Our Purpose: To provide Christian educational opportunities to all our members and constituents from the very youngest to the oldest.
Education – Children and Youth
At UMCSO, we consider our children to be a very important part of our congregation. We believe it is important to let them participate in the first half of the Worship Service each Sunday as they are a vital part of our church family. Children help out in worship as Acolytes, Ushers and Liturgists. Once dismissed for their Sunday School classes, our teachers work with a variety of curriculum to bring the “Good News of Christ” to our children based on the age and maturity of the students in each class. The main bulletin board in the education wing is the responsibility of individual classes during the different seasons of the year. Students and teachers come up with a theme that matches the season and independently decorate the board for all to learn from and enjoy. Our Middle School students, put together two puppet shows a year that are performed during the Worship Service as the children’s message. The students write the play, make the scenery, and are the hands and voices behind the puppets. The younger children and the adults love this special time and the message is always a good one, especially for those growing up in challenging times. Our most recent puppet show was about bullying and offered the opportunity for much discussion in the classrooms as well as at home with the parents.
When students reach middle school, they are eligible to participate in a two-year Confirmation class that results in their joining the church as adult members. The first year of this class is geared toward helping the group to form friendships and an understanding of what Christian love is all about. The second year continues this theme and also involves studying the history of Christianity and Methodist beliefs.
Education – Adults
UMCSO has many opportunities for adult Christian education. There are two weekly Bible studies offered on Tuesdays; one from 10:00-12:00 noon and the other from 7:00-8:30 pm. These Bible studies have been going on for many years and we average about 15-20 people at each one. Adults are also offered a Sunday School class before worship each Sunday at 9:30. Since the pandemic, class has not been in session. However, when in session this class discusses the scripture that will be incorporated in the Sunday sermon. It’s a wonderful opportunity to prepare for worship. At UMCSO, we recognize that we must live our Christianity every day, not only on Sunday mornings. Education helps us to do this. We will let you know when it starts up again
Bible Studies
Tuesdays: 10-12 noon in the GP Room & 7:00-8:30 pm (via Zoom at this time)
Adult Sunday School
Sundays: 9:30 – 10:30 am (On-Hold)
