that promote a safe and cheerful environment for the smallest members of our faith community. The childcare area is in the lower level of East Hall.